Why UK?
The United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
UK has a large number of universities and colleges which rank among the best in the world and offer a wide range of courses. One major advantage of UK is its one-year Masters Degree for almost all courses – saving you considerable time and money. Also, unlike those in other countries, most UK universities recognize the Indian system of 3 year graduation. Britain’s worldwide reputation for quality in education and training is well-deserved and hard-earned. UK quality standards are backed up by a rigorous and independent assessment system, so that students can be certain their vocational, undergraduate, or postgraduate qualification is officially approved and enjoys wide international recognition.
Academic considerations aside, the UK itself is a dynamic, cosmopolitan place where people from all over the world gather, not only students and visitors, but also people who have made Britain their home.
The countryside is beautiful with many opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Britain’s culture, including its world-renowned theatre and great museums and galleries, its architecture and rich history, make it a fascinating and diverse place to live and study. The UK is also the gateway to continental Europe. By taking advantage of the substantial travel discounts available, students can easily and inexpensively experience other European countries, their business methods, cultures and lifestyles.
Cost-effective Courses
Education and training in Britain can be very cost-effective for students from overseas. Many courses in Britain are shorter and more intensive than those offered by other countries, with most undergraduate courses in Britain taking only three years to complete, as opposed to the usual four, while Diploma and taught Masters degrees normally take one.
Tuition fee
Expenses, Tuition Fee & Living Costs for International Students in UK.
Education in UK has lots of financial benefits
- Professional degrees are offered at undergraduate levels
- There are many One-year Masters’ degrees including MBA, MSc ( Computer Science)
- Access to National Health Centre, which is free for students registered on courses of six months or longer
- Free school education for registered dependent children
Expenses (GBP)
Undergraduate
| Courses | Average Total Tuition Fees per academic year | Average Living Costs per academic year (9 months) | Average Total Costs per year |
| Science | 8,130 | 7,000 | 15,130 |
| Medicine | 16,000 | 7,000 | 23,000 |
| Others | 7,000 | 7,000 | 14,000 |
Postgraduate
| Courses | Average Total Tuition Fees per academic year | Average Living Costs per academic year (9 months) | Average Total Costs per year |
| Science | 8,200 | 7,000 | 15,200 |
| Medicine | 15,450 | 7,000 | 22,450 |
| Others | 7,000 | 7,000 | 14,000 |
Further Education
Colleges of further education provide for a wide variety of needs and offer pre-degree courses, English language courses, vocational and professional training. There are over 600 colleges spread all over UK. The average costs below include Diploma and other vocational courses.
| Average Tuition Fees per academic year | 4,000 |
| Average Living Costs per academic year | 7,000 |
| Average Total Costs per year | 11,000 |
For all the cost data above
- Fees given are averages
- All costs are given in Pound Sterling
- Living costs include accommodation, Energy bills, food etc.
- Costs are according to 2001 session
Note: The approximate currency exchange rate is: 1 Pound = Rs110 /-
Work while you study
International students studying in United Kingdom can work part time and full time during vacations. However the hours of work students can do during term-time depends on:
- the level of course the student is studying, and
- whether the institute the student is enrolled is in Tier 4 sponsor with Highly Trusted Sponsor status.
Most students studying a Master’s course at any University will be able to work 20 hours per week
Most students studying a Diploma, Advance Diploma or Post Graduate Diploma will only be able to work 10 hours per week.
Some students will be eligible to take up placements or internship placements, which are part of a ‘sandwich course’.
Please note : Student Part time jobs may only be minimum wage jobs like work in fast food joints, department stores or call centers. We strongly advise students not to depend on part time work for their tuition fee and expenses.
Visa Information
New Point Based System
Recently Immigration to the UK underwent a complete process of reform, replacing most of the old system of UK visas and UK work permits. The new tier system has simplified the process of applying for a UK visa, restructuring more than 80 types of visa for UK immigration into a more straightforward, transparent system.
The new system consists of the following five categories:
- Tier 1 visa – Migrants with desirable professional skills
- Tier 2 visa – Skilled workers with an offer of employment
- Tier 3 visa – Temporary, low skilled workers
- Tier 4 visa – Students
- Tier 5 visa – Youth mobility schemes/ temporary workers
Tire 4 Visas – Student
The Tier 4 category is specifically designed for students coming to the UK to study. All students wanting to come to the UK are required to apply for entry clearance under Tier 4 before traveling, unless their course is less than six months long and they are applying for a Student Visitor Visa
30 points will be awarded for a valid ‘VISA LETTER’ issues by a “A” ranked University / Institute (registered in UK Border Agency Sponsor Register)
- 10 points will be awarded for meeting the financial requirements outlined by the UK Border Agency
To obtain a “Visa Letter” (30 points) students have to :
- Accept the University / Institute Offer of Study and meet all conditions
- Pay the University’s standard deposit or first semester fee as specified in the Offer letter
To meet Financial Requirements (10 points) students have to:
Show sufficient liquid funds available to meet the total tuition fees / living costs / travel costs and it should have been in student’s or his sponsor’s bank account for more than 28 days before they submit their application for Entry Clearance/visa. Shares , bonds, pension funds and similar savings will not be accepted. The money must be held in a nationalised bank or foreign sector bank in India or abroad. Education loans are accepted.
More details of these requirements including the specific types of financial documents which are acceptable can be found at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
Students can contact our office for more details and our friendly counselors will help you with the process With effect from Monday 1 February 2010, all customers who wish to submit a Tier 4 student visa application must make an appointment before attending a visa application centre.
- To schedule an appointment, please email VFS between 08:00 and 15:00, Monday to Friday, using the dedicated email addresses below:
- To apply for appointments in Kolkata please send an email to: ukstudenteast@vfshelpline.com
- To apply for appointments in Mumbai (North and South), Pune and Ahmedabad please send an email to:ukstudentwest@vfshelpline.com
- To apply for appointments in Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin and Bangalore please send an email to:ukstudentsouth@vfshelpline.com
- Please note: You must make an appointment at the visa application centre nearest to where you live.
- Please email only if your course begins on or before 15 March 2010 and you hold a valid visa letter.
- When you request an appointment, please state which visa application centre you are requesting an appointment to attend, supply your full name, passport number, contact number, place of residence and confirm the visa category. In addition:
Please include the following information from your visa letter (but you do not need to attach a copy of the visa letter):- The start date of your course.
- The date of your visa letter.
- The student reference number.
- The name of the education provider.
The appointment must be made in the name of the applicant who will attend the visa application centre to submit the application. It is not possible for appointment details to be changed once made or for another person to attend the visa application centre.
You must make one request for an appointment only (multiple requests are likely to result in you not receiving an appointment).
VFS will aim to send you a response to your request as soon as possible. UK Document Checklist:
UK Document Checklist:
- VAF 9 + Appendix 8 Form (Tier 4 – Student) and Guidance Notes
- Passport
- One Passport size photo (45 x 35 mm Color, less than 6 months old)
- Biometric Details
- Visa Fees of 145 Pounds (equivalent in Rupees, in D.D form)
- VISA letter from University – ORIGINAL & one set Photocopy & Unconditional letter from University
- ATAS Certificate* (if applicable)
- Receipt of fee payment towards accommodation & Tuition.
- Bank Statements – ORIGINAL for the last 28 days from all sponsors
- All Education Certificates / Transcripts including completion certificate
- Affidavit of Support to be given by the sponsor on Rs.20 stamp paper (non-judicial)
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
- Evidence of Liquid Funds (Fixed Deposit Certificates / Bank Loan / Bank Statement )
- Sponsor’s Income details
Visa application may be submitted personally at the VFS UK local office, processing of application will take between 2 week to 4 weeks. Visa officer may also conduct interview with student if required.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)was introduced on 1 November 2007. It is used to help stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. This is in common with other governments around the world.
Students will only need an ATAS certificate if they are a Postgraduate Student.
Student may also need an ATAS Certificate if they also wish to do Research in UK for longer than 6 months in the following areas
- F2 – Materials Science
- F3 – Physics (including Nuclear Physics)
- H3 – Mechanical Engineering
- H4 – Aerospace Engineering
- J5 – Materials Technology not otherwise specified
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