Study in the UK

In terms of popularity with international students, the UK overall lags only behind the considerably larger US – unsurprising given the strong global reputation enjoyed by UK universities. An impressive 71 UK universities feature in the 2013/14 QS World University Rankings®, with four currently ranked among the world’s top ten.
The University of Cambridge is currently ranked the third best university in the world, while its historic rival the University of Oxford is at number six. Filling the places between are the UK capital’s top two, University College London (UCL) and Imperial College London. Overall, there are a total of 29 UK higher education institutions in the global top 200, and 61 in the top 700. A shortage of options, then, will not be an issue if you’re looking to study in the UK.

Universities in the UK

Higher education in the UK varies depending on the constituent state (England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland), though the systems are fairly similar. Undergraduate degrees at universities in the UK typically last three years, although courses in Scotland are usually a year longer. Some UK universities also offer fast-track undergraduate courses which can be completed in as little as two years. You could also choose a vocational-based ‘foundation degree’, which typically lasts one or two years and is similar to the US associate’s degree.
Students in the UK start their higher education with a bachelor’s degree, although for some subjects you can enroll on an undergraduate degree that leads directly into a master’s program – usually four years long. Master’s programs last one or two years, and PhDs at least three. Courses are taught in English at most universities in the UK, with some Welsh-language programs offered in Wales, Scottish Gaelic-language programs in Scotland and Irish Gaelic-language programs in Ireland.

Facts about the UK

• Sovereign state with four member states: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
• Capital city: London (also the capital of England and largest city in the UK)
• Capital of Wales is Cardiff, of Scotland is Edinburgh and of Northern Ireland is Belfast
• Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system with bicameral legislature
• Queen Elizabeth II is head of state, a largely ceremonial role
• Head of government is the prime minister, currently David Cameron
• Developed country, and the world’s sixth biggest economy
• Was the world’s first industrialized country
• Member of European Union and Commonwealth of Nations, as well as the Council of Europe, the G7, the G8, the G20, NATO, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO)
• 14 Overseas Territories and 3 Crown Dependencies
• Official language: English (Welsh has resurged as a second language in Wales in recent years)
• National sports include: football (soccer), tennis, rugby union, rugby league, golf, cricket, rowing, boxing, motorsport and horse racing
• Traditional British cuisine includes the ‘full breakfast’, fish and chips, Sunday roast, shepherd’s pie, Cornish pasties, haggis, Yorkshire pudding, Arbroath Smokie and Welsh cakes.
• Currency: Pounds Sterling (£)
• International dialing code: +44
• Internet domain: .uk
• Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (same as UTC); British Summer Time in summer (UTC+1)
• Cars drive on the left

Combining countryside and cosmopolitan cities, the UK has plenty to please both nature lovers and culture vultures. British filmmakers, actors, musicians, designers and writers are known and respected across the globe, and this is reflected in strong arts and cultural scenes across the country, with a huge range of galleries, museums and venues to match. At the ‘lower’ end of the culture spectrum, you can embrace the national passion for sport (especially football/soccer) or the classic British pastime of just going to the pub. 
Universities in the UK are also microcosms of entertainment in themselves, full of opportunities for getting involved in sports, theater, volunteering – and just having a good night out. Most major UK cities and universities are highly multicultural, providing opportunities to get to know not only British culture and people, but also to encounter people and traditions from around the world.

 

How to Get a UK Student Visa

Want to study in the UK? Find out whether you need to apply for a UK student visa, and how the application process works.
UK visa requirements and general immigration criteria are managed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), which has an easy-to-navigate site to help you determine whether you need a UK student visa. While Swiss nationals and those from the EU/European Economic Area (EEA) states are treated as home students in the UK, all other international students are likely to need a visa to study in the UK.

Types of UK student visa

If you’re doing a short course or an 11-month English language course, and are over 18 years old, you may be eligible for the student visitor visa. This is valid up to 6 months for short courses and can be extended for a stay of up to 11 months for English language courses. If you’re doing a longer course, you’ll need to make sure your chosen institution is on the UKBA list of trusted sponsors. You can either apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa (if you’re aged 4-17) or a Tier 4 (General) student visa for those aged 18 and over.
You may also apply for entry to the UK as a prospective student. To do this you must prove you have been in touch with some UK universities. This visa will be valid for six months, during which time you may study – though it is advisable to upgrade to a full student visa sooner rather than later.

UK student visa requirements
Your course provider may be willing to help you to apply for a UK student visa once you have been offered a place on a course, so it’s always worth asking. You can apply for the visa up to three months in advance of the start date of your course. Make sure to allow plenty of time, as average visa processing times may vary.
UK student visas are awarded on a points-based system. In order to meet all the UK student visa requirements, you’ll need to provide: 

• Details of your passport
• A recent photograph
• A 'Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ (CAS) form from your course provider (worth 30 points)
• Proof of adequate English language skills, through one of the UKBA-approved English language tests (or perhaps through an alternate test or Skype interview with your course provider)
• Proof you have financial support throughout your stay in the UK (worth 10 points)

This proof of financial support can take the form of bank statements or a letter from your financial sponsor, showing you can cover your tuition fees, accommodation and living costs. You may be required to show you have a budget of at least £800-1,000 (US$1,320-1,650) per month.
You may also be required to produce documents showing your academic qualifications, and to attend an interview or biometric test, which includes a digital scan of your fingerprints. Depending on your country of origin, you may also be required to have certain medical vaccinations.
Using your UK student visa
When you enter the UK, a UK Border Agency officer will put a stamp on your passport that states the duration of your stay in the UK. You cannot extend your stay beyond this period. Before you arrive, you must make sure you are fully immunized, remembering to pack your immunization record in your hand luggage in case you are asked to show the Border Agency officer at your UK port of entry.
While UK student visitor visa holders and prospective student visa holders are not allowed to work in the UK, Tier 4 student visa holders can work a certain amount of hours per week in the holiday periods.