Study In UK

Disclaimer: The guidance we have provided you through this article is true as on 12-March-2021. Changes with respect to rules, regulations, and law surrounding studying in the UK may happen anytime and to keep yourself updated on this matter, it is better you visit the official or the UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/.

About the UK

Wherever you go in the world to pursue your dreams, a UK education helps you a lot. Some of the world’s best universities are in the UK. These universities have a long history of delivering excellence in education by following an innovative and unique teaching approach. The leading minds that are a part of the leading UK universities have the experience and exposure to help you reach your goals. Therefore, it is not surprising to see the UK education system being one of the most sought after education systems in the world.

The UK weather is one of the reasons why international students prefer studying here As compared to other regions of Europe, the UK does not experience extreme weather conditions. However, the country still faces differences in weather conditions regularly. The British weather can be quite unpredictable within a day, with as many as 3-4 weather conditions being experienced within a matter of a few hours. So, if you wish to study in the UK, you can experience UK weather to the fullest and enjoy it at the same time!

The ‘Ancient Universities’ of the UK, Cambridge and Oxford have a history of more than 800 years. A lot of research activities happen in these universities and they are consistently ranked amongst the best universities in the world. Students from across the world come to the UK for higher studies and the campuses in the UK are vast and diverse. Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the UK are recognized all across the world. Therefore, the demand for the courses in UK universities is high and you need to prepare a high-quality application to get through the competition and make it to the list of shortlisted candidates.

If you want to choose the right UK degree program from a reputed university in the UK, then get in touch with Edument. Our experienced education consultants will help maximize your chances of successfully applying for a visa.

List of UK Universities

Here are some of the top UK universities:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• University of St Andrews
• London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
• Imperial College London
• Loughborough University
• Durham University
• Lancaster University
• University of Bath
• UCL (University College London)
• University of Warwick
• University of Exeter
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Leeds
• University of Manchester
• University of Southampton
• University of Glasgow
• King’s College London, University of London
• University of Nottingham
• University of York
• Newcastle University
• Royal Holloway, University of London
• University of East Anglia UEA
• University of Aberdeen
• Queen’s University Belfast
• University of Sheffield
• Heriot-Watt University
• Cardiff University
• University of Dundee
• Swansea University
• University of Liverpool
• University of Surrey
• Queen Mary University of London
• University of Strathclyde
• SOAS University of London
• University of Leicester
• University of Reading
• University of Sussex
• University of Essex
• Harper Adams University
• Aston University, Birmingham
• University for the Creative Arts
• University of Stirling
• Nottingham Trent University
• University of Kent
• Arts University Bournemouth
• Oxford Brookes University
• University of Lincoln
• University of the Arts London
• Northumbria University, Newcastle
• University of Huddersfield
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• Coventry University
• Keele University
• City, University of London
• Aberystwyth University
• St George’s, University of London
• Ulster University
• University of Portsmouth
• Liverpool Hope University
• Edge Hill University
• University of Hull
• Bristol, University of the West of England
• Liverpool John Moores University
• Sheffield Hallam University
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• University of Bradford
• University of Central Lancashire
• University of Plymouth
• University of Chichester
• Bangor University
• Robert Gordon University
• Staffordshire University
• Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Falmouth University
• Norwich University of the Arts
• University of West London
• University of Hertfordshire
• De Montfort University
• University of Roehampton
• Birmingham City University
• Brunel University London
• Bournemouth University
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• London South Bank University
• University of Greenwich
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David
• University of Salford
• Bath Spa University
• University of Chester
• Teesside University, Middlesbrough
• Abertay University
• University of Gloucestershire
• Middlesex University
• University of Derby
• Kingston University
• Solent University (Southampton)
• University of South Wales
• York St John University
• University of Worcester
• University of Winchester
• Bishop Grosseteste University
• St Mary’s University, Twickenham
• University of Sunderland
• University of Northampton
• University of the West of Scotland
• University of Westminster, London
• University of Brighton
• Anglia Ruskin University
• Royal Agricultural University
• University of Buckingham
• University of East London
• University of Cumbria
• Leeds Beckett University
• London Metropolitan University
• Newman University, Birmingham
• University of Wolverhampton
• Leeds Trinity University
• University of Bedfordshire
• Buckinghamshire New University
• Canterbury Christ Church University
• Glyndwr University, Wrexham
• University of Bolton
• Plymouth Marjon University
• University of Suffolk
• Ravensbourne University London

Benefits of studying in the UK

• The UK has a long and rich educational history
• The UK is an educational hub with students from different countries hoping to make it big in their chosen field
• Availability of different types of UK scholarships to facilitate your studies
• The UK is home to some of the most cosmopolitan and welcoming cities of the world, like London, Birmingham, Manchester, etc.
• Students have the liberty of choosing from hundreds of courses
• British culture is fascinating and rich
• After completing their master’s course, students can get a work permit of up to 2 years.

There is a centralized application system the UK universities follow to admit students to their undergraduate programs. Therefore, if you are planning to study in the UK, you will only need to fill in one form. With a single application, you can apply to up to 5 colleges or universities across the UK. Though this method is convenient and helps you save a lot of money, if the application fails to highlight your potential or strengths, then there is less scope of getting selected to a UK university. This is where the expertise of Edument comes into play. We provide personalized guidance and counselling services to students who seek the highest level of education in a top UK university. We will not only help you file a successful application to get selected to a reputed UK university but also help you plan your finances so that your stay in the UK becomes hassle-free and easy. For international students who wish to study in the UK, there are lots of options for funding, loans, and scholarships. We will give you a complete picture of these options and get one for you matching your needs.

UK Study Visa

To apply for a UK Study Visa, you need to carry a lot of documents as compared to a tourist visa. Along with the mandatory documents, students are supposed to carry supporting documents, like academic and financial records. Make sure you consult an educational consultant before you apply for a visa interview. Some of the documents that need to be carried are – the completed student visa application form, proof of funds, and a letter of acceptance on the course. There are many steps to be followed in applying for a UK Student Visa. Typically, these applications are processed by the government within three weeks of the application being lodged by the student. In the first step, students need to find out if they qualify for a student visa or not. The second step will require students to get their documents ready. In the third step, students are required to apply for UK Student Visa online. Students need to register and create an account for themselves on the official UK Visa website. After filling out the online application form and booking an appointment date with the visa application centre, the applicant will receive a confirmation message depicting his or her application number. In the fourth step, the student has to pay the visa application fee. There are different payment modes available to students. In the last step and on the appointed date, the student has to visit the visa application date.

Money you need

You must have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK. How much money you need depends on your circumstances and what you’re applying for.

Course fee

You need enough money to pay for your course for 1 academic year (up to 9 months). The amount you need to pay will be on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you do not need to prove you have this money for your visa application.

Money to support yourself (‘financial requirement’)

You’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself – unless you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application. How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You’ll need either:

• £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
• £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

If you’re applying for the Doctorate Extension Scheme, and you’ve been in the UK for less than 12 months, you need to prove you have a total of £2,668 for courses in London, or a total of £2,046 for courses outside London. If you’re boarding at a residential independent school, you’ll need to pay boarding fees instead. The amount you need to pay will be on your CAS. London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs. You’ll need to prove you have extra money for each family member you bring with you.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK. You must be one of the following:

• a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer
• a new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than 6 months
• a Doctorate Extension Scheme student

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is one of the following:

• your husband, wife or civil partner
• your unmarried partner
• your child under 18 years old – including if they were born in the UK during your stay

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply, for example:

• a marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner
• a birth certificate for your child

If your child is 16 or 17

If your child is 16 or 17 on the date you apply you’ll need to prove they are not living an independent life, for example they’re not married or in a civil partnership. You’ll need to prove:

• where they live – if they do not live with you, you’ll need to explain why
• any rent or upkeep they pay you each month
• that you support them financially if they do not live with you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide 2 of the following documents confirming their address:

• a bank statement
• credit card bill
• driving licence
• NHS registration document
• an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner and child must each have a certain amount of money available to them. This is in addition to the money you must have to support yourself. How much money they need depends on where you will be studying. They must have either:

• £845 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
• £680 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

If you’re applying at the same time as your partner or child (you’re applying together as a family), you’ll need to prove you have both money to pay for your course and to support yourself and additional money for each of them. If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you (they’re applying separately) they only need to prove they have money to support themselves. You (or your partner or child) must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date they apply for their visa. If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan or sponsorship company. If your loan does not cover your partner or child, you’ll need to prove you have money to support them instead.

When they do not need to prove they have money to support themselves

Your partner or child does not need to prove they have this money if they’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months. If you and your partner or child are from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’ and you’re applying at the same time, they do not need to prove they have money to support themselves. However, they might be asked to provide this evidence before they get a decision on their application. If they do need to provide it, they’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) after they’ve submitted their application.

Apply outside the UK

Your partner and children must either:

• apply online as your partner
• apply online as your child

They’ll need your application number – you get it when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application. As part of their application, they’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit). They’ll have to collect their biometric residence permit within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK. They may be able to pay to get their visa faster or use other services depending on which country they’re in – check with the visa application centre.

How long they can stay

If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Apply inside the UK to extend or switch

Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you extend or switch your own visa. If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a later date – this must be before their current visa expires. Your partner or child cannot apply to switch in the UK if they have one of the following visas:

• a visit visa
• a short-term student visa
• a Parent of a Child Student visa
• a seasonal worker visa
• a domestic worker in a private household visa

Fees

Each person will need to pay:

• £475 for the visa
• the healthcare surcharge

They may need to pay £19.20 to have their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

How to apply

Your partner and child must apply online. They must either:

• apply as a partner
• apply as a child

They’ll need your application number – you get it when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application. As part of their application, they’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo). They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. They can:

• upload them into the online service
• have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

Getting a faster decision

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision – they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child. You must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa. Example: If you submit your application on 1 January 2021, you’d have to show that the funds were in your bank account for at least the 28-day period ending on 1 December. If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan or sponsorship company. Read the guidance on finances for student applications for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

Guidance

Financial evidence for Student and Child Student route applicants

If you’re coming to the UK, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself and any dependants in the UK. What you need to show depends on the route you’re applying on and your personal circumstances.

Overview of financial requirement

The financial requirement is that you show you have enough money to support yourself while studying in the UK. Usually you’ll need to show a set amount of money for each month of your course, for up to 9 months. If you’re applying from overseas, or if are applying in the UK but have not been here with permission for 12 months or more, you must show that you have enough money to cover your course fees (and boarding fees, if relevant) and living costs. You might not need to provide financial evidence if you’re from an exempt country but you should still make sure you have enough funds. UK Visas and Immigration may ask you to show that you have them. You do not need to show funds if you are applying as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer or to study as a doctor or dentist in training.

How your finance requirement is worked out

Students

The amount of money you need to show depends on:

• your course fees, which are set out on your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) Your education provider will send you the CAS once they’ve offered you a place on a course
• the length of your course
• whether you have already paid some money to your sponsor
• your course of study or type of student permission you are applying for
• where you are studying – the amount is different if you’re studying in London
• if you have paid any money to your sponsor for accommodation; up to £1,334 can be deducted from the funds you need to show
• your living arrangements, if you are aged under 18

If you are allowed bring dependants (your partner or children) you will also need to show you have enough money to cover their living costs.

Child Students

The amount of money you need to show depends on:

• your course fees
• your boarding fees if you are boarding at the institution
• the length of your course
• who you are living with and where you are living

If you have children under the age of 18 who you are financially responsible for and who live with you, you are not permitted to bring them with you on the Child Student route.

Types of funds you can rely on

You can show you have enough money using:

• an official financial or government sponsorship or grant
• a student loan from a government, government sponsored loan company, or a regulated student loans scheme
• your own money
• your parent’s money (if they provide a letter confirming they agree to you using it this way)
• your partner’s money if your partner is present in the UK or applying at the same time

What evidence is not accepted

The following are not accepted as evidence to show you have the required amount of money:

• overdrafts
• bitcoin savings
• stocks and shares
• pensions
• bank accounts that are not regulated by the financial regulatory body in the country you’re applying from
• bank accounts that don’t use electronic record keeping

Control of the funds

You, or the account holder (such as your parents or partner), must have control of the funds you are relying on. You must show the funds have been held for 28 days, unless you are relying on a student loan or official financial sponsorship. The bank statement(s) or evidence you use to show the funds have been held for 28 days must be from the 31 days before you submit your application. The 28 days is calculated from the date of the last transaction in the last dated bank statement.

Evidence you need to provide

If you have official sponsorship To prove you have official financial sponsorship you need to show your reference number for confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS). If your official financial sponsorship is not recorded on your CAS you’ll need to show a letter of confirmation from the official financial sponsor. If you are not sure ask your sponsor. The letter must show:

• the date
• the name of the financial sponsor
• contact details of the financial sponsor
• how long the sponsorship will last
• the amount of money that is being given or confirmation that all of your fees and living costs will be covered

If you have a student loan

For student loans you need to show a student loan letter which:

• is dated no more than 6 months before the date of application
• confirms the loan is a student loan provided by either the relevant government or a government sponsored student loan company or an academic or educational loans scheme
• confirms there are no conditions on release of the loan funds other than a successful application to study
• confirms the amount of the loan
• confirms the loan is for you
• is on official stationery
• confirms the funds will be available to you, or paid directly to the sponsor, before you begin your course

If you’re using your own money

If you’re not being financially sponsored or relying on a student loan, your funds can be held in any form of personal or building society account including a:

• current account
• deposit account
• savings account
• pension savings
• investment account

Cash must be in an account that allows you immediate access. Funds must have been acquired legally and if you were in the UK you must not have earned them when working illegally. If you’re using your own money, or that of a parent or partner you’ll need to show you have the required amount of money in an account. You can provide:

• bank statements
• building society passbooks
• certificates of deposit
• a letter from your bank or building society

Your bank statement should show information like:

• the date it was issued
• your name (or the account holders name if it is your parent or partner
• the name of the bank or building society
• balance on the account

You can provide a download of electronic bank statements as long as it has this information. You do not need to have these stamped by the bank. We may do verification checks with your bank. If we’re unable to verify the funds your application may be refused.

Money in other currencies

If your money is held in a foreign currency this will be converted into pound sterling (£) using the spot exchange rate on OANDA for the date of the application.

The amount of money you have to show

Students

Your CAS will show your course fees. The table below shows how much you need depending on your circumstances.