Study in the UK

Yes, students can apply for more than one course or university in their UK application. While filling out the UCAS undergraduate applications, students can mention their course and university of choice. One can apply for up to five courses in the same university on the application form. They also get to list their choice of universities. Students can select five universities with similar courses to apply. This not only increases their chance but also gives them an edge if they are selected in multiple. If they don’t get into any or change their mind about the course or university, UCAS Extra allows them to add additional choices to their UCAS application. Students can also change their university after applying for or even receiving their visa. The process, however, is daunting.

While applying for a UK Tier 4 ST visa, UKVI might ask students to demonstrate proof of funds as one of the eligibility criteria. Students can present bank statements or a letter of sponsorship of a minimum of INR 134,300 or £1,334 for each month of stay. This is evidence that they have enough personal savings to support a decent life during their stay in the UK. The funds in their bank account must not fluctuate for 28 consecutive days. While submitting their visa application, make sure that the statements are not older than 31 days.

The cost of pursuing an undergraduate course in the UK starts at 8 Lakh INR per year. Postgraduate students can expect an annual fee of INR 12 Lakh to 35 Lakh. The amount varies with the choice of course and university. Location, too, contributes majorly to this sum. Universities in London have a considerably higher cost of education as well as living while universities Staffordshire University, Teesside University and Leeds Trinity University in North Yorkshire are some of the cheapest universities in the UK. Needless to say, doctorates and research programs are much higher and can go up to INR 50 Lakh per year.

The education system in the UK welcomes students from all over the world to study in their globally renowned universities. Most universities have standardised English proficiency tests like IELTS as a mandatory admission criterion. However, some universities do take admissions without IELTS or any other language tests. The University of Bristol, Riga Technical University and the University of Plymouth are among the few universities that don’t require IELTS for admissions. Even so, aspirants are required to help these universities evaluate their language proficiency. Students who studied in English-medium schools for a certain number of years can present their marksheets as alternate proof.

While there is no upper age limit for students to apply for studies in the UK. Aspirants can apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa if they are 16 years old or above and match the admission criteria of their university. The education system in the UK offers numerous programs for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students in their globally recognised universities. They are also a leading hub for research in various fields with hands-on experience in labs, fieldwork and data analysis, among other things. However, International students under 18 must admit consent letters from their parents or guardians with parental certificates.

The main documents required to study in the UK are a valid passport, the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) shared by the university, assessment documentation and financial proof. Apart from these, UKVI also requires students to submit recent tuberculosis test results and a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) with their biographic details, biometric information (facial image and fingerprints) and immigration status and entitlements. Students must carry 15-20 passport-sized coloured photographers handy while applying for the visa and/or travelling to the UK to pursue studies. Some universities also require an ATAS Certificate so get all details verified from their university to avoid multiple visits to the visa office.

Yes, students aspiring to study in the UK need to get a medical checkup before applying for a visa. If their course duration is more than 6 months, Indian students need to get medical proof stating they tested negative for Tuberculosis. It’s a mandatory process for all students travelling from countries with a risk of TB infection. If their country or area has a recent outbreak of COVID-19, they also need to present a certificate of vaccination as well as a recent test. These tests are mandatory for dependants too. If the test results and certificates are in a language other than English, students also need to present translated copies along with details of the translating organisation.

Universities in the UK forge the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) as an electronic record of the students. They send registered students an email with their CAS number and CAS statement listing the information required by the UKVI. The statement includes the start and end date of the course, the sponsor licence number and address, the course fees with the amount already paid to the university, and so on. This statement to international students is what the Aadhar Card is for Indian residents. Students need to submit it during their visa process and also present it at the immigration centre at the UK airport.

Certain fields include sensitive knowledge. This information and/or skills could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) or their means of delivery. ATAS Certificate applies to students aspiring to undertake study or research at the postgraduate level in such sensitive subjects.UKVI has mandated the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) as a part of the visa process. If their undergraduate course has an integrated master’s year, they too are required to get an ATAS clearance.