How To Study In The UK As An International Student
- 04/02/2019
- Guest Author
- Advice for International Students
This article has been written by Rizwana Aysha Begum, a content writer at the Immigration Advice Service, a team of immigration lawyers who assist international students who want to study in the UK. According to QS World University Rankings (yep - such a thing exists), the UK has four prestigious universities in the top ten. In fact, Britain’s reputation as a global-leader attracts over 200,000 international undergraduate students annually. The UK is currently the second most popular place globally to study for a university degree as an international student; attaining a UK- based education has proven to be attractive in the eyes of employers and companies, both in the UK and internationally. Equally, experiencing the UK’s diverse culture and unique lifestyle is a great opportunity for personal development and self-discovery for any university student. These seven tips on how to study in the UK as an international student will help anyone wanting to find out more about studying in Britain, as well as those considering applying for a visa.
1) Press START
The application process for studying in the UK can be quite lengthy, so it’s wise to apply as early as possible. You don’t want to meet unexpected blips that could lead to deferring the start of your course. International students will need:- An up-to-date passport
- An English language proficiency qualification (an IELTS test which prove English language capability)
- A tuberculosis test (you should check if your home country is listed)
2) Consider all the course choices
It’s vital that you thoroughly explore all options for your chosen courses, and then decide what are the best universities in the UK for you. Look at what the courses entail and what you will have achieved by the end of the degree. You should also have a look at university league table rankings and compare how your course may vary against other top universities in the UK. When applying through UCAS you can choose a maximum of five university courses, so research well! Make a note of the different deadlines that the universities have. And don’t forget to make a note of the university course UCAS codes (it will make life easier in the long run when referring to your options).3) Tackle your personal statement
This piece of writing allows universities to see YOU the human being, as well as YOU the academic student. It helps admission boards sift through similarly graded candidates so your words should be original, evocative and compelling. Your personal statement should be 4000 characters (roughly 500 words), in which you should detail your interests, ambitions, and reasoning behind wanting to pursue an academic career in that field.4) Get friendly with UCAS
All university applications in the UK are made through UCAS so you will need to create a profile on the UCAS website and submit your personal details, your personal statement, and make your university course choices. There is a £24 charge for applying for the university courses (£13 if you are applying for just one course). Successful candidates will receive a CAS form (Confirmation Acceptance of Studies), which is an acceptance document sent from the university that has selected you – you will need this for your visa application, so keep hold of it.5) Apply for health care
It’s arguable that the NHS is Britain’s best asset, next to the invention of the light bulb and the tin opener (arguably a student’s best friend!). To receive free national healthcare services whilst living in the UK, international students should apply for an IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge). The application equates to £150 but it will medically cover students for one whole year -- remember to keep this payment receipt, as you’ll need it when applying for your visa.6) Make your visa application
There are two types of visa applications that international students can apply for; a Short-Term Study Visa and a Tier 4 Student Visa. If students are planning on studying in the UK for less than six months, they can apply for a Short-Term Study Visa. If you want to study for longer that six months you will need to apply for a Tier 4 visa. To be eligible you must have:- Been offered a place on a course in the UK
- Have a good understanding of the English language
- Have money to support yourself and pay for your course
- Study
- Work in a part-time job
- Apply to extend your visa
- Apply to bring dependents
- Apply to another visa category (like Tier 2 Work Visa, Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa or Spouse Visa)
- Access public funds
- Work in certain jobs (e.g professional sports person)
- Study at an academy
7) Prep for your interview
You will be invited to a visa application centre, where your visa interview will take place. Questions will range from your course choices, your financial situation, and reasons to why you want to study at this UK university. Keep calm and take your time, you’ll do fine! CHECK-LIST: You need to bring the following documents to your interview:- An up-to-date passport
- Original birth certificate (and a translation if it’s not in English)
- Tuberculosis test results (from a UKVI approved TB test centre)
- CAS form
- An English language proficiency qualification (ILETS)
- Academic certificates mentioned in the CAS form
- Proof of payments for immigration health surcharge
- Financial proof that you can fund your studies
- Two passport pictures
