Study Abroad Consultancy for UK

Modern Learning Environment:

• Employers want employees who can think effectively, creatively and independently.
• UK institutions use a variety of teaching and assessment methods to encourage independence, as well as mastery of the subject.

Students are expected to use the information they are given to stimulate their original thinking.

Quality of Education:

• The education system provides facilities such as international students’ societies, planned social activities, academic support, and academic counselors. UK has one of the lowest dropout rates.
• Its quality is unrivaled throughout the world.
• Encourages relevant skills that are marketable and sought by today’s top companies

Affordable:

• realization of earning potentials sooner.
• Numerous scholarships and bursaries offered by UK institutions.
• Almost free health care by National Health Service.
• Student discount facilities provided free through National Union of Students membership for all students.

Choice:

• Vast choice of institutions, academics and subjects.
• Flexible programs.
• Diverse, stable social environment

Multicultural:

• Cosmopolitan place to live.
• Home to numerous ethnic groups and nationalities from around the world.
• Tolerant, stable society where students learn about diverse range of people.

Duration:

• Compared to other educational destinations shorter duration programs
• Undergraduate – 3 years, Postgraduate – 1 year.*

Fast facts

• Full name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Population: 60.7 million (UN, 2007)
• Capital: London
• Area: 242,514 sq km (93,638 sq miles)
• Major language: English
• Monetary unit: 1 pound sterling = 100 pence
• GNI per capita: US $37,600 (World Bank, 2006)
• International dialing code: +44

Economy

The UK, a leading trading power and financial center, is one of the quintets of trillion dollar economies of Western Europe. Over the past two decades, the government has greatly reduced public ownership and contained the growth of social welfare programs. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with less than 2% of the labor force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil resources, but its oil and natural gas reserves are declining and the UK became a net importer of energy in 2005; energy industries now contribute about 4% to GDP. Services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services, account by far for the largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to decline in importance.

Climate

Britain is an island country and the surrounding sea gives England a varied climate. We never know what the weather will be like from one day to the other. It can be sunny one day and rainy the next. It is difficult to predict the weather. In general UK experiences warm summers and cool winters. The summers are cooler than those on the continent, but the winters are milder. Overall, the climate is temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are overcast.

Culture

There is a wide mix of cultures in the UK. In London there are foreign communities from most parts of the world. British people are usually tolerant to foreigners, and respect the freedom to have different opinions and beliefs. People usually feel free to express their own opinions and wear what they want. British people have a strong sense of humor, but it can be hard for foreigners to understand when someone is joking. People often avoid talking to strangers until they have been introduced, partly to avoid any possible embarrassment. Individual ideas are encouraged.

Our experts will help you with the application procedure.

1. Intake Period:

International students desirous of studying in UK have to plan a year in advance. Admissions happen mostly in –

• Main Intake – September/October
• Few Take – Jan

2. Language Requirements:

The above is exempted if students has completed school and college in English medium and have also scored above 70% in the main exams.

3. Eligibility:

For Polytechnic Courses – X/XII Pass from Indian School

• For undergraduate programmes at local universities – XII Pass from Indian School
• For Singapore’s public institutes – Check with respective schools directly
• For Private Education Organizations (PEOs) – Check with PEO directly or seek advice from Certified Singapore Education Specialists

*The eligibility criteria vary from University to University.

4. Documents:

Our counselors will assist you in compiling and attesting all the necessary documents*. In addition, they will also –

• Give special attention to your application
• Highlight the areas essential for a well-presented, error free application.
• Assist with References and the ‘all-important’ Statement of Purpose.
• Review your Essays

Documents Required: Covering Letter, Application Fees, Application Form, Statement of Purpose, Essays, Resume, Reco Letters, Transcripts, Mark sheets & Cert., Bank Statement, Affidavit of Financial Statements, Test Score Report.

UK education is recognized and respected throughout the world. The student’s UK qualification will be a solid foundation for building the student’s future, boosting his/her career and prospects for a higher salary. Quality standards for UK institutions are among the best in the world. Universities, colleges and schools continually have to prove that their courses meet strict criteria. Many other countries are now trying to follow the example of the UK. The UK has two distinct education systems; one for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and one for Scotland. However, each is compatible with the other.

The education system in the UK is different to that in many other countries.

• At the age of 16, British children take General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations.
• Students then transfer to studying A-Levels which last for two years and qualify them for entry to university.
• Students tend to specialize in these courses and often study for three or four A-Levels.
• This means that degrees do not last as long in the UK as other countries.

The system is broadly classified into the following four main categories:

Primary Education

Children in UK start their education with primary education at the age of 5 years. It is for 6 years and students will be educated up to the age of 11 at this level. Primary education in UK is sometimes divided into 2 parts – Infant/Nursery schools (age level 5-7) and junior schools (age level 7-11). Secondary Education

Secondary Education

Secondary education encompasses the next level of education between the age group of 11-16 years, which is similar to ‘High school’ in India. Here, students will be pursuing a common set of courses and take the GCSE exam conducted at the end of secondary education.

Nevertheless, many pupils in UK pursue additional 2 years of Advanced level of education (GCE A level) equivalent qualifications as sixth form students. They can also pursue Advanced Supplementary Level (GCE AS level) exams after secondary education. International students often enter the education system at this point, e.g. taking an A-level course in preparation for further or higher education in the UK.

Further Education

This level covers (or similar to) post-16 courses that are similar to GCE A-level exams, where course may be either full-time or part-time and for any subject. This is the post-secondary level of education in UK. Pupils seeking admission in colleges or universities have to complete their further education. Usually it includes education for the pupil over 16 years of age with the certification of GCSE or equivalent of it. This is generally taught in FE colleges and later in community learning institutions.

Higher Education

Most higher education begins at the age of 18 at colleges or universities. Most international students will enter directly into the UK higher education system, after completing their home country’s equivalent to the UK’s ‘further education’. It requires above the standard of GCE A-level. For pupil without A-level exam have to take additional 1-year program, especially international students undertake this course as training of university course in UK. Here credits will be awarded for them towards student’s degree.

Undergraduate

An undergraduate degree normally takes three years to complete but can take longer if they include an industrial placement, an additional subject or a year abroad. They are also specialised from Year One.
Types of undergraduate degree include:

BSc (Bachelor of Science) – a science degree

BA (Bachelor of Arts) – an arts degree

BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) – an engineering degree

Undergraduate Degree with or without Honours (e.gB.ScHons) – three-year undergraduate degree including extra subjects studied at a deeper level, or of four-year duration with an year in the Industry, for practical training.

Postgraduate

Students who receive good grades in their undergraduate degrees may choose to take a Masters degree, which takes a minimum of one year to complete. Types of Masters degree include:

• M Sc (Master of Science)
• MA (Master of Arts)
• M Ed (Master of Education)
• LLM (Master of Law)
• MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Taught Masters degrees

Taught Masters usually involve six months of intensive tuition followed by six months of project work which ends with a dissertation.

Masters degrees by research (M Phil)

Research degrees involve at least one year, sometimes more, of full-time research resulting in an examined thesis.

PhD

If you would like to continue to study for a PhD, you will have to conduct a minimum of two years’ research after the award of your M Sc.

In some subject areas, a student may transfer from BSc/BA/BEng to PhD so that they follow a three year research program for PhD without first obtaining a Masters degree. Some courses are taught while others require research. Taught courses usually involve presentations, written course work such as marked essays, exams and dissertations. Classroom sessions are highly interactive, requiring student participation.

Education System in Scotland

• Pre-school (3-4 years)
• Primary school (5-12 years)
• Secondary school (12-16/18 years)
• Further education (16+)
• Higher education (17/18+)
• Community education (all ages)
• Lifelong learning

Undergraduate degrees take three years to complete in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while at Scottish universities they last four years. At the graduate level, a master’s degree is normally earned in a single year, a research master’s degree takes two years and a doctoral degree is often completed in three years.

Professional courses, such as medicine, veterinary medicine, law and teaching, usually are undertaken as five-year undergraduate degrees.

Tuition Fees

Arts, Humanities – £ 8,000 to £ 10,000 per year

Engineering / Science – £ 10,000 to £ 13,000 per year

Business – £ 12,000 to £ 16,000 per year

MBA – £ 10,000 to £ 25,000 per year

Living Expenses

Places outside London – £ 7200 per year

London Area – 9,000 per year

Types Of Accommodation

Both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students are guaranteed accommodation by many universities in their Halls of Residence, for at least their first year at the university provided they inform the university within the given deadlines.

On Campus: College hostels (self catered or fully catered)

Off Campus : Renting a flat / apartment

Home stay : With the Families near the institution.

UK universities/institutions and the Government offers an extensive range of scholarships and bursaries for the international students. It is open for all the prospective students pursuing full-time study program irrespective of any stream, at most levels. There are various sources of financial aid for international students that provide great opportunity to purse your education in UK.

Students in UK will be offered scholarships from the respective universities as deduction in their tuition fee. Other than this, students will be awarded other forms of aid/scholarships based on their academic excellence and background. These scholarship programmes and other funding will be managed by the British Council and other associated organizations.

Apart from University support, there are also relatively some public and private scholarships programmes, which intend to provide financial support for the international students.

Prominent Scholarship Programmes of UK

British Chevening Scholarships British Government’s flagship programme for postgraduate (PG) and short-term, tailor made professional programmes. www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan (CSFP): A Pan-commonwealth scholarship programme covering PG, doctoral and post doctoral studies.

Scholarships: www.education.nic.in; Fellowships: www.ugc.ac.in

The Shell Centenary Scholarships for PG studies.

www.shellscholar.org

www.shell.com/scholarships

FCO/British Gas/University of Strathclyde Joint Scholarships.

www.strath.ac.uk

DFID Shared Scholarships Scheme for PG studies.

www.csfp-online.org/hostcountries/uk

Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Awards – PG studies in performing and visual arts.

wwjw.britishcouncil.org.in/arts

Rhodes Scholarships – Undergraduate, PG, research in Pure or Applied Science, Law or Medicine.

www.rhodesscholarships-india.com

nlnlaks Scholarships – PG scholarship covering a number of subjects.

http://www.inlaksfoundation.org/

The Cambridge Commonwealth Trust/Nehru Trust for Cambridge University.

www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/gsprospectus/funding/overseas/india.html

The Association of Charitable Foundations provides links to charitable bodies that may have funding available.

www.acf.org.uk

The Arts and Humanities Research council includes information about grants in this field of study.

www.ahrc.ac.uk

Prospects website includes general information for students including funding information.

www.prospects.csu.ac.uk/students/pgdir/index.htm

A guide, listing grants to study in the UK from the Directory of Social Change, includes information for international students.

www.dsc.org.uk

Scholarship Search UK has online search facilities to enable students to locate UG funding.

www.scholarship-search.org.uk

Searchable database of all scholarships (register on the websites to search the database)

Applying for a Visa

In order to apply for a visa to study in the UK, applicants have to make an application under ‘Tier 4 – Students’ category (as applicable from 31st March 2009) of the new Points-based system.

Salient features are:

Visa Application Form is VAF9

Following are the proof of financial sources:

• Funds shall be minimum 28 days old from the date of visa application and shall be available in savings or current account. Account shall be in the name of Student or a joint account shall exist for both financial sponsor and student. From 21st August 2009, funds can be shown in the name of the parents also.
• In case of fixed deposits, banks shall issue a letter confirming the availability of same and encashment can be done within 28 days maximum. Bank letter shall be dated less than ONE CALENDAR MONTH from the date of visa application
• In case of education loan, sanction letter dated less than ONE CALENDAR MONTH shall be produced with a copy of terms and conditions or loan agreement if issued by bank and shall be signed by all the parties of the agreement. In case bank’s sanction is subject to the issue of visa, Border Agency assumes that the student is likely to get the funds by the time he/she travels to UK

Note: For any visa application made before 1st June 2009, one must show availability of funds on the day of application.

Funds to be shown:

If studying within London borough – First year tuition + 9,000 Pounds (Nine months max.)

Outside London borough – First year tuition + 7,200 Pounds (Nine months max.)

Points for getting Visa:

• For admission in A tier universities – 30 Points (registered in UK Border Agency Sponsor Register)
• For Money evidence (maintenance requirement – 10 points Total 40 points have to be obtained to get the student’s visa.
• Students who complete their education (Undergraduate and beyond) can stay back as follows:
• UG Degree – 4 months for courses 12 months and above
• PG Degree – 2 months for courses if less than 12 months
• Students can take up further education in the same college without another visa. However, if they change the college or apply for another visa tier, they have to apply afresh for another visa.
• After completion of study under Tier 4, students can apply for immigration option, under Tier 1 Post study work.
• Evaluation and acceptance of academic criteria for any given course by any given university is solely at the discretion of university and UK Border Agency will not BOTHER for the same. For e.g.: a student completed his graduation in 2005 and is idle for 4 years and would like to take up further studies now. Now UK Border Agency will not investigate the reasons for gap etc.,
• Visa Letter from university shall mention the course, tuition fee and payment received towards tuition fee advance and explains the evaluation criteria for accepting the student.

Upon his course completion, he may be eligible for other visa categories (Tier 1 to 3) after satisfying the respective points. Applicants should be advised to apply at least 3 to 4 months in advance before course completion/expiry of their present visa.

Visa application may be submitted personally at the VFS UK local office, after obtaining appointment by Email from them. If the authenticity of documents is confirmed, issue of visa will not take more than 7 days to 15 days.

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.

You only need an ATAS certificate if you are a Postgraduate Student, and you require a visa to study in the UK, or wish to extend your current leave to remain as a student.

An ATAS certificate shows details of the course and Higher Education Institution you have applied for clearance for. Therefore if you have more than one offer from different Universities/Institutions you will need to apply for separate ATAS clearance certificates for each University/Institution and programme of study.

An ATAS certificate is valid as long as the details of your course do not change. You can apply for an ATAS certificate up to 12 months in advance of the beginning of your course.

If you are applying an extension to stay in the UK, and your course is in one of the categories given below, you will need to apply for ATAS clearance.

You may also need an ATAS Certificate if you wish to Research in UK for longer than 6 months.

You will need this before you apply for your Visa. ATAS is only required for certain courses. You need to check if you are affected before you apply for your Visa.

F2 – Materials Science

F3 – Physics (including Nuclear Physics)

H3 – Mechanical Engineering

H4 – Aerospace Engineering

J5 – Materials Technology not otherwise specified

Part time employment in the UK

Students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacations.

Students can earn around £ 5 – £ 7 per hour i.e. approx £400 – £560 per month (Rs. 30000 – Rs. 42000) during term.

Students can work full time during vacations.

Students could look out for part-time jobs by looking in the local newspapers and job shops as well as the Universities and Colleges career cells where information is available about vacancies. However please note that students are not guaranteed part time employment by the University.

If you are going to the UK as a student for six months or less, you must ask the Entry Clearance Officer for permission to work

Employment in UK

Points-based system (PBS) is a new system for managing migration, for those wishing to enter the UK for work or study.

• UKBA has introduced Tier 2 of point based system whereby student who graduates from UK University will be able to take graduate level job in the UK with the registered companies paying a minimum of £ 20000 a year and work for 3 years. There is possibility of later extending for 3 years more.
• There is also and introduction of new visa for graduate entrepreneurs. This scheme will allow students who have world class innovative ideas and there are approximately 1000 places this year.
• For more information, please go to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk