Why UK?

The UK is a world leader in many areas of education including engineering, science, art and design, business and management, law and finance. The UK’s reputation and legacy as a world centre for scientific research makes it a magnet for some of the very best thinkers in the world. With only one per cent of the world’s population, the UK is responsible for eight per cent of global scientific publications.

The UK offers a world-renowned education system with qualifications that can make a real difference to your future. It attracts over 600,000 international students each year to a variety of programmes, ranging from English language courses to PhDs.

The UK education system gives students the freedom to combine courses and subjects from different areas of studies, so you can tailor your degree to your own needs and interest.

A UK education opens doors, wherever you go in the world.

The UK has been the preferred choice for some of the most important minds in history. One in four world leaders has studied in the UK, so if you’re dreaming of achieving big things, you can be sure you’re in the right place in the UK.

Scholarships & Financial Support

The UK government offers hundreds of scholarships, bursaries and additional financial support to students from several countries. You can visit the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website  to find out if you are eligible for a scholarship.

Many institutions also offer their own financial assistance, and you can check their websites for more information.

Lots of universities offer fully-funded postgraduate studentships. You can find out more from your chosen university or from specialist websites like Postgraduate Studentships  and Prospects .

Student Visas

Most international students need a student visa to study in the UK. Finding out whether you need a visa to study is easy – simply check here on GOV.UK .

Your student visa will allow you to live and study in the UK throughout your course.

If you attend a pre-departure briefing in your home country, you will pick up more handy tips on your visa application. British Council holds pre-departure briefings in many countries. To find out more about these events in your home country, go to the British Council website  and select your country from the drop-down menu.

Types of student visa

TIER 4 (GENERAL) STUDENT VISAS

If you are 16 or over and want to study at higher education level, you’ll need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You need to wait until you have an offer from a university or college before applying for your Tier 4 (General) student visa. Your university or college will then be able to give you a document called a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). To do this, your chosen institution needs to be approved by the UK government as a ‘licenced Tier 4 sponsor’.

SHORT-TERM STUDY VISAS

Short term study visas are available to students who want to join courses that are up to six months long or English language courses up to 11 months long.

Can I work in the UK on a study visa?

Many international students in the UK take a part-time job, work placement or internship alongside their studies. The hours and type of work you do will depend on the type of visa and your sponsoring university or college.