
Study in UK
Study in the UK
The United Kingdom, being one of the most popular study locations, has a long history of education, with universities dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The United Kingdom has an average student retention rate of 82 percent and is known for its language, history, culture, and innovation. Studying in the United Kingdom is unquestionably a life-changing experience, thanks to the extensive support networks in place for foreign students.
Student visa requirements for the UK
Type of student visa | Who it’s for | When to apply | Arrival in the UK |
Tier 4 (General) student visa | Students who have been granted a seat in a degree in an educational institution in the UK and are 16 or older | Three months before the commencement of your course | One week before in the case, your course lasts six months or fewer. Up to one month before if your course lasts more than six months |
Tier 4 (Child) student visa | Students between 4 and 17 who have been selected for a course in an educational institution in the UK with a valid Tier 4 sponsor, such as an independent fee-paying school | Three months before the commencement of your course | Up to one week before if your course lasts six months or fewer. Up to one month before if your course lasts more than six months |
Short-term study visa | Students selected for short-term courses in the UK, such as an English language course or training course | Three months prior to your travel to the UK | Depends on your nominated travel dates |
Tier 4 (General) student visa | Students who have been selected for a course at a UK educational institution with a valid Tier 4 sponsor | Three months before the commencement of your course | Up to one month before if your course lasts more than six months |
*For detailed information, please visit the Gov.UK website
Visa fee
Visa type | Visa fee |
General student visa (Tier 4) | £348; an additional £348 per person for any dependants. |
Tier 4 (Child) student visa | It costs £348 as an application fee for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa from outside the UK. |
Short-term study visa | It costs:
|
*Please always check the official website for the latest fee, or check with your Unibays counselor
English language requirements
Visa type | IELTS requirement |
Tier 4 (General) student visa - below degree level and pre-sessional courses | IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
Tier 4 (General) student visa - degree level and above | IELTS/IELTS for UKVI – 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
Biometric residence permit
You must additionally get a biometric residency permit (BRP) from the UKVI as part of your application to study abroad. To have your fingers and thumbs scanned and a digital photo of your face taken, book an appointment with the UKVI.
Cost of study in the UK
S.no. | Study Program | Average fee (in Euros*) |
1 | Undergraduate bachelor’s degree | GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year |
2 | Postgraduate master's degree | GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year |
3 | Doctoral degree | GBP 15,000 to GBP 24,000 per year |
*Please note that: all figures are indicative and Ph.D. cost might differ as fully funded options are also available in the UK
1. Accommodation costs
When looking for a place to stay, keep in mind:
• Costs
• Facilities
• Deposits
• Inventory
• Rent book
• Bill payment
• Tenancy agreement
• Council tax
• House rules
2. Student visa fee
3. Living expenses
Expenses | The approximate cost (monthly) |
Bills | £40 - £50 |
Food and housekeeping | £160 - £200 |
TV license | £12.56 (or £150.50 per year) |
Mobile phone | £15 - £50 |
Clothes and shoes | £25 |
Leisure & sports | £10 - £20 |
Books & stationery | £21 |
Socializing | £120 |
Travel & transport | £32 |
Childcare (if needed) | £656 |
Source: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/international-students-hub/new-students/coming-to-the-uk/living-costs-in-the-uk/
Please note that all figures are indicative
4. Health support and Insurance
Duration of Stay | The amount payable for the year |
If your stay in the UK includes a part of a year that is 6 months or less | £150 |
If your stay in the UK includes a part of a year that is more than 6 months | £300 |
- Transportation.
- Taxes
Scholarships to study in the UK
- Chevening Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
- GREAT Scholarships
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
- Scotland Saltire Scholarships
Upcoming intakes in the UK
- Autumn Intake: September to October
- Spring Intake: January to February
A third intake is also available in a few selected universities, called the Summer intake (June to August).
The education system in the UK
The UK is unquestionably the finest destination to pursue great education, with four out of the top ten institutions continuously making the QS World Rankings.
Study levels
The education system in the UK consists of four stages:
- Primary education
- Secondary education
- Further education
- Higher education
Qualifications frameworks:
- The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of Degree Awarding Bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ)
- The Framework for Qualifications of Higher Education Institutions in Scotland (FQHEIS)
Undergraduate courses:
Program | Duration |
Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND) | 1 to 2 years |
Certificates or Diplomas of Higher Education (Cert HE/Dip HE) | 1 to 2 years |
Foundation degrees (FdA/FdSc) | 6 months to 2 years |
Degrees (such as BA, BSc, BEng) | 3 years in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland 4 years in Scotland |
Sandwich degrees | 4 years with a year in industry |
Integrated courses (where masters are awarded as the first degree such as MEng) | 4 years |
Postgraduate courses:
Program | Duration |
Postgraduate certificates and diploma (PG Cert/PG Dip) | 9 to 12 months |
Taught Masters (such as MA, M.Sc., LLM, MBA, MRes) | 1 year |
Research Masters (such as MPhil, Ph.D, DPhil) | 2-3 years |