Hundreds of thousands of students apply to study in Great Britain, or the United Kingdom, every year. With one of the oldest and most hallowed education systems in the world, UK is a choice of education destination for students across the world. The country is officially known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It has, over the years, become a melting pot of cultures from around the world.
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British universities are some of the most trusted around the world and regularly find themselves ranked among the best in the world. Over and above that, the UK is also a massive economy and has a number of occupational opportunities on offer. The UK, as we very well know, once had colonies around the world. From India to South America, UK ruled around the world. This led to a number of people from around the world going to the UK for higher education. A trend that continues even today.
The country enjoys temperate weather all year round with rainfall being a highly regular occurrence. Some parts of the country also face severe snowfall during winter months. Cities like Oxford, Liverpool, and Cambridge are famous around the world among students and professionals alike. The UK is the world’s fifth-largest economy according to the GDP and has one of the largest human development indexes in the world. London is also known as the finance capital of the world and is one of the most diverse cities in the world.
The universities offer a highly competitive environment with unparalleled opportunities to learn and interact with a diverse and engaging student body. The courses in this country and the faculty teaching at them meet the highest of standards and are some of the most recognized in the world. All this and more makes the UK one of the hottest prospects for students from around the world
The education system in the UK is considered as one of the most comprehensive in the world. It gives a great balance between academic and vocational courses that one may choose to study. The home of the English language, UK is the perfect setting to hone your linguistic skills and vastly improves your employment possibilities as well. Studying in the UK also offers a convenient gateway into Europe. UK finds itself home to students from around the world including countries like China, Brazil, Australia, South Korea, and many other nations around the world. This makes it one of the most diversely populated spaces to study anywhere on the planet.
The UK provides an opportunity for students to interact with students of a variety of nationalities. Moreover, the courses in the UK tend to be shorter than in most places around the world. Undergraduate courses last for about 3 years while post graduate courses last for 1. This can help students save a lot of time and money that could be better spent elsewhere. Courses here also make it a point to provide students activities and societies which can provide them guidance and the opportunity to network. Guidance counselors and advisors in UK universities make it a point to ensure that the students feel welcome and comfortable.
Universities in the UK provide a wide selection of courses and disciplines that can appeal to a variety of passions and ambitions. From programming to ocean engineering to music design to women’s studies, there is no end to the kind of courses one can opt for here. Over 14,000 Indians go to study to the UK every year. It is little wonder that so many people in the world choose the UK as their preferred study destination.
The UK is home to number of high quality education institutions. Education here is largely financed by the government, so apart from a few private players higher education is largely quite affordable. The UK houses some of the oldest universities in the world, like Oxford and Cambridge among many others. From modern classrooms to the well-equipped laboratories, the colleges here lack for nothing.
The bachelor’s degree in the UK typically goes on for three years, there are, however, vocational or foundational degrees that can go on for about two years. Many universities offer courses in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related subjects. There are also courses that are known as sandwich courses which last for four years and have one year to spend in the workplace. Post graduate courses can typically last for a year, however, research based courses may take up to 2 years. Doctorate degrees can usually last for up to three years.
The UK has one of the most convenient and easy admission and visa process. The cost of living is also not too high. There is ample practical learning and internships which are designed to make the students confident in their own abilities. The UK education system is designed to ensure that each student graduating is an expert in their chosen subject.
The main intake dates for admissions to the UK are September to October and January to February, but a majority of the universities offer the former. Undergraduate students apply provided they have the following conditions fulfilled:
Language proficiency is another important factor for securing admission in a university in the UK. A student needs to secure at least 6.5 bands in their IELTS for an undergraduate course, or 7.0 for a post graduate course. A TOEFL score of 80 for undergraduates and 90 for post graduate courses is also accepted. There are, however, exemptions, provided a student has secured above 70% in their tenth and twelfth standard examinations with English as the medium of instruction through school and college.
There are a number of documents that need to be in order before the applications can begin. One needs to have attested copies of mark sheets for standards tenth, twelfth and all the years of the bachelor degree. There need to be at least 2 academic reference letters from your most recent professors. A student will also need to have work recommendation from the employer who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities. Over and above this one needs to have in order their statement of purpose, resume and the score reports of GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL. The portfolio also plays a big role for students applying for design and architecture courses. Achievement certificates in sports of co-curricular activities at the national level are also well-received.
Higher education costs in the USA, unlike India, can cost a pretty penny. Private universities in the USA usually charge a higher tuition fees than public colleges. Public colleges have a huge support in terms of their reliance on state funds. The higher costs charged by universities there is one of the reasons why they focus so much on the quality of education, infrastructure and career defining opportunities they provide the students.
The yearly expenditure for a student in a college in the USA, including living expenses and tuition, can range from $15,000 to $35,000. Top colleges can charge up to $60,000 per year in tuition and other ancillary costs. There are a number of scholarships which are also offered to foreign students based on merit and need. The application process for these scholarships may vary depending upon the university or state where the student is applying. These scholarships are usually government funded or even supported by private entities.
A student visa is mandatory for a student aspiring to study in the USA. It is important to note that the student must be accepted and approved by the school or program they have applied for. The educational institution will provide the necessary documentation for the visa process. The application needs to be made within 120 days from the start date of the I-20 and can travel within 30 days from the start date of the I-20.
A F-1 visa is the most common format of a student visa. If you are going to study at an approved school like a university, college, secondary school or even a language program, you need an F-1 visa. This format of visa is also required if you are enrolled in a course of study that takes up more than 18 hours per week. For those planning on joining a non-academic or vocational course in the USA then you may need an M-1 visa and not an F-1. US law does not permit an F-1 visa for students who are admitted in a publically funded adult education program.
Rules for students to work are strict in the USA. International students are not allowed to work during the first year in the country. The candidates can, however, get part-time jobs with special conditions after the first year. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has laid out strict guidelines for F-1 visa holders to get work in the US. On-campus employment continues to remain the best bet for international students and are easily available. These jobs may or may not be related to what you are studying.
Students can be allowed to work full-time during their breaks and holidays, provided they are on good terms with their faculty. A student can only work 20 hours a week. Another thing to take care is that the job must not take away a job from a US citizen. Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may also be applicable to you and will be closely governed by the USCIS.
Most good universities also have a strong placement block which help students to get placed once they are done with their course. A student is also expected to build their network during their time at the college or university and find ideal employment opportunities for themselves. Finding a job in the US is all about being proactive. The country is a veritable hub of opportunities and nailing the right one is all a matter of focused effort and grabbing the chance when it appears
How much time does it take for the admission and visa process?
The assessment time for undergraduate applications is, generally, quite quick and is done in about 3-5 weeks. PG applications, however, can take up to 4 to 8 weeks to get processed. Visa processes for New Zealand are considerably fast. The New Zealand Information Service tries to ensure that the positive profile students get a decision on their applications within 15 to 20 working days.
Do students have any part-time work opportunities? If so, how much can they expect to earn?
Students can work up to 20 hours a week. Students can find work in farms, restaurants, malls, as marketing executives, etc. their wages can range from 9 to 12 New Zealand dollars an hour. If you are a masters by research student or a PhD student you can even work full time during the term-time.
What accommodation arrangements can I expect?
Students are required to show a written guarantee of accommodation before they are granted a visa. There are some institutions that may be able to grand a residential accommodation to students who are not staying at a friend or a relative’s place. A student may also wish to arrange their own accommodation. Students should make it a point to indicate beforehand whether or not they need support in order to find a place to stay when they apply to the institution.
Can dependents accompany students?
A student’s dependents can include their spouse, partners, faince, and/or children. The student’s dependents can accompany them to the country or join them at a later date. They should have, however, applied for the visa they require, be it work, student or visitor, and must fulfil all their criterion. Dependents who are in school will need to pay their full fees for enrolling in primary and secondary courses of study.
How much money can I bring to New Zealand?
There is no limit to the amount of money you can bring in or take out of New Zealand. Although, if you are bringing in more than 10,000 New Zealand dollars in cash you will have to declare the same to the New Zealand Customs Service.
Can my spouse apply for work visa?
A student’s spouse can only work in New Zealand provided the student is pursuing a post graduate degree. The other case where the student’s spouse can apply for a work visa is if the student is studying a course that is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
Does a student get a job search visa after graduation?
You can apply for a 12 month job search visa within three months of completion of your course from NZ.
