What do I need to know about studying in the UK as an international student?
Updated: January 18, 2023Thinking about studying in the United Kingdom? Navigating the U.K. educational system and its requirements for international students can be a daunting task. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about studying in the UK.
•Application Form (Online/ Paper)
•Application Fees (vary from universities)
•Completed 12th from Recognized Board Required percentage – more than 60%
•Graduation mark sheet and completion certificate (for PG Program)
•Statement of Purpose/ Personal Statement
•2 letters of Recommendation – (LOR’s can be from a subject teacher, counselor, or principal)
•IELTS or TOEFL
•Resume
•Portfolio (whenever it is required by university)
•Globally competitive & recognized education
•Diversity of choice
•Flexibility
•Working during studies
•Multicultural experience
•An investment for the future
There are three intakes offered in UK universities:
Spring: January/February
Fall: August/September (Major Intake)
Summer: April/May
•Age 16 and over
•Have been offered a place in a course
•Can speak, read, write, and understand English
•Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances.
Red brick universities - A red brick university is a term used to describe a group of universities founded in the late 19th and early 20th century in the United Kingdom. The name comes from the distinctive red bricks used to build the original university buildings. Examples of red brick universities include the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester and the University of Leeds.
Ancient university - An ancient university is a university that was founded in the medieval or modern period, or that has a long history of continuous operation. Examples of ancient universities include Oxford and Cambridge
Modern university - A modern university in the UK is a university which has been granted degree-awarding powers since 1992, when the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 came into force. This includes universities such as the University of East London, University of West London, and University of Bolton.
•Foundation Degrees (FDA, FDSc, etc.) - A Foundation Degree is a type of higher education qualification, specifically designed to provide a route into a career or a higher level of study. The qualification is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree, and is recognised and valued by employers. Foundation Degrees are offered by universities and further education colleges in the UK and are available in a wide range of subject areas.
•Degrees (BA, BSc, B.ED, LLB, BEng, MBBS) - A degree in the UK is an academic qualification awarded by a university or college upon successful completion of a course of study. Degrees are usually awarded in a variety of subjects and typically take three to four years to complete.
•Combined & Joint Honors Degree - A Combined and Joint Honors Degree in the UK is a degree program that allows students to study two different subject areas in equal depth. This type of degree is used to allow students to gain knowledge and understanding of two disciplines, while at the same time giving them the opportunity to specialize in one or the other. This type of degree often allows students to gain a more interdisciplinary approach to their studies, as they learn from both fields simultaneously.
•Sandwich Courses - A sandwich course in the UK is a type of higher education course that combines academic study with a year spent in paid employment. It enables students to gain professional experience and improve their employability prospects.
The Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) has been introduced by the Government in England to recognize and encourage excellent teaching in universities and colleges. It is intended to help students choose where to study, by providing clear information about teaching provision and student outcomes.
The UK has a world-class reputation for excellence in higher education. This scheme looks at excellence in addition to the UK’s rigorous quality requirements.
TEF is currently voluntary, designed for universities and colleges in England, but those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also able to choose to participate. Participating universities and colleges are able to achieve a gold, silver, bronze, or provisional rating.
In the TEF, a higher education provider is rated:
Gold for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning, and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK
Silver for delivering high quality teaching, learning, and outcomes for its students. It consistently exceeds rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education
Bronze for delivering teaching, learning, and outcomes for its students that meet rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education, UG Applications in UK are applied through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
