How do you get into the UK?

An important part of planning to study in the UK is to make sure that you meet immigration rules for international students. Before you pay the course fees or make arrangements to travel, ensure that you will be able to enter and stay in the UK as a student.

Unless you are a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country (the member states of the European Union, plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) or a national of Switzerland you will have to meet the following conditions to enter the UK as a student:

• You have been unconditionally accepted for a course at a genuine educational institution. The course must be provided by an organisation which is included on the Department for Education and Skills Register of Education and Training Providers. The Register includes all publicly funded institutions of further and higher education. It also includes private education institutions which are accredited by the British Council, The British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education, or by the Association of British Language Schools, as well as other private education institutions that have applied to be on the Register. You can check whether the institution you want to attend is on the Register by contacting your nearest British diplomatic post or British Council office.

• The course must be full time and be run from a publicly-funded institution of higher education, or a weekday course involving attendance at one institution for a minimum of 15 hours’ organised daytime study a week. If you are taking more than one subject to make up the 15 hours, then you have to show that the subjects are directly related to each other. The study of English language is always considered to be directly related to any other subject, if English is not your first language.

• You must have the ability to follow the course.

• You must intend to follow the course.

• You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies (unless you are a degree student hoping to stay on to work when you     finish your studies, and are not sponsored by your own government or an international scholarship agency).

• You must not intend to take up employment or engage in business, unless the immigration authorities allow you to.

• You must have enough money without needing to work (or engage in business or claim ‘public funds’) to pay for your course fees, and the accommodation and maintenance of yourself and your husband, wife, and children, if they come with you.

Why study in the UK?

UK universities provide internationally - recognised qualifications of the highest standard. They also offer more opportunities than ever before: there are currently over 50,000 postgraduate taught courses and research opportunities to choose from.

The UK higher education system combines the best elements of tradition and modernity. Some UK universities are among the oldest in the world; others are among the newest. Many provide degrees with a strong vocational foundation and enjoy good links with businesses and professional organisations.

Academic excellence

The quality and standard of UK higher education are guaranteed through the work of various official bodies. The quality of a university's teaching and its general facilities are assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Research standards are examined by the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which publishes its findings every five years. The results of all these assessments are freely available on the internet. Information on quality assurance and assessments is also available from the Higher Education Funding Councils.

Value for money

The quality of UK degrees is one reason why so many people come to the UK to study. Another is value for money. Unlike the equivalent programmes in the United States or Australia, most UK Masters programmes can be completed in one year.

An international tradition

The UK has always welcomed students from all over the world. In 2003/2004, there were 96,845 students from the European Union (EU) and 203,210 students from outside of it in the UK at undergraduate and postgraduate level. UK universities are used to looking after the welfare of non-UK students and have well-developed support services and social networks on campus. At postgraduate level, students from outside the UK form over 30% of the entire student body.

The language of business

A major advantage of studying in the UK is the opportunity to perfect your knowledge of the English language – one of the most important skills in the international business world. If you are from outside the EU, especially if you are studying a commercial subject, you may well appreciate the opportunity to observe at first hand the operation of the European market. The UK is a member of the EU, and living and studying here can provide a useful insight into how this major trading bloc functions.

Further information

The British Council office in your home country should be your first stop for information on studying and living in the UK.

How to Apply for a Student Visa 

For more information CLICK HERE