United Kingdom – FAQ’s

Do you want to study abroad? Are you hoping to secure a significant scholarship or study grant? Studying in the UK requires a lot of planning and preparation which can be a complex, time-consuming and expensive undertaking. StudyOverseasNow.com are overseas education consultants that specialize in providing expert advice throughout the consultation and application process. We help students secure the best scholarships at the highest ranked universities. Book a FREE Consultation with an experienced education & career counsellor to find out what overseas study options are available. 

WHAT IS THE COST OF A STUDENT VISA?

The cost of a student visa is £363. A student visa should last for the duration of your studies. This information should be visible on all paperwork provided by the institution. If students do not complete the program in the required period, an additional fee may be mandated to extend their student visa.

CAN STUDENTS BRING A DEPENDENT {S} WITH THEM?

Students can bring dependants with them; however, they must ensure that the level of course and program length allows them to bring dependants with them. At present, you must be studying at a postgraduate level as a minimum to get a dependent.

CAN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS BRING A DEPENDENT{S} WITH THEM?

No.

WHAT IS THE COST FOR A DEPENDENT{S} VISA?

A primary dependant visa will cost £363. Additional dependents and children will incur visa fees. At present this is £490pp. If the primary applicant brings children who require schooling, additional finances may be needed to cover these costs.

CAN A STUDENT WORK PART-TIME WHILST STUDYING?

Students should check the terms and conditions of their visa. The length of the study may determine if a student is eligible. The number of hours permitted to work may vary depending on key semester dates and holidays. Students must prioritize their studies over part-time work. Managing part-time work and full-time studies can be challenging. Students can work 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during semester breaks if studying a degree-level course at a UK higher education institution for longer than 6 months.

CAN DEPENDENTS WORK FULL-TIME WHILST IN THE UNITED KINGDOM?

Yes. Dependents can work full-time without restrictions {including self-employment}.

WHEN CAN A STUDENT APPLY FOR A UNITED KINGDOM STUDENT VISA?

It’s best to apply for a student visa as early as possible. This will ensure all documentation arrives on time. A delay can lead to students having to defer their studies until the next available intake. The earliest students can apply for a student visa is three months before course commencement.

IS THERE A STREAMLINED VISA PROCESS FOR INDIAN CITIZENS?

No.

WHAT IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VISA REJECTION & ELIGIBILITY FOR A REFUND?

A noticeable increase in student visa rejections has been evident in recent months/years. Students should furnish the correct documentation when applying for a visa and invest the necessary time and effort in their SOP {Statement of Purpose} and financial documentation. A student’s financials and ties to their country of origin play a significant factor during the decision-making process. Students who receive a visa rejection will need to declare this when applying to any country for any visa. If students receive a visa rejection, a full refund of tuition fees will be provided. However, the cost of the student visa will not be refunded. Please note, that some universities may withhold an application fee.

DO STUDENTS HAVE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FUNDS TO COVER TUITION FEES AND MAINTENANCE COSTS?

Students must demonstrate they have access to the necessary funds to pay for their studies and living expenses. It is common practice for all immigration departments and universities to request documentation to demonstrate how they intend to pay for the following: Tuition fees, Maintenance/living costs & Return flight tickets. Students will need to pay the full amount on their CAS letter and provide £12,000 as proof of living expenses. This amount needs to be evidenced in an approved bank account for {at least} 28 days.

CAN STUDENTS APPLY FOR A POST-STUDY WORK {PSW} VISA FOLLOWING COURSE COMPLETION?

In most cases, students can remain legally in the country for a set {defined} period. The duration of stay back will vary depending on the student’s location, the course studied, and the length of study. Typically, students can remain in the United Kingdom for two years.

WHAT IS THE COST OF A POST-STUDY WORK VISA?

The cost will include a £700 visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge at the full rate of £624 per year.

CAN STUDENTS STUDY ENGLISH PRIOR TO COURSE COMMENCEMENT?

Students can study English before commencing their primary course. This is typically referred to as a “Packaged Offer”. However, students studying pre-sessional English programs are more likely to obtain a visa rejection. The cost of studying English in the United Kingdom is considerably more expensive than studying in India.

WHAT ENGLISH TESTS ARE PERMITTED TO MEET VISA & UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS?

The English test is dependent on immigration guidelines and a universities admissions process/requirements. Some universities may accept a “medium of instruction” if a student completes their high school or undergraduate program in English. Students should consult with StudyOverseasNow.com or the university to establish if MOI is accepted. The United Kingdom accepts IELTS, LanguaCert, Pearson, and PSI.

WHAT IS THE TAX-FREE INCOME ALLOWANCE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM?

All persons residing in the United Kingdom are afforded a tax-free allowance. This means students are sheltered from tax up to a certain limit. The amount can change throughout the year and StudyOverseasNow.com advises all students to retain the services of a qualified accountant before lodging their taxes. The tax-free allowance is £12,570 per annum.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE HOURLY PAY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM?

The amount varies depending on location, time of year, and supply vs demand. Students are unlikely to be offered a professional job whilst studying full-time. The rates of the retail and hospitality industry range from £7-9 per hour. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE GRADUATE STARTING SALARY? The amount will vary significantly based on a student’s qualification level. In addition, pay will differ depending on the skills and area of study. Typically, students graduating from a STEM {science, technology, engineering, and maths} pathway will receive a higher remuneration package than those graduating from other fields.

CAN STUDENTS STUDY PART-TIME?

No. Students are required to study full-time. Failure to comply with this rule could result in a breach of visa conditions and possible deportation.

WHAT IS THE COST OF HEALTH COVER AND IS IT MANDATORY?

Students are required to apply for a health surcharge when applying for a student visa. The cost of the health surcharge is £674 per year.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE?

This varies depending on the credit provided to a student and the area of study. For example, law and engineering are typically longer in duration than an Arts or Business program. However, the average length of an undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom is three years.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF A POSTGRADUATE PROGRAM?

This varies depending on the credit provided and the area of study. Students who have completed an honors degree or gained work experience might expect a shorter duration of the study. However, the minimum length of a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom is one year.

WHAT IS THE PUNISHMENT FOR A STUDENT VISA OVERSTAY?

Students should notify the immigration department as soon as they become non-compliant from a visa perspective and notify their education provider immediately. Significant penalties apply for visa overstays that include a mandatory one-year ban for anyone staying longer than 30 days.

CAN STUDENTS CHANGE EDUCATION PROVIDERS UPON ARRIVAL?

Ideally, students should be clear on the institution they wish to study at and conduct adequate research before acceptance. Any subsequent changes could lead to questioning from immigration officials. However, if students want to change education providers, it’s easy to do and quite common.

WHAT IS THE POPULATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM?

67 million.

HOW MANY UNIVERSITIES ARE THERE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM?

There are 140 universities in the United Kingdom.

WHAT DOES “CERTIFIED COPIES” MEAN?

A certified copy is an original or photocopy of a document that has been signed, stamped, and/or witnessed by a pre-approved government authority stating its authenticity. Signatures should appear on the front of each page. In most cases, an approved education agent can provide certification.

CAN STUDENTS CLAIM CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS STUDIES?

Students may qualify for credit based on previous studies and/or professional experience. Typically, 50% of a course is the maximum amount of credit students can apply for. Students should be aware that lowering the amount of study time can impact their ability to remain in the United Kingdom following course completion.

DO STUDENTS NEED TO ARRANGE ACCOMMODATION PRIOR TO ARRIVAL?

StudyOverseasNow.com recommends all students organize accommodation prior to arrival. Accommodation can be arranged short-term whilst a more long-term option is sought. However, short-term rentals are more expensive and can cause unnecessary stress before course commencement. Please note, that immigration official may request a residential address prior to arrival. If students cannot furnish the necessary documentation this could lead to visa rejection.

ARE THERE HALAL OPTIONS IN RESTAURANTS, SUPERMARKETS AND AT UNIVERSITY?

The United Kingdom is a multi-cultural society and people of all faiths and backgrounds coexist peacefully. Students will find options available to them in major cities, and towns. Limited options/choices may exist in rural/regional communities.

ARE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO ATTEND ORIENTATION?

StudyOverseasNow.com recommends all students attend orientation. Orientation is an opportunity to meet with classmates, join clubs and societies and learn key information about the university and area of study. During orientation {O’Week} students can receive help opening a bank account, registering at a doctor’s surgery, and signing up for other important services. Students may find it difficult to integrate if they do not attend orientation or arrive late.

CAN STUDENTS STUDY PART-TIME?

No. Students are required to study full-time. Failure to comply with this rule could result in a breach of visa conditions and possible deportation.

HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD STUDENTS BRING WITH THEM?

Unlike India, most places of business will accept debit/credit cards. StudyOverseasNow. com does not recommend students carry large amounts of cash with them. Money should be deposited in a bank and accessed via card payments. Please note, that Amex cards attract a higher fee and a minimum spend is usually required. If students arrive in the United Kingdom with an amount greater than £10,000 in the local currency they have to declare this to an immigration official upon entry.

SHOULD STUDENTS LIVE IN HALLS OF RESIDENCE {HoR}?

Students traveling overseas for the first time would benefit from an HoR experience. Most HoR is situated on-campus making it easier to get to and from class. Students will have the opportunity to join clubs, societies, gyms, and extracurricular events. Most HoR has full-board options available where meals are provided as part of their package. The majority of HoR students find it easy to make friends as they will be surrounded by like-minded students in a similar environment. HoR can be a little more expensive than living off-campus; however, students will save time and money on transport and other associated costs.

WHAT IF A STUDENT FAILS A CLASS / UNIT / SUBJECT?

Students will need to retake exam{s}, unit{s} or subject{s} they fail. Students will need to pay for the cost to retake. In addition, the student visa may require extending to clear any backlogs. Students should do everything possible to limit any failures/backlogs. Failing a subject can prove costly and time-consuming. If a student fails too many units/subjects, their student visa may be revoked.

SHOULD THE WEATHER PLAY A FACTOR WHEN LOOKING FOR STUDY OPTIONS?

A student’s primary motive should be their studies and career goals. However, large parts of the United Kingdom can register below 5-10 Celsius during winter months and 15-20 Celsius during summer months. Students should consider these factors if adverse to extreme weather; be it hot or cold.

ARE STUDENTS GUARANTEED A JOB AND / OR BUSINESS VISA FOLLOWING COURSE COMPLETION?

No. Some universities will help students with internships and have established links with employers; however, no university can guarantee a full-time job or provide business visas. Students hoping to study overseas should be skeptical if they receive information to the contrary.

WILL MY QUALIFICATION FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM BE RECOGNISED GLOBALLY?

Yes. Institutions that StudyOverseasNow.com represent will be recognized internationally following course completion. Some programs/areas that require accreditation; for example, law, project management, engineering, and actuary studies are dependent on the university having the appropriate accreditation through an official / designated awarding body. Speak to StudyOverseasNow.com to find out if the university or area of study provides accreditation.

DO INSTITUTIONS ACCEPT THE INDIAN 10+2+3 EDUCATION SYSTEM?

Most countries have postgraduate options available to students who have completed the standard education system in India. Some universities/countries may provide direct entry whilst others offer a postgraduate certificate/diploma. High-ranking universities may request a lengthier undergraduate degree or an internationally recognized high school qualification. Universities may require the completion of a college aptitude test; for example, ACT, GMAT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, etc.

DO STUDENTS NEED TO ATTEND A MEDICAL EXAMINATION?

Yes. Students will need to attend a medical appointment which will include a urine and Tuberculosis test.

DO STUDENTS NEED TO OBTAIN A POLICE CERTIFICATE FOR VISA PURPOSES?

Yes.

DO STUDENTS NEED TO PROVIDE THEIR BIOMETRIC DETAILS?

Yes.

WHEN CAN STUDENTS ARRIVE IN THE COUNTRY BEFORE THEIR STUDIES COMMENCE?

Students should arrive not more than 30 days prior to course commencement.

CAN A STUDENT APPLY FOR A VISA IN THE COUNTRY?

Students can apply for a student visa in the country if they are on one of the following visas: Tier 2 {General), Tier 2 {Intra-company transfer), Tier 2 {Minister of religion) and Tier 4 {Child). Students cannot switch from a visitor visa. In the majority of cases, StudyOverseasNow.com advises students to apply for a student visa offshore. Applying onshore as a tourist can lead to questioning from the immigration department as to the nature of such a change.

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I hope you found the information in our blog useful. StudyOverseasNow.com are overseas education consultants that specialize in providing expert advice throughout the consultation and application process. If you would like to study abroad and hope to secure a significant scholarship or study grant Book a FREE Consultation with an experienced education & career counsellor to find out what overseas study options are available. We look forward to helping you start your journey to a brighter future!