UK [1] is a major attraction for tourists, students and workers from all over the world. A major advantage is its one-year Masters Degree for almost all courses and the fact that most UK universities recognize the Indian education system of 3 year graduation. London has the greatest concentration of higher education in any world city and therefore plays a pivotal role in global higher education.
Courses can vary in length from a few weeks to two years; this means you can choose exactly what you need. The UK education system is very flexible enabling you to-
This way you can be sure that your time is being used in the most effective way for you.
Under Graduate Level Study: For Undergraduate course British students undergo thirteen years of pre-university education as compared with twelve years in India. Good grades in CBSE/ICSE Examination of first year of an Indian degree programme are therefore usually required for direct entry into an undergraduate programme in UK.A specified number of subject passes at both GCE "A" Levels and GCSE at grade C minimum is required for admissions in UK educational system. For Entry into Oxford, Cambridge and London University, 'A' level results are required. This in Indian context would mean one year in a college after 12 years of education.
Post Graduate (Master's & Doctorate level): Most UK universities accept the Indian graduation system of three years for entry into most postgraduate courses. An Indian Bachelors degree is equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree. However, some courses and universities may require a qualification equivalent to British Bachelor (Honours) Degree, which requires 16 years of formal education, which would mean another year after graduation.
Deciding where to study can seem like a difficult task because there are so many universities and colleges to choose from. Researching universities or colleges which will suit you academically and personally can take time, but it is well worth the effort if you are to find the perfect one for you.
Each university and college will have a prospectus that provides information about the institution and the courses available. Attending open days can help you discover the good and bad points of a place as well as give you an idea about whether you will feel comfortable spending three or four years there. You can ask almost anything at an open day, but it's also a good idea to ring the institution about any enquiries you may have.
There is no national curriculum for higher education courses, but the Quality Assurance Agency carries out external reviews and the Teaching Quality Information website contains statistics, documents and reports about the quality of teaching.
Fees vary from school to school and are at the discretion of the institution; there are no national standards. You should expect to pay a minimum of £4,000 per year and fees can be as high as £25,000 for an MBA program.
Fees for UK college and university programmes are generally lower than in the US [2] and Australia [3]. UK degree programmes last three rather than four years, so you save a whole year’s worth of fees and living costs. Postgraduate Master’s courses are also shorter, lasting only one year compared with two in the USA and Australia.
The fees you pay to attend independent school include your course fees, accommodation and may include some or all extracurricular activities, but it's to check exactly what is included with the school. You may be asked to pay extra for language tuition. Fees vary from school to school and are at the discretion of the institution; there are no national standards. You should expect to pay a minimum of £4,000 per year and fees can be as high as £25,000 for an MBA program.
There is very little financial aid in the UK for international students. Some universities may give students with good or exceptional backgrounds, a part tuition fee waiver. Some universities give discounts of 1000 - 1500 Pounds to students with good academic backgrounds. Financial assistance and scholarships are available and it is worth finding out early on in the process what you will be able to receive.
Cost Calculation: Do remember that you won’t be entitled to the main UK state benefits if you have financial difficulties, so you must be absolutely sure that you can support yourself financially. If you are from a European Union (EU) country, you may qualify for ‘home’ fees (the fees charged to UK students – from 2006, up to £3,000 a year for a degree). The following are examples of average tuition fees for international students who do not qualify for reduced ‘home’ fees:
Average cost of Courses-
Whether you want to undertake a short 12-week professional course or are looking for a long-term taught Masters programme from any UK University – there are scholarships on offer to meet your needs. UK scholarships managed by the British Council and other institutions are as follows:
You must be able to show that you have been accepted on a course of study at an educational establishment that is on the UK’s Department for children schools and families Register of Education and Training Providers.
You must be able to show that you are going to follow:
You must also:
You should send enquiries at least 12 months before the proposed date of admission.
For most management courses, International students are required to take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Most British Universities do not require the GRE for admission to post graduate courses. Some Universities may waive IELTS / TOEFL if you have been studying in English medium throughout.
Recommendation letters and statement of purpose (SOP) play a very important part in admission especially for master or doctoral degree courses.
UK students are lucky to have an academic calendar that provides ample time for vacation. The three main breaks are at the winter holidays, spring (around Easter) and summer. Most universities give four or five-week breaks in the winter and spring and 12 weeks in the summer.
Oftentimes classes do not meet on Friday afternoons. As the UK is such a convenient springboard for international travel, you will find many opportunities to take weekend trips to European cities and around the isle. Otherwise, travel (this will vary a lot depending on where you are living and how much you travel around the UK) average outside London is £15 per week; inside London £18. Special student fares are often available on buses and trains.
The following professions are in considerable demand in the United Kingdom:
It is relatively easy for aspiring migrant workers to acquire work permits for medical and teaching professions.
London and the southeast of England are going to be the most expensive areas to live in with some of the larger northern cities, like Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds, coming close behind. You should allow about £7,750 to £10,000 a year for your living expenses.
Accommodation: Some institutions may have purchased houses or flats that have been adapted for small groups of students, couples or families. There are also some schemes whereby private landlords allow their houses to be managed and let by universities.
The cost of your breakfast and evening meal may be included in the rent you pay. Where meals are included you can expect to pay from £300 to £380 per month. For students with families, a number of universities and colleges offer two- or three-bedroom family units at a cost of £450 to £550 per month.
Student Discount: Many shops, theatres, cinemas, museums and galleries offer special reductions for students and special student fares are often available on buses and trains.
Health care: All international students on full-time UK courses that last more than six months can take advantage of the UK 's National Health Service, including free consultation with doctors and free hospital care for you and your family.
Here are some of the things that you should budget for and their average prices. According to a survey by the UK’s National Union of Students (July 2005), the average expenses are:
Student unions are the hubs of student life at UK universities. At most US universities, no umbrella organization oversees both activities and student services. But in the UK, unions – run by students and for students – provide a one-stop shop for all of your needs: from giving advice on accommodation or finances to organizing sports and arts clubs. Student unions usually run their own cafes which are great for a quick lunch. On an average your social activities are likely to average £38.Theatres, cinemas, museums and galleries offer special reductions for students.
The climate of Britain is variable from day to day. Weather is generally cool to mild with frequent cloud and rain; however occasional settled spells of weather do occur year round. The sunniest parts of the United Kingdom are along the south coast of England, Cornwall etc. In contrast, in the north of Scotland in midsummer the day is eighteen hours long and twilight lasts all night. Conversely, winter days are short.
July is normally the warmest month in England.
Before you leave, be sure to pack:
Links:
[1] http://www.studyplaces.com/uk
[2] http://www.studyplaces.com/usa
[3] http://www.studyplaces.com/australia
[4] mailto:delhi.scholarship@in.britishcouncil.org
[5] mailto:mumbai.scholarship@in.britishcouncil.org
[6] mailto:chennai.scholarship@in.britishcouncil.org
[7] mailto:kolkata.scholarship@in.britishcoucnil.org