Guide for International Students Before Moving to the UK

If you want to do studies in the UK, where international students get a unique blend of education, cultural diversity, and professional opportunities, this blog will provide you with essential information on visas, financing options, and navigating life as a student in the UK for a successful life.

Table of Content 

Understanding UK Visas and Immigration

UK Visas and Immigration makes several million decisions yearly on who has the right to visit or stay in the country. It focuses on national security and a culture of customer satisfaction for people who come here legally. UKVI is part of the Home Office.

The Overview of UK Immigration Policies

Immigration Policies 

1. Points-Based Immigration System

The point-based immigration system is mainly based on merits because scoring systems evaluate different attributes and indicate whether a person qualifies to migrate to a particular country.

• Education level
• Wealth
• Connection with the country
• Language fluency 

2. Job offer salary threshold

The salary requirement for immigration to the UK states that no applicant is eligible unless willing to pay at least £26,200 or £10.75 per hour. The salary rate for other job types may differ based on several factors, including job classification and industry. Sometimes, exceptions to minimum wages apply, such as lower rates for specific healthcare professions or technology-based jobs.

3. Employer sponsorship

The UK work visa sponsorship process involves an employer in the UK employing a foreigner to work within its limits. The employer must possess an operational sponsorship license from the British government.

Visas for UK Students

• Student Visa: A specific period of studying in a selected country can only be done through issuing a student visa or student permit, as the student visa is sometimes called you by the concerned country’s embassy or consulate.
• Child Student Visa: This visa category is intended for children, including preschool private pupils aged 4 to 17, willing to attend private schools.
• Short-term Study Visa: This shorter student visa is specifically for international students coming to study one or more courses that last less than a full academic year. Since an English language course usually lasts six to about 11 months, that does the trick.

 Eligibility and Requirements for a UK Student Visa

• Admission Offer: Upon receiving an offer for enrollment in any education center in the UK, the embassies will need the offer’s certification and consent to undertake studies in London, with the assistance of the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Financial Proof: Proof of balances to cover tuition fees.
• Language Proficiency: The English test the applicant must provide is, for example, IELTS or TOEFL.
• Requirements for age: under 18 years old.
• Health Requirements: TB tests are required.
• Application Fee: There is a need to pay the fee for the student visa application.
• Membership in the National Health Service: This fee allows residents of the UK to access healthcare services.

Fees for UK Visa Application

£490 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK

£490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK

Financing Your Education in the UK

Study Loans for International Students in the UK 

The UK leads in terms of educational facilities and job opportunities for students. However, its world-class education does not come at cheap rates, with university courses easily topping £20,000.

If you’re coming to the UK as an international student, all things being equal, one requirement to grant a student visa is to show proof of funds in your bank account. Put simply, this dictates that for courses outside of London, you must show 1,015 pounds a month for up to nine months, amounting to 9,135 pounds. If you intend to be in London, these figures are higher; from 1,265 pounds per month, the requirement ranges to having 11,385 pounds in the bank. And remember, at the time of application for the visa, these savings should be in your account.

Student Finance in the UK: What You Need to Know?

Study loans in the UK can be obtained to pay for college or university tuition and to cover living expenses. If you are a disabled child or have children, you will get the extra money.

Student finance depends on these factors: 

• At your university or college 
• Your course 
• Age 
• Nationality or residency status 

Student Finance Eligible courses in the UK 

• Degrees In BA, BSC, or BED                                      
• Foundation Degree                                  
• Certificate in Higher Education 
• Diploma in Higher Education 
• Higher National Certificate 
• Higher National Diploma 
• Initial Teacher Training course
• Integrated master’s degree
• pre-registration postgraduate healthcare course
• Higher Technical Qualification approval

Pursuing a Master’s Degree in the UK

UK for Your Master’s Degree

Doing a master’s Degree in the UK is a fantastic opportunity for academic growth and personal improvement. Students can attend well-accredited universities while experiencing Britain’s vibrant cultural atmosphere. However, applying for a master’s degree can take significant time, and deadlines may pass before you notice.

To make the process easier and more precise, we’ve created a guide to help you apply for your chosen course and stay on top of essential university deadlines.

Admission Process for UK Master’s Programs

Unlike undergraduate programs, master’s applications are rarely submitted through a centralized system. Most master’s applications are sent directly to the universities, except for a few students from the UK who apply through the UK Postgraduate Application Service.

Most college applications are made through their specialized portals. Completing the application in one go is unnecessary, as you can instead create an account, go midway, save it, and continue at another time. You can also ask for an application pack by phone or get it online, fill it out, and send it via mail.

Different universities have different expected time frames for assessing the application. This means that you should be patient and expect to wait at least 2 weeks to around 2 months for the whole process to be satisfactorily completed, after which any relevant communication will be sent.

Also, consider that seeking admission to teacher training is a different procedure, and the dates and requirements differ from those of the other courses.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living for Students

Tuition fees at public universities in the UK can vary widely. For students eligible for the “home” fee status, costs typically range from 5,500 to 10,200 EUR per year, depending on the university, field of study, and program duration.

For “international” students, tuition fees are generally 3,000–8,000 EUR higher than the “home” fees. In some cases, they may even be two to three times more than the “home” fee rates.

Specific programs within private universities may be charged a tuition fee comparable to those in public institutions. However, it must be noted that higher education from private institutions is, in most cases, expensive. What’s more troubling is that private universities hardly ever charge a different fee for students from the EU/EEA and those outside the EU/EEA.

eSIMCards for international students in the UK 

International student’s regular contact is crucial to them, so I can’t help but say that eSIM and mobile data management are perfect for them. Instead of a physical card, you can activate a plan via an eSIM, a digital version of a conventional SIM card. Students, in this case, can avoid the hassle of roaming charges. eSIMCards offers reliable data at affordable prices. With the purchase of an eSIM from major UK networks, like Vodafone, EE, and O2, students can remain connected to their families and friends while studying.

Health Care System in the UK

The NHS represents the healthcare system for Wales, Scotland, and England and is funded UK-wide. It is fittingly called the Health and Social Care (HSC) system in Northern Ireland. 

Standard charges apply to dental treatment. Prescriptions are free, but some prescription charges exist.

Conclusion 

The chances of an individual’s personal development and enhancement of their education through studying in another country and more so in the UK are excellent. It is essential to plan this transition, such as looking into how the visa helps grant entry to sort out the finances, tuition payment, and upkeep. Understanding more about accommodation, medicine, and cultural practices will assist one in settling faster and enhance one’s experience in the UK.

FAQ’s

Q1. What is UKVI?

UKVI means the division of the UK Home Office that manages the country system.

Q2. What is the points-based immigration system?

Points-based immigration is the merit-based system that determines a noncitizen’s eligibility to immigrate by assigning points. 

Q3. What types of student visas are available?

Student visa, child Student Visa, and short-term Visa.

Q4. What are the requirements for a UK student visa?

The requirements for a UK student visa include age, course, funds, and English language. 

Q5. Can international students get loans in the UK?

Yes, international students can get loans in the UK.