United Kingdom is an international, cosmopolitan place to study. There is a strong presence of international students in the UK. This gives the students, opportunities to interact with students from different cultures and further enhance their understanding of the wider world.
Why UK?
The United Kingdom is a political union made up of four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The country offers excellent higher-education system and hundreds of world-class universities promising a rich experience for international students.
The colonial history of UK has made a multi-cultural society in the country since it has been subject to a multitude of international influences and influxes of people. The country has a significant place in the map of global literature, arts and sculpture. There are four distinct seasons to the UK; summer, winter, spring and autumn. Generally UK has a cold, wet and dreary weather. During the summer months, days are long (the sun generally rises at 4 am and will set at 9 or 10 pm at night) and one can expect warmer temperatures.
The UK is highly advanced nation with excellent infrastructure sector and has a very good public transport system, with an extensive network of buses, planes and trains which simplify travelling. Low cost airlines facilitate an easiest option for travel in the UK and throughout most of Europe. Underground or tram system is a cheapest and cost effective means of transport at metropolitan area.
The UK institutions consistently rank among the best in the world and qualifications are internationally valued and recognized.UK qualification will be a solid foundation for building your future, boosting your career and prospects for a higher salary. UK universities, colleges and schools will provide a vibrant, creative and challenging environment which can develop your potential. The teaching and study methodology used in the UK give you the freedom to be creative and develop skills sets and confidence. As a student you get the opportunity to be taught by the world’s leading academics and experts; you also benefit from their constant academic support.
Education in the UK is internationally recognized for its quality and variety. The UK’s top priority is to pursue the highest possible standards and to ensure access to good education for every child, young person and citizen. There is a huge range of degree courses offered by more than 180 institutions – the University of London alone has more than 40 institutions. You can study towards internationally-recognized qualifications in medicine, law, accountancy, architecture and other professions; or in the arts, media, humanities, business, science and technology. There is a spectrum of research and postgraduate degrees where students are guided by academic supervisors with world-class reputations.
The annual tuition fee in a good British University varies from £10000 to £20000. International students are allowed to open a bank account in the UK, and some universities require their students to have a UK bank account. In any event, a bank account is very helpful to have in managing your finances, so you should plan to open a UK account.
Travelers Checks are useful to make transactions in UK till you open a bank account in the country. It may take a few weeks of time to open a new UK account and transfer money into it from your home country bank account.
For the international students most of the universities at UK provide on campus accommodation and also a variety of accommodation options are available to you. The college or university usually has halls of residence. If you are not offered on campus accommodation you can look for other accommodation options that will suit your monthly budget.
Students choose to move into flats/houses in the second or third years of their campus life. If you do move into a flat or house, you will have to sign a tenancy agreement, which is a legal document outlining the terms of the tenancy. It will be better to seek the assistance of the international student advisor regarding the procedures.
Requirements for Student Visa
A letter of acceptance on the course. This is the letter from your institution confirming that a place has been offered to you and that the course is full-time as defined by the immigration law.
Evidence that you can pay the course fees.
The student has to attend the Interview with the ECO, clarifying certain parts of your application. You must be able to convince him/her that your study plans are genuine and workable.
Students are permitted to work 20 hours per week during the course. It is not difficult to find some part time jobs to supplement your living expenses.
Future Job prospects for students are limited in UK and obtaining a work permit to stay back after studies is comparatively difficult. However, British degrees are valued and recognized all over the world, especially in Pakistan and the Middle East. These degrees provide a cutting edge for employment prospects.