6 Easy Steps for Getting into Your Favourite University in the UK

For students who have the ambition of studying in Britain but are unsure of the best approach to follow, we have got the perfect solution. We can assist you in everything starting from selecting the best university to applying for your student visa.

Britain has long been a favourite destination for international students owing to its rich and diverse culture, and the presence of some of the most esteemed universities. While studying in Britain is an extremely rewarding experience, the long and complicated process of getting there deters many aspiring applicants.

For making this process as easy as possible for you, we have thoroughly researched and compiled all the information relating to studying in Britain in this article.

• Selecting the university

Zeroing in on the right university is the first, and one of the most crucial steps of studying abroad. With more than 100 universities spread across the length and breadth of this country, Britain offers one of the widest spectrums of choices to its students. For an outsider, it may prove to be a challenging task to pick the right option.

Fortunately, UK also maintains a digital framework, namely Unistats, where students can view all the university courses and compare them based on numerous filters such as course fee and student feedback.

However, not all universities have the necessary clearance to host international students. Only the ones on the Register of Tier 4 Sponsors are eligible for a student visa.

• Application process

After you have picked your preferred university, along with a few other backup options, you must prepare for its application procedure.

For undergraduate aspirants, this process starts on the University and Colleges Admission Service’s (UCAS) website. Post the submission of a nominal application fee, you will be eligible for applying to as many as 5 universities of your choice.

Most universities have their application deadline on 15^th January, but it’s prudent to check it beforehand. Private universities regulate their own admission procedures. You may get in touch with them via their individual websites and check their application process.

• Visa application

Students residing outside Switzerland and the European Economic Area (EEA) require a Tier 4 visa for courses exceeding 6 months. All the information pertaining to visa application is available on the UK government’s official website.

Student visa applications start 3 months prior to the course’s commencement. For a successful application, it is imperative to line up all the proper documents:

1. Offer letter: An unconditional offer letter from a Tier 4 university is the first requirement of your visa application process. Upon the receipt of this offer, the visa authority will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number which you’ll need in a later stage.
2. Your current passport along with a passport-sized photograph.
3. Proof of proficiency in English
4. TB test results for candidates from specific countries.
5. Proof of financial support

The next step is visiting your local Visa Application Centre and registering your biometric data and other personal details. After the completion of the application, you may expect a decision in 3 weeks.

• Monetary matters

Fees for international students typically range from £3,500 to £18,000 annually. It depends on a host of factors such as your chosen university, course and even the location. Look for a detailed report of international students’ fees.

You may apply for scholarship programs as well, the details of which are available on UK government’s official page for overseas students.

• Finding accommodation

With a plethora of options for student’s accommodation, ranging from dormitories to personal apartments, finding a place to stay in the UK is not a very difficult task.

• Part-time jobs

You may easily get a part-time job conditional on your visa terms. You can also find all the relevant information regarding working there on the website of UK Council for International Student Affairs. There are some limitations regarding the number of hours you can work and the vocation. However, that again depends on the terms of your visa.

While the process of applying for your dream university in Britain may seem a long-drawn method, the end result is certainly worth it. With these 6 easy steps, you may get there sooner than you imagined!