Must-Read Advice for Students Interested in Studying in the UK

Despite Brexit, the UK is still an attractive destination for international students seeking high quality education overseas. London, in particular, is popular among international students due to its prestigious universities and cultural attractions.

If you have decided to study in a university in the UK, you have indeed made the right decision. Studying in a world-class university in the UK can be a liberating, life-changing experience for many international students. Apart from gaining access to world-class education, you will get to meet people from different parts of the world.

That being said, the university application as well as the visa process can be intimidating. Here are some simple tips that will make it easier:

Research

For starters, research the course you want to study and your preferred universities. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is an excellent website to learn about the university application process in the UK.

Since entry into most universities, especially high-raking universities like Oxford is extremely competitive, it is crucial to begin your research at least six months in advance to ensure that you meet all the admission requirements. It will also give you enough time to work on your application, especially the personal statement.

Pay attention to admission deadlines. Generally speaking, the academic year in the UK is from September to July.  However, it is better to submit your application as early as you can.

Documents

Organise your personal and educational documents a few months before submitting your application. In most cases, universities ask for copies of educational documents and transcripts and photocopy of a passport photo page of an international student as well as recommendation letters from their previous professional or academic superiors.

International students must also submit either IELTS or TOEFL scores in order to prove their proficiency in the English language.

Student Visa

Depending on your country of origin, you may or may not need a student visa to study in the UK. If you are not from the EU, you will have to apply for a student visa.

The visa you need will depend on the length of your study programme. Tier 4 (General) student visa is for students whose study programme is longer than six months.

The UK immigration system is points-based. You will need 40/40 points to get a Tier 4 student visa. To be on the safe side, apply for your Tier 4 student visa at least 3 months before the start of your university.

For further information or assistance on UK student visa, get in touch with our certified immigration solicitors.