Studying in the UK: what international students need to know, advantages, disadvantages and required documents
Table of contents
- Advantages and disadvantages of studying in Great Britain
- Which British universities should international students pay attention to
- How can foreigners start studying in Great Britain?
- The procedure for admission to universities in Great Britain
- Tests on knowledge of the English language
- List of documents for admission to universities in Great Britain
- The mechanism of actions after entering a UK university
Studying in the UK opens up wide prospects and opportunities. In particular, the country offers many interesting programmes and specialities. Learn more about the necessary documents, advantages and disadvantages of studying in the UK
The best universities in the world are located in the beautiful, historic and bustling cities of Great Britain. British education is famous for its centuries-old traditions and is valued all over the world. Programs for the admission of foreign students have been developed in the country's universities.
Advantages and disadvantages of studying in Great Britain
Undoubtedly, studying in Great Britain has many advantages:
- The best universities on the planet - British universities annually occupy the top ranks in all international rankings;
- High level of security - being a student in the UK is as safe as at home;
- The opportunity to acquire useful skills - the country's universities pay attention not only to standard academic training, but also to the development of skills that are necessary for a successful career;
- You can get an education faster than in the USA or Europe, for example, in Europe you need to study for a bachelor's degree for four years, and in England you can complete a bachelor's and a master's degree during this time;
- The opportunity to claim a high salary during the job search;
- Convenient order of studying subjects;
- A large selection of extracurricular activities;
- Modern specialties and a close connection between universities and employers.
Disadvantages of studying in Great Britain include its high cost, heavy workload on students and strict discipline.
Which British universities should international students pay attention to
A list of the best British universities to consider when looking for a university for an international student:
- University of Portsmouth;
- University of Edinburgh;
- University of Birmingham;
- University of Nottingham;
- University of Leeds;
- Durham University;
- University of South Wales;
- Coventry University;
- University of Bristol.
How can foreigners start studying in Great Britain?
Prepare to apply:
- Choose a degree (Bachelor or Master) - British programs are very specialized and multidisciplinary;
- Find out about tuition fees - international students pay full tuition fees at UK universities and are not eligible for loans;
- Certain categories of foreigners are eligible for scholarships to study in Great Britain, you can find them at the link;
- Check the university entry requirements, especially whether you need to take any language tests such as IELTS or PTE Academic.
Learn more about the student exchange program, a great and popular way to gain new experience, by following the link.
The procedure for admission to universities in Great Britain
- For undergraduate students
Applications for admission to most universities in the UK for a bachelor's degree must be submitted through a single UCAS (University and College Admissions Service) website:
- Register and create your application on the UCAS website;
- Enter complete personal information;
- Add details of previous educational qualifications;
- Fill in the "financial information" block;
- Write a personal statement;
- Some universities may require additional tests such as the UCAT or BMAT for medicine or the LNAT for law degrees;
- You can apply for admission to 5 different universities in Great Britain or for 5 specialties at the same university.
Before sending the application, you can edit and save it as many times as you like.
- Master's or postgraduate studies
Future master's and postgraduate students can apply directly to the university. It is best to contact your chosen university for specific details about the postgraduate application process. For PhD programs, applicants are usually expected to also select a suitable supervisor from the university.
Feel at home in any country in the world! Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses and situations during your trip by taking out reliable insurance
Tests on knowledge of the English language
In most universities in Great Britain, studies are conducted in English. Therefore, if the applicant is not a citizen of an English-speaking country, he will have to provide proof of his English language proficiency. Usually the tests depend on the chosen university, but the most acceptable are PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, C1 Advanced.
Read about the features and differences between TOEFL and IELTS at the link.
List of documents for admission to universities in Great Britain
The list of documents for admission to universities in Great Britain consists of your personal information and photocopies of documents confirming your identity and educational history:
- Birth Certificate;
- Passport, national identity card;
- Letters of recommendation (if necessary);
- Confirmation of knowledge of the English language;
- Copies of academic degree/diploma certificates;
- Academic references;
- Graduate students may also be required to submit a proposal for future research.
Most or all copies of documents must be certified by a professional body that will confirm their authenticity. If the document/application is not in English, an official notarized translation may be required.
In some cases, universities may ask for additional documents after you have sent your application. To avoid delays or meet deadlines, send your package early.
The mechanism of actions after entering a UK university
After receiving confirmation, regarding admission to one of the universities of Great Britain, you must:
- Take out medical insurance;
- Apply for a UK student visa;
- You may need to register at a police station within seven days of your arrival in the UK (this is only required if the visa sticker in your passport states 'Police Registration');
- Some UK universities require pre-registration online on the university's website before arriving in the country;
- Finding accommodation can be a difficult task for international students, so we do not recommend leaving it until the last few days.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Immigration, education and business lawyer in the UK;
Travel and medical insurance for foreigners in the UK;
Insurance for international students in the UK.
Find out here about business studies abroad: the best countries, universities and top study programs in the world.
Read the new UK immigration rules for international students here.
How to get a work visa in the UK: types of permits and basic requirements.
Learn more about how to obtain British citizenship here.
How to find a job in the UK: a guide for foreigners.
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