Study abroad in the UK
"A guide for Indian students intending to study abroad in the UK"
This section is intended to provide a basic overview of student life in the UK for international or overseas students wishing to pursue higher education in the region. Along with information on eligibility aspects and visa applications of study abroad in the UK, the section provides a brief outline on the culture, lifestyle and varied experiences offered by institutions throughout the UK.
Click on a region to see institutions in the vicinity on an interactive map.
With a long tradition of catering to the academic aspirations of students from around the globe and a rich history of fostering a multicultural study environment, the United Kingdom remains a favoured destination for those yearning to add a global edge to their education and career.
For more than a century now the UK has been in the forefront of imparting quality education at the graduate and post-graduate levels. Aside from the hallowed portals of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, which have nurtured many a renowned scholar, students who opt to study in the UK today can choose from a wide variety of colleges and courses ranging from the technical sciences to the fine arts. A major advantage of studying abroad in the UK is the fact that the Masters' degree for most courses is of a one-year duration, as compared to two in most other countries, thus enabling students to save valuable time and money.
The UK: A cultural melting pot
Over the years, the United Kingdom has evolved as a uniquely cosmopolitan centre on the world stage. It will not be uncommon for those studying in London, with its largely multicultural and multi-racial society, to come across every imaginable type of cuisine and hear different languages from all over the world spoken. Also, with England being home to people from every area of the world without exception, it is the easiest place to have an experience of different cultures and countries which is desirable in the global markets of today.
Northern Ireland's picturesque landscape and vibrant cultural scene are incentive enough for anyone to visit the country. Major hubs of the region draw artists and musicians from all over Europe. It also has a rich literary history, having produced luminaries like Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.
The rich and varied heritage of Scotland to has been enhanced by outside influences brought in by new immigrants. Edinburgh, the cultural centre, is dotted with plenty of museums and art galleries that showcase works of artisans the world over. There are also a range of art and theatre festivals held every year. Music too is an important part of the cultural fabric, with the traditional highland music and the bagpipe complementing modern pop music.
With four international airports, apart from Heathrow, serving London alone and international connections to Bristol, Manchester and Newcastle, England is easily accessible by air. International flights to Scotland land at Glasgow or Edinburgh, while airports at Dundee and Aberdeen serve to connect Scotland to the rest of the UK and to mainland Europe. In Northern Ireland too, flights connect Belfast to London and other provincial cities.
There are also ferry services present connecting Britain to Northern Ireland and to ports in countries like Belgium, Germany, Spain and France. The Channel Tunnel, a land link with the rest of mainland Europe, allows for two other services - Eurostar, a high-speed connection between London, Paris and Brussels and Le Shuttel which allows motor vehicles to travel from the UK to France.
The easiest way to get around while in the UK is to use the numerous bus services which offer special travel passes. The trains, though a touch expensive, are excellent too, connecting remote parts of the country.
Institutions and location: A variety of choices
The relatively small size of the United Kingdom should not prove a deterrent for students who wish to make it their study destination, as it offers multiple choices of universities, in terms of number and course variety, spread over its four component countries - England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Essentially similar with regard to the academic structure, each of these countries however possesses its distinct identity, thereby ensuring that students have a unique educational experience irrespective of the place of study.
The broad spectrum of universities range from those steeped in tradition, like the ancient Scottish universities of Glasgow and St.Andrews, and the 'Red Brick' universities of England (those founded in the Victorian era, prior to World War II in the industrial centers of Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool and Sheffield) to the modern ones equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
Not far behind are Northern Ireland and Wales, both of which, while catering to international standards in the education and employment market, also offer relaxed surroundings and a serene setting for anyone wishing to study in the UK, indeed study abroad in Europe even, away from the hustle and bustle of English city life. Though autonomous to a large extent and offering degrees over a varied range of disciplines, Northern Ireland's universities and institutes of technology receive state funding to augment research projects and other undertakings like distance-learning programs. Wales too has a vibrant student body, over 40000 in number, from all over the globe. Major attractions include a beautiful location, low cost of living and good facilities for sports.
Studying abroad in the UK: Basic qualification criteria
Apart from proof of the obvious fact of your having been accepted for a recognized full-time degree course, you have to indicate ability to finance the course and support yourself throughout its duration without depending on public funding. However, students are eligible to secure part-time or holiday employment, subject to certain conditions.
Financial aid for international students is not very forthcoming in the United Kingdom. Some students with exceptional academic records may get a partial tuition fee waiver in certain universities. However, specific loan programs do not exist as yet for those looking to study abroad in the UK.
Every Indian student intending to study abroad in the UK requires a visa for entry. In addition, they have to show proof of being accepted at an establishment on the Register of Education and Training Providers. Other supporting documents that need to be furnished are the following:
- Relevant educational certificates
- Letter from the particular institution confirming acceptance
- Relevant bank statements showing ability to pay tuition and living expenses
- Evidence of sponsorship (either governmental or private), if any.
British High Commissions in India
Here are the addresses of the British High Commissions in India:
New Delhi:
British High Commission
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110 021
Office hours: 0900-1700 hrs
Phone: +91 11 2688 6506
Fax: +91 11 2687 0065
Out-of-hours: +91 11 2687 2161
email: postmaster.nedel@fco.gov.uk
Kolkata:
British Deputy High Commission
1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani,
Kolkata 700 071
Office hours: 0830-1600 hrs
Phone: +91 33 2288 5172/2288 5173-76
Fax: +91 33 2288 3435
Out-of-hours: +91 33 2288 6536
Duty Officer: 98310 75663
email: Kolkata@fco.gov.uk
Mumbai:
British Deputy High Commission
Maker Chambers IV, Second Floor, 222 Jamnalal Bajaj Road
Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021
Office hours: 0800-1600 hrs (Mon-Thur) | 0800-1300 hrs (Friday)
Phone: +91 22 6650 2222
Fax: +91 22 6650 2324
Emergency Duty Officer: 98200 00343
email: postmaster.bomba@fco.gov.uk
Chennai:
British Deputy High Commission
20 Anderson Road,
Chennai- 600 006
Office hours: 0830-1630 hrs (Mon-Thur) | 0830-1330 hrs (Friday)
Phone: +91 44 4219 2151
Fax: +91 44 4219 2322
Duty Officer: 98400 82731
email: bdhcchen@airtelbroadband.in
Once the VISA formalities are completed, one can look forward to joining the vast student diasporas from all over the world which is spread throughout the UK in various universities enrolled in a multitude of courses.
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