Coming to study in the UK as an international student is your opportunity to gain the skills and confidence you need to fulfil your potential. To make sure you choose a degree program that is right for you and what you want to achieve, it is best to read as much as you can about the available programs, colleges and universities and compare them.
Of course, it is especially important to check the conditions for enrolling in studies.
From world-renowned universities to innovative approaches to education and teaching, the UK has what you need to reach your potential. A UK education opens doors for you wherever you go in the world.
During your studies, you will be allowed to develop the critical thinking skills, creativity and confidence that employers are looking for.
There are also many opportunities to apply for volunteering or internships, and later to earn your position in big companies. If you gain work experience, you will have an advantage in the competitive labour market. Some courses include a year of work or internship in an industry that interests you.
Such work positions give you practical experience in a profession that you cannot simulate in lectures or the classroom.
All universities and colleges in the UK employ professional careers advisers who advise on how to plan your career, write your CV and prepare for an interview.
Career counsellors can help you focus on developing the skills you need to succeed in specific industries, giving you the ability to stand out from the crowd.
Research shows that degrees obtained in Great Britain are highly valued around the world and that British universities are ranked first in the reputation of employers.
Great Britain’s academic reputation is world-renowned, built on a centuries-old heritage. Innovative teaching methods produce successful, well-rounded graduates sought by employers around the world.
World ranked universities
Universities in Great Britain rank highly in world rankings. In 2018, the Times Higher Education World Ranking included three UK faculties in the top 10 world universities, including the two best – the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
Innovative teaching methods
Universities in the UK combine traditional lectures with a variety of innovative teaching techniques, designed to encourage independent thinking, problem-solving skills and self-motivation. It’s done in small groups, solving real-life problems from your future career, whether in the classroom, the lab or on academic field trips.
You will have access to leading technology, from state-of-the-art laboratories to interactive displays and online learning. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from the best in your field: many UK university teachers are industry leaders in their field and you’ll have the opportunity to learn from their vast experience.
Universities also foster industry relationships, allowing you to gain practical experience in your field at world-leading organizations and make connections to advance your professional career.
The UK welcomes over 400,000 international students each year, and it’s clear why.
As well as benefiting from the academic tradition of some of the world’s most renowned universities, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities thanks to the UK’s reputation as a place of world-leading research.
Studying in the UK for international students will also help you improve your English language skills as well as your confidence in speaking a foreign language, which is highly valued by employers around the world. Regardless of the reason that brings you and whether you are studying at an undergraduate or postgraduate level, a boarding school or a secondary vocational school; you will study in a safe, multicultural environment.
While you study, you will have the opportunity to be a scholar, as all educational institutions in Great Britain have a support system for their students. With prices lower than in Australia and the US and programs lasting three years, you can enjoy a unique and life-changing student experience.
Colleges, colleges and universities in this country provide top-notch education. The way is open for students to study what they love and gain qualifications that are recognized by employers around the world. All educational institutions in Great Britain follow strict standards set by the government, while studies in this country are considered one of the most prestigious and have been the number one choice for students from abroad for many years.
Undergraduate studies generally last three years (in Scotland four years). Full-time postgraduate studies can last one year or more. Study fees and living expenses vary depending on the faculty you choose and the city where the faculty is located. The cost of studies ranges from £4,000-£30,000 per year.
What is required to enter universities in the UK?
There are over 250 Universities in England, while the University enrollment process is quite different from the rest of the European countries. A small number of students after abroad matriculation matriculate enrol in faculties in Great Britain, and these are mainly faculties of professional studies that have defined exactly which field it is possible to study, and these are lower-ranked faculties.
If a student wants to enrol in higher ranked Universities in Great Britain, he can do so in the following ways by enrolling:
Before the program
Designed to build the essential skills and knowledge to prepare for A level, the IB Diploma or the Foundation programme.
GCSE program (from year 14)
A GCSE is a subject-specific qualification to enable and progress to a pre-university program such as A level or the IB programme. This program consists of different subjects where the student, by knowing the basics of each subject, gets to know what his interests are. The subjects are Art and Design, Biology, Business, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Media, French, Spanish, Performing Arts, Photography, and Physical Education.
A Level (from the age of 16)
Is a higher level qualification in a specific subject that can lead to university admission, study, training or work. It is a traditional qualification in the UK that offers the widest level of university choice. This program is intended for ambitious individuals who aim to enrol in prestigious British universities (Top UK). The program lasts two years and it is possible to start it in September. During the first year, the focus is on four subjects, and during the second year on three subjects. The total duration of the program is 6 semesters (6 terms). There is also a Fast Track A Levels program aimed at those who can complete a two-year program in just one year. The program is intensive and lasts 3 or 5 semesters. At the end of the first and second years, modular exams are taken. Homework and the final IELTS exam play a significant role in the assessment.
The subjects you can choose are Accounting, Business, Chemistry, Economics, English Literature, Art, Higher Mathematics, Geography, Politics and Government, History, Law, Mathematics, Media, Foreign Language, Photography, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology.
Foundation program (from the age of 17 onwards)
All foreign students who wish to study at universities in Great Britain must (if their total education through primary and secondary education lasted less than 13 years) attend a preparatory program for enrollment in studies – University Foundation Year, lasting 1 year. Attending the University Foundation Year program provides future students with additional academic and language training that will be invaluable during their studies in Great Britain. This program includes 3 areas:
- Improving the English language and preparing for the IELTS exam
- Acquiring knowledge in basic subjects – the program is focused on acquiring general academic education, developing analytical thinking, mastering the skills of learning and working on a computer, etc.
- Mastering the basic concepts from the field of optional subjects – can be from the field of:
- Marketing & Media
- Business, Finance & Management
- Science, Engineering & Computing
- Art, Design & Music
- Humanities & Law
The Foundation Year program is intended for students who have not studied according to the British curriculum but wish to obtain a degree at a British university. The Foundation program acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and UK undergraduate entry requirements and is designed to bridge the academic gap, improve your English and introduce you to UK life and culture as you prepare for university.
Certain Foundation Program organizers have partnerships with universities and can guarantee enrollment at that institution if the student achieves high enough grades. Many programs are organized on the campus of the university and students have full access to the libraries, equipment and sports facilities used by the university.
What requirements do you have to meet to enrol in the Foundation programme?
A minimum IELTS score of 4.5 is required for international students wishing to study the Foundation year programme, with no element below 4.0. If you do not have a formal English language qualification, you may need to complete an English language course before starting the foundation course. The necessary documents and requirements for enrollment are:
- A minimum IELTS score of 4.5
- Diploma of completed high school education
- Grade transcript
- A letter of recommendation from your high school teacher
- Motivational letter
- Scanned copy of passport and visa
If you need to improve your English, IELTS preparation programs are available for all levels and abilities in language schools. The application prepares for the IELTS test and improves your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
Scholarships for International Students
Higher education abroad has its price. If you want to study at one of the prestigious universities in Great Britain, as a financial relief for your studies, you can consider one of the scholarships that are available to foreign students, depending on the study program and degree of study they are applying for. Some of the scholarships offered to international students are:
- Chevening Scholarships – Scholarships awarded by the British government to outstanding students with leadership potential from around the world to complete their master’s studies at accredited universities in Great Britain.
- Marshall Scholarships – Scholarships for high-achieving students from the USA.
- Commonwealth Scholarships and fellowships – British scholarships offered by members of the government to citizens of other Commonwealth countries.
Cost of living for international student in the UK
Great Britain is one of the most expensive countries for an average student to live in. The costs themselves depend on the city where the University is located. The average cost of student life in the UK varies from £550 to £770 per month, and these amounts are enough to cover the costs of accommodation, food, public transport and other additional student costs.
- London £900 to £1,300 per month
- Liverpool £5,500 to £7,000 per annum
- Essex £5,700 to £7,500 per annum
- Manchester £8,100 per annum
- Oxford £9,750 per annum
Affordable housing is especially difficult if you don’t start applying on time. Keep in mind that you have to book several months in advance before you come to study. The most popular options for student accommodation in the UK are:
- Student residences and dormitories/cost between £100 and £250 per week,
- Flats with roommates (shared flat) / between £600 and £750 per month,
- Rooms in flats or houses and living with a family/couple – between £600 and £700 per month, where meals (breakfast and dinner) are usually included in the price.
UK study visas
A visa is required to study in the UK. Thousands of students a year successfully obtain a student visa in Great Britain. The government of this country accepts students from all countries and there is no limit to the number of student visas issued each year. The visa should be prepared earlier, as well as a certificate of financial status, qualifications, and education. Passing the biometric test, as well as the interview, is required. Visas depend on the number of years and duration of studies.
Short studies
For students under the age of 17 who want to go on a short course lasting up to 6 months, a Standard Visitor Visa is required.
For students over the age of 17 who want to go on a short course lasting up to 6 months, a Short-study term Visa is required.
Full Studies
For students between the ages of 4 and 17 who wish to study longer, a Child student Visa (Tier 4) is required. If the student is between 4 and 15 years old, he must study in a private school.
For students over the age of 16 who wish to study longer, a General Student Visa (Tier 4) is required.
You can get more about the conditions and deadlines on the website of the British Embassy in Belgrade, as well as at www.migrationexpert.co.uk/student_visa/tier_4_adult_visa/
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Experience student life
While studying in the UK, you can also have fun; there are countless ways to enjoy yourself, learn new things and make new friends.
The UK offers an amazing, unforgettable student experience like no other country. Make the most of it!
It is a country rich in history and culture, with stunning countryside, world-leading modern art, design, culture, fashion and sport. Education in the UK offers something for everyone.
From bustling cities to dusty mountains, green hills to towering mountains and islands, the UK is beautiful and exploring is a must. Its relatively small size and good transport links mean you can see a lot while studying there.