Five Quick Points About the U.K.
- Second only to the U.S. as the study destination of choice for international students
- London is a major financial centre for the world
- Increasingly multicultural
- Highly regarded for the quality of its higher education system
- Expanding post-graduate work opportunities for international students
Location and Geography
The United Kingdom is a sovereign state situated west of continental Europe; its total area is 244,820 square kilometres. It comprises four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is the only part of the U.K. with a land border (with the Republic of Ireland) and the rest of the state is surrounded by bodies of water (the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel, and the Irish Sea). The English Channel separates the U.K.’s southern coastline from France.
The United Kingdom is renowned for its level plains and rolling green countryside. These predominate in the south and the east, whereas to the north and the west, the landscape includes rugged hills and low mountains. The capital is London.
Climate
The U.K. has a temperate climate, and one that is remarkably varied due to the water bodies surrounding the area – conditions can change greatly from one day to the next. Scotland in the north tends to be cooler than England, while Wales is generally wetter with more cloud cover. Temperatures generally range from around 0º Celcius in winter to 32º Celcius in summer. In all parts of the U.K., waterproof jackets should be part of the wardrobe.
History and Population
The U.K. has had a tumultuous history. In early times, the region’s predominantly Celtic people were invaded and influenced by a range of different nationalities, including Romans, Norsemen, Vikings, Saxons, and Normans. While the U.K. was for a long time a major coloniser (i.e., during the time of the British Empire), exporting its culture, values, and the English language around the world, it is now increasingly a nation of immigrants, with a diverse mix of European, Asian, and African nationalities influencing the culture as a whole.
At the same time, British values continue to find a voice around the world in such institutions as the Commonwealth, and to varying extents in the systems and structures of the countries of the former British Empire.
The current population of the U.K. is just over 66 million. England is the most densely populated (approximately 55 million), with the majority of people living in the south-east; Scotland’s population is just under 6 million; Wales is about 3 million; and Northern Ireland is just under 2 million.
English is the main language, but many other languages are also spoken.
Society and Culture
The development and formation of the United Kingdom has occurred in a way that the cultures of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland overlap, yet still have their own diverse and distinctive features.
The average age is 40. The trend is for younger people to study for longer and for older people to spend more time in retirement. So the time spent in employment during a person’s lifetime has been reduced. Increased life expectancy and working women have also contributed to this trend.
Economy
A member of the G7 and G20 groups, the U.K. economy is the sixth largest in the world by GDP – and among the top three in Europe. It was historically one of the first nations to become industrialised, and London remains one of the world’s main financial centres.
Services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services, contribute by far the largest proportion of GDP, with industry and manufacturing becoming increasingly less important (as in most affluent nations). While it accounts for a relatively small proportion of GDP, the agricultural industry in the U.K. is highly intensive and efficient, producing roughly 60% of food needs but employing less than 2% of the labour force.
The currency of the UK is the Pound Sterling (£).
Government
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy/parliamentary democracy. The U.K. was the foundation member of the Commonwealth and remains its flagship country today. A founding member of NATO, the U.K. is also a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
The government of England is still solely regulated by the U.K. parliament. Since the Devolution in 1999, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have had their own legislative bodies and more independent authority in governing their own countries.
The chief of state in the U.K. is the King, and the prime minister is the head of parliament. England, Scotland and Wales have regional county councils responsible for local government matters. Large cities (especially London) also have councils (Burroughs) that are responsible for local government.
Living Conditions and Cost of Living
In the U.K., the cost of living can vary considerably depending on location. With the UK’s departure from the European Union in 2020, students from both EU and non-EU countries can expect to pay foreign student fees while studying in the United Kingdom.
A 2022 QS article notes,
“Now, UK and EU students at English universities are required to pay up to £9,250 (~US$13,050) per year.
International undergraduate tuition fees vary considerably, starting at around £10,000 (~US$14,130) and going up to £38,000 (~US$53,700) or more for medical degrees.
The total average cost of studying in the UK is estimated to be at least £22,200 (~US$31,380) per year, with studying in London likely to be significantly more expensive.”
The U.K. lifestyle provides opportunities to experience a wide range of live theatre, museums, art galleries, historical towns and buildings. Travel is available to most parts of the U.K. via train and/or bus and the U.K. abounds in bed and breakfast accommodation as well as backpacker hostels.
Education System
The education system in the U.K. (except for Scotland) comprises four main sectors: primary, secondary, further education, and higher education.
Full-time education is compulsory for all children aged between 5 and 16 (inclusive). Students ordinarily attend primary until they are 11 years old and secondary until they are 16. They may then continue their secondary studies for a further two years (sixth form), leading most typically to an A-level qualification, although other qualifications and courses exist, including the BTEC and the International Baccalaureate. The Education and Skills Act 2008 raised the leaving age for compulsory education to 18.
The UK has just over 605,000 international students enrolled in higher education. Higher education typically begins with a three-year bachelor’s degree. Post-graduate degrees include master’s degrees (usually one year and/or research) and PhDs (at least three years).
While the four countries of the U.K. have differing approaches to vocational education and training (VET), the training and qualifications are interchangeable and of the same standard. Three of the countries (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) share a common system of external qualifications within the National Qualifications Framework. There are separate bodies within each country responsible for regulating these qualifications.
Education in Scotland
The Scottish system of education is quite distinct from the education systems of the rest of the U.K. Since 1999, it has had its own legislative framework, curriculum framework, and qualifications system. The Scottish Parliament is responsible for the whole system and has established several agencies for education development. For example, the Scottish Qualifications Authority is responsible for issuing all qualifications. Scotland has one main university system: Scotland University, under which all of the individual universities operate.
Universities are located in all of the major cities of the country. Higher education courses in Scotland are usually one year longer than in other countries of the U.K. Emphasis is placed on breadth in a wide range of specialized subjects. Scotland prides itself on the standard of education provided and the flexibility allowed in selecting subjects within a course. The Scottish approach is attractive to many students, as they are more likely to be able to change mid-stream in their studies.
How the UK education system works
Types of school
In general there are two types of school in the UK: State schools and Independent Schools.
STATE SCHOOLS: Also known as comprehensive schools, state schools are open to students of all abilities, are government-funded and free.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL: Sometimes known as private school or public schools, independent schools manage their own entry requirements and require students to pay fees to attend.
You will learn more about the types of schools as we progress.
There are several stages of education within the UK.
- Preparatory and Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Examinations at sixteen to eighteen years in England, Northern Ireland and Wales
- Examinations at sixteen to eighteen years in Scotland
- Post-sixteen Education – Sixth form, Sixth Form Colleges and Further Education
- Post-eighteen Education
PREPARATORY AND PRIMARY EDUCATION
Pre-school education is available in both the independent and the state systems. Many children start their education at the age of three or four at a nursery school or in the nursery class at a primary school. Most UK children begin formal education when they go to primary school at the age of 5 and generally move to secondary school at the age of 11 or 12. Children in Scotland complete 7 years of primary school, starting in Primary 1 (P1), going up to P7 (the equivalent of Year 7 in England).
In the independent system, preparatory education is available for children aged 5 to 11, and in some also to age 13. At age 11 and/or 13 students prepare for entrance exams to their next chosen independent school, or they may stay in their current school if it goes through to sixth form.
Some international students join the school at the age of 7, often as live-in boarders (residents), and then transfer to a secondary school in the independent system when they are either 11 or 13.
SECONDARY EDUCATION
Most pupils begin their secondary education at the age of 11 (Year 7), but in some independent schools pupils may join the school when they are 13 years old (Year 9).
Scottish students begin their secondary education at the age of 12. After this, they study six years of secondary school from Secondary 1 (S1) to S6 (equivalent to Y8 to Y13 in England). Secondary schools in Scotland are also known as high schools or academies.
Many international students enter the UK secondary education system when they are either 11 or 13, mostly attending independent boarding schools.
Examinations at sixteen to eighteen years in England, Northern Ireland and Wales
EXAMINATIONS AT SIXTEEN TO EIGHTEEN YEARS IN ENGLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND AND WALES
Pupils in both state and independent schools typically take GCSE examinations (General Certificates of Secondary Education). These are the final exams for compulsory education in a school. They are taken at 16 years old, the end of Key stage 4 and Year 11. Students usually take GCSEs in about eight to ten subjects, which must include English and Mathematics. At 16 years old students in Scotland take exams called Nationals.
In English state schools any students at Key stage 4, who achieves grades A to C GCSEs in the following subjects is awarded the EBacc (English Baccalaureate):
- English
- Mathematics
- History or geography
- The sciences
- A language
After completing GCSEs students can progress to Advanced Level courses (AS level and A Level) and exams (more later in ‘Preparing for higher education’). GCSE and Advanced Level qualifications are set by examination boards. AQA/OCR/Edexcel/WJEC/CCEA are the exam boards for GCSE and A-level. They set their own courses and exams which tend to differ slightly from each other. Schools can choose which board’s courses they offer. The quality is measured by Ofqual, the organisation that monitors all exam standards.
EXAMINATIONS AT SIXTEEN TO EIGHTEEN YEARS IN SCOTLAND
In Scotland, pupils sit National 4/5 exams at 15 to 16 years old, usually in 8 subjects including compulsory exams in English and Mathematics. National 4 and 5 qualifications are studied over one school year with courses comprising a number of units and coursework. National 4 courses do not involve formal exams at the end of the course – these courses rely on continuous assessment. Only National 5 students have formal exams and these are the more academically advanced of the qualifications.
Higher Courses (SCQF level 6) are suitable for learners who have progressed from Nationals 4 and 5 and the Advanced Higher Courses (SCQF level 7) are aimed at learners who have passed Highers. They extend the skills and knowledge gained at Higher and are useful qualifications for entry into further and higher education or the workplace.
POST-SIXTEEN EDUCATION – SIXTH FORM, SIXTH FORM COLLEGES AND FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGES
After completing compulsory education at the age of 16, students may legally leave school and start work, except in England where they must pursue some form of education and/or training until they are 18. When UK students apply to study for a degree they will have received at least 13 years of education.
For students from 16 years the independent and state sector schools are structured in the same way. International students often enter the education system at this point, for example, taking A-levels in preparation for further or higher education or taking vocational subjects and courses at Further Education colleges. From 16 to 18 students may opt to carry on into the school’s sixth form, go to a Sixth Form College or alternatively a College of Further Education, where they can also opt to take vocational courses and training.
POST-EIGHTEEN EDUCATION
Over the age of 18 students move on to:
Further education (including work-based courses and some degree courses)
- This is the term used to describe education and training that takes place after the school-leaving age of 16. Over 480 further education colleges, both state-funded and independent, offer a very wide range of programmes, including English language courses, some Highers, GCSEs, A-levels and other equivalents, work-based courses, access courses and some degree courses.
Higher education (including undergraduate degree courses, postgraduate programmes and MBAs)
- ‘Higher Education’ (HE) describes education and training that takes place at universities, colleges and institutes offering studies at degree level and higher.
Qualifications compared
This table below provides a visual comparison of the qualification levels within the UK.
| Qualifications: England, Northern Ireland and Wales | RQF Level: England, Northern Ireland and Wales | Scottish Qualifications | SCQF Level: Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSCE | 1 and 2 (grade dependent) | National 4 | 4 |
| AS Level/GCSE | 2 | National 5 | 5 |
| AS Level/A Level | 3 | Higher | 6 |
| A Level | 3 | Advanced Higher | 7 |
Schools and colleges – overview
- Private and public English language schools, which may be year-round language schools or seasonal language schools
- Nursery and pre-school (independent and state)
- Primary and Junior schools (state)
- Preparatory schools (independent)
- Secondary schools (independent and state)
- Sixth-form colleges (not in Scotland)
- Further education colleges
- Independent colleges (not in Scotland)
Higher education institutions
UK higher education institutions are all different – individual and independent. They are clustered into groups for example:
- Russell Group (research intensive universities)
- MillionPlus (the association of modern universities in the UK)
- University Alliance (universities with a professional and technical focus)
- Guild HE (universities, university colleges, further education colleges, specialist colleges)
Some universities have strong reputations for certain subject areas, or research, or sport, or even for offering lots of societies or cultural options.
Universities should be carefully chosen to provide the best-fit destination for your students.
Classification for Merits of Degrees
The classification system is a grading code that is used to differentiate between the various attainment levels of successful graduates. It is important because it is widely accepted as a measure of academic achievement. Often, to continue to study for a postgraduate qualification, students will need to have achieved a 2:1 classification or higher. Starting with the highest level of attainment the classifications are:
- First class honours (a First)
- Upper second class honours (a 2:1)
- Lower second class honours (a 2:2)
- Third class honours (a Third)
- Pass (a degree awarded without honours)
A performance below that of pass would not result in the award of a degree.
Visas and immigration
Entry into the UK is managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
The UKVI operates a points-based visa application system with the key requirements for a successful application including:
- evidence of sponsorship at a licensed education provider
- demonstration of English language ability
- the ability of the student to support themselves financially in the UK.
This points-based visa route is streamlined for sponsoring institutions and their students, creating clearer pathways for students, and ensuring the UK remains competitive in a changing global market.
There are separate child and adult routes, and those sponsoring students will be required to have regard to the safeguarding of international students under 18 studying at their institution. In time, and following the launch of a new sponsorship system, UKVI will consider diversifying further by splitting the adult route into separate Higher Education and Further Education routes to accentuate the pathways.
Most international students will need a student visa to study in the UK. Your visa will allow you to live and study in the UK for the duration of your course. There are four visa routes aimed specifically at students.
For students who are 16 or over and want to study a course at higher education level in the UK, lasting longer than six months (or English language courses lasting longer than 11 months).
For students aged between four and 17 years old who want to study at a school in the UK.
For students who want to study English language courses that are between six and 11 months long.
For students who want to study a course at an accredited institution for less than six months.
Factors which will determine the type of UK visa students will apply for are primarily based on four factors:
- the student’s nationality
- the student’s age
- the length of the course of study
- the type of course being studied.
- have been offered a place on a course by a licensed sponsor
- can speak, read, write and understand English to the required level
- have money to support themselves and pay for their course – the amount will vary depending on their circumstances
- have consent from their parents if they’re 16 or 17 – they’ll need evidence of this when they apply.
If they’re 16 or 17 and they want to study at an independent school in the UK, they may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.
Institutions and courses
Students can apply to study at any school, college or university that appears on UKVI’s list of approved education providers (also called licensed sponsors).
They can study a wide range of courses in the UK, but they must check the course they want to study is at a high enough level. Read the section on eligible courses on the UKCISA website.
A Student visa is required if they want to study an English course for more than 11 months.
Students must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.
To prove this, the institution they wish to study at will send them a reference number (called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS once they’ve offered them a place on the course. Students need a CAS before they can apply for their visa. The CAS is valid for 6 months from the date it was issued by the institution.
English language requirements
You can prove your knowledge of English by:
- passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved SELT provider
- having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18.
Different types of institution have different English language requirements:
| Education institution | Level of study | Knowledge of English needed | English language level required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher education institution (HEI) | Degree level or above – NQF 6/QCF 6/SCQF 9 or above | Reading, writing, listening and speaking | Equivalent to CEFR (Common European Framework for languages) level B2 |
| Institution that’s not HEI | Degree level or above – NQF 6/QCF 6/SCQF 9 or above | SELT in reading, writing, listening and speaking | CEFR level B2 |
| Any institution | Below degree – NQF 3-5/QCF 3-5/SCQF 6-8 | SELT in reading, writing, listening and speaking | CEFR level B1 |
HEIs can choose how they assess a student’s knowledge of English. The student’s knowledge of English must still be at:
- CEFR level B2 if they’re studying at a degree level or higher
- SELT in reading, writing, listening and speaking and CEFR level B1 if they’re not studying at a degree level (If they have to pass a SELT, it must be from an approved provider.)
Required documentation
When applying for their student visa they must provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel documentation
- a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their course provider.
They may also need to provide:
- proof they have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course – this will vary depending on their circumstances
- a valid ATAS certificate if their course requires it
- proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if they’re under 18
- proof of their relationship to their parent or guardian if they’re under 18
- their tuberculosis test results (if required)
- written consent for their application from their financial sponsor if they’ve received sponsorship for their course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.
Students may need to provide additional documents depending on their circumstances. Read the guidance for the full list of documents they’ll need to provide.
They will need a blank page in their passport for their visa if they need to give their biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. They’ll be told if they need to do this when they apply.
Showing evidence to meet financial requirements
In some circumstances students do not need to provide evidence that they meet the financial requirements. For example, if:
- they’ve had a UK visa for 12 months prior to the date of their Student visa application (NB: They must currently be in the UK)
- they’re applying as a student union sabbatical officer
- they’re applying as a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognised foundation programme
- if they’re from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’.
The ‘differential evidence requirement’ means that students do not need to provide evidence that prove they have enough money to support themselves if they’re either a British national overseas or if they are from one of the countries or territories listed by the UKVI.
However, students should still ensure that they meet this requirement as they might be asked to provide this evidence before they get a decision on their application.
If they do need to provide it, they’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) after they’ve submitted their application.
How to apply
The earliest a student can apply for a visa from outside the UK is 6 months before they start their course. They will usually get a decision on their visa within 3 weeks. You can check the visa processing times and any updates on the government website.
Students must apply online for a Student visa.
Applying from outside the UK
As part of their application, students will need to prove their identity. How they do this depends on where they’re from and what type of passport they have.
They’ll either:
- give their fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre
- use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document – they’ll also need to create or sign into their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
They will be told which of these they need to do when they apply.
Online applications can be saved for completion at a later date if required and they will usually get a decision on their completed application within 3 weeks.
If they need to give their biometric information at a visa application centre, they may be able to pay to get a faster decision. Check if their visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.
Applying from inside the UK
From inside the UK students may be able to apply to:
- extend their Student visa
- switch to a Student visa from another type of visa.
After they apply
They’ll be contacted if their application is complex and will take longer, for example because:
- their supporting documents need to be verified
- they need to attend an interview
- of their personal circumstances (for example if they have a criminal conviction).
If they need to change something in their application after they’ve sent it, then contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) directly.
They can ask to withdraw their application by contacting UKVI. Please note: The application fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing their application.
After they get a decision
If their student visa application is successful, they’ll get either:
- a biometric residence permit – if they gave their biometric information at a visa application centre
- digital immigration status which they can view and prove online – if they used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
Child Student visas
Applicants can apply for the Child Student visa, formally the Tier 4 (Child) student visa, if they’re aged between 4 and 17, and they want to study at an independent school in the UK.
They must:
- have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school
- be able to show they’ll have access to enough money to support themselves in the UK and pay for their course
- have the consent of their parent or guardian to study in the UK – they’ll need to prove this when they apply.
If they’re 18 or over, they apply for a Student visa instead.
WHEN TO APPLY
When students can apply depends on whether they are applying from inside or outside the UK.
Applying from outside the UK
- The earliest they can apply for a visa is 6 months before they start their course.
- They’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
Applying from inside the UK
- The earliest they can apply is 3 months before their course starts.
- They must apply before their current visa expires. Their new course must begin within 28 days of their current visa expiring.
- They’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
HOW LONG THEY CAN STAY
The student’s age and the length of their course of study will affect how long they can stay.
| Application type | How long they can stay |
|---|---|
| Under 16 | Course length (up to 6 years) plus 4 months afterwards |
| 16 or 17 | Course length (up to 3 years) plus 4 months afterwards |
Students can arrive in the UK up to 1 month before their course starts, but no earlier than the start date given on their visa.
Staying longer in the UK
They may be able to:
- extend their visa if they’re eligible, for example to continue their studies in the UK
- switch to a Child Student visa from another visa if they’re already in the UK.
WHAT IS THE COST
It currently costs:
- £363 to apply for a Child Student visa from outside the UK
- £490 to extend or switch to a Child Student visa from inside the UK
Students will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge (normally £470) as part of their application.
NB: Costs are subject to change, always check the latest costs before applying.
DOS AND DONTS
They can:
- study at an independent school.
If they’re 16 or over, they can work:
- part-time during term for up to 10 hours per week
- full-time during vacations
- on a work placement as part of your course, (but not for more than 50% of their course time).
They can’t:
- study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school) or further education college
- get public funds (benefits)
- take a full-time permanent job or be self-employed
- work as a professional sportsperson (for example a sports coach) or entertainer
- settle in the UK on this visa
- bring in family members (‘dependants’) – if their parents want to accompany them, they’ll need to apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa.
Eligibility and courses
A student applying for Child Student visa must have:
- an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Child Student sponsor
- enough money to support themselves and pay for their course – this will vary depending on their circumstances
They will also need a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) for studies. This is a reference number that their education provider will send them, once they’ve been offered a place on a course. This will need to be entered on their visa application.
The CAS can cover both the pre-sessional course to prepare them for their main course of study and also for their main course. They must apply for their visa no later than 6 months after they’ve received the CAS.
Money students will need
Applicants must have enough money available to them to pay for their course and to support themselves while they are in the UK. How much money they need depends on where they will live and who will be looking after them.
They should read the full Child Student guidance before they apply.
If they will live with their parents, their parent must have a Parent of a Child Student visa to accompany them to the UK. If they’re over 12 their parent will not be eligible, unless they have a younger sibling who’s under 12 and also has a Child Student visa.
They must have enough money to pay for their course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months).
They’ll also need £1,560 per month (for up to 9 months) – this amount is for both the applicant and their parent.
Their parent will need an extra £625 a month (for up to 9 months) for each additional child they accompany to the UK. The child must be their sibling and must also have a Child Student visa.
If they will live with their foster care or close relative, they must have enough money to pay for their course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months). Their foster care or close relative must confirm they have at least £570 per month (for up to 9 months).
Their foster care or close relative must be a British citizen or be settled (have ‘indefinite leave to remain’) in the UK. They cannot be their parent.
If they are 16 or 17 living independently, they must have enough money to pay for their course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months).
They’ll also need either:
- £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) if they’re studying in London
- £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) if they’re studying outside of London
London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.
Extending or switching a visa
Students may be able to apply to extend their Child Student visa to stay longer in the UK. This includes if they currently have a Tier 4 (Child) student visa.
To extend their visa they must:
- be in the UK on a Child Student visa or a Tier 4 (Child) student visa
- have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Child Student sponsor – shown by their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
If they’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, they’ll need to prove they have enough money to support themselves.
They’ll need to pay:
- £490 to extend this visa
- the healthcare surcharge – check how much they’ll have to pay
They may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
NB: Costs are subject to change, always check the latest costs before they apply.
Short-term study visas
Everyone can study in the UK for up to six months as a visitor. This means many students, including students from European Union member countries, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and more, can study a short English language course without a visa.
Some nationalities will still need to apply for a standard visitor visa if they want to do a short course. You can check if you will need a visa on the English with Confidence website. See the visitor visa section for more details.
For courses longer than six months, all international students need to apply for a visa before travel. There are two types of student visas available:
- Short-term (English language) study visa allows you to study an English language course for between six and 11 months.
- A student visa is required if you want to study English for more than 11 months, or any other subject for more than six months.
It costs £200 for a short-term visa.
Students will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge (approximately £470) as part of their online application.
NB: Costs are subject to change, so always check how much they’ll need to pay before applying.
Students can apply for a visa up to 3 months before their date of travel to the UK. Students must apply online for a Short-term study visa.
They should get a decision on their visa within 3 weeks when they apply from outside the UK.
Studying in the UK as a visitor
All international students can study in the UK for six months or less as visitors. The reason for the visit can be to:
- study at an accredited institution (this includes English language courses)
- do a short piece of research that’s relevant to your course overseas
- do an ‘elective’ – an optional additional placement, if you’re studying medicine, veterinary medicine and science, nursing or dentistry
- sit an entrance exam, retake an exam or course module, or do a PhD oral exam (a viva)
- do an unpaid clinical attachment if you’re a graduate from a medical, dental or nursing school
- take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) test or the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test.
Who needs a visa?
Students of any nationality on the ‘non-visa national’ list below do not need a visa to study in the UK for up to six months. Students from Gulf Cooperation Council countries should apply for an Electronic Visa Waiver.
The following nationalities can study in the UK without a visa, for up to six months:
| Any EU or EEA country | Israel | Israel |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Japan | Saint Lucia |
| Argentina | Kiribati | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Australia | Macau | Samoa |
| Bahamas | Malaysia | San Marino |
| Barbados | Maldives | Seychelles |
| Belize | Marshall Islands | Singapore |
| Botswana | Mauritius | Solomon Islands |
| Brazil | Mexico | South Korea |
| Brunei | Micronesia | Switzerland |
| Canada | Monaco | Taiwan |
| Chile | Namibia | Tonga |
| Costa Rica | Nauru | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Dominica | New Zealand | Tuvalu |
| East Timor | Nicaragua | United States of America |
| Grenada | Palau | Uruguay |
| Guatemala | Panama | Vanuatu |
| Honduras | Papua New Guinea | Vatican City |
| Hong Kong | Paraguay |
Nationals of all other countries need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa before they travel.
In all cases, students are able to study flexibly in the UK for up to six months. They are allowed to study at any institution that has an accreditation recognised by the UK government.
Visa fees
The current cost of a standard visitor visa (up to 6 months) is £100.
Other visa routes
There are many other possible visa routes available for your students. This section will provide a quick overview of these visas.
Types of Temporary Workers Visa
Temporary Work – Charity Worker
Temporary Work – Creative Worker
Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Worker
Temporary Work – International Agreement Worker
Temporary Work – Religious Worker
Living costs
How much money students will need depends on where they will be studying in the UK. As London is more expensive, the amount needed for London is higher than elsewhere in the UK. For this purpose, London means the City of London and the 32 boroughs.
For study in London they need £1,334 for each month of their course, up to a maximum of nine months. This means that if you will be studying in London for a course that lasts one month only, the amount that you will need is £1,334. If you will be studying in London for a course lasting nine months or more, the amount that they will need to show in their bank account is £12,006. (£1,334 x 9 = £12,006).
For study elsewhere in the UK, the monthly amounts are lower: students need £1,023 for each month of their course or a total of £9,207 if the course is nine months or longer (£1,023 x 9 = £9,207).
If the length of your course includes a part of a month, round it up to a full month. For example if their course dates are 30 May until 1 October, this is four months and two days so they would need to show five months’ of funds.
If students apply in the UK, under the Doctorate Extension Scheme, as a postgraduate doctor or dentist, or as a student union sabbatical officer, they have to show living costs for only two months.
Take time to read the UK government guidance on finances for student applications for more information about the money they need and how to prove it.
Student employability
Recruitment processes in the UK
Part-time work
It is common for students to want to work part-time during some or all of their time in Higher Education. Part-time positions are usually plentiful, especially for those based in cities. In an ideal world, all students will find part-time work that relates to their career aims, but that isn’t always possible. Any work experience develops valuable, transferable skills, and therefore can improve your students’ chances of finding full-time employment after graduation.
Useful job sites include:
Intinial Stage Interviews:
Many companies conduct initial stage interviews. These usually take place by telephone or video, these are used as a sifting technique and allow recruiters to assess many people in a short time. They can assess communication skills, as well as flair and personality.
Timings will vary by organisation but these can typically be up to 30 minutes long, candidates might be asked questions based on their experience and education, as well as competency-based questions.
Employers will often ask why candidates have applied for this particular role to check their understanding of the job and enthusiasm for the position. They will usually also ask what candidates know about the company.
Pre-recorded video interviews:
Pre-recorded video interviews an increasingly popular technique used by employers in the early stages of recruitment.
Candidates are sent invitations and joining instructions and then asked to answer a series of questions in a timed environment. Live video interviews are more commonly used in final stages of recruitment.
In-person Interviews:
Interviews are still commonly used in the latter stages of recruitment, either as part of an assessment centre, or as a standalone event. These can be online or in-person.
Interviews are often conducted by a panel, or several one-to-one interviews are held, usually with senior members of the team including the role line manager.
Interviews typically fall into two categories:
Competency-based (structured, behavioural or situational)
These interviews involve set questions where answers are then judged against predetermined criteria. This style is used by employers across all sectors but is favoured by large graduate recruiters as part of their assessment-centre process. A competency-based interview is systematic and works on the basis that past behaviour is the best indicator of future performance.
Each question targets a skill needed for the job e.g. communication, teamwork, commercial awareness, adaptability, problem solving, resilience.
Strengths-based
Strengths-based interviews tend to feel more informal. They encourage candidates to talk about what they enjoy doing and recruiters use these to gain an insight into the personality of the candidate to see if they will be a good ‘fit’ for the role and organisation. This style of interviewing is becoming more common. Based on positive psychology, the theory is that by matching a person to a role by their strengths, they will enjoy their work, be enthusiastic and productive and stay in the role.
Regardless of interview style, candidates will always be given the opportunity to ask questions. These should demonstrate commercial awareness and show enthusiasm.
The STARR technique is also a great way for them to structure answers to interview questions.
The following resources can help students improve their interview skills:
Information Specific to International Students
The U.K. ranks second to the U.S. in international students’ preferences for study destinations. The U.K. has numerous further and higher education institutions for international students to consider, and English-language courses are readily available throughout the four countries.
Visa applications for the four countries composing the United Kingdom go to the U.K. Border Agency.
International students must apply for a Tier 4 Points-Based System Visa. They can apply for a student visa through the Visa Application Centres in other countries.
Once approved, a visa is issued for the length of the course of study. Students may receive a visa for both an English language and a Level 3 (further education) or Level 4 (higher education) course. Some student visas permit work while studying in the U.K.
Visa applications for the four countries composing the United Kingdom go to the U.K. Border Agency.
Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland do not need a visa to study in the U.K. However, they need to meet the entry requirements of the course they wish to undertake within
further and/or higher education, including English-language level requirements (e.g., IELTS).
International students from outside the EEA must apply for a Tier 4 Points Based System Visa. They can apply for a student visa through the Visa Application Centres in other countries (See www.visas.gov.uk). Non-EEA visa regulations are subject to ongoing review, so the student counsellor should make sure to check for the most current rules; but as of this writing, these are the following types of student visa (source: UKBA website, listed below in links).
Tier 4 (Child) Student: Students can apply for this visa if they are between four and 17. If they are between 4 and 15, they must be coming to the U.K. to study at an independent fee-paying school.
Child Visitor: Students can apply as child visitors if they are 17 or younger and want to study in the U.K. for up to six months. Students with this visa cannot switch and apply for a Tier 4 (Child)
student visa while in the U.K.; they would have to apply for it from their home country.
Tier 4 (General) Student: For students coming to the U.K. for their post-16 education.
Student Visitor: Students must be 18 or older, want to study in the U.K. for up to six months, and not want to work while studying. Students with this visa cannot switch to a Tier 4 (General) student visa in the U.K.; they would have to apply for it from their home country.
Prospective Student: For students coming to the U.K. to help them decide which course to study, or for those who plan to start a course of study within six months. Students under this category will be able to switch and apply for a Tier 4 (General) or Tier 4 (Child) student visa while in the U.K.
Important Update:
There is a special course designed by the British Council for UK Education Agents to quip them on the modus operandi of the UK Education system. Candidates complete online assessments following each unit and the course culminates in a final (written) formal assessment conducted under exam conditions at the local British Council office. Please visit the British Council or contact agent.enquiries@britishcouncil.org for further details.
More Information
- British Council Study UK: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org
- UCAS (central admissions service for undergraduates): https://www.ucas.com
- UK Council for International Student Affairs: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk
- UK study visas: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas
- Universities UK: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk
- English UK: https://www.englishuk.com
General
www.directgov.uk – Public services in the U.K.: info on education and student finances for EU citizens
www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfo/ – Interactive map locations of universities throughout U.K.
www.educationuk.org – British Council website with links to the different countries in the U.K.
www.ukstatistics.gov.uk – Office for National Statistics, U.K.
www.economywatch.com – Economy Watch site – Economy, Investment, and Finance Reports
www.britishcouncil.org – British Council
www.culture.gov.uk – Department of Culture, Media, and Sport
www.dius.gov.uk – Department of Innovation and University Skills (Department of Business and Skills) – covers both further education and higher education
www.ucas.com – UCAS manages all applications for university-level courses in the U.K.
www.ukcisa.org – U.K. Council for International Students Affairs – info on fees, funding, and support
www.iefa.org – International Education Financial Aid website
www.i-studentadvisor.com – I-Student Advisor website – international interactive education guides
www.uk.internationalstudent.com – Comprehensive information for prospective international students
www.nus.org.uk – National Union of Students: advice on living in the U.K.
www.ukvisas.gov.uk – Home Office – U.K. Border Agency: general information on student visas
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.au/studying in the uk/ – Detailed information on student visa requirements
www.ielts.org – International English Language Testing System: English language proficiency testing
England
www.collegesinbritain.co.uk – Search facilities for all colleges in the four U.K. countries
www.EducationinBritain.info – Information for international students on courses
www.enjoyengland.com – Official website for tourism in England
www.visitlondon.com – London tourism
Scotland
www.scotland.gov.uk – Higher education website
www.universities-scotland.ac.uk – Universities Scotland
www.sfeu.ac.uk – Scotland Further Education Unit – information on Scotland’s colleges
www.scotland.org.uk – Scottish business and economy
www.scottishlaw.org.uk – Collection of websites with information on Scottish law
www.visitscotland.com – Official website of Scottish Tourism Board
Wales
www.walesinternationalconsortium.com – Information on study in Wales for international students
www.newydd.cymru.gov.uk – Welsh Assembly Government website – click on Education and Skills
www.hefcw.ac.uk – Official website of Higher Education Funding council for Wales
www.visitwales.co.uk – Official tourism website of the Welsh Assembly Government
www.wales.com – Official gateway to Wales site including living and studying in Wales
Northern Ireland
www.delni.gov.uk/ – Department for Employment and Learning – Northern Ireland
www.nidirect.gov.uk/ – Official government website for Northern Ireland citizens
www.educationuk.org – British Council education website: link to Northern Ireland homepage
www.ukcisa.org.uk/ – U.K. Council for International Student Affairs: visas, working in the U.K.
www.qcda.gov.uk – Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency, U.K.
www.equalityni.org – Equality Commission of Northern Ireland
www.nisra.gov.uk – Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency
www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/ni/ – Met Office U.K. – Northern Ireland
www.discovernorthernireland.com – Northern Ireland Tourism Board website
www.culturenorthernireland.org – Cultural atlas and events information website