The United Kingdom has always been a global influencer in the field of culture, education, and finance, among other things. England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland form the United Kingdom. These territories have many of the world’s leading educational institutions. While studying in the UK, you will also get a chance to witness its opulent history. Some leading UK educational institutions have been in the game for several centuries. Not to forget, international students will have access to world-class amenities and social facilities here.
Whether you are trying for an undergraduate or master’s course, you should be aware of the study in UK requirements. You might not get accepted by UK educational institutions if you fail to meet the study requirements. Some requirements might vary from one institution to another. Let us learn about the essential requirements for studying in the UK.
Proficiency in the English Language
Since universities in the UK are English-speaking, they demand proof of English language proficiency. Pre-sessional language courses are also available in UK colleges for international students.
How to demonstrate one’s English proficiency for studying in the UK? You must take an English proficiency test recognised by leading universities in the UK. English proficiency test scores are submitted to the respective UK university for approval. Most universities have pre-defined English proficiency test scores for different courses. If your score exceeds the cut-off, your application will be accepted for the respective course. The minimum score will differ for different tests.
IELTS is the most recognised English proficiency exam for Indian students planning to study in the UK. It is also among the world’s best English proficiency tests. The IELTS exam will test your English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. More than 715 educational institutions in the UK accept IELTS scores for admissions. Besides IELTS, many other English proficiency exams are available for international students. TOEFL, Duolingo English Test & PTE are some English proficiency exams for Indian students willing to study in the UK.
As discussed above, the minimum English proficiency test score can vary for different universities in the UK. For example, the minimum IELTS score for a UG course at the University of Cambridge is 7.5. On the other hand, the minimum IELTS score for a UG course at Imperial London College is 6.5. Similarly, the minimum TOEFL and PTE scores will change for every university in the UK. It is crucial to note that all universities in the UK might not accept all the English proficiency tests for admissions. Therefore, don’t forget to thoroughly check for the accepted English proficiency tests before applying to a university in the UK.
Generic Requirements for UG Courses in the UK
For undergraduate courses in the UK, you need a minimum of thirteen years of education in any country. The requirements for UG courses might change according to the university in the UK. Indian students must have completed class XII with the required minimum marks to start a UG course in the UK. Also, some universities might demand a foundation degree.
Indian students must provide the English transcripts of their mark sheets for admission to a UK university. You might be asked to provide English transcripts of X, XII, Diploma, and Foundation course mark sheets for admission.
Generic Requirements for PG courses in the UK
Indian students must have an undergraduate degree (UG) to start a PG course in the UK. UG degree must be in a related field. Unless stated, international students must have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. International students must provide English translations of their degrees and mark sheets to the respective PG university in the UK.
The requirements may change for other degrees in the UK. For example, the eligibility for MBA in UK for Indian students might differ from traditional UG/PG courses. Requirements for some other professional courses in the UK are as follows:
- For a pre-master course in the UK, Indian students must have an undergrad degree. Unless stated, international students must have an IELTS score of 5.5 or above.
- International students require an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.
- The eligibility for MBA in UK for Indian students requires an undergrad degree. Some colleges in the UK might ask for business experience before offering admission to MBA courses. You will need an IELTS score of around 6.5 for an MBA course in the UK.
- For a PhD/doctorate in the UK, you must have a UG and a PG degree. Unless stated, international students require an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.
Offer Letter From a University in the UK
One cannot study in the UK without an offer letter. Indian students will submit their application forms and documents to universities in UK. The university will check your application and attached documents thoroughly and will issue a conditional or an unconditional offer letter when everything is up to the mark. So whether you are checking for MBA in UK eligibility or eligibility for engineering courses, you need an offer letter to start your studies.
When the applicant has met all the entry requirements, the respective university in the UK will issue an unconditional offer letter. Sometimes, international students fail to provide one or two documents. If you missed any entry requirements, the respective university will issue a conditional offer letter. International students will be granted entry on the stated condition in the offer letter. After providing the missing document or information, the student will be accepted into the country.
CAS Letter From the Respective University
Whether you plan to study at any university, like Birmingham City University or Robert Gordon University, you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter to start your studies. Do you know that Indian students cannot apply for a UK student visa without the CAS letter? The CAS letter is issued by the respective university after the student accepts the unconditional offer letter. CAS is an e-letter issued on first-cum-first-serve basis.
A CAS letter will consist of a unique license number. The license number will identify the university that has invited you for higher education. International students are asked to pay a fee for the CAS letter to the sponsoring university. The fees submitted to the sponsoring university can go up to £5,000. It must be deposited before applying for a UK student visa. Usually, universities in the UK adjust the amount in your first-year college fees. Your CAS letter is important and will contain several details, including the following:
- License number provided by the sponsoring university
- Details of the selected course
- Tenure of the selected course
- Tuition fees for the selected course
- Part of the tuition fees already deposited
- The amount deposited for accommodation (optional)
- IELTS or TOEFL score of the student
Health Insurance
United Kingdom has a world-class public healthcare system, known as NHS (National Health Service). With health insurance, international students can benefit from healthcare facilities in the UK. Any student planning to stay for more than six months in the UK requires health insurance. It is crucial to note that an international student will not get a UK study visa without health insurance. International students who are in the UK for a shorter period must check for private insurance options.
Meeting the Application Deadline
International students must meet the application deadline to study in the UK. Students failing to submit their applications timely aren’t considered for admission to a UK university. Top universities in the country are strict when it comes to meeting the application deadline. Sometimes, universities extend their application dates for international students. However, you must not wait for a date extension and submit your application timely. Also, deadlines change from one university to another in the UK. Don’t forget to check for the application deadline on the official website of the respective UK university. You can also contact a study abroad consultant to know more about MBA in UK eligibility or eligibility for any other course and also to know more about the application deadline in the UK.
Cost of Studying in UK For Indian Students
Indian students must show proof of financial stability to study in the UK. Besides the tuition fees for your course, you will have to bear several other expenses. One cannot cut some essential expenses during their stay in the UK. For example, you cannot compromise on transit costs, food expenses, and accommodation charges. A university in the UK may not accept international students who cannot support themselves during their stay. Students will not get a UK study visa without proving their financial stability.
To get a UK study visa, Indian students must have £12,180 or more in their bank account. This amount is for studying at a UK university outside London. As living costs are higher in London, the minimum bank balance for international students increases. Foreign students wanting to study in London must have a minimum of £15,180 in their bank account. The minimum funds needed to study in UK change with the course fees. (Please check the latest figures as the above amounts keep changing).
Tuberculosis Test Results
Tuberculosis is a communicable disease, and UK government pays extra attention to international students. UK government cannot risk other students by granting entry permissions to infected individuals. For the same rationale, you will be asked for a tuberculosis test report to study in the UK. Anyone staying for more than six months in the UK must provide a tuberculosis test report. Indian students must search for a recognised/registered diagnostic centre for a tuberculosis test. You will have to go through a chest x-ray to determine the presence of tuberculosis. Sometimes, x-ray does not offer clear results. One must provide a sputum sample to test for tuberculosis in such a case. A tuberculosis test report is valid for six months and will help you gain entry into the UK. Also, tuberculosis test reports from unrecognised/unregistered sources will be rejected. It is crucial to note that a tuberculosis test report is a vital requirement for a UK study visa.
UK Study Visa
Last but not the least, a study visa is a must for starting your course in the UK. You will not be granted entry in UK without a study visa. You will be committing a legal offence by coming to the UK without a student visa. You will get a student visa if everything is as per official requirements. The requirements for a UK student visa are listed below:
- You must submit the UK visa application with accurate details
- Your CAS letter is required for a UK study visa
- Since the medium of instruction in the UK is English, you must provide proof of English language proficiency. You can use your IELTS score to get a UK student visa. One can also get a study visa without IELTS, as other English proficiency tests are also accepted in the UK.
- You must show proof of financial stability
- You must show your passport to get a student visa in the UK
- You must submit UK student visa fee
- You must show proof of IHS (Immigration Healthcare Surcharge)
- You might be asked for the latest tuberculosis test report for the UK study visa
- You might have to provide an ATAS certificate (optional)
- Indian students must provide a clearance certificate obtained from the local police
- Some Indian students might receive scholarships/sponsorships to study in the UK. In such a case, the student must provide the agreement of scholarship/sponsorship.
What Are the Best Institutions for Studying in the UK?
United Kingdom is home to many of the world’s leading educational facilities. A study abroad consultant can help you shortlist the top universities in the UK. Some of the leading universities in the UK for higher education are as follows:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University College London (UCL)
- London School of Economics (LSE)
- Imperial College London (ICL)
- University of Warwick
Final Words
Studying in UK requires careful planning and preparation. You must consider several factors before moving to the UK for higher education. From post-study work visa UK eligibility to financial factors, you must be clear on a few things before moving to the UK. Also, don’t delay in applying for admission to a UK university. Plan your higher education in UK today!