Over the last many years of working with students from all around the world, one thing that we have learned is that International students have a lot of questions when it comes to the idea of studying in the UK And why not? Moving to a new country is a whole different experience and a major life event.
For many students, the U.K. remains a popular study destination for good reasons. It’s known for its academic excellence, high standards of teaching, welcoming environment, and opportunities to work while studying. Still, when planning to study in the U.K., many international students will have several questions about what the experience could be like. With this in mind, let’s delve into the answers to some of the FAQs about studying in the UK.
FAQs About Studying in the UK – Answered
Here are some of the most common FAQs about studying in the U.K. that international students often have. Let’s look at these FAQs about studying in the U.K. and their answers.
What Are the Acceptance Rates in U.K. Universities?
This is perhaps the most commonly asked question about studying in the U.K. by international students. Typically, the acceptance rates in U.K. universities vary with the university and the degree program you choose. While most universities are quite welcoming to International students and have higher acceptance rates for International students compared to local students, that’s only sometimes the case. Certain universities and programs have an acceptance rate of as high as 96%, whereas others may have an acceptance rate as low as 8%.
While there’s no definite answer to this question, a useful piece of information is that the average acceptance rate for U.K. universities ranges between 44% – 8%, with Computer Science being the hardest degree to get in the U.K. As an applicant, you can enquire with the university of your choice about their acceptance rates for specific programs and then decide which university makes the safest choice for you.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in the U.K.?
International students may have several questions, but this one often ranks at the top of the list of FAQs about studying in the U.K. The cost of a bachelor’s or Master’s program in the U.K. includes the tuition and the cost of living. While the cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition costs in the United Kingdom typically ranges from £ 12594.46 to £18521.26 for each academic year, the cost of living will depend on where in the U.K., so you study. The average living cost of studying in universities in England is around £12,100.
However, the cost of studying in London is much higher and costs about £13,400, which is much higher than in the rest of the country. Moreover, if you choose to study in Wales, you can expect a lower cost of living which will cost you around £10,100. You can read more about the cost of studying in the U.K. here
Are There Scholarships Available for International Students?
Almost all universities in the U.K. offer scholarship programs for applicants. While some of these scholarships are based on your qualifications and accomplishments, others are based on your need. Apart from scholarships, many universities in the U.K. offer grants and loans to International students to successfully complete their degree programs.
Most financial assistance offered at universities in the U.K. helps students covers their tuition fee. However, some universities also offer grants and loans that help students cover their cost of living.
What are the Accommodation Opportunities on and off Campus?
International students often need clarity on many things before they land in the U.K., and accommodation opportunities make one of them. International students want to know beforehand where they’re going to live; hence this one also makes one of the popular FAQs about studying in the U.K.
Most U.K. universities offer accommodation facilities to international students at an additional charge (other than the tuition fee), and in case there isn’t enough accommodation at the university, the student support can guide you to different types of private, off-campus accommodation facilities for international students that often make a cost-effective solution for international students.
Do I Need Medical Insurance in the U.K.?
Students visiting the U.K. on a student visa are often concerned about medical insurance as healthcare costs are much higher in the U.K.
International students do not necessarily need medical insurance while studying in the U.K. It is because they can access the NHS facilities simply by paying the visa fee during the application process, which includes £150 per year for medical services for students.
How Much Time Does Visa Processing Take?
The processing time for a U.K. student visa is around 4-8 weeks. In usual cases, getting a student visa takes 4-8 weeks starting from the date of your application submission. However, the exact time it takes to process the visa depends on the individual and can vary case by case.
Do Students Under the Age of 18 Have to Fulfil Special Requirements for Studying in the U.K.?
For students younger than 18 years (are 16 or 17 years old) and are applying for the General student visa (Tier 4), you need written consent from your guardians or parents. The consent should include details like you can travel and live independently along with the details of your guardian in the U.K. who will be responsible for you till the age of 18 years.
These, of course, aren’t all of the FAQs about studying in the U.K. that international students may have. We often receive many more in most of our events and seminars with international students and U.K. university partners. However, these questions remain the most important ones, so we have answered them in this post.
A general piece of advice for studying in the U.K. is that you need to be proactive and have a forward-looking approach when planning to study in the U.K. When you line up things in advance and get in touch with reliable consultants like AHZ Associates, you can look forward to a seamless transition from your home country to the university and program of your choice in the U.K.