Are you looking to study in the UK for a bachelors degree or maybe a masters or doctorate? The UK offers a world-class education which leads to great career opportunities and therefor sponsorship by employers looking to retain your expertise in the United Kingdom.
A well-planned study strategy can lead to a long-term work visa option in the UK and can continue to permanent residency.
Benefits of studying in the UK
The UK has for a long time been one of the world’s leading destinations for international students. The international student population of the United Kingdom has been increasing for the past decade and in 2022 reached 679,970.
- High standard of education
- Top universities
- Worldwide recognised qualification
- Opportunities to stay in the UK after graduation to work
- Safe country to live
- Diverse student population
- Improves your English
- Explore the country
How to study in the UK
If you want to study in the UK you will need to plan then pass several steps before you arrive here.
First of all you need to find a course that are interested in and qualify for. Spend time conducting research on the degree and the career opportunities that you can get from it.
Once you have decided on a degree or course, it is now time to find a college or university. There are over 160 universities alone in the United Kingdom so you will have plenty of choice! Check out the University League Table for 2024. An important factor in choosing the right learning institution is the city or town you want to live in. Whether it is England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland the UK has a wide range of cultures to choose from that all offer something different. Check out our own article on the best places to live in the UK 2023.
The next step is to apply for the Student Visa as you will now have received a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This creates a unique electronic reference that is required when applying for the visa.
The Student Visa allows you to work in the UK for up to 20 hours a week, although you can work longer hours during holiday periods outline by your university.
Can I bring my Family?
You can bring family known as “dependants” on the Student Visa. Eligible family members include spouse or civil partner and a child under 18. Family members over 18 can work full time on this visa with little restrictions.
Cost of Studying in the UK
The cost of a course or degree depends on the specialty and the university or college. Overall, studying at a UK university as an international student will cost at least £10,000 per term. Additionally, you will need to pay for the Student Visa application fee which is currently £363 as of September 2023.
If you are bringing dependants you must show you have money available through a bank statement. The money available for each adult dependant or child is £845 per month in London or £680 per month outside London. For example to bring your partner for 9 months outside London, they will need to prove they have £680 x 9 months = £6,120.
You will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) upfront relevant to the length of your visa. For example, if you are applying for a 2-year visa you will have to pay £624 each year, therefore you will have to pay a total of £1248.
Finding Accomodation
It is important that you arrange your housing before you arrive in your chosen town or university. To find accommodation we recommend using the guidance on your chosen college or university website or contacting the student union. Research online to get an idea of the local area and where is best for students and also rent prices and availability.
If you are just starting your degree and aged between 18-21, we recommend applying for student housing through the university, this allows you to meet other students and make friends in a new city.
When you arrive
The university in which you have chosen will provide you with a booklet or website that helps you settle in to the city and country. The most important tasks to do is open a bank account and signing up for a mobile phone contract. If you are planning on working then you will need to attain a National Insurance number, this is required to work in the UK.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
International students who complete a degree in the UK have many opportunities to move on to a work visa and eventually attain permanent residence or citizenship.
Although the Student Visa doesn’t directly lead on to a work visa, it does let you work and build relationships with employers who can sponsor you once your visa ends.
There are multiple work visas that let you work in the UK, the three most popular visas for recently graduated students are the Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa and the Graduate Visa. Students who have ancestry from specific countries can also extend their stay by applying through the British National Overseas visa or the UK Ancestry visa.
Latest Visa News
Homes for Rent in the UK [2024]
Homes for rent in the UK in 2024 can be a difficult process when you are new to the country. When you move to the UK for work, you are most likely to rent in the beginning. In 2023, net migration in to the UK was 672,000 with many newcomers moving to popular cities such […]
Immigration Salary List UK (ISL) [2024]
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will replace the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in the United Kingdom from the 4th of April 2024. The ISL contains 23 occupations that are most in demand in the UK for 2024, the list will be updated on an annual basis. There is some changes from the SOL including eligibility […]
UK Visa Types – UK Immigration [2024]
If you are planning on moving to the United Kingdom for long term work or to complete a degree, then you will need a visa before you arrive. There are many UK visa types that allow you to work and study, some do not require any sponsorship. Each visa has different requirements in order for […]
Shortage Occupation List UK – Skilled Worker Visa [2024]
The Shortage Occupation List UK 2024 is a list that highlights job roles that there are in demand across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is currently looking internationally to help fill vacancies in various roles such scientists, engineers, IT professionals and the construction trades. The UK government announced in late 2023, […]
Youth Mobility Visa UK 2024 [Updated]
The Youth Mobility visa UK is a working holiday scheme that allows young people to work in the UK without job sponsorship. This visa is a popular one as it allows you to travel around the UK whilst gaining work experience for two years. You do not have to be sponsored by an employer, meet […]
How to work as a UK nurse from overseas [2024]
Registered nurses are in high demand in the United Kingdom and are currently on the Shortage Occupations List. Nurses (2231) are needed in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with the National Health Service (NHS) hiring from overseas to close the skills shortage gap. Once you are registered and can work as a UK nurse […]
India Young Professionals Scheme 2024
The India Young Professionals Scheme was launched in early 2023. It became the best visa option for young Indians that want to live and work in the United Kingdom. The scheme is ideal as it allows young people to live and work for two years without job sponsorship. This allows time for you to find […]
What is the Skilled Worker Visa UK?
The Skilled Worker Visa UK is the main pathway for skilled workers looking to move to the United Kingdom. The visa is the second most popular for long-term immigration and attracts expertise in different industries around the world. The visa has been designed to make it easier for people who are qualified in chosen occupations […]
Moving to UK – How to Immigrate to the UK
Moving to another country is a big decision but can be a huge opportunity to improve your life. The United Kingdom is a popular choice for skilled workers with over 1.2 million skilled people moving here in 2023, this is more than Canada and Australia. Most people immigrate to the UK for the British culture, […]
Top 13 Skilled Jobs needed in the UK for 2024
The United Kingdom like many countries around the world, is going all out to attract skilled workers to help fill vacancies in many industries. The UK is looking to fill jobs of the future such as computer science and artificial intelligence, these industries amongst others are expected to increase over the next five years. With […]
6 UK Cities Best in the World to Live 2024
London, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds were voted 6 UK cities best in the world to live. They were named in the annual World’s Best Cities Report for 2024 by Resonance. London ranked the highest at number one, not only for the UK but the world. Scotland’s biggest city Glasgow came in at #61 […]
UK Visa Processing Times Applications
The United Kingdom offers multiple types of visa options including work visas, study visas and visitor visas. UK visa processing times will vary between visa types and this needs to be taken in to consideration when you begin your application. Planning your move such as gathering documentation, booking flights and finding accommodation are tasks that […]
UK Visa Fees Increase from October 2023
The United Kingdom government has raised fees for certain visas from October following an announcement in July this year. Work visas and student visas have both risen with the amount varying depending on your personal circumstances and length of stay. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announce that UK visa fees are increasing to partially fund […]
UK Sponsorship Visas for Care Workers 2024
Care workers looking to move to the UK to live and work are currently in high demand. Out of all the UK sponsorship visas for care workers, the Health and Care Worker visa is the most popular pathway to live and work in the United Kingdom. You will need to have a valid visa and […]
What is the High Potential Individual Visa?
The High Potential Individual visa was created in 2022 to attract recently graduated international students to the UK. It allows international graduates from selected universities to come and live and work in the UK for two years. You must have graduated in the last five years. Students must have graduated from a selected international university […]
Study in the UK – Pathway to Immigration
Are you looking to study in the UK for a bachelors degree or maybe a masters or doctorate? The UK offers a world-class education which leads to great career opportunities and therefor sponsorship by employers looking to retain your expertise in the United Kingdom. A well-planned study strategy can lead to a long-term work visa […]
Work as a Nurse in the UK
Interested in moving abroad to work as a nurse in the UK? The idea of continuing your career overseas can seem overwhelming at first. You will need to have a valid visa and sponsorship from an employer such as the National Health Service (NHS). Most nurses who qualify for a visa from outside the UK […]
UK amongst the most attractive destinations for foreign entrepreneurs in 2023
Entrepreneurial talent are in demand around the world, with an increasing amount of countries offering start-up or innovation style visas to attract them. Entrepreneurs are important as they play a pivotal role in creating jobs, attracting investment and economic growth for the economy. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) measure the attractiveness of […]
UK Youth Mobility Scheme for Canadian Nationals
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is a great opportunity to work and travel in the UK, it allows young people from Canada to live and explore around the country for up to three years. The UK recently negotiated a trade deal with the Canadian government which includes making it easier for young adults to live […]
Most popular ways to immigrate to the UK from Africa
Choosing to emigrate to the United Kingdom can be a life-changing but exciting decision. Not only does it have the worlds 6th largest economy, but is known for its diverse culture, sport and scenery. The UK more than ever is looking for skilled workers across the African continent to help fill skill shortages in sectors […]
Demand for Skilled Workers in the UK 2024 – Skilled Occupations List
The UK government has announced upcoming additions of multiple occupations to the Shortage Occupations List. These changes are expected to be introduced before the end of 2023 and will include occupations from the construction and fishing sectors. You will apply through the Skilled Worker visa. Separately, the Skilled Worker Occupations List contains more job roles […]
What is the UK Graduate Visa?
“Photo by Chris Boland” The Graduate Visa or Post-Study Work was created in 2021 to attract students to stay in the UK after they graduate. It allows foreign nationals to stay in the UK for at least 2 years to live and work once they graduate from a British university. The advantage of a Graduate […]
UK Youth Mobility Scheme for Australia and New Zealand Nationals
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is a great opportunity to work and travel in the UK, it allows young people from Australia and New Zealand to live and explore around the country for up to three years. The UK recently negotiated a trade deal with the Australia and New Zealand governments which includes making it […]
Most popular ways to immigrate to the UK from India
The UK welcomed over 1.2 million new arrivals in the year ending March 2023, most of which on long-term immigration visas. Indian nationals made up the largest group in terms of Work visas and Study visas, both around 30%. The UK is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, over 1.8 […]
UK net migration hits record high of 606,000
According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the country’s total population grew by 606,000 in the year ending March 2023. This means for the first time ever, an estimated 1.2 million people arrived in the UK for long-term immigration. 164,000 more people arrived in 2022 than in 2021, mainly due to […]
What are language test requirements for UK immigration?
You may be required to submit proof that you have a minimum standard of the English language when you apply for a UK work visa. This requirement will depend on which type of visa you have applied for, whether you will be working or studying, and how long you plan to stay in the UK. […]
How to immigrate to the UK as a nurse in 2023
Health professionals are in high demand in the UK and even has its own visa, the Health and Care Worker visa. The UK government has set a target for 50,000 more nurses by 2024 in England alone, one of the ways to do this is to attract international talent. The National Health Service (NHS) is […]
UK breaks record with over 679,00 international students in 2022
The UK attracts thousands of international students each year, thanks to its world-class universities and work opportunities. Keep reading to discover some of the top reasons to consider moving to the UK to study. New data from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows the UK now has a international student population of 679,970 as of […]
First ballot for the UK India Professionals Scheme
The United Kingdom’s newest visa will launch on Tuesday 28th February 2023, the long-awaited India Professionals Scheme. This visa will be the easiest way for young Indians to live and work in the UK, for up to two years. This visa is a good way to settle in the UK before applying for longer term […]
UK Job Vacancies and Pay Febuary 2023
On February 2023, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its latest monthly report on employment in the UK. The report shows a near all time high of employment in the UK with increasing salaries. If you are interested in filling one of these vacancies and want to move to the UK, check out our […]
Best Cities to Work and Live in the UK in 2023
The United Kingdom has long been the world-famous place to work and live in due to the huge number of opportunities it offers in terms of career and life. Since it is among the top economies in the world, those looking for a high living standard with excellent employment opportunities find it the perfect spot. […]
How to get sponsored by an employer in the UK
When companies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are unable to find qualified workers living in the United Kingdom, they look worldwide to help fill those skill shortages. To be eligible for skilled work sponsorship in the United Kingdom, you need to qualify for a relevant job on a UK occupations list, after this […]
What salary can I earn in the UK in 2023?
how much can you earn in the UK? The UK is a high-income economy, but how much do you need to earn for a comfortable life? When you think of moving to the UK, the first thing that comes to your mind is how much salary you will earn. From April 2023 the minimum hourly […]
How much money do you need to move to the UK?
How much does it cost to move to the UK? The amount of money to save when planning a move to the UK will vary from person to person, having your finances planned correctly is one of the most important aspects of moving to the UK. How much is a visa? Do I have to […]
UK Immigration – Visa processing times – November 2023
How long will it take to process my UK Visa Appplication? The UK is a top destination for many talented people around the world, looking to work or study and build a new life. Skilled immigration benefits the UK economy whilst providing a better opportunity for individuals born abroad. The immigration system in the UK […]
Why study in the UK – Top 10 Reasons
Why study in the UK? The UK attracts thousands of international students each year, thanks to its world-class universities and work opportunities after graduation. In 2023, over 486,107 people chose the UK to further their higher education and increase their job chances. The most common nationality to arrive in the UK to study in 2023 […]
Can I bring my family to the UK on a work visa?
If you are looking to bring your family members to the UK, or you hope to join your family in the UK, then this article will explore your options. Several visas allow family members to join the main applicant in the UK, they are known as “dependants”. You don’t have to be a permanent resident […]
Working Holiday Visa UK
If you are thinking about applying for a working holiday visa in the UK, then you have found the right place. This visa is the easiest way for young people to live and work in the UK temporarily. The visa is formally knows as the Youth Mobility Visa and is available to citizens of participating […]
Flying to Birmingham
Birmingham Airport (BHX) Birmingham Airport serves more than 400 direct or one stop destinations globally with 50 airlines and was the UK’s seventh busiest airport in 2020 with the highest percentage of business travellers after London Heathrow. Just 10km from the centre of Birmingham the airport is connected by rail, road and bus, in 10 […]
Flying to London
The five major airports that service London are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City. They all differ in size, location, destinations they service and airlines they work with, and it’s important to know which one works best for you when deciding where to fly to. Many visitors to the UK may assume Heathrow is the best airport to fly […]