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 Articles
5 of the Best Peak District Hikes [2024]
Walking in the Peak District offers views of a stunning national park with its rolling hills, deep valleys and wildlife. There are multiple Peak District hikes and walks to challenge yourself regardless of fitness level. In this article we will walk through our favourite Peak District hikes as well as what to pack, best time […]
4 Ways to get a Skilled Work Visa for UK in 2024 [Apply]
Emigrating on a skilled work visa for UK for many is a popular choice. The UK is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in many sectors and is looking international to help reduce the skills gap. Many of the UK sponsor visas can lead to permanent residency in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Most […]
How to get Work Permit for UK without Job Offer? [2024]
Most work visas will require you to find companies that offer sponsorship in the UK in order to live and work here, but there are still ways to obtain a work permit for UK without job offer. There are six work visas that we have listed below that do not require you to be sponsored […]
PSW in UK 2024 – [Graduate Visa]
PSW in UK or a Post Work Study permit, is a visa that allows international students who have graduated from a UK university to stay in the country after graduation. The UK Graduate Visa allows you to live and work for up to three years after your studies, depending on if you achieved a bachelors […]
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, […]