Let’s know why UK is one of the top desired study destinations worldwide
With more than 500,000 international students enrolling each year, the UK has been a mindful choice for many important brains in history. As a Nepali student looking for global exposure, it would be a smart decision choosing to study in the UK.
Out of four world leaders, at least one has studied in the UK. So, if you are a dreamer and looking forward to achieving big things, you can be sure you’re doing the right thing considering studying in the UK for higher studies. At AAEC Global, we help you achieve just that.
What makes UK popular among international, specially Nepali students?
As known, The UK and its universities have a consistent reputation for academic excellence and quality with thousands of courses available for students. While exclusively academic reasons to pursue a degree in the UK are certainly there, this one-of-a-kind experience is certainly life-changing for students.
The best part.. almost every university has an international student society solely to help students adjust to life in the UK and to be able to connect with other international students. Especially for students from Nepal looking forward to blend in and gain support, several Nepali students already pursuing their studies in UK have formed various support teams.
Let’s learn some quick facts about UK:
- The UK is the second most popular study destination worldwide.
- Most international students in the UK are from China, India, United States, Nepal, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, Malaysia.
- Business schools remain the most desired universities for international schools in the UK.
- The total cost of living in the UK for international students (including tuition fees) is $15,000-$20,000.
Quality education alongside affordable cost. One of the major reasons why a huge number of students, many of them being from Nepal, get driven to the UK every year, and why AAEC specially suggests it for our students.
The lifestyle, diverse culture and the facilities that tag along adds to the fact that every student that considers studying abroad at least considers this destination.
UK makes it possible for students to learn to live, work, think and immerse in English language in the most profound way.
Advantages of studying in the UK
Comparatively lower academic costs
UK courses are generally shorter than other countries, helping to reduce overall tuition fees and accommodation costs. Comparatively shorter courses, translating to lesser tuition fees and accommodation costs.
Scholarship/Educational Loan facilities
Most UK universities offer merit-based scholarships and funding opportunities to international students in order to support their education and the cost of living. Scholarships are just an application away once you get accepted to your course of study.
Worldwide recognized programs
The tradition of academic excellence carries through to many of the universities and colleges throughout the UK. A world-class degree is always prioritized and asked for, the UK has an unshakable reputation in that case. Countless universities with worldwide recognized degrees and programs.
Access world-leading research
The discoveries that the universities in the UK are making are at the foreground of global science and research. Choosing to study in the UK, you’ll be at the cutting edge during and after you graduate.
Gateway to Europe
Europe is easier to access more than ever, and than anywhere. Most areas of Europe are reachable from the UK within a few hours by train or direct flight. Apart from academic benefits, the UK is a perfect medium for students looking forward to exploring Europe.
Adapting to the new normal
All UK universities are working hard to follow government guidance and ensure that students’ safety remains a top priority. Many universities are blending face-to-face and online teaching, with some choosing to teach fully online for the autumn term, and this will be regularly reviewed in line with current and local guidance to ensure teaching is delivered in a safe environment. In the UK, your well-being comes first.
In what ways has the UK Education System changed recently?
The position as one of the most accepted and widely-wanted study destinations in the world stays. However, over time, some revisions were bound to be made. From change in visa point requirements to post-study work visas and to graduate route application, few minor and major changes have been made in the British Education System for international students.
The UK Tier 4 Pilot Scheme has been closed as the New Student route opened on October 5, 2020. This applies to international students on postgraduate Masters courses. A major difference from this being, the visa points requirement has been changed from 40 points to 70 points categorized as 50 points for study, 10 points for financial and 10 points for English language. While this alteration may not be a huge one, a brief knowledge of all the updates always helps.
Students may apply for a visa up to 6 months before their course start date. This adds to the visa process being more flexible and less hectic for the students. Also, the study time limit has been removed for students studying at a postgraduate level and students will not routinely be requested to submit documentary evidence of funds when making further applications to remain in the UK. It also states that students at the postgraduate level can bring their dependents with them.
Good news is, the Graduate Route visa is still being introduced in 2021. For graduate route, popularly known as PSW (Post Study Work) visas, students successfully completing bachelor or master level will be granted a one-time non-extensible leave period of two years or three years, if graduating with a Ph.D. Undergraduate route students will be able to work or look for work, at any skill level during this period.
Who can apply for the graduate route, you ask?
The Government has confirmed that students who are forced to study part of a degree by distance learning due to COVID-19 can still apply for the Graduate Route, as long as they enter the UK before 6 April 2021 and complete at least one semester of studies in the UK. The student must still apply before their Tier 4 student visa expires.
What is it like to work in the UK as International Students?
The job market of the UK is competitive, but completely ruling the global standards. To build a future while making financial, professional and personal changes alongside, finding a career after graduation in the UK proves to be beneficial. Nepali students who are looking forward to earning a livelihood while completing their degree seem to choose UK very often.
Major industries with jobs for international students in the UK are: Agriculture, Production, and Services. It is possible to work in the UK for international students only if they apply for Tier 1, 2 or 5 Visa post studies.
However, there are some criteria that are to be fulfilled to be able to work in the UK:
- An international study graduate must at least get paid $27,290 per year to make sure to not be asked to leave the country.
- A graduate is required to find a job within four months after completion of their course.
After attaining a degree in their respective courses in the UK, international students can find a job or pursue the following options:
- Pursue postgraduate degree
- Take a gap year
- Pursue PhD
- Become self-employed
Post Study Work Visas for International Graduate Students in the UK
Obtaining a work visa in the UK after graduation depends: one on your nationality, next on the level of course studied in the UK, and another if your studies are completed or not.
Learn about the main work visa options for non-European students in the UK:
- Tier-2 (General) Visa options (for full time and part-time work).
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker-Government Authorized Exchange) visa (for work experience or professional training)- It allows students to work in the UK for up to 12 or 24 months depending on the scheme applied for.
- Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Visa (for MBA and other UK graduates who have been identified by Higher Education Institutes in the UK after graduation to establish at least one business in the UK).
Few things you need to know about studying in the UK
- Universities advise all applicants what standard of English is required for their courses. Most course providers will ask you to demonstrate proficiency in English or to take an approved English language test if English is not your first language.
- For the application of different courses and to different universities, there are different deadlines – have a close look at the key dates and deadlines relevant to courses you’re interested in.
- To date, there are more than 395 universities and colleges, offering over 50,000 undergraduate-level higher education courses around all of the UK.
- UK higher education applications are made through UCAS.
- You will need to pay tuition fees – these vary depending on the university or college and course you choose. You may be able to get financial help with your tuition fees, or a scholarship. However, EU students are not subject to tuition fees in Scotland.
- The amount of money you will need to cover living costs will vary based on where you study. London and other large cities tend to be more expensive.
- Many international students need to apply for a visa to study in the UK, and there are work permit restrictions and some English language qualifications you may need.
- First-year students tend to live in university halls of residence (university accommodation) – but there are lots of other accommodation options.
With an excellent higher-education system and hundreds of world-class universities, the UK promises a rich experience for international students. There are some reliable Study UK resources intended to help you learn more about studying in the UK as an international student.
These include sections on choosing the UK as a destination, choosing a location within the UK, learning more about the country, its history and culture, and adapting to life in your adopted country.
After knowing enough of what’s needed, if you’re finally planning to make the UK your ultimate higher study destination, here are some tips we think you’ll appreciate:
- Plan your funding and research scholarships.
- Organize your student visa.
- Prepare for a British way of living.
- Sort your student accommodation.
- Make sure to secure your health insurance.
- Set up a student bank account.
- Figure out public transportation.
- Research and know how many hours you’ll be allowed to work.
Plan, read more articles and ask those who’ve experienced their share of life as an international student in the UK. AAEC Global is here to assist in every step of your journey from Nepal to UK.
With all the little-big changes happening, there are things to be discussed and considered before making a decision that is going to bring about a major impact on your future.
The UK offers various support systems and financial aids to make sure international students have some of the weight lifted from their shoulders. After all, spending years on education in a foreign land is not a decision to be made impulsively. But what better way to flourish world-class language and lifestyle other than to experience it in the best country possible?
Summary
As a student from Nepal planning to study in the UK, take a quick look at facts and stats AAEC Global has collected to help Nepali students learn everything needed.
