Location: Island nation, located on the east coast of Europe
European Union: The UK was originally a part of the European Union (EU) which allowed easy travel of people between UK and other European countries - However, the UK separated from the EU after Brexit in Feb 2020.
Capital: London
Key cities: London, Birmingham, Manchester, New Castle, Cambridge, Liverpool
Population:
~6.7 crore (for comparison, India is ~130 crore; hence ONLY 5% of India).
Of these, ~14 lakh are Indians (or of Indian origin) - hence very popular for Indians
Education: The UK has a strong education system, with prestigious universities such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
Landmarks: The UK is known for its iconic landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher (located in Northern Ireland).
Please refer to this presentation to gain a comprehensive insight into The United Kingdom as a study abroad destination, its university landscape, the overall cost of education, student visa details, post-study work opportunities, and the pathway to permanent residency.
Top Quality Education:
The UK is home to 4 universities among the top 10 in the world.
There are 49 UK universities in the top 500 globally, showcasing their academic excellence.
In comparison, India has only around 5 universities in the top 500.
Popularity among Indians:
The UK is highly popular among Indian students, with approximately 30,000 Indian students traveling to the UK for higher studies every year.
There are a total of 5 lakh international students studying in the UK.
Indian students find the UK an attractive destination for education.
Access to Healthcare:
International students studying in the UK have access to free medical treatment through the National Health Service (NHS).
This ensures that students receive necessary healthcare support during their studies.
Favorable Post-Study Work Opportunities:
The UK offers favorable post-study work opportunities.
From 1 July 2021, students can apply to stay back in the UK for 2 years after completing their studies to work or search for employment.
London, as the financial capital of the world, provides numerous job opportunities in financial services, consulting, technology, marketing, and more.
To apply for a Student visa in the UK, you must be 16 or over and meet the following criteria:
Have an offer from a licensed student sponsor for a course.
Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for the course.
Possess English language proficiency.
If you're 16 or 17, you need parental consent with evidence.
The duration of stay depends on the course length and previous study in the UK: For degree-level courses, you can stay up to 5 years if you're 18 or over, and up to 2 years for below-degree-level courses.
Student VISA:
All details: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
Required finances for the VISA: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money
Graduate VISA (Post Study Work Permit):
All details: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa
Summary: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/after-your-studies/post-study-work
Work visa after Graduate VISA: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-points-based-immigration-system-employer-information/the-uks-points-based-immigration-system-an-introduction-for-employers
Permanent Residentship:
All details: https://www.gov.uk/settle-in-the-uk
Further information: https://iasservices.org.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain/
Other Useful Reads:
For information regarding how TWG can provide students with visa support, please visit: https://theworldgrad.com/visa-support/
Counsellors can use this presentation when conducting video calls with parents or students. This presentation covers:
An overview of The WorldGrad and our university partners
Reasons for considering overseas education
Why UK is a great study destination for Indian students
The admissions process and considerations (financial, academic entry etc.) and how TWG can help students