Tag: Study in the UK

  • How to Get UK Student Visa

    How to Get UK Student Visa

    How to Get UK Student Visa | UK Student Visa Requirements: Thank you for always writing to us we love, love, love to always hear from you. We recently received a mail from Pearl Patrick (real name withheld) who lives in Ghana, which inspired this post today, she told us in the mail, how it has been her dream to study Medicine in an institution in London, she wanted to know if she will need a visa if/when given the admission. Let’s read the end of the last paragraph of her letter to you guys.

    How to Get UK Student Visa

    “…I have always wanted to study at a university in the UK and maybe live and work there, do I need a visa to fulfil this dream”?

    You certainly do need a UK Student Visa as an international student, to study in the UK and like we promised Pearl when we wrote back, we will also show you how to get one without going through stress, or worse, being defrauded.

    International students from outside the EU need a visa to study in London. Take a look at this handy solution, which can help you know all there is about getting a visa.

    Types of UK student visa

    If you’re studying a short course and are over 18 years old, you may be eligible for the short-term study visa. This is valid for up to six months for most short courses and can be extended for a stay of up to 11 months for English language courses.

    If you’re studying a longer course, you’ll need to make sure your chosen institution holds a Tier 4 Sponsor License. You can either apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa (if you’re aged 4-17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK) or a Tier 4 (General) student visa for those aged 16 and over.

    UK VISA REQUIREMENTS

    General immigration criteria are managed by UK visas and immigration while Swiss nationals and those from the EU/EEA states do not currently need a visa to study in the United Kingdom; all other international students (non-EU/EEA) are likely to need one. You need to know the UK Student Visa Requirements 2022

    Here are some major requirements you need, to get a visa whether you are on a scholarship or a self-sponsored international student.

    1. Details of your passport.
    2. A recent photograph.
    3. An unconditional offer of a place on a course offered by a licensed tier 4 sponsor, evidenced by a ‘confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) form from your course provider (worth 30 points).
    4. Proof of adequate English language skills demonstrated by bypassing one of the secure English language tests (SELT). You will not need to provide this if you’re from an English-speaking country such as the United States or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in an English-speaking country.
    5. Proof you have financial support throughout your stay in the UK (worth 10 points) proof of financial support can take the form of bank statements or a letter from your financial sponsor, showing you can cover your tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs (scholarship or sponsorship of any kind). You must prove that you have £1,015 (~us$1,300) per month for living costs if studying in the UK outside of London, and £1,265 (~us$1,600) a month for living costs if studying in London.
    6. You may also be required to produce documents showing your academic qualifications.
    7. And to attend an interview or biometric test, which includes a digital scan of your fingerprints.
    8. Depending on your country of origin, you may also be required to have certain medical vaccinations or undertake a tuberculosis test.
    9. If you’re 16 or 17 years old and applying for the tier 4 (general) UK student visa, you must have written consent from your parents/guardians that you can live and travel independently.
    10. You must apply online for the tier 4 (general) student visa, ensuring you’ve read the full guidance here. You can apply up to three months before the start of your course.
    11. You’ll also need to pay a healthcare surcharge of £150 per year (~us$190) in order to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay (this may rise).

    The above UK Visa Requirements may not be exhaustive but certainly the major requirements you must have to meet.

    UK student visa fees

    The current fee for the Tier 4 (General) student visa is £348 (~US$440), with an additional £348 fee per person for any dependents. You’ll also need to pay a healthcare surcharge of £150 per year (~US$190) in order to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay (this will rise to £300 (~US$380) from late 2018).

    The Short Term Study Visa costs £97 (~US$120) for the six-month option and £186 (~US$240) for the 11-month visa.

    SHORT-TERM STUDY VISA

    You can apply for a short-term study visa if you’re planning to take a short course (no more than six months) in the UK. You must also come from outside the European economic area (EEA) and Switzerland.

    The short-term study visa costs £97 (~us$120) for the six-month option and £186 (~us$240) for the 11-month visa.

    OVERVIEW

    To qualify for the short-term UK Student Visa, you must meet the government’s requirements, which are as follow;

    Eligibility:

    1. You must prove that you have been offered a place on a course in the UK at an accepted place of study
    2. Also, you must have enough money to support yourself without working or help from public funds or have relatives and friends who can support and house you.
    3. You must be able to pay for your return or onward journey
    4. If you’re under 18 you must also:
    • Have made arrangements for your travel and stay in the United Kingdom.
    • Have permission from your parent or guardian to study in the United Kingdom

    SHORT-TERM STUDY VISA: THE LIMITATION

    You cannot:

    1. Extend a short-term study visa
    2. Switch (change) to a tier 4 student visa in the UK
    3. Apply for the doctorate extension scheme, as you need a tier 4 visa for this
    4. Get free non-emergency medical treatment through the NHS
    5. Work (including voluntary work, work experience, or a placement – even if it is unpaid).

    Hence, if you need to study and work in the UK, you certainly will need to apply for a tier 4 student visa rather than the short-term study visa. Note that in applying for the short-term study visa, the above UK Student Visa Requirements 2021 are also applicable.

    Back in 2016 UK voted to leave the European Union which means that some of the information in this guide regarding funding and visa status for students from within the EU could change. We’ll update you as soon as we get to know more.

    The result of the United Kingdom’s referendum on membership in the European Union (‘Brexit’) has led to some uncertainty over visa regulations, but the UK government has stated that there will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens until 2021

    Also note that the current fee for the tier 4 (general) student visa is £348 (~US$440), with an additional £348 fee per person for any dependent (fees could change anytime).

    Am sure it doesn’t seem so hard anymore to get a visa. So why don’t you get to it now and fulfill that dream of yours to study abroad?

    Using your UK student visa

    When you enter the UK, a UK Border Agency officer will put a stamp on your passport that states the duration of your stay in the UK. For example, if your course is 12 months or more, you can stay for the full duration of the course plus an additional four months. You cannot extend your stay beyond this period.

    Before you arrive, you must make sure you are fully immunized, remembering to pack your immunization record in your hand luggage in case you are asked to show the Border Agency officer at your UK port of entry. You should also carry the documents relating to your studies (including your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS number), your proof of finances, and your proof of accommodation.

    Depending on where you’re from, you may also be required to register with the police within seven days of arrival in the UK.

    Remember when there is a will there is always a way.

  • Find out how to get a University of Birmingham Commonwealth Scholarship worth £3,000

    Find out how to get a University of Birmingham Commonwealth Scholarship worth £3,000

    The University of Birmingham is pleased to offer a number of Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s students from developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarships are worth £3,000 each and will be tenable for one academic year.

    University of Birmingham Commonwealth Scholarship

    First of all, what’s a Commonwealth Scholarship? It’s an award given by the University of Birmingham to outstanding students who are citizens of countries that were previously part of the British Empire. If you’re passionate about education and want to study at one of the world’s top universities, read on to find out how you can get this great scholarship!

    How can you get a scholarship worth £3,000 to study at the University of Birmingham? With this in-depth guide, you’ll find out how to make your application stand out from the crowd and secure a scholarship worth £3,000 to study at the University of Birmingham! The information provided here will also help you win other scholarships, so keep reading if you want to learn more about getting one of these prestigious awards!

    About the University of Birmingham

    The University of Birmingham is a research-led university with a global reputation for academic excellence. Located in England’s second city, Birmingham is a truly vibrant and cosmopolitan place to live and study. The university offers an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as world-class research opportunities. With over 24,000 students from more than 150 countries, Birmingham is one of the most internationally diverse universities in the UK.

    What is the University of Birmingham Commonwealth Scholarship

    The University of Birmingham Commonwealth Scholarship is a scholarship available to students from certain Commonwealth countries. The scholarship is worth £3,000 and can be used towards tuition fees or living expenses.

    To be eligible for the scholarship, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country and have applied to study at the University of Birmingham. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and is renewable for up to three years. If you are interested in applying for the University of Birmingham Commonwealth Scholarship, more information can be found on the university’s website.

    The reason why you should Choose Birmingham?

    For over 120 years, our innovative academic research and teaching have influenced society and made an impact on people’s lives. We continue to have an impact on our city, our country, and across the world, and our partnership with the Games is a testament to the role we play in our region.

    The city and the University are official partners for the Games and Birmingham is perfectly positioned to host such an event – at the center of the UK with vast experience in hosting world-class international events across our vibrant and diverse city.

    By choosing the University of Birmingham during this important year, you will experience the city and campus at their most vibrant.

     Experience.

    The University will be a competition venue for both hockey and squash, and the principal campus village during the Games, which will be held from 28 July to 8 August 2022, welcoming both athletes and spectators to our campus.

    We will also offer volunteering opportunities for staff and students on campus, giving you the chance to gain valuable experience in working at a major sports event.

    Birmingham will not just benefit from exciting sporting events. As part of the Games, the city will also host a six-month arts festival from March 2022, exploring the spirit of the Games and celebrating our rich cultural sector in the West Midlands. This means you will have an unparalleled opportunity to explore and experience the city, enjoy our cultural and sporting assets, and take advantage of the opportunities a thriving city offers.

    Eligibility for a University of Birmingham Commonwealth Scholarship?

    in order to be eligible, candidates must meet the following requirements. You must:

    • Have applied for, and received an offer of admission for, a taught Masters’s degree at the University of Birmingham UK campus, to study in the 2022/23 academic year.
    • Be classed as ‘domiciled’ in one of the Commonwealth countries. Please see the list below.
    • Be classed by the University as an overseas fee payer for tuition fee purposes.
    • Start your studies at the University in September/ October 2022 on a course delivered on-campus.

    Programs that are not eligible?

    If you decide to defer your program start date to September 2023, you will no longer be eligible as the scholarship is only available for programs starting in September 2022.
    Students seeking to study on a course solely delivered as a ‘distance learning program are not eligible for this scholarship.
    Students applying for programs in the Birmingham Business School are not eligible for this scholarship but are eligible for other separate MSc and MBA scholarships offered by the Business School.
    Undergraduate degree programs including the MBChB, MEng, MSc, and MPharm undergraduate programs are not eligible.

    Countries that can take commonwealth scholarship?

    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Australia
    • The Bahamas,
    • Bangladesh
    • Barbados
    • Belize
    • Botswana
    • Brunei Darussalam
    • Cameroon
    • Canada
    • Cyprus
    • Dominica
    • Fiji
    • The Gambia,
    • Ghana
    • Grenada
    • Guyana
    • India
    • Jamaica
    • Kenya
    • Kiribati
    • Lesotho
    • Malawi
    • Malaysia
    • Maldives
    • Malta
    • Mauritius
    • Mozambique
    • Namibia
    • Nauru
    • New Zealand
    • Nigeria
    • Pakistan
    • Papua New Guinea
    • Rwanda
    • Saint Lucia
    • Samoa
    • Seychelles
    • Sierra Leone
    • Singapore
    • Solomon Islands
    • South Africa
    • Sri Lanka
    • St Kitts and Nevis
    • St Vincent and The Grenadines
    • Swaziland
    • Tonga
    • Trinidad and Tobago
    • Tuvalu
    • Uganda
    • United Republic of Tanzania
    • Vanuatu
    • Zambia

    How to apply

    This scholarship will be automatically offered to applicants who meet the criteria outlined above.

    To accept the scholarship you will need to formally accept the offer you receive from the University’s Admissions Office, by the deadline stated on your offer. You can do this via the postgraduate portal.

    To fully secure the scholarship, you will also be required to pay the standard £2,000 (GBP) admissions deposit by the deadline set by the Admissions Office in your offer letter. (For the purposes of this scholarship selection process, your deposit must be paid by 31 August 23:59 UK time/ GMT+1).

    Final Thought

    The University of Birmingham is committed to providing a world-class education to students from all backgrounds, and their Commonwealth Scholarships are one way they’re able to make this happen. If you’re thinking about applying to the University of Birmingham, be sure to check if you’re eligible for this scholarship – it could make your dream of studying there a reality.

  • British Council Scholarships Without IELTS – Apply Now for Free UK Admissions

    British Council Scholarships Without IELTS – Apply Now for Free UK Admissions

    British Council Scholarships Without IELTS have been announced! The British Council is one of the world’s leading international education and culture organizations. Every year they offer scholarships to thousands of students from around the world so that they can study in UK universities at no cost. Find out more about these free British Council Scholarships Without IELTS and apply now!

    The British Government has opened its doors to all the passionate and deserving students, who want to pursue their high education in the UK under the various generous scholarship programs offered by the British Council. All these scholarships get funded by the UK government and are available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. On the other hand, this British council plays a dominant role in promoting academic activities and international culture in the UK.

    If you are willing to study in one of the prestigious universities of the UK under a scholarship program without IELTS in the 2022 batch, then here is a golden opportunity for you. Dozens of renowned UK universities, give scholarships to overseas candidates without the mandatory IELTS test scores requirement.

    On the other side, such universities also offer approximately 50,000 courses in different fields. However, students can also opt for online degree courses and enjoy up to two years of work experience in the UK after their degree completion.

    Scholarship Details

    The British Council is now offering scholarships without the need for IELTS scores. This is a great opportunity for students who want to study in the UK but may not have the required English language proficiency. The scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of a developing country and have been accepted to a full-time degree program at a UK university. So what are you waiting for? Get your application in today!

    Eligibility Requirements

    -You must be a citizen of Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, or Pakistan.
    -You must have an offer of admission from a UK university.
    -You must not have already studied or worked in the UK for more than six months.
    -Your course must start before 31 March 2023.
    -You must meet the British Council’s English language requirements.
    To be eligible for a British Council Scholarship, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country other than the United Kingdom. You must also be between the ages of 18 and 30. Additionally, you must have an offer of admission from a participating institution in the United Kingdom. To maintain your scholarship, you must meet certain academic requirements set by the British Council. Finally, you will be required to take part in post-arrival orientation activities organized by the British Council.

    List of IELTS alternative exams accepted in British Universities:

    • TOEFL
    • CAE / CPE (Cambridge English Proficiency Tests)
    • PTE
    • DET
    • CanTEST
    • IELTS Indicator

    Meanwhile, these certificates should state that the interested candidate has completed all the degree courses in the English language. In this way, candidates can use these certificates instead of IELTS.

    If you want to know more about the British Council scholarships without IELTS, stick to this article.

    List of UK Universities Offering Admissions Without IELTS:

    Before going deep into the discussion about the British Council scholarship programs that do not ask for IELTS; we will first check the list of all the UK universities that have ruled out the IELTS test scores requirement needed for admission and scholarships.

    Following are the list of all British Universities Without IELTS Requirement for admissions:

    •     The University of Basel.
    • Northumbria University.
    •     The University of Bolton.
    •     The University of Northampton.
    •     The University of Plymouth.
    •     Audencia Nantes School of Management.
    •     Riga Technical University.
    •     London Southbank University.
    •     Portsmouth University.
    •     Birmingham City University.
    •     Robert Gordon University.
    •     Aston University, Birmingham.
    •     Swansea University.
    •     The University of Geneva.
    •     Sheffield Hallam University.

    Well, this list does not end here. So many other universities in the UK are also doing a remarkable job by promoting education among international students and giving admissions/scholarships without IELTS.

    Several British Council Scholarships are there for overseas candidates to complete their Undergraduate, Post-graduate, and Doctoral degrees.

    Following is the list of all British Council Scholarships Without IELTS in 2022:

    1 Bristol University Think Big Scholarships:

    Bristol University is all set to welcome international students from all over the world for the Bristol University Think Big scholarship program. It has invested approx. £500,000 to invite the candidates to apply for Bristol Think Big Undergraduate/Postgraduate Scholarship.

    We included Bristol University Scholarships in our list of British Council Scholarships Without IELTS; because applicants can submit alternate IELTS certificates during the application process. Candidates are also welcome to submit English proficiency certificates as well.

    All the overseas candidates are eligible for this scholarship and will receive a grant of up to £5,000 / £10,000. The application deadline is 28th March 2022 for the Undergraduate Program.

    However, for the Postgraduate, there are two rounds of application:

    The deadline for the 1st round is 28th June 2022.
    The deadline for the 2nd round is the 13th of November 2022.

    2 Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships:

    The Scottish Government and Scottish Universities are jointly offering this valuable Saltire scholarship to the citizens of;

    China (including Hong Kong)
    India
    Japan
    Pakistan
    Canada
    USA

    There are about 50 such Scotland scholarships available for the Master’s degree program with a reward of £8000. Meanwhile, the award-winning candidates will become the representative of the Scotland and Saltire Scholarships program.

    Scotland Saltire Scholarships got a place in our list of British Council Scholarships Without IELTS; because applicants can submit alternate IELTS certificates during the application process. Candidates are also welcome to submit English proficiency certificates as well.

    3 British Chevening Scholarships:

    These British scholarships get funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other co-partner organizations. The Chevening scholarship is the UK Government Global scholarship program, which is available for the Master’s degree. The candidates can apply for Chevening scholarships also by providing IELTS alternate scores or acceptable English language proficiency certificates.

    To meet the Eligibility Requirement;

    The candidate must belong to the listed eligible country.
    Once the scholarship program gets finished, the candidates will have to return to their home country for at least two years.
    The applied candidate must have 2 years of work experience.
    Lastly, the candidate must have completed the Bachelor’s degree before submitting the scholarship application for a Master’s degree.

    For Application Process:

    The application process is online. However, the candidates will apply for the Master’s degree and Chevening scholarship separately. Also, the application submission deadline varies from country to country, so apply accordingly.

    4 University of Sussex Scholarships:

    The University of Sussex is one of the top-ranked research universities in the UK, offering more than 500 Undergraduate and Post-graduate degree programs. Meanwhile, around 5,6000 international students are currently studying here and can apply for the 25-plus scholarship programs.

    Scholarships offered by Sussex university will be given to the students based on their academic performance and monetary needs. The Sussex University Scholarships Without IELTS can be accessed by providing IELTS alternate certifications or an English Proficiency Certificate.

    However, the benefits of these scholarships include a reduction in tuition fees by up to 50% and a grant of 5,000 GBP for Undergraduate students and 3,000 GBP for Master’s degree students.

    5 Rhodes Scholarship Britain:

    All the deserving and eligible candidates can study at Oxford University under the Rhodes Scholarship Britain. It is one of the most prestigious yet oldest scholarship programs. Every year, around 100 scholarships are awarded to international students to complete their Master’s and Ph.D. degree programs.

    The Rhodes scholarships are easy to obtain if you got good grades and an application can be submitted for these scholarships without IELTS; if one got PTE or another Proficiency certificate in the English language.

    The duration of this Rhodes scholarship is of two years. In the meantime, it also covers university fees and provides an annual stipend of £17,310/ annum.

    Application Process

    The British Council is now offering scholarships without the need for IELTS for students wanting to study in the UK. This is a great opportunity for those who may not have had the chance to take the test or who didn’t score high enough. The application process is simple and straightforward, and you could be on your way to studying in the UK sooner than you thought! Here’s what you need to do:
    1. Go to the British Council website and create an account.
    2. Fill out the application form with your basic information (e-mail address, name).
    3. Select British Council Scholarships Without IELTS Scholarship from the list of options and click continue.
    4. Submit your answer to two essay questions about why you want to study in the UK and how this scholarship will help you achieve that goal before hitting submit at the bottom of the page.
    5. You will then be sent an e-mail confirming your submission.
    6. Finally, wait to hear back if you are one of the lucky recipients of a British Council Scholarship Without IELTS in 2022 – Free UK Admissions!

    Final Thought

    The British Council is now offering scholarships to students who wish to study in the UK without having to take the IELTS exam. This is a great opportunity for those who may not have had the opportunity to take the exam, or who may not have scored high enough to meet the requirements of their chosen university. The deadline to apply is March 31st, so be sure to get your application in as soon as possible! Good luck!

    Official Links

    The British Council offers scholarships to international students who want to study in the UK.
    – You can apply for a scholarship if you are a national of, or have refugee status in, an eligible country.
    – You must also be aged 18 or over and have an offer to study on a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course at a UK university.
    – The deadline to apply is 31 March.