Study in UK

Picking the right course enriches your study abroad and is one of the important things to be done in the process. The United Kingdom has a wide range of course options available that give international students the opportunity to choose their desired course. Here are some of the popular courses that are available in the UK for international students. 

Business and Management: Courses in business administration, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship are popular choices for both domestic and international students, given the UK's reputation as a global financial hub.

Engineering: The UK is renowned for its engineering programs, covering fields such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and aerospace engineering, providing students with excellent opportunities to work on innovative projects.

Computer Science and IT: With the rise of technology, computer science and IT courses are in high demand. UK universities offer cutting-edge programs in artificial intelligence, data science, software development, and cybersecurity.

Medicine and Healthcare: The UK's medical schools are highly regarded globally. Many students opt for courses in medicine, nursing, pharmacology, and public health.

Law: British law schools are prestigious and attract students from around the world. Courses in law cover various areas such as international law, commercial law, and human rights law.

The student visa is considered a gateway for a student to study abroad, and getting a student visa is a crucial step for international students planning to study in the UK. The student visa allows you to stay in the country. Here is an overview of the UK student visa requirements:

• You will be eligible to apply for a student visa if you are above the age of 16. 
• If you are an international student, you will have to apply for a student visa six months before you begin your course. 
• If you are applying for a student visa at a degree level, you can stay in the country for up to 5 years. 
• There are even possibilities to extend your visa to stay in the country for a longer period. You can switch to a graduate visa and stay for another two years in the UK after your course completion. 
• There is a standard fee that you have to pay to apply for a student visa. It costs £363 to apply for a Student visa as an international student for the first time and £490 to extend or switch to a graduate visa to extend your stay in the country. 
• As part of your UK Student visa application, you will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge. 
• With the help of a student visa, you can bring your partner and children as dependents. 
• You may not be able to be self-employed or claim any public benefits while you are a visa holder. 

In the UK, international students have the option to apply for three popular intakes offered by universities. These intakes are as follows.

September/Fall Intake: Commencing in September, this is the most sought-after intake, attracting over 80% of undergraduate and postgraduate applicants to UK universities.

January/Winter Intake: The second-largest intake in the UK, starting in January, it offers fewer course options compared to the September intake.

May/Spring Intake: Students who miss the previous two intakes can opt for this intake in the spring. However, certain UK universities only accept a limited number of students during this period.

These intakes provide flexibility for international students to plan their academic journey and pursue their desired courses at various times throughout the year.

Studying in the UK can provide international students with a prestigious degree that enhances their global employability. To support students financially, both the UK government and top universities offer various scholarships tailored to meet their needs. Some important scholarships in the UK for international students include:

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships: In collaboration with commonwealth countries, the UK government provides these scholarships for eligible postgraduate students, covering expenses such as education, living, and travel costs.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) International Studentships: This scholarship is aimed at international students starting their research-based postgraduate programs, supporting tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

GREAT Scholarships: The British Council and UK universities jointly offer GREAT scholarships to eligible postgraduate students from countries like Thailand, covering tuition fees or providing fee reductions.

Chevening Scholarships: Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are prestigious awards available to students from various countries, including Thailand. These scholarships support one-year master's degrees and emphasise academic excellence, leadership potential, and positive societal impact.

To increase the chances of receiving these scholarships, applicants should ensure they meet eligibility criteria, which may involve maintaining a minimum GPA and demonstrating English language proficiency. Competition for these scholarships is intense, making it crucial for candidates to present their strongest qualities during the application process.

Planning your cost of living is an important step in the process of preparing for your studying abroad trip. The United Kingdom is known for its affordable yet great lifestyle that is suitable for international students who are staying in the country. Here are some of the important living expenses in the UK that you might incur during your stay in the UK: 

Student life is a lot more than what happens inside the campus and how an individual’s academic prospect is. Here are some of the things that an international student gets to experience first-hand while studying in the UK. 

• The UK's universities are home to a large number of international students from all around the world. This creates a multicultural environment where you can interact with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, making it an excellent opportunity for cross-cultural learning and networking.

• UK universities prioritise the well-being of their students and provide a range of support services. These may include academic guidance, counselling, health services, accommodation assistance, and language support for non-native English speakers.

• There is a wide array of student societies and clubs catering to diverse interests. Whether you are into sports, arts, culture, academics, or hobbies, you'll likely find a club that suits your passions. Joining these groups is an excellent way to make friends, develop skills, and participate in various activities.

• UK universities offer a bustling campus life with numerous events, seminars, workshops, and cultural festivals throughout the academic year. These activities foster a sense of community and encourage social interactions.

• The UK's strategic location in Europe makes it a gateway to explore nearby countries. During breaks and holidays, you can easily travel to different European destinations, experiencing various cultures and landscapes.

• Studying in the UK often involves living away from home, which fosters independence, self-reliance, and personal growth.

• The UK's education system is highly regarded worldwide, and studying in such an intellectually stimulating environment can enhance your academic growth and career prospects.