So many people have dreams of studying abroad, and like a few people I know, the United Kingdom seems like a very appealing place for studies. How can you study in the United Kingdom, how much will it cost, what are the advantages, what are the options for financially unprivileged people, and how can you get a job after studying in the United Kingdom? These are the questions that will be addressed in this article. keep reading to access the full information.
Study and work Opportunities in the UK
The United Kingdom is a choice place for so many international students all over the world. The country is a high-ranking country, ranking among the best when it comes to education. The fact that it offers Degrees and courses in the English language makes it a very sought-after destination for international students all over the world.
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular places to get a higher education. It has more than 500,000 international students enrolling every single year.
What is so special about the United Kingdom? The impeccable educational system and the environment that so many youths around the world would dream to visit.
Studying in the United Kingdom
First off, what do you stand to gain from studying in the United Kingdom? The list below captures some of these benefits.
• UK universities are some of the highest-ranked universities in the world
• There are so many scholarships and grants you can use to support your studies financially
• You get to learn with the English Language
• It gives you room to develop yourself in an environment with diverse cultures
• You will have enough time to explore the beauty of England.
Not many countries in the world will offer you all these benefits. The United Kingdom is one of my best choice places of study.
Universities and Colleges to Attend in the United Kingdom
There are so many universities, colleges, and business schools to attend in the UK. These institutions are grouped according to the year they were founded, here are the groups below;
• Old Universities: Universities that were founded in the 12th and 13th centuries, for example, the great Oxford University
• Old brick Universities: These Universities were founded in the 19th Century
• New Universities: Universities that were founded and established after 1992.
Examples of the top Universities in the UK are imperial College London, University of Birmingham, University of Leeds, Coventry University, and Brunel University London
Also Check:Â Top 5 Online UK Universities to Study for International Students
What is it like to study in the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom offers a wonderful study experience, with activities like research work, group activities demanding peer interactions, classroom discussions, quizzes, debates, etc
The Educational system is focused on skill development and career build-up to produce students that will contribute to the larger development of society.
Requirements to Study in the United Kingdom
As we all know already, the UK is a very competitive place to get in for studies. The following are the requirements you must meet.
The English language proficiency tests.
This is very compulsory for all Universities and for all international students who wish to study in the UK. To get into any University, you will have to present your scores to examinations like IELTS (International English Language Testing System), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) or any other acceptable proof of English language Proficiency.
Undergraduate Level Requirements
To get accepted at this level to study in the United Kingdom, you must be able to present the following;
• A recognized 10 + 2 educational certificate meeting minimum mark requirements
• You must have your original academic transcripts from your previous academic institutions.
• You must have your statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• You must have the scores of your English language proficiency tests
• Your Passports and other Identity proofs
• You must provide proof of financial funds (your bank statements)
• You must present your Offer letter
• your student Visa.
With these documents present, you may be considered entering a good university in the United Kingdom as an international student.
Post Graduate Level Requirements
For post-graduate aspirants, you will require the following documents.
• An undergraduate degree from a recognized university (probably in your country) with a related field and minimum acceptable scores.
• You will need your official academic transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation are required
• you will need your statement of purpose
• The scores of your English language proficiency tests
• A good and well-detailed resume
• Your financial statements
• A valid passport
• The student Visa
• An offer letter.
Ensure that these documents are complete and they meet the minimum requirements for admission into your university of choice.
Also Check:Â MBBS Requirements in UK, Costs and Free Tuition
Entrance Requirements for Ph.D. in the UK
The following documents are required if you want to get a Ph.D. from a university in the United Kingdom.
• Your Bachelors’s and master’s degree from a recognized University meeting the minimum marks in both programs
• Your official academic transcripts
• Your research proposals
• Statement of purpose
• The results of your English language proficiency tests
• A detailed Curriculum vitae
• Your financial statements
• A valid passport
• An Offer Letter
• A student Visa
These documents should be complete, and well presented. Entrance into the UK Universities is very competitive and will require real competence to get accepted by any of them.
Study Opportunities in the United Kingdom
Considering the fact that studying in the United Kingdom could be a very challenging task for international students because of the cost of living in the United Kingdom, the tuition fees, and personal needs. A lot of opportunities have been provided for international students all over the world who are not privileged financially.
Now, there are various options for international students who will not be able to pay their bills and their tuition fees in the United Kingdom. Here they are below.
- Aid from International Organisations
International Organisations like Fulbright grant aid to international students all over the world who are willing to apply to universities in the United Kingdom but do not have the financial means. Some of these organizations are;
1. The United Nations
2. AMIDEAST
3. World Council of Churches
4. Soros Foundation
5. World Health Organization
- Support From the University
Some universities in the United Kingdom offer support for international students. This support varies from institution to institution. You can visit the website of your choice institution to check the aid or support they have for you.
- Scholarships in the United Kingdom
One of the major challenges for international students in the UK is the lack of financial capability. There are so many ways to combat this problem, one of which is taking advantage of scholarships.
There are so many scholarships for international students in the United Kingdom, some of them are fully funded. I have selected the best of them all. Here they are below;
1. Chevening Scholarships
2. Scotland Saltire Scholarships
3. Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
5. Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford (UK)
6. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
7. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
8. Bristol University Think Big Scholarships
9. University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships
10. University of West England Chancellor’s Scholarships
11. Sheffield Hallam University Transform Together Scholarships
12. Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
13. Developing Solutions Scholarships at the University of Nottingham
These scholarships have different requirements for qualification. You can visit their various websites to know more about them
Working in the UK While studying
Another way to make money as a student in the UK is to get a part-time job while studying. This has been the concern of so many students whether you can work and study in the UK at the same time. The answer is yes. Of course, you can work while you are studying in the UK. But this should not be seen as a major source of income. In fact, you should already have your tuition fees and your accommodation in place before even considering seeking a part-time job.
This is because, for many international students, the cost of living in the UK is very expensive and even after paying your tuition, you will still need some sort of financial support.
Regulations on Working While Studying in the United Kingdom
You are only allowed to do part-time work while you study in the United Kingdom. You are only allowed to work for 20 hours per week as an international student. Your university may add more regulations depending on the type of course, you are studying. You can only work if your school is among the list of universities whose students are allowed to work while studying.
Although you may be restricted to work for only 20 hours per week if you are a full-time Bachelor’s, Master or Ph.D. student, you will be allowed to possess full-time jobs during the summer holidays and vacations.
If you want to have a part-time job as a student in the UK, make sure it doesn’t go against the rules of the state and the University.
Jobs you are not allowed to do While Studying in the UK
One other rule or regulation you will need to note is the types of jobs that you can do as a student in the United Kingdom. Below are the jobs you can‘t do;
• You cannot work as an entertainer
• You are not allowed to be self-employed or work as a freelancer.
• You cannot do a full-time permanent job.
• You cannot be a professional sportsperson or a sports coach
• You cannot become a dentist doctor or a doctor in training except you are enrolled in a foundation program.
These jobs are not allowed for the majority of international students in the UK.
Types of Jobs you are Allowed to do While Studying in the UK
Since the following jobs listed above are prohibited for international students, what types of jobs are you then allowed to do? Below, I give you a long list of job ideas for international students in the United Kingdom.
• Sales Assistant
• Student Support Officer
• Delivery Driver
• Personal assistant
• Veterinary care assistant
• Physiotherapy assistant
• Admission officer
• Waitress
• Receptionist
• Bartender
• Cashier
• Graphic Designer
• Software Developer intern
• Bookseller
• Tour Guide
• Fitness instructor
• Brand Ambassador
• IT Assistant
• Security guard, etc
There are so many types of jobs you can do as an international student in the UK. Whatever choice you are choosing, make sure it is a part-time job.
Also Check: USA Work-Study Opportunities for International Students
How Much Does Part-Time Jobs Pay in the UK
The salary system of the UK is typical of the UK. Part-time workers (students) have the same rights as full-time employees. Therefore, they are paid with the UK waging system. The UK has a national minimum wage that all employers must abide by.
For workers 25 years and older, the minimum wage is £8.72. For workers between 21 to 24 years of age, the minimum wage is £8.20, from 18 to 20 years of age, £6.45 and finally, for anyone under 18, the minimum wage is £4.55.
Working in the UK After Graduation
What if you just finished studying and you need a job. The UK government has enabled international students to both work and live in the UK for up to 2 years after completion of their studies. This will be made possible when you get the new graduate visa.
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