Question often asked by Indian Students
Que.1 What is the ranking of any particular institution?
Ans. There is no formal ranking for institutions in the UK. However, Individual departments within an institution undergo research and quality assessments by the Higher Education Quality Control and the Higher Education Funding Council for further information. These assessment results are available to help students select an appropriate institution.
Que.2 I am in class XI. Is it possible for me to apply for studying in the UK?
Ans. Yes, you will find a number of options to choose from if you go to UK now: you could complete school by doing the A levels, the AS levels, Scottish Highers. Alternatively, you may wish to do a vocational course or a diploma. All these will enable you to take up an undergraduate programme, should you intend to do so later. Moreover, depending on the course that you take, it may be possible to obtain a few credits and get one or two years waived from your undergraduate programme.
Que.3 Can I get a scholarship to study in the UK?
Ans. Yes, you can. UK offers Indian students a number of scholarships under a variety of programmes. Most of these are for postgraduate study, although limited awards are available for undergraduate and research programmes.
Que.4 I am currently studying for an undergraduate course in the UK and have got admission into a masters course. Do I have to return to India to extend my student visa?
Ans. Not necessarily. You could get visa extended in the UK without returning to India. You will have to go to the Home Office, with the evidence that you have been admitted into a full-time course. You will also be required to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover both the tuition fee and living expenses for the entire duration of your stay.
Que.5 Can my overseas relatives sponsor my studies in the UK?
Ans. Yes. You should get a sponsorship letter from them indicating the relationship and the extent to which they are prepared to fund your studies. Besides this, they would also be required to show evidence of financial support (e.g. bank statements, salary certificate, a statements, salary certificate, a statement from the Chartered Accountant, their source of income etc.)
Que.6 Can I stay with my relatives while studying in the UK?
Ans. Yes, you can. You could also live on campus. This would enable you to use the library, IT and extracurricular facilities to a great extent. You would also get to know other international students better. Most Institutions would be happy to arrange on-campus accommodation for international students during their first year.
Que.7 English has been my first language throughout school and college. Do I still have to take the English Language Test?
Ans. Most British institutions require you to prove your proficiency in English only if it has not been your first language. You may be required to either take the IELTS test which is administered regularly by the British Council at all its centers. Alternatively, the TOEFL is also recognized by British institutions.
Que.8 Can I take up a part time job while studying in Britain? What is the amount I am likely to earn and can I sustain myself on it?
Ans. Yes, you can. International students in Britain are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacations. The amount earned varies between 4 – 10 pounds per hour. Though this is generally not sufficient to sustain students, it does come in handy as additional pocket money. However, when applying for a visa, students must show evidence of full financial support from other sources to cover their tuition and living costs. However they also need written permission from their Head of Department before they can apply for jobs on campus.
Que.9 Can I take up a job after completing my course in Britain?
Ans. Student visa cannot be converted to work permits. If you are offered a job, your employer has to apply to the Home Office for your work permit. This can take three months or more and is often difficult to obtain. During the interim period, you would need to return to your home country.
Que.10 We are interested in sending our children to study in a UK school. At what age do they start accepting international students?
Ans. Independent schools in the UK start accepting international students from the age of nine. You would however be required to arrange for a local guardian who would be prepared to take on the responsibility of your children as and when necessary. Many schools try and organize meetings between parents and those who are willing to act as local guardians.
Que.11 Do students face racial problems in Britain?
Ans. No, We have not received any negative feedback from students.
Que.12 Which Universities and University sector colleges admit students at times other than September/ October?
Ans. Generally the academic terms in the UK begins in September/ October. However, the Universities of East London and Buckingham have a January/ February intake.
Que.13 Is there the flexibility to change course/ subject after starting a particular course?
Ans. It is difficult to change the course or subject after joining a particular course.
Que.14 I have admission to an undergraduate programme. My father could show immediate evidence of funds for one year and transfer the remaining funds for the rest of my study later. Is it necessary to show evidence of funds for the entire three-year period?
Ans. For admission purpose it is adequate to show funds for the first year. However, to get a student visa, the candidate has to show that there are sufficient funds available for the duration of the course.
Que.15 Can my husband/wife/son/daughter work whilst I study in the UK?
Ans. This will depend on the amount of time you are given to study in the UK. If you are given 12 months or more, then your husband/wife/son/daughter joining you in the UK should be given a passport stamp which allows him or her to work.
Que.16 Can I stay in the UK to work after I have finished studying?
Ans. It may be possible for you to stay on in the UK for practical training or work experience. Under the ‘Training and Work Experience Scheme’, employers can apply for permits to employ a person in a particular post. It may also be possible to stay on in the UK under the ‘Innovators Scheme’.

Note: However, that it is very difficult to stay on in the UK after your studies under the ‘full work permit scheme’.
Que.17 How do I choose a University?
Ans. There are various parameters that you need to keep in mind when choosing the university:
  • Courses provided by the University/Colleges (visit URL for all details)

  • Faculty

  • Teaching methodology: this is important particularly for the MBA, design related for practical courses.

  • Facilities: Library, computers, recreation, social welfare, accommodation etc.

  • International Links

  • Location

  • Size

  • Cost

The strength of each department is assessed by its research rating, teaching quality assessment and student/ teacher ratio.