United Kingdom Study Visa

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Study In UK

Why study in United Kingdom?

UK Student Visas

From the world-class reputation of UK universities, to the vibrancy of its cities and culture, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have a lot to offer international students. Four of the world’s top six universities are based in the UK, while all of its institutes offer a high quality level of teaching from leading professionals in their chosen area.

With advanced research methods and excellent facilities, you are guaranteed an education of the uppermost standard. UK courses are internationally recognised and come with prestigious qualifications that will make your résumé stand out to future employers. There is also a great deal of information and guidance available along the way to help you to further your education and plan your career.

The UK has a large international student community and multicultural society. Students come from over 200 nations to study in the UK. Many educational institutes have an international society to enable students from abroad to settle in the UK and make friends. These societies are always very sociable and offer trips to local attractions, and activities such as meals out, parties and gatherings. They also serve as a great source of support and advice and will enable you to make friendships that will last a lifetime.

As an international student you have the option to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time in holidays. There are also opportunities for you to work for up to two years following your graduation. This is a great way to build up your work experience and gain some important skills that may compliment your future career.

Another benefit of being based in the UK is its proximity to the rest of Europe. Many destinations are a short plane journey away, which is fantastic for students who want to travel on term breaks. The UK is a great gateway to Europe, with plenty of travel links and wonderful students deals and guidance to help you on your way.

Visa Guide

Intakes

The main intake for most UK Universities is September. Every university opens admissions for all courses that they offer, for the September intake. There is also a Mid-academic year intake offered by some British Universities during January / February. However, all courses may not be offered in this intake. Whether or not a University will offer a January / February intake can be found out on the respective university’s website, university brochures or from our counselors.

Application Fees

Usually UK universities do not charge any application fees.

Application Procedure

Though each University specifies its application procedure / requirements, generally one can apply for admissions through us at Take Off Educational Consultants, where by all application, admission and correspondence services will be provided by us. You can give us all necessary supporting academic documents and we will assist you with the entire admission procedure.

Spot Interviews

Spot Interviews are also conducted by several visiting Universities at our offices at Take Off Educational Consultants. In this case, one is required to attend an interview conducted by university staff/ faculty, who will offer the student an on the spot decision, about whether or not he is eligible for admission. Also, further relevant inquiries can be made and are usually answered by the University Representative.

Documents Required for Admission

The following checklist will be helpful while applying to a university in UK…

  1. Application Form
  2. Resume / Bio-data
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. Graduation Degree Certificate / Provisional Certificate (if applying for PG)
  5. Graduation Mark sheets – all years
  6. Std 12 Mark Sheet
  7. Std 10 Mark Sheet
  8. 2 Recommendation letters (out of which at least 1 should be academic, with the other being from the work place, if student is working)
  9. Work experience letters (if applicable)
  10. IELTS / TOEFL Score Sheet
  11. Any other relevant certificates
  12. Portfolio of work must also be included, in case of application for courses in art / design etc.

Visa Procedure

Any person, who is not a British Citizen or a citizen of one the European Economic Area (EEA) Countries, needs an entry clearance before he travels to the UK. To apply for a visa to the UK, applicants need to submit their Tier 4 Student Visa application to the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Centre nearest to them.

VFS staff accept the applications at each centre and all applications are then immediately forwarded to any one of the 4 visa ofices of the British High Commission in India.

VFS are responsible only for accepting applications and providing advice and guidance where necessary. All visa applications are assessed by Visa Officers at the British High Commission.

Tier 4 Point Based System (Student Visa)

From 31 March 2009, any applicant who wishes to study in the UK has to apply under Tier 4 category of the point based system. This new point based system was introduced to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify most talented workers along with making transparent route for studying in the UK. The new system places more emphasis upon the responsibility of the educational body in question for the applicants they permit to study.

As a Tier 4 student visa, you must qualify for 40 points in point assessment. You can score:

  • 30 points for a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies, from an approved education provider (also known as a ‘Tier 4 sponsor’), and for having acceptable course and English language skills; and
  • 10 points for having enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) to cover your course fees and living costs.

Visa Interview

In many cases the application is approved without the need for the applicant to attend an interview. In these cases, the applicant’s passport, endorsed with the appropriate UK visa, will be returned to the application centre by courier, or sent to his contact address.

If a Visa Officer cannot make a decision on your application on the basis of the papers submitted, VFS will contact you to book an interview appointment.

Documents Required for Tier 4 Student Visa

  1. Fully filled and signed Application Form
  2. Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from the University
  3. Letter of Offer from the university confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK
  4. Visa Application Fee
  5. Original Valid Passport
  6. Photocopy of Passport
  7. Passport size Photographs
  8. TB Report
  9. Academic documents
  10. IELTS / TOEFL Score Sheet
  11. Statement of Purpose
  12. Work-experience, if applicable from present and previous employers providing their contact details.
  13. Financial Documents
Study Visa