UPGRAD Abroad | UK

How to Study in the UK for Indian Students?

 Participants will be able to attend both interactive lectures led by industry leaders and lectures presented by world-renowned faculty members. The program also offers live lectures or hangout sessions dedicated to answering academic questions. As part of the on-campus curriculum, students write a thesis during their last semester.

Study in the UK for Indian Students – British Education System

Primary, secondary, and higher education are the four components of the UK’s education system. Five to sixteen-year-olds must complete primary and secondary school. These are the key stages

• Key Stage 1: 5-7
• Key Stage 2: 7-11
• Key Stage 3:11-14
• Key Stage 4: 14-16

Here’s Taking a look at the educational stages

   1. Primary Education

Beginning at the age of five, it lasts until the age of eleven. There may be a Junior or Infant education level as well.

    2. Secondary Education

Usually, this begins between 7 and 8 years of age. Math, English, Modern Language, Sciences, and Humanities are common subjects. Drama, Sport, Latin, Music, Computer Science, Art, Design Technology, etc. are examples of elective subjects. In the seventh grade, students may begin taking entrance exams. Three sessions are held in November, January, and May/June.

    3. Secondary school

This happens in the ninth year with students transitioning to senior school from junior school. It sets the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) program foundation. Students study subjects like Sciences, Maths, English, Languages, and Humanity.

    4. Secondary levels

Starting in the tenth and eleventh grades, students are preparing for their GCSE exams. There are nine to twelve subjects to choose from in UK schools. Mathematics, English, two-three Science subjects, as well as Modern Language and History or Geography, are compulsory subjects. After completing this two-year program, students receive their GCSE certificates.

    5. Intensive 1-year GCSE

   Some schools have one-year GCSE  courses for international students.

    6. IGCSE

  This program helps prepare international students for IB or A-Levels.

     7. University

UG and PG courses of three and 12 months respectively (in most cases) are a fixture of the education system

Various Higher Education Institutions

There are multiple types of institutions for higher education in the UK. They include

• Diverse or autonomous institutions (independent and government-reliant).
• Universities
• Other higher education providers with public funding.
• Alternative education providers
• Groups of institutions.

UK Grading Scale

Grade in the UK	Corresponding Approximate Grade in the USA
75-100	A+
70-74	A
64-69	A-
60-63	B+
55-59	B
50-54	B-
46-49	C+
43-45	C
38-42	C-
35-37	D
0-34	Fail

Features of UK Universities

The chief benefits of study in the UK for Indian students after graduation from universities include the following

• Globally acclaimed institutions which top global rankings consistently
• Globally recognized degrees
• Creative and innovative academic curriculum and educational models
• Ample scope of research and development
• Excellent industry interface and mentorship
• Access to the best infrastructure and equipment.
• Multicultural ambiance and plethora of activities.

Intakes in the UK

The admission intakes in the UK are the following

• Fall- September to December.
• Spring- March to April.

    A winter intake also exists though it stays reserved for specific courses and institutions. Most students choose to apply in the fall or spring.

Course Duration

A typical undergraduate program lasts about three years. An average postgraduate program lasts one year. In other countries, students usually need from five to seven years to complete their education. 

Cost of studying in the UK for Indian students

Students from India can expect average tuition fees of £10,000-20,000, or roughly INR 9.99 lakhs to INR 19.98 lakhs. Postgraduate courses may also require similar course fees, while doctoral degrees may cost anywhere from £15,000 to 24,000 annually or between INR 14.99 lakhs and INR 23.98 lakhs.

Requirements for a study visa in the UK

Here is the student visa system in the UK

Tier 4

Students who are 16 years old or older, coming to study at an educational institution in the UK. Applications must be made 3 months before the start of the course. If the course lasts more than six months, you should arrive one month in advance if it is a six-month course.

Tier 4 (Child)

Students between the ages of four and 17 are accepted to courses at educational institutions in the UK with a valid sponsor. The application should be submitted three months prior to the course start. Arrivals may occur one week or two months in advance

Short-term study visa

Students who apply for short-term UK courses in English or training programs receive this type of study visa. Visa applications must be submitted three months in advance of travel. Courses and institutions will determine the arrival date.

Tier 4 (General)

It is for people who live outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) and who wish to enter the UK as a student. As in the previous case, applicants can arrive up to a month before the start date (if the course spans more than six months).

Health Coverage in the UK

As part of their health insurance fees, international students have to pay around £470 or INR 46,968 every year. Associated with the visa fee is the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge). The NHS (National Health Service) offers free treatment to international students who have valid student visas. In order to qualify, they must be enrolled in a course lasting at least six months. 

Best Places to Study in the UK

These are the best study destinations in the UK

• Birmingham
• Aberdeen
• Glasgow
• Nottingham
• Coventry
• London
• Edinburgh
• Manchester

Best Courses in the UK

The UK offers a wide variety of educational courses that are popular amongst students worldwide. Some of the options include

• Computer Science
• Creative Arts and Design
• Engineering and Technology
• Law
• Medicine and Dentistry
• Education
• Mass Communication
• Architecture
• Veterinary Science
• Music
• Archaeology and Anthropology
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Psychology
• Sociology
• English Literature
• Photography
• Industrial Engineering
• MBA (Management, Finance, International Relations, Marketing, etc.)
• Economics
• Biological Sciences
• Pharmacy
• Biotechnology
• Automotive Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Molecular Sciences
• Electrical Engineering
• Civil Engineering

Exams needed to study in the UK

• The examinations required for studying in the UK include the following

• TOEFL or IELTS (English language proficiency)
• GMAT or GRE
• LNAT (National Admission Test for Law) and Cambridge Law Test for law aspirants

Available part-time jobs

During the academic session, interns may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. Some popular part-time jobs include retail workers, receptionists, library assistants, student ambassadors, mystery shoppers, baristas, waiters, bartenders, and shelf packers.

Top UK universities

The UK is home to several universities ranked in the top global echelons as per several ranking organizations such as the QS World University ranking

University	Ranking (QS World)
University of Cambridge	7
University of Oxford	4
University College of London	8
The University of Manchester	27
University of Edinburgh	20
Imperial College London	9
London School of Economics and Political Science	44
University of Bristol	49
University of Warwick	69
King’s College London	33

Scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK

There are many scholarship options available for eligible aspirants. Some of them include the following

• Chevening Scholarship
• Great Scholarship
• Commonwealth Fellowship and Scholarship
• Scotland Saltire Scholarship
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship

Post-study work visa for Indian students in the UK

Under the new post-study work visa policy, international students can stay and work in the UK for 24 months after graduating.

Job Opportunities in the UK

Several of the world’s biggest and most reputable global companies and multinational corporations are headquartered in the UK. These sectors include health services, management, food, aviation, human resources, telecommunications, and technology, among others.

Fast-growing industries include mining, energy, finance, insurance, legal services, manufacturing, consulting, media, communications, real estate and construction, e-commerce, healthcare, transportation, and logistics, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, sports, tourism, culture, and education. The country has a robust economy and offers competitive salaries for skilled graduates

Conclusion

    The UK is a top global study destination for international students, offering highly ranked institutions, advanced courses, and excellent prospects in diverse sectors. The country is known for     its multicultural and cosmopolitan society, along with its high standards of living

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Upgrad International?

Ans. Unique study abroad programs are available through upgrade Abroad, the company’s new international education platform. Through these programs, learners can experience world-class education from the comfort of their own homes.

Q. Are UK degrees Recognised worldwide?

Ans. Universities in the UK offer degrees that are respected around the world, and there is a wide range of subjects available. The British higher education sector is recognized internationally for its innovative and challenging learning environments, which push students to reach their full potential.

Q. Is UPGRAD UGC approved?

Ans. Young Indians can now access University Grants Commission (UGC) and World Education Services (WES) accredited online degree courses, giving them a 360-degree university experience online through UpGrad

Q. Do we get certificates in the upgrad?

Ans. Only after you meet the criteria and requirements of upgrad and its Educational Partners will you be awarded a Certificate of Completion (“Program Certificate”).

Q. Does upgrad provide scholarships?

Ans. UpGrad offers a scholarship through the Swades Foundation. Scholarships are given to motivated individuals who strive for excellence. The scholarship is open to working professionals who would like to upskill for a future career or upgrade their skills.

Q. Does an upgrad give a certificate for a free course?

Ans. Upgrade launches 12+ free courses (worth lakhs) with free certificates. The courses feature cutting-edge content that is entirely self-paced, a live discussion board where you can ask questions and interact with others in your class, and a certificate upon completing the course.

Q. Is it worth studying in the UK after Brexit?

Ans. No matter what the outcome of Brexit is, UK universities will still maintain their academic excellence and high international rankings and standards. Therefore, post-Brexit, a UK study destination will remain the same academically and will be worth your consideration.