Many students around the world dream of studying in the UK. With world-class universities, quality education, and diverse culture, the UK offers a unique academic experience.
However, the admission process to study in the UK can be challenging and confusing for international students. This guide will help you understand the requirements and tips to study in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria for Studying in the UK
Before you can start applying to UK universities, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Here are the essential requirements that international students need to fulfill:
Academic Qualification
A.Undergraduate Entry Requirements: In order to study in the UK immediately after finishing high school, students need to have completed their 12 years of education or 4 Year of diploma course with the minimum required marks for the university and programme they plan to study at. The following documents are also required:
- Certificate of completing HSC/A Level education.
- Original academic transcripts from previous academic institutions
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Scores of English Proficiency Tests
- Passport and other ID proof
- Bank statements to provide proof of financial funds
- Offer Letter
- Student visa
B. Postgraduate Entry Requirements: The UK offers many Masters degrees to international students, including MBAs, Finance, Business Analytics, Data Science, Psychology, English, and Computer Science. Some of these programmes require students to take standardized tests such as the GRE/GMAT or participate in university-specific entrance examinations or interviews.. The following documents are required:
- An undergraduate degree from a recognized university in the same or related field with minimum acceptable marks
- Official Academic transcripts
- Two letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- English Proficiency Tests
- A detailed resume
- Financial Statements
- A valid passport
- Offer Letter
- Student Visa
C.PhD Entry Requirements: PhD students in the UK must have completed a master’s and bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in the same or a related field as the chosen subject. A research proposal is the most important requirement for a PhD applicant. Applicants for PhD programs are required to take part in an interview round. The following documents are required:
- A bachelors and master’s degree from a recognized university with minimum marks in both programmes
- Official academic transcripts
- Research Proposal
- Statement of Purpose
- English Proficiency Tests
- A detailed CV
- Financial statements
- Valid Passport
- Offer Letter
- Student Visa
English Language Proficiency
International students who wish to study in the UK must showcase their proficiency in the English language, as it is one of the most vital and universal requirements. All universities and programs require international students to provide proof of their English language skills, typically by submitting scores from exams such as:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
Although these tests are commonly accepted as evidence of English proficiency, candidates can also submit scores from the Duolingo English Test, the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), and the Trinity Secure English Language Tests (SELTs).
Financial Requirement
You must have enough money to support yourself while studying in the UK. This includes the course fees plus a set amount for living costs:
- Course fees For the first academic year of your course, or the whole course if it is less than a year.
- Maintenance Funds required: Inside inner London borough: £12,006 (£1,334 per month), Outside inner London borough: £9,207 (£1,023 per month),{With the first year fees of your College/University}
Note: *If you pay any part of your first year fees you need not to show that fund in the bank.
List of Approved Banks In Bangladesh
1. AB bank Limited
2. Bank Alfalah limited
3. BRAC bank Ltd.
4. City Bank.
5. Commercial bank of Ceylon Ltd.
6. Dhaka Bank limited
7. Eastern bank Limited
8. First Security Islami Bank Ltd.
9. IFIC Bank Limited.
10. Mutual Trust Bank Ltd.
11. National Credit and Commerce Bank Ltd (NCC)
12. One Bank Ltd
13. Premier Bank Limited
14. Prime Bank Limited
15. Pubali Bank Limited-
16. Standard Bank Limited ration Services
17. Shahjalal Islami Bank Ltd
18. Southeast Bank Ltd our door to the future
19. Standard Chartered Bank
20. State Bank of India
21. The City Bank Limited
22. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd (HSBC)
23. Trust Bank Limited
24. Woori Bank Limited
Health Requirement
As an international student studying in the UK, it’s essential to have comprehensive health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses. Some universities may offer their own health insurance, but others might require you to purchase your own policy. Additionally, you’ll need to provide proof of immunization against certain diseases to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
IOM Medical Test Report
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) medical test report is an important requirement for immigration purposes in some countries. It is a comprehensive medical assessment that includes a physical examination, blood tests, and X-rays to ensure that the applicant is free from any communicable diseases. The IOM medical test report is usually valid for a limited period and must be presented to the relevant authorities during the immigration process.
Dhaka: IOM Clinic, Migration Health Assessment Clinic (MHAC), 1st and ground floor, House 13/A, Road 136.Gulshan-1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
Sylhet: Migration Health Assessment Clinic (MHAC), Medi-Aid Heart Centre, South Dargah Gate (Near Minar), Dargah Moholla, Sylhet-3100.
Booking: +8801713066230 (This number is open from Sunday-Thursday, 08:30-13:00 and 13:30-16:00)
Test Fees:
- Adults-85$
- Children (Certificate and physical examination only-30$ / In case X-ray and other follow up investigations are require-85$)
Visa Requirement
If you’re an international student planning to study in the UK, you’ll need to obtain a Tier 4 student visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must first receive an offer of admission from a UK university, demonstrate your proficiency in English, prove that you have the financial resources to support yourself during your studies, and provide evidence of your academic qualifications. Keep in mind that the visa application process can take a few weeks, so it’s a good idea to start it as soon as possible to avoid any delays.
Other Entry Requirements
In addition to meeting the academic prerequisites, there are various other requirements that international students must fulfill to pursue higher education in the UK. These include obtaining an Offer Letter and a CAS Letter.
Applying to UK Universities
Offer letter
An Offer Letter is a crucial requirement for studying in the UK, and it is issued by UK universities after verifying all the application documents submitted by the student. There are two types of Offer Letters, namely Conditional and Unconditional. A Conditional Offer Letter is provided when a student has not fulfilled all the requirements for admission to the program and needs to complete them to gain acceptance. On the other hand, an Unconditional Offer Letter is issued when a student has fulfilled all the entry requirements and needs to pay the confirmation/course fees to secure admission to the university.
CAS Letter
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an essential requirement for international students who wish to study in the UK. This letter is issued by the chosen university or institution after students receive their unconditional offer letter. It contains important information about the course, the fees, and the student’s details, and without it, students cannot apply for their student visa. Here are some key details included in the CAS letter:
- Sponsor university license number
- Course details, including the start and end date of the course
- Tuition fees for the course
- Amount already paid from the tuition fee
- Amount paid for accommodation (if any)
- Scores of IELTS or TOEFL
In addition to the above, the CAS letter also includes a unique license number that indicates that the university has accepted the student’s application and invited them to study at their institution. It also includes a fee deposit that all candidates must pay to the sponsoring university, which can range from £0 to £5,000. This amount is adjusted in the student’s first-year fees and must be paid before they can apply for a student visa.
applications are usually in January.
Direct Application Process
Postgraduate students and some undergraduate students can apply directly to the universities. You need to check the university’s website for the application procedure and requirements.
You also need to provide personal details, academic qualifications, and a personal statement. The deadline for direct applications varies depending on the university and course.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing higher education in the UK as an international student requires meeting various academic and non-academic requirements. From obtaining an offer letter to applying for a Tier 4 student visa, students need to ensure they fulfill all the necessary criteria. The process can be challenging and time-consuming, but with proper planning and preparation, students can make their journey to study in the UK a success.
