Studying in the UK
Studying in the UK is one of the popular options for international students due to the high quality of education, reputable universities worldwide, and job opportunities after graduation. Universities in the UK like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of London hold prominent positions in global rankings.
Students who intend to migrate to the UK through education must present the following conditions and documents correctly:
- Provide IELTS language certificate (usually a minimum score of 6.0 to 7.5 depending on the field and university)
- Have a valid academic degree and appropriate GPA
- Provide an acceptance letter from the university
- Financial means
- Health insurance
Tuition fees for international students in the UK range from £12,000 to £38,000 per year, depending on the university and course. Average living costs are between £9,000 and £15,000 annually.
Due to recent UK immigration changes, students can no longer bring dependents on a student visa (except for specific postgraduate research programs). However, students are allowed to work part-time during studies and may switch to a work visa after graduation.
For guidance on university admission in the UK, contact Malekpour Immigration Institute for a free consultation or leave your questions in the comments.
Conditions for Studying in the UK
Studying in the UK can take place at different educational levels as well as in schools and universities, and depending on the chosen level and even the field of study, conditions for educational immigration to the UK vary. However, we can point out some conditions for academic immigration to the UK.
- High grades from the previous academic year
- Age range appropriate to the level
- Language level appropriate to the level of study
- Financial capacity to pay tuition fees
Age Requirements for Studying in the UK
Students aged 12 to 18 are best suited for studying in English schools, though children under 18 cannot immigrate alone for schooling. At this age, students adapt quickly and are mature enough to live away from family.
For universities in the UK, there are no age limits for admission, but visa approval depends on age and study level. A gap of up to 2 years for bachelor’s and 5 years for master’s is acceptable. Older applicants must justify study gaps to improve their visa chances.
Grade Requirements for Studying in the UK
To study at a university in the UK, a minimum GPA of 2.0 (equivalent to 12/20) is required. However, lower grades may also be acceptable depending on the program. For bachelor’s and master’s degrees, universities typically require a GPA of around 2.5 (equivalent to 14/20). For doctoral programs, the minimum GPA is usually 3.0 (equivalent to 16/20).
To gain admission to prestigious universities in London, a higher GPA of 3.5 (equivalent to 17/20) is often needed. While high grades help with admission, a strong academic record is more important than an exceptionally high GPA for securing a student visa.
Educational System in the UK
The educational system in the UK is somewhat different from other countries in the world across the four countries that make up Britain. Education in this country takes place in public or private schools or through homeschooling. The education system in the UK has a great reputation worldwide.
Entering the educational system of this country must be noted that the educational system in the UK is among the best and most cohesive in the world, with many countries in the world adopting and following this system. The educational system in this country is divided into five stages as follows:
- Preschool: 3 to 5 years
- Primary school: 5 to 11 years
- Secondary school: 11 to 16 years
- Advanced education: 16 to 18 years
- Higher education: after 18 years
Below, we will examine the status of studying in the UK:
Quality of Education in the UK
In the UK, the quality of education is very high. Education in this country is provided using impactful and efficient techniques; for this, the UK government has taken many measures, including enacting necessary laws and standards for education. There are high educational facilities in the schools and universities in this country, where the best type of services and support can be observed.
Start of the Academic Year in the UK
The academic year in the UK begins in September and ends in July each year. Each academic year consists of three terms with one or two weeks of holidays between each term. The commencement and conclusion of the study terms are as follows:
Fall semester:
- Starts early September and ends in the third week of December.
- Mid-term break: 1 week at the end of October
- Christmas break for 2 weeks
Spring semester:
- Starts in the first or second week of January and ends in early April.
- Mid-term break: 1 week in mid- or late February
- Easter break for 2 weeks
Summer semester:
- Starts 2 weeks after Easter and ends in the third week of July.
- Mid-term break: 1 week at the end of May
- Summer break: 6 weeks
Duration of Study Programs in the UK
The length of study is significant since an extended duration in a relatively inexpensive country can double the applicant’s costs. The duration of study at universities in the UK is shorter than in many other countries. If we want to state the duration of study in the UK’s universities, it can be illustrated as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree: Generally 3 years, sometimes up to 4 years
- Master’s degree: 1 to 2 years
- PhD: 3 to 4 years
Educational Levels in the UK
Education in the UK occurs at various educational levels for all age groups. Students can prepare for admission into English schools from a young age and submit their applications for schools, colleges, and even universities. Studying at different educational levels in the UK has specific requirements which will be elaborated upon for each of these levels.
- Studying in UK Schools
- Study in UK for Undergraduate Degree
- Study in UK for Masters Degree
- Study in UK for PhD Degree
Studying in English Schools and High Schools
Studying in the UK Schools is possible in two types of schools: private boarding schools or public Grant Maintained Schools. In this section, we will discuss the conditions for studying in high schools and schools in the UK.
Private Boarding Schools
Education in the UK is compulsory for students aged 5 to 16. The academic year in the UK starts from September every year and continues until July, and each academic year is divided into three terms.
- Autumn term: (starts from early September and continues until mid-December)
- Spring term: (starts from early January and continues until mid- or late March)
- Summer term: (starts from early or mid-April and continues until mid-July)
In the UK, private boarding schools charge fees paid by the student’s parents. Students live on campus and enjoy extracurricular activities like chess, music, football, tennis, horse riding, rock climbing, and swimming.
Most schools offer an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) program to support international students in their first semester.
Tuition fees (boarding fees) cover dormitory, three meals a day, and tuition, ranging from £20,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on the school.
Public Schools or Grant Maintained Schools
Public schools in the UK are free for British and EEA students, funded by the government and managed by local authorities (Grant Maintained Schools).
Children under 12 studying in the UK can have their parents accompany them with a Guardianship visa, ensuring support during their education.
After completing school, students can progress to top UK universities, and with work and tax contributions, they may eventually qualify for permanent residency.
Bachelor’s Degree Study in the UK
Studying bachelor’s degree in the UK is possible by presenting a diploma and pre-university certificate to the respective university along with other conditions. The duration of study at this level is between 3 to 4 years.
The admission conditions for universities in the UK at this level include having an IELTS score of 6 with a specific code, and it is advisable to contact Malekpour Institute to receive free consultation as well as complete information regarding this matter. The most important fields available for study at this level include the following:
| Finance, International Business, and Accounting | Data Science |
| Computer Science | Management |
| MBA and MIM | Architecture and Construction |
| MBBS | Fashion and Interior Design |
| Engineering | Business Analysis |
Studying for a Master’s Degree in the UK
Continuing education in the UK at the master’s level requires a valid bachelor’s degree recognized in the country along with an IELTS score of at least 6.5 and other necessary documents. Master’s degree in the UK can be pursued in two forms: continuous and non-continuous.
The master’s course duration in the UK is typically 3 years for continuous programs and 1 year for non-continuous ones. MBA, MSc, and MA are awarded upon completion. Some UK universities accept applicants with an IELTS score of 6, offering preparatory language courses to help students meet the required standard before starting their master’s studies. The most sought-after fields in this level include the following:
| Anthropology | Religious Studies |
| Medicine (All Fields) | Art (Film, Music, Fine Arts) |
| English Language (Literature, Linguistics, etc.) | Natural Sciences (Biology, Astronomy, etc.) |
| Law | Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology) |
| History | Philosophy |
Studying for a PhD in the UK
Studying for a PhD in the UK has specific prerequisites, including a strong academic background, a high language score, and having a supervisor. The supervisor will issue you an admission acceptance for that university after communication with you and your approval.
PhD in the UK is available in both theoretical-research and research forms and takes 3 years as well. The required language certificate for continuing education in the UK at the PhD level is IELTS 7 or higher.
It is worth mentioning that while studying in the UK, individuals are allowed to work 30 hours a week, and the government of the UK provides a 3-year permit after graduation for the individual to stay in the UK and find a job.
Studying in the UK without Language Proficiency
Students under 17 years old can study in UK English colleges using a Tier 4 Child Visa, even without an English language proficiency certificate. A basic knowledge of English is sufficient for visa approval.
Having a language certificate increases acceptance chances, but in special cases, students can continue studies without it. For higher education in the UK, however, proficiency in English is required.
- Have an average English score of over 70% in school
- The university you plan to study at has language courses.
- Have a bachelor’s degree in English in Iran
Required Documents for Admission to Universities in the UK
For studying in the UK, applicants must submit the required documents according to the level and the respective university, and these documents may vary. Receiving acceptance for study in the UK without complete required documents is not possible. The required documents for obtaining study admission in the UK are as follows:
- Academic records with transcripts
- IELTS or TOEFL language certificate
- Participation in relevant exams and passing them
- CV
- Letter of recommendation
- Letter of motivation
- Identification documents
- Required resources
For more information, you can also visit the website https://www.gov.uk/.
Costs of Studying in the UK
The major part of the cost of studying in the UK is related to tuition fees. Tuition can vary in the UK depending on the level, university, field, and course. Initially, the cost of studying may seem high, but it can be said that considering the short duration of these courses, this cost is economical. The average tuition fees for studying in the UK in pounds are presented in the table below:
| Level | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| School | £17,000 to £35,000 |
| Bachelor’s | £10,000 to £38,000 |
| Master’s | £14,000 to £22,000 |
| PhD | £36,000 to £48,000 |
Introduction to Important Study Courses in the UK
Studying in the UK at any level requires completing specific prerequisite courses, which will be discussed in this section of the article.
- The GCSE program:
The GCSE program at Belvoir and Brighton colleges offers 13-year-old students the opportunity to start early preparation for entering university.
General Certificate Secondary Education is abbreviated as GCSE, and this course is the most well-known course for students who intend to continue their secondary education, because these courses are held in the United Kingdom and are approved and accepted by other countries.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range for GCSE | 13 to 16 years |
| After GCSE | Foundation courses or A-levels |
| GCSE Start Dates | September and January |
| Number of Subjects | Typically 4 subjects |
| Exam Type | Written and Oral |
| Grading System | A+ (highest) to G (lowest) |
| Course Objective | Discover interests, learn life skills, and gain a full educational experience |
| Class Hours | 15 hours/week English, 15 hours/week core subjects (Math, ICT, Art, etc.) |
If the students’ academic level is sufficient to allow them to start A-Levels, they do not take GCSEs. However, if their academic level is deemed too low to allow them to start A-Levels, they must take a one-year course of 2 GCSEs.
If you are over 15 years old and have completed your middle school education in Iran, you can participate in a one-year GCSE program at any of the colleges.
- Reinforcement programs:
The organizers of these programs provide lectures from expert speakers and organize trips to museums, universities, and businesses for students.
They also offer a variety of online activities and encourage you to join many interactive clubs and programs. Enrichment activities truly provide a deeper understanding of the subjects and positively affect your specialized skills, aiding your successful university education.
- English Preparation for Courses (EPP):
If you need to improve your English before starting the course, the EPP program offers 3 hours of intensive English teaching every morning along with a diverse range of academic programs in every afternoon.
You will also have full access to the enrichment program as well as all sports activities. After successfully completing the one-year GCSE program, you can advance to the A level and beyond to study at university.
- Preparation courses for Oxford and Cambridge:
For students with exceptional academic ability, we offer specialist preparation for applying to Oxford and Cambridge, the world’s most competitive universities. Our services include:
- Discussions on current affairs to enhance knowledge and communication
- Regular assessments of assignments, tests, and exams
- Interview preparation and advice from current Oxford and Cambridge students
- Support for aptitude tests like HAT, LANT, and STEP for Maths
Prepare with expert guidance to boost your chances of success.
- A-level program:
A levels serve as a bridge to gain entrance to the best universities in the UK and around the world. A-Level is the main general course for students in the UK for further education aimed at entering postgraduate levels.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| A-Level Duration | 2 years |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Number of Subjects | Year 1: 4-5 subjects, Year 2: 3-4 subjects |
| End of Course Exam | UKCAT or BMAT for Medical School; OXFORD, CAMBRIDGE, and UCL for regular universities |
| Subject Grading | Each subject graded out of 4 |
| Language Requirement | IELTS 5.5 |
Students who hold a diploma or pre-university degree in Iran and wish to continue their studies in one of the medical, dental, or pharmacy courses must complete a 2-year A-Levels program and, upon success in the national exam, gain entry into English universities in these courses.
- Foundation course:
The preparatory course provides the essential skills and experience needed for gaining admission to the top universities in the UK.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Foundation Course Duration | 12 months |
| Number of Terms | 2 academic terms |
| Foundation Course Deadlines | First intake: September (Mehr), Second intake: January (Dey) |
| Minimum Age for Admission | 17 years old |
| Requirements | 3-year high school diploma |
| Minimum IELTS Level | IELTS 5.0 |
| Term Subjects | Term 1: Language and IT, Term 2: 4 specialized subjects based on the field of study |
The foundation course in the UK follows the A-level curriculum and is taught by experienced A-level teachers. It provides essential academic skills, university preparation, and career readiness.
After completing the course successfully, students can gain admission to over 70 universities in the UK. The foundation course helps students transition smoothly to bachelor’s programs and find the most suitable university program.
Applicants from Iran must have a high school diploma with good grades, but pre-university completion is not required.
What Do Foundation and A-Level Courses Mean?
Foundation and A-Level courses are two educational pathways used for admission to international universities, especially in English-speaking countries such as Britain. Each of these courses has its features and specific applications:
- Foundation course:
The foundation course is a short-term (usually one year) program offered to students who have completed their secondary education but need further preparation for university entry. The goal of this course is to prepare international students for entry into undergraduate programs at universities. One of the primary advantages of the foundation course is that it is faster than A-Level.
- A-level program:
The A-Level is a two-year academic program offered at the secondary school level and is considered equivalent to pre-university degrees in various countries. The aim of this course is to prepare students for university admission, particularly in reputable universities.
Introduction to Top Universities in the UK
For educational immigration to the UK, it is vital to know the accreditation of the university where you will study so that it does not cause problems in your future career. Of course, many universities in the UK are globally recognized, thus generally, there will be no concern for students in this regard.
The table below introduces the best universities in the UK along with their global rankings to help in making a suitable choice for further study in the UK:
| University | Global Rank | UK Rank | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 2 | 1 | London |
| University of Oxford | 3 | 2 | Oxford |
| Harvard University | 4 | — | Cambridge, USA |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | 3 | Cambridge |
| Stanford University | 6 | — | Stanford, USA |
| California Institute of Technology | 7 | — | California, USA |
| University College London (UCL) | 8 | 4 | London |
| University of California, Berkeley | 9 | — | Berkeley, USA |
| ETH Zurich | 10 | — | Zurich, Switzerland |
| University of Edinburgh | 34 | 5 | Edinburgh |
| University of Manchester | 78 | 6 | Manchester |
| King’s College London | 50 | 7 | London |
| London School of Economics (LSE) | 56 | 8 | London |
| University of Warwick | — | 9 | Warwick |
| University of Bristol | — | 10 | Bristol |
Colleges in the UK
Next, we will introduce some of the top colleges in the UK.
| College Name | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|
| London College | London | www.londoncollege.ac.uk |
| Camberwell College of Arts | London | www.camberwell.arts.ac.uk |
| Royal College of Art | London | www.rca.ac.uk |
| King’s College London | London | www.kcl.ac.uk |
| Guildhall School of Music & Drama | London | www.gsmd.ac.uk |
Best Fields of Study in the UK
Studying in the UK, especially London, is highly sought after due to its top universities, thriving job market, and industrial nature. Many students with strong academic grades aim to study in London to access lucrative career opportunities. In this section, we’ll explore the best fields of study in the UK, helping you choose the right path based on your interests and qualifications.
- Business:
Various courses related to business and commerce are offered at the top universities in the UK. Most reputable universities in the UK collaborate with well-known and prominent business companies. Thus, by choosing one of these programs, you can create a bright future for yourself.
The best courses offered in business and commerce in the UK include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Marketing
- Economics
- Management and Finance
- Business Management
- Law:
Considering that the legal system in the UK is one of the strongest legal systems in the world.
Thus, for graduates in this field, favorable conditions are also available. Reputable universities in Britain offer this field and its various branches with tuition fees ranging from £20,000 to £40,000 depending on the university.
- Engineering:
With the continuous advancement of industry in the UK, studying in engineering fields is in high demand. Many engineering graduates are hired each year in the UK due to the fact that most universities in the UK have contracts with many reputable institutions for internships and student employment.
The duration of undergraduate studies in the UK is 3 years and 1 year for master’s degrees. Students in various engineering fields in engineering in the UK must spend an average of £30,000 per year.
- Medical fields:
Medical fields are always one of the most sought-after fields of study worldwide, with high competition for education in them.
Given that the health and medical system in Britain is among the top globally and the high level of salaries for graduates in these fields, many individuals are interested in studying various medical branches in the UK. To study in these fields in Britain, you should plan around £30,000 to £45,000 a year.
Scholarships in the UK
Scholarships are a key goal for students aiming to advance their education. Choosing the right scholarship and acting quickly can increase your chances of success. For studying in the UK with minimal costs, educational scholarships are the best option.
Prerequisites include good academic standing, high language proficiency, suitable age, and published work. UK scholarships can award up to £50,000 or more. This article is provided by Malekpour Institute; reproduction without citation is prohibited.
Scholarships in the UK are divided into government and non-government categories, which will be introduced in detail in this section:
- Government scholarships:
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Description |
|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship (UK) | For outstanding international students with an academic offer from UK universities. |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | For students from Commonwealth countries in technical, humanities, scientific, and applied fields. |
- Private scholarships:
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Description |
|---|---|
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Prestigious scholarship for postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge. |
| Rhodes Scholarship | One of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. |
| Edinburgh University International Scholarship | Financial aid for international students at the University of Edinburgh. |
| British Council Scholarship | Financial assistance for students pursuing higher education in the UK. |
| Denys Holland Scholarship | Scholarships offered by the University of London to international students. |
| Bristol University Scholarship | Scholarships for international students at the University of Bristol. |
Free Study in the UK
Free study in the UK is possible if the applicant can study at public universities and pay very little and/or achieve a scholarship with high grades and language proficiency to cover most of their study costs.
Credential Assessment for Studying in the UK
Applicants to UK universities, especially in medical, paramedical, and law fields, must validate their credentials due to differences between the Iranian and UK education systems. Diploma and secondary school applicants must complete an A-Level or Foundation course before pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
All documents must be translated into official languages and verified for UK acceptance. A language proficiency certificate is also essential. Additionally, applicants for medical, dental, and paramedical programs must pass the A-Level or hold an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Student Work While Studying in the UK
The UK Home Office grants students on student visas permission to work while studying in the UK, although it specifies in its educational regulations. The main objective of the student visa is for your studies in the UK, and you are permitted to work in the UK to earn income while studying. Student work in the UK is allowed for 20 hours a week, and this time can be increased during university holidays.
The applicant must be over 16 years old and obtain authorization from the immigration office and their educational center. Some permissible student jobs in the UK include student support, sales assistant, delivery driver, pizza delivery person, veterinary care assistant, and personal assistant.
Student Visa for Studying in the UK
If you intend to study in this country, you should know that the student visa for the UK is known as the Tier 4 visa and is divided into two categories. For individuals aged 4 to 17 who intend to study in English schools, the Child Tier 4 visa is issued; for those over 17 years, the General Tier 4 is issued. Applicants can apply for a visa 3 months before the start of their educational program in the UK.
The general cost of the student visa in the UK in 2023 is £348, equivalent to approximately $440, and the current cost of the student visa is £363 ($418) and if applied from outside England, it is £490 ($564). Each visa applicant must pay a healthcare surcharge of £150 annually.
Required Documents for Obtaining a Student Visa in the UK
Students with a student visa receive residency in the UK as long as they are studying. The required documents for studying in the UK are categorized into documents needed for schooling and documents needed for university levels.
In this section, we will explicate the necessary documents required for studying in the UK. The required documents for the English student visa (Tier 4 (general) student visa) include:
| Visa Application Form | Valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate if required |
| Passport Photo | Medical Test Results for Tuberculosis |
| Visa Fee Payment Receipt | Immigration Health Service (IHS) Surcharge |
| Proof of Financial Means | Provide Written Agreement from Sponsor (if Sponsored) |
| Confirmation of Acceptance to University, for Schools School Acceptance Letter (CAS) | Certificate of No Criminal Record (for Students) |
| Valid Passport | The individual must be a citizen of a country other than the EEA or Switzerland |
If the applicant is under 18 years of age (Tier 4 (child) visa), some additional documents will be requested. Among them are:
- Certificate of consent from parents or legal guardian
- Documents proving relationship with parents or legal guardian
- Copy of birth certificate or any government document showing the names of parents
Dependent Visa for Students in the UK
One of the most important topics regarding studying in the UK is the dependent visa in the UK, and in this section we will discuss the conditions for obtaining student dependent visas in the UK.
Until recently, applicants for studying in the UK could bring their family members as dependents, but according to the latest law passed in the UK, except for a few specific courses, international students are no longer allowed to bring their family members and apply for dependent visas.
Cost of Student Living in the UK
Living expenses in the UK, including housing, food, clothing, and transportation, vary by city. According to UK student visa regulations, students must show at least £1,023 ($1,164) per month for living costs outside of London, totaling £12,276 ($13,967) annually. Living in city centers tends to be more expensive. To manage these costs, students can also work part-time while studying.
Obtaining Citizenship After Studying in the UK
If you are among those applicants looking to obtain citizenship after studying in the UK, it is worth noting that simply immigrating to the UK for study will not allow you to obtain citizenship. Residence in the UK through studies may lead to employment after graduation. To do this, after completing your education, you should explore paths such as employment, investment, or marriage in the UK to extend your residence there. Otherwise, your educational residency in England will expire once your studies conclude.
For example, you can work after studying in the UK to eventually achieve permanent residency after paying taxes regularly for 5 years and, after another 5 years, gain the UK passport. Obtaining residency in this country through studying in the UK is a popular method for immigration to this country.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in the UK
- Is studying in the UK free?
No. You need to pay tuition fees to study at universities in the UK unless you receive a scholarship.
- Can you study in the UK without a language certificate?
To ensure that your chances of obtaining a visa do not decrease, it is recommended that you provide a language certificate.
- Can I get a scholarship at a UK university?
Scholarships are usually awarded at the doctoral level and you must present a strong resume including a high-score language certificate, articles published in international scientific journals, a high GPA, etc.
- Can I work in the UK after studying?
After graduating, you will be given the opportunity to look for work in the UK. If you are offered a suitable job, you can change your residence to work.
Conclusion:
This article explored studying in England, obtaining a UK study visa, and the immigration process. Over the last 12 years, students from more than 50 universities, including Cambridge, LSE, and Imperial College London, have been admitted.
Malekpour Institute helps you prepare for studying and living in England, ensuring a successful future. For personalized advice, contact Malekpour Institute for a free consultation. You can also ask questions about UK university admission requirements in the comments, and our experts will assist you.
