Each of the four countries of the UK is a popular place to study for people of various countries. But from the decision to study in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to the first lecture at the chosen university, lots of aspects need to be well-considered and arranged. In this article we collected the most important information concerning the admission at a UK University as a foreign student.
Is my qualification recognised in the UK?
You have the possibility to compare your country qualification with those in the UK on the homepage of UK NARIC. The NARIC, a network of National Centres, can help foreign students to define the national equivalent qualification which is demanded to enter a UK degree course. If you already decided at which university you would like to study, you might also find advice at the international recruitment staff at this institution.
Do I need a visa?
All (prospective) students who are Non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals must obtain an entry clearance, before they leave their country to travel to the UK for studying. To find out if you need a visa or where and how you have to apply, you can consult the UK visa homepage and contact your nearest British diplomatic post (Embassy or High Commission). From September 1., the student rules changed: you can classify your residence with one of the terms “student visitor” or “student”:
As a “student visitor” you can stay for a limited period with a maximum of 6 month. You’re not allowed to work besides your studies and there’s no possibility to extend your stay if the studies take more time.
Immigration Rules for visitors >
If you come to the UK as a “student” you can stay for a full-time course or period of study or research you have been accepted for. It is possible to extend your stay in some cases, for example if you have to re-sit an examination, which are named in the appropriate Immigration rules:
Immigration Rules for students >
Do I have to speak English to study in the UK?
Your knowledge of the written and spoken English language should be good enough for being able to be an active participant of the courses. Most universities require a proof of your language competency and they can decide by themselves which language tests and grade they recognise for the several programmes of study. The following three popular language tests are accepted at large:
What do I have to know about the admission requirements of the UK universities?
The admission requirements to be accepted at a UK university depend on the individual universities. For your first compendium you can have a look at their “Undergraduate Prospectuses”. Don’t except to enquire information material like detailed application documents and forms by writing directly to the university – depending on the number of applicants the admission requirements might change at short notice. In general, you apply for an undergraduate course via UCAS. For postgraduate courses, you apply directly at the university.
Can I attend a postgraduate course in the UK with a foreign degree?
Yes, this is theoretically possible. By the restructuring of the European Higher Education Area following the Bologna Declaration there won’t be any problems for students with a European undergraduate degree. Non-European degrees must be recognised by the university you want to apply for. Usually you can get advice at the international office of the university. Just ask there which centre is responsible for the acceptance of your previous course achievements.
Links
Universities & Colleges Admission Service
http://www.ucas.com
Community of all scholarship providers in Great Britain
http://www.acf.org.uk
Most important newspaper concerning Higher Education in Great Britain
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk