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Guide to Studying in the United Kingdom

Academic Year

September - July

130

Ranked Institutions

218

Listed Institutions

Currency

British Pound

Study in United Kingdom

Living and studying in the United Kingdom is a wonderful and rewarding experience. Graduating from a UK university enhances your worth, and your portfolio will stand out everywhere. In UAE, many students want to study in the UK. Higher education from the UK  can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your selected field. Therefore,  if your dream is to accomplish outstanding achievements, you can be certain that you’re at the ideal place.

Table of Content

Why study in the United Kingdom?

UK stands apart from other countries known for their advanced education standards. The country has world-recognized universities with an innovative teaching approach.

i. No External Tests 

The UK is the best choice for studying abroad as it doesn’t require students to take external tests like SAT/ACT or GMAT/GRE. The UK also has a very affordable tuition fee and living expenses. 

ii. Easy Application Process

Studying in the UK from UAE has a straightforward application process and takes minimal time for the application process. 

iii. Top Universities

The UK is well known for being a multicultural pot and has the best academic institutes in the world.  The Russell Group in the UK is a combination of  24 research-related universities and according to the QS World Ranking 2024, four of the top ten universities in the world are from the UK. 

iv. Fast Degree Completion 

Studying in the UK allows students to complete their degrees faster than other countries. The undergraduate degree is completed in 3 years and the postgraduate degree is completed in 1 year. 

Students will get many study opportunities in UK universities like quality teaching methodology and world-class research options. Various study courses are available for UAE students, which are listed below.

Study Options in the UK

Undergraduate Degree, Master’s Degree, Foundation Year, Top-up (Final Year), and English courses are the different levels of study being offered for UAE and other international students in the UK.

  • Program
  • Duration
  • Foundation year
  • 1 year and/or 6 months
  • Undergraduate Degree
  • 3 Years
  • Master’s Degree
  • 1 Year
  • Topup Year
  • 1 Year
  • Pre-Master degree
  • 6 months and/or 12 months
  • Pre-sessional
  • As needed
  • English Language course
  • 1 month to 24 months

Foundation Year

Universities in the UK offer foundation courses in a variety of subjects such as Art and Design, Business and Economics, Finance, Computing, Law, Engineering, Social Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Humanities. These foundation courses start in different intakes of the year, such as January, February, June, August, and September.

Undergraduate Degree

Undergraduate degree in the UK is full-time for three years. Some Undergraduate degrees, such as engineering and science, can take up to four years to complete because of the placement year option. However, some universities also offer fast-track 2-year UG degrees, mainly in a business discipline, enabling students to complete their degrees quickly.

Master's Degree

A postgraduate master’s degree in the UK is usually full-time for one year compared to two years in other countries. International students can save a good amount of money and time and can start their professional careers quickly. However, few universities in the UK offer master’s degrees with placement years lasting up to two years.

Top-up (Final Year)

The top-up year allows students with relevant pre-qualifications to enter directly into the last year of an undergraduate course. It’s an efficient way to complete a degree.

Study English

Students from UAE are eligible to apply for English language courses at UK English Language Institutes. There are many accredited English language institutes all over the UK( Sheffield, York, Oxford, and Liverpool)  for UAE students.

Cost of Study in the UK

The cost of education and living expenses are crucial factors that students and their families consider when deciding to study abroad in the UK. In this guide, you will find comprehensive details about UK universities’ living costs and tuition fees. We aim to provide clear, accessible information to help parents and students make informed decisions about studying in the UK

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1. Tuition Fees:

  • The tuition costs in the UK vary depending on your chosen location, the selected institute, and the student’s study level. The average cost is estimated to be around £22,200 per year). 
  •  Annual tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are paid for three years, while annual tuition fees for the majority of undergraduate degrees in Scotland are paid for four years.
  • The total cost of a Master’s degree in the UK range from £25,000-£40,000.

2. Living Costs:

  • To study in the UK, the cost of living in the UK for international students is £1,265 if living inside London and £1,015 if living outside London per month. Your monthly budget can fluctuate based on your lifestyle

3. Other Costs:

  • One additional mandatory cost for studying in the UK is the visa fees. It needs to be paid when making the study visa application. 
  • A student visa application from outside the UK costs £490. Extending or switching to a student visa from within the UK will cost £490. When you apply, you have the option to select “priority service” if eligible. In addition to the application cost, you will also need to pay £500.
  • In 2024, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will increase to £776 for student visa applications and £1035 for graduate visa applications annually.

Student Visa Requirements for UK

There are specific requirements to be fulfilled before you apply for a UK study visa. International students aiming to study in the UK are required to get a UK Tier 4 student visa. This visa type is available to full-time students who intend to pursue a course of study in the UK in their chosen field.

To be eligible for a UK student visa,  specific conditions need to be fulfilled. 

  • You need to be over 16 years of age.
  • Valid Passport
  • Proof of funds. 
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) 
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • You need to demonstrate your English proficiency level based on the requirements determined by the university.

 

UK Tier 4 student visa

International students who plan to study English courses, foundation, undergraduate, or postgraduate in the UK must obtain a student visa. There are two types of student visas:

Tier 4 General Student visa – Students who enroll in an academic degree (Foundation, Bachelor’s, or Master’s) must apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Short-Term Study Visa – Students who plan to study short courses (English language or take a brief research period) must obtain a short-term study visa. The length of this visa is 6 to 11 months.

How to Apply for Study in the UK?

Steps

Description

1

Decide your institute and course of choice. Evaluate your skills, interests, and future goals. Compare multiple institutes and find the one that best aligns with your goals.

2

Check out the university and application requirements. Pay special attention to every single requirement. Start gathering and compiling documents early to avoid missing deadlines.

3

Apply to the university. You can still apply even if some conditions are pending, such as a test. In such cases, you may receive a conditional offer letter. Once all requirements are met, you will receive an unconditional offer letter.

4

Submit your application through UCAS for undergraduate programs or directly to the university for postgraduate programs.

5

Your application will be acknowledged and evaluated based on the requirements and merit criteria set. The university will typically send an offer letter within 1-3 weeks.

6

Arrange your finances. You will need to pay university tuition fees, provide proof of funds for living expenses, and obtain a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) letter.

7

Apply for the UK Tier 4 student visa. You will need to submit an online visa application and may be required to attend an interview with the British High Commission.

8

Once your visa is granted, you are ready to fly to the UK and begin your studies.

Top Ranked Universities in the UK

Some of the top universities with their QS World University Ranking for 2024 are listed below:

Universities

United Kingdom Ranking  2024

World Wide Rank 2024

University of Cambridge 

1

2

University of Oxford

2

3

Imperial College London

3

6

UCL

4

9

The University of Edinburgh

5

22

 

These universities are top-rated among students because they provide high-quality education at a reasonable price. To find the best UK universities according to your budget and study preference, arrange a free consultation with JnS Education.

How will JNS Education help you study in the UK?

We will help you at every step to make your dream of studying in the UK a great start. We will guide you through:

  • University and course selection based on your requirements. 
  • University admission application submission
  • UCAS application fee waivers for eligible students
  • PTE UKVI or IELTS test registration at JnS test centers
  • Compliance interview & financial documents preparation
  • Information about the UK student visa requirements
  • Pre-departure guide to get you ready for your new life in the UK!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Immigration

Yes, getting a UK work visa while living in UAE is possible. However, the chances are very limited because there are too many legal restrictions from the UK government. First of all, you have to get a job in the UK, and then your UK employer will send an offer letter to you, provided that he will satisfy the UK government that you are the right person for this job. You will apply for a work visa to the UK embassy in UAE on behalf of that offer letter.

  • Career

After graduating from the UK, you will get 2 to 3 years of poststudy work visa and be eligible to work anywhere in the UK. After successfully securing a job in your desired field, you can extend your work visa and excel in your career.

  • Career

Students enrolled in full-time degree programs can work up to 20 hours in their university term time per week and full-time during their vacation period. After degree completion, international students may be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa, such as the Graduate Route. Whereas students enrolled in part-time courses are not eligible to do any paid or unpaid work in the UK.

  • Tution Fee & Scholarships

There are different scholarships available for international students which can cover their tuition fees. However, getting free education at the beginning of your education journey in the UK can be challenging.

  • Admissions

Studying in the UK after completing your 12th grade through a pathway program is a great option for UAE students. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to pursue higher education in the UK after completing your secondary education:

  • Research and Choose a Pathway Program
  • Select Your Course and University
  • Check Eligibility Criteria/Entry Requirements
  • Apply for the Pathway Program
  • Get a Conditional Offer and Visa Application
  • Apply for Your University Degree

By following these steps, you can transition from completing your 12th grade to studying your preferred course at a UK university through a pathway program.

  • Tution Fee & Scholarships
As educational consultants, we are here to help you find the right courses and institutions for your needs when you go to study abroad, as well as making it easier for you to apply with our advice and guidance. Read More