Credibility Interview | Things Foreign Students Should Know

British universities are globally recognized to international students for their high-quality education and teaching. There are thousands of students who want to pursue their higher education in the United Kingdom (UK) every year. These students are from different academic levels (foundation, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, doctorate), different nations, and different social and financial backgrounds. The foreign students need to pass a credibility interview to study at UK universities. 

Credibility Interview

The UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) arranges an interview session to make sure that they are dealing with genuine students and only the legitimate learners are granted the British visa. A credibility interview can be represented as one of the most distinguished parts of foreign students’ visa applications. 

Expectations in a Credibility Interview

Firstly, the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) wants to ensure that they are dealing only with the actual students who have strong motivation and are financially stable. The expectations of a credible interview are:

  • Students’ immigration history in the UK and other states
  • Students’ academic background
  • Future goals of the prospective learners
  • Financial stability of the intended students
  • Objectives for selecting a particular UK university and course

Furthermore, the international students need to ensure that the interviewer will judge them on a different framework in order to look over how prepared and motivated they are to start their higher studies in the UK. 

Format of Credibility Interview

Credibility interviews mostly take place over the phone or video conference (skype). However, in some cases, the students might be asked to attend an in-person interview. The interviewer will be making written documentation, profiling the details of the interview. This record will be used later on by the ultimate decision-makers to gauge your chance of selection. 

The Interviewer of the Credibility Interview

An official UKVI staff member will take the interview. They will follow a high standard format of an official interview and will ask the students a list of prepared questions. In addition, the interviewer will not guide the applicants at the time of the interview. If the answer is too misty, too short, or too superficial the examiner will not point those out. Finally, the interviewer will ask for a quick response on students’ overall experience.

The Final Decision of Students’ Visa Application

In the UKVI, eventually the ‘Entry Clearance Officer’ will make the decision. Ultimately, they will be accepting or rejecting the students’ visa applications. Although the interviewers are not the final decision maker, they are still accountable whether they qualified as verified students or not. 

Commonly Asked Questions in Credibility Interview

Some frequently asked questions in a credibility interview: 

  • Can you please introduce yourself in a short manner?
  • What is the reason for selecting the UK for your higher studies?
  • Why do you give preference to your selected university? 
  • Why this university and where it is located?
  • What is your course module and how many credit hours does the course offer?
  • Who will finance you throughout your course? 
  • What is your plan after completing your degree? 
  • Do you have any UK visa refusal history?

Tips to Help Maestro Your Credibility Interview

Here are some valuable tips and recommendations a student should keep in mind at the time of preparing for his/ her credibility interview.

  • Organized and to the Point Answer: During the interview session the interviewer will surely ask you questions related to your university and course. While answering the questions do not say any generic idea or pass any vague information. 
  • Be Specific about your Aim: The interviewer must not feel any uncertainty that you are not aligned on your goals of studying in the UK. You also must not utter any word or expression or any intention to work or settle down in the UK as it may give them reasons to doubt your objective. 
  • Show Enthusiasm about Your Coursework and Research: The interviewer needs to be reassured that the students are really passionate and motivated about their university and the degree programme. The students should show them that they have done considerable research about their UK University Degree Programme. 
  • Explain How You’ll Manage the Living Cost: The students can talk about how well aware they are regarding the accommodation costs, transport, and other everyday costs. They also need to discuss how they are going to afford the expenses and who is going to finance them. So, the students need to be prepared for any sort of question.
  • Regulate a Detailed Research about Your Course of Degree: The interviewer would want to know in a detailed manner about your course name, credit hours, duration of the course, whether it is coursework or a research-based programme. 

In the end, we assume that you have found this blog convenient and it helped increase your knowledge on credibility interviews. All the best!

Work Opportunities in the UK While Studying

The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the excellent and internationally recognized destinations for international students. A large number of international students fly to the UK from their home countries at every intake in the British universities because studying abroad is one of the proven ways to grow, enhance one’s learning, and gain some wonderful real-life experiences. 

As the UK is one of the best places to live, it is highly expensive too. Luckily, the British government allows foreign students to work part-time (weekly 10- 20 hours) during their studies. Part-time jobs can help international students to reduce financial stress, teach students valuable skills such as time management, teamwork, stress management, decision making and help them to improve their CVs.

Eligibility

Students’ eligibility to work while studying depends on two restrictions which are set by the university and state-run institutions in the UK. The student must ensure that the university doesn’t have any intention to pull them back from working before dealing with state officials.

It is not a difficult task to find part-time jobs in England, especially in a mega city like London, Manchester etc. Additionally, before starting to search for jobs students should check whether they’re eligible for the post or not. According to British law, international students cannot work if they are below 16 years old.

However, the rules and regulations also vary from where the international students come from or what their nationalities are. The above-mentioned rules are not applicable to students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.

The foreign students can work if they have the following things mentioned in their TIER 4 visa documents. Such as,

➢    Work must be authorized

➢    Able to work as authorized by the Secretary of State

➢    Work as in TIER 4 rules

➢    Restricted as in TIER 4 rules

➢    Restricted work- part-time during term time, full time during vacations

➢    Restricted work time

➢    Work limited to 10/ 20 hours per week at maximum during term time

Working Hours

International students can work a maximum of 20 hours weekly if they are degree level students. However, if the students are below degree level they are allowed to work not more than 10 hours. If none of these is clearly written in your documents or if you feel trouble understanding any of the above conditions, you need to immediately contact them before deciding to get a job.

 Category of Work

International students are forbidden to work in some sort of field along with the number of hours they can work. They cannot be self-employed, freelance or initiate their own startup.  

Documentation

It is hugely necessary to have all the appropriate documents before starting to apply for part-time jobs in England. In addition, the students must have a valid TIER 4 student visa for a full-time degree-level course. The learners also need to apply for the National Insurance Number.

The Nature of Part-time jobs for the International Students

Mainly, there are two types of jobs in England for foreign students. They are:

  1. On-Campus Job: On-campus jobs are one of the best for international students as international students are new in the country. Also, these jobs don’t require any transportation costs. Students can save both time and money here. Some on-campus jobs are libraries, research labs, computer labs, language labs, bookstores, gym, reception areas, cafeterias etc.
  2. Off Campus Job: Students can also join off-campus jobs only if the university allows them. However, these jobs don’t offer the same convenience of location. Students have a lot of options while searching for off-campus jobs. Such as service and hospitality, retail, education etc.

Some common part-time jobs in the United Kingdom for foreign students are given below:

➢    Bar Work: International students can find bar work at bars, pubs, clubs, and hotels. Students’ age must be 18 for getting these jobs and they have to serve snacks, meals, drinks to patrons, take payments, and clear tables and glasses.

➢    Events and Hospitality: Hospitality is another field where international students can join in England. Moreover, these provide flexible working hours and don’t require prior qualifications and experience.

➢    Temp Work: There are multiple opportunities in temp work across many different fields. Such as sales, admin and customer service. These roles involve greeting clients, answering the phone, selling items, and data entry.

The students can join a lot of other sectors along with the above as part-time workers. Those jobs are:    

➢    Student Support Officer

➢    Sales Assistant

➢    Pharmacy Delivery Driver

➢    Personal Assistant

➢    Photographer

➢    Blogger and so on

In the end, it might be difficult often to balance work and university life, but part-time work has many advantages that make the challenge worth it. It will also increase students soft and life skills. 

Top-Grade Engineering Universities in the UK

When international students think of studying at overseas universities the first place that comes to their minds is the United Kingdom. Every year the UK attracts a large. An Engineering degree especially from the United Kingdom will set the students in a field with various job opportunities and academic careers to seek. The best Engineering universities in the UK are:

  1. University of Cambridge: the University of Cambridge is a renowned research university in England that was founded in the year 1209. The university is proud to have the best engineering schools in the UK. The Engineering school offers its prospective students a modern and unique teaching style. The university offers multiple subjects under their Engineering school. Such as,

●      Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering

●      Bio-Engineering

●      Civil, Structure and Environmental Engineering

●      Electrical and Electronic Engineering

●      Electrical Information Science

●      Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

●      Information and Computer Engineering

●      Instrumentation and Control

●      Mechanical Engineering

2. University of Oxford: the University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. Oxford’s engineering departments are one of the most reputed research-oriented engineering departments in the world.

The duration of Oxford’s engineering degree is four years along with the master’s programme. The university runs multiple engineering departments under the Department of Engineering Science. Such as,

●      Biomedical Engineering

●      Chemical Engineering

●      Civil Engineering

●      Electrical Engineering

●      Information Engineering

●      Mechanical Engineering

3. Teesside University: The Computer Science and Engineering at Teesside University offers the students an opportunity to study two major themes (programming and artificial intelligence). The department is highly rich in research, consultancy and enterprise projects in the field of computer science and engineering. The department offers three routes of Engineering programmes for the students. Such as,

●      Full-time – 2 years with advanced practice (September and January intakes)

●      Full-time – 1 year (September intake) or 16 months (January intake)

●      Part-time – up to 3 years (can be finished in 2 years if preferred)

4. Middlesex University London: Middlesex University London is a public research university in Hendon, North West London, England. When foreign students join this university, they’ll be able to build professional and personal networks across the world. The Engineering School at Middlesex will give international students access to excellent facilities. The Engineering school operates various engineering departments. They are:

●      Computer and Communication Engineering

●      Computer and Informatics Engineering

●      Design Engineering

●      Engineering Project Management

5. London South Bank University: London South Bank University is a public university situated in Elephant and Castle, England. At LSBU the School of Engineering’s facilities is highly extensive. The Engineering school drives several Engineering departments. Such as,

●      Chemical and Energy Engineering

●      Computer Science and Informatics Engineering

●      Electrical and Electronic Engineering

●      Mechanical Engineering and Design

6. Brunel University London: Brunel University London is one of the leading public research universities situated in Uxbridge, London, England. Their vision is to be a foremost and distinctive STEM education and knowledge provider. The engineering departments of this university are:

●      Aerospace Engineering

●      Chemical Engineering

●      Civil Engineering

●      Ethan, Flood and Coastal Engineering

●      Mechanical and Automotive Engineering

●      Electronic and Electrical Engineering

7. University of Surrey: The University of Surrey is a public research university in Guildford, Surrey, England. This university was established in 1966. This university was recognised as an outstanding institution when it received a prestigious Gold Award in the first-ever Teaching Excellence Framework. The engineering departments of this university are:

●      Biomedical Engineering

●      Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

●      Civil Engineering

●      Electronic Engineering

●      Electronic Engineering with Nanotechnology

●      Engineering and Physical Science

●      Mechanical Engineering

●      Electronic Engineering with Space System

●      Electronic Engineering with Computer System

●      Electrical and Electronic Engineering

●      Computer and Internet Engineering

●      Chemical Engineering

●      Aerospace Engineering

●      Automotive Engineering

8. University of Bristol: The University of Bristol is a Red Brick Russell Group research university in Bristol, England. According to the QS World University Ranking, the university has obtained the 58th position in the world in the year 2021. The university offers multiple engineering subjects. Such as,

●      Aerospace Engineering

●      Civil Engineering

●      Mathematics Engineering

●      Mechanical Engineering

●      Electrical and Electronic Engineering

If you are interested in studying Engineering in the UK and want to demonstrate your career in this field then one of these universities will be the foremost destination for you.  

UK’s Finest University for Masters Programme

The United Kingdom (UK) is the first place that comes to international students’ minds when it comes to studying abroad. After completing a bachelor degree, students might think they have accomplished a lot. However, studying for 3 or more years in undergraduate life is not a piece of cake. It is obvious that finishing the bachelor degree will create a new ride in students’ life. Such as, they can start working in their desired field or they can go for higher studies in UK.

The UK Masters Programme

As the UK is one of the top choices for international students to pursue their higher education, Moreover, these foreign might face trouble on some other stuff as well. Some best universities for international students who want to earn a British postgraduate degree are:

  1. Birmingham State University: Birmingham University is a public research university located in Edgbaston. The university has 2 types of postgraduate courses. Such as, Postgraduate taught and postgraduate research. This university offers masters through various departments. Such as,

❖    Arts and Design

❖    Built Environment

❖    Business

❖    Computing

❖    Education

❖    Engineering

❖    English

❖    Health and Sport

❖    Law

❖    Media and Journalism

❖    Music and Theater

❖    Social Science

  1. Cardiff Metropolitan University: Cardiff Metropolitan University is situated in the city of Cardiff, England. The university offers masters degree courses in a variety of disciplines. Such as,

❖    Business and Finance

❖    Medicine and Public Health

❖    Education and Language

❖    Food Science and Technology

❖    Creative and Fine Arts

❖    Forensic and Health Psychology

❖    International Hospitality and Management

❖    Illustration and Management

❖    Specialist Journalism

❖    Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

  1. De Montfort University: De Montfort University is a public university situated in Leicester, England. The university was established in the year of 1870. Moreover, the university is organized into four facilities. They are:

❖    Art

❖    Design and Humanities

❖    Business and Law

❖    Health and Life Sciences

In addition, foreign students can study a variety of subjects in these schools. Such as,

❖    Accounting and Finance

❖    Advanced Biomedical Science

❖    Advanced Clinical Practice

❖    Advertising and Public Relation Management

❖    Aeronautical Engineering

❖    Air Transport Management

❖    Clinical Pharmacy

❖    Creative Technologies

There are a large number of universities in the UK which will also be highly fruitful for international students. For example,

❖    University of York

❖    Newcastle University

❖    Lancaster University

❖    Durham University

❖    University of Liverpool

❖    University of East Anglia

❖    University of Surrey

❖    University of Bristol

❖    University of Leeds

❖    Coventry University

The Advantages of Study in the UK

The UK has a long tradition to provide higher education to both its local and foreign students. Such as,

❖    Medium of Instruction: There are a lot of countries where foreign students can enrol in masters programmes. However, as the medium of instruction is English in the UK, there will be no language barriers for the international students. The students might have some cultural shock after entering a new country, so the language obstacles might be an extra hassle for them.

❖    High Standard Lifestyle: In the UK the international students will get a high quality of life. The street navigation, the transport and medical facilities, and the cheerful British life will be an addiction for them.

❖    Duration of the Programme: England offers a one-year master’s programme, not like the North American master’s programme which also motivates international students to pick the UK as their higher studies destination.

❖    Independent Education System: British masters programme is mainly research-based which requires individual study. Postgraduate scholars need to meet their supervisors on a regular basis. They do not have to appear on a lot of examinations and assignments.

❖    Discover a Multicultural Environment: In the UK more than 4,00,000 international students are welcomed every year. The UK believes that foreign scholars are the assets of both its cities and communities. Moreover, these scholars bring their own habits, culture, ways of life, perspective with them.

Major Cities in the UK

As the United Kingdom has 50 student cities the international students need to select their city of university very carefully. In the megacities, students will enjoy a vibrant and rich social life where they can visit museums, attend concerts and shows. 5 major cities in the UK for the international are:

❖    London, England

❖    Edinburgh, Scotland

❖    Liverpool, England

❖    Belfast, Northern Ireland

❖    Swansea, Wales

In the end, international students will not only achieve world-class education in the British engineering colleges but also will get to know more about the unique British culture and can enrich foreign students’ English language proficiency. 

10 Tips to Avoid UK Student Visa Rejection

Every year a large number of students fly to the UK from their home countries to pursue their higher studies as it is the home of some globally recognized universities. Furthermore, students want to enrol in British universities not only for their standard education but also for the living standard in the UK, the state-of-the-art infrastructure, and other world-class facilities. However, some students need to apply for a visa to enter the UK because of their nationality. Although the UK is very welcoming for foreign students, there are a lot of students who receive visa rejection letters from their home countries’ British embassies. The students need to know some important tips to avoid a UK student visa. Such as,

Apply as Soon as Possible

If the students are determined to study in the UK they should start taking preparation very early. Moreover, if the students need a visa to enter the UK they need to be in a hurry. The intended students can apply for their visa up to three months before their course start date.

 Demon Your Credibility Interview

The UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) arranges an interview session to make sure that they are dealing with genuine students and only the legitimate learners are granted the British visa. A credibility interview can be represented as one of the most distinguished parts of foreign students’ visa applications. The intended students need to be highly confident in the interview session.

Visa for the Authentic Candidate

The United Kingdom offers various kinds of student visas. These visas vary on the basis of the type and duration of the degree and the type of institution the students have applied for.

A general student visa (Tier 4) is for the students who will be studying at the university level and above. Moreover, their visa will be granted for the period of their study and some supplemental time after completing the degree to search for jobs.

Check the Documents

The students need to demonstrate their required documents at the time of the visa interview. Students can make a checklist of all the documents they need to submit. Such as,

1.     Their current passports and other required travel documentation

2.     Evidence that they can pay their university tuition fees and living expenses in the UK

3.     If the students are below 18 years old they need to submit their parents’/ local guardian’s consent

4.     Students’ Tuberculosis (TB) test result (only for some selected countries)

   English Proficiency Level

International students need to manifest their English language proficiency if English is not their first language. The level of English proficiency varies from university to university. The UK universities accept both IELTS/ TOEFL’s scores as a standard English language test. Moreover, some UK universities have their own language test for international students. So, if the students do not have the English test scores they need to demonstrate those documents.

  Visa Fee and Funding

International students need sufficient funds to cover their visa fees, including those for dependents (if applicable). It costs £335 to apply for a TIER 4 student visa from outside the UK. Additionally, the students need to make sure that the funds for their study need to be at least for 28 days in the bank or other financial organization. This money can be held either in students’ bank accounts or students; parents/ local guardians’ bank accounts.

  Try to Avoid Ambiguity

The students need to fill out all the necessary forms clearly. The visa interviewer(s) must not get any chance to misinterpret anything. For example, if you live in New York City but write NYC on the form, the visa officer(s) might not understand it. However, the officer may contact you to clarify certain details, but it’ll just delay the application. However, the students are not allowed to submit a new application.

A Thorough Research

If the students know nothing about their university, it will have a negative impact on them. So, the students need to be well prepared for answering the interviewer’s questions. Such as,

1.     Why do they want to study at this university and where is it located?

2.     Why have they picked this particular university?

3.     Why do they want to study this specific subject?

4.     How many credits do they need to complete to earn the degree?

5.     Who will finance their tuition fee and living expenses?

  Students Must Not Lie

The students must not lie whether it is a form or an interview session. The students should tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The students need to remember that if they provide false information or try to forge with their submitted documents, they will not only be rejected but also can get banned from the UK for a very long period or forever.

Follow the Rules

While applying for a UK visa application, lying is not only a dangerous thing. If the students break any rules they might be in the hot water. The penalties are pretty high if the students break the rules and conditions.

The application process of UK universities is quite straightforward but sometimes it might get a little confusing. Also, the students can contact the UKVI office if they have any further queries. 

Top Benefits of Placement Year at UK University

The United Kingdom is the top choice for international students for pursuing their higher studies. While studying at UK universities students need to go through a one-year-long placement year. In the UK, one of the biggest problems is after completing graduation students remain lacking work experience although most of them are academically highly qualified. University courses that include a year in the industry or real workplace can be an excellent solution for this problem.

What is a Placement Year?

A placement year is also known as the sandwich year in the United Kingdom. Also, this year is totally different from the work experience you did at/after secondary school. This year is usually an opportunity for the students to spend a year achieving valuable experience during their study period. It is highly essential for international students to pick a degree at UK universities having an opportunity of placement or sandwich year(s).

 Differences between Placement and Internship

Students might get confused between placement and internship. However, these two types of work experience are totally different. In the UK placement year is considered as a part of a degree. On the other hand, internships usually take place on summer vacation or after completing graduation to gain experience in a particular field.

How to Arrange a Placement

If the courses require a placement year, the organizations will simply allocate it to them. However, if this is not the case the students need to arrange their own placement. In that case, the students need to ask the terms and conditions of the organization before starting their work, if they have to arrange placement on their own. In addition, if they have any doubt or confusion regarding the organization and their activities they should seek additional advice from their university career service. 

How to Apply for Placement?

If the placement is a part of your course, usually the universities will organize your placement on your behalf. Additionally, others will guide you to identify and apply for the placement yourself. On the contrary, if the students are arranging their own placement the companies might ask you to complete a full and formal application, detailing what you may bring to the role.

Duration of Placement

The duration of the placement depends on the course and the type of placement you’re undertaking. In the UK, some placements may take place during the vacation period which lasts only two to three months. On the other hand, students might need to spend a year or more depending on their course and its duration. Such as degrees like Social Work, Health Work and Teaching take longer placement.

Benefits of a Placement Year

In the UK, if you’re a second-year undergraduate student either you’re going to begin to apply for your placement year or you’re in the middle of applying already. The placement year is becoming popular and acceptable for both local and international students in the UK. There are a lot of benefits of a placement year. Such as,

●      Increase Your Career Prospects: The undergraduate students who want to gain some professional experience while studying placement years can be highly useful for them. Through this placement, undergraduate students not only gain specific technical expertise but also enhance their soft skills.

●      Establish Industry Network Connection: In the 21st-century professional networking is hugely essential as you don’t know who you’re going to meet the next moment. Students might be offered a full-time job after successfully completing their placement year from the same organization.

●      Experience the Real Working World: As students have to work in the industry in their placement year, they’ll get a real workplace environment. A placement year means the students will be given actual responsibilities and opportunities which will be both challenging and exciting.

●      Connect Bookish and Practical Knowledge: A placement year doesn’t mean you’ll make tea/ coffee in the office. The placement year is a time where the students can apply their class lectures to the real world.

●     New and Improved Academic Performance: A placement year can give students ideas about their final year’s dissertation paper or projects. It can also assist the students to develop their soft skills. For example, being able to work in a team and the ability to solve critical situations.

●      Explore a New Place: There are chances that your placement may take place in another city that you can call home for 12 months. This is how the students can explore a new city.

At the time of searching for a UK university that offers a placement year, it is worth seeing whether the university organizes the placement, or whether the students are expected to find the placement themselves. Some of the top companies in the UK offer placements to university students and may even look to appoint them after graduation. 

Study in the UK: A Guide on How to Study and Living in the UK

The United Kingdom is the top choice for international students for pursuing their higher studies. Moreover, the UK is the home of some world-class universities in the world. In the UK more than 4,00,000 students are welcomed every year. A large number of foreign students want to settle down in the UK after completing their degree. The UK believes that international students are the assets of both its cities and communities. Furthermore, the UK has a magnificent reputation for international students pursuing their higher studies with high-class career prospects.

The UK Education System

The universities and colleges in the UK offer thousands of excellent courses leading to qualifications that are respected by employers and academics worldwide. While thinking about UK education international students think only about Bachelor or Master’s degree. However, the UK has a lot more options than these. Such as,

➔   Foundation Degree: In the UK the foundation degree is equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor degree. The course can be both full time and part-time. Also, in this course, students need to achieve knowledge of academic subjects, study skills and English language proficiency.

➔   Diploma of Higher Education: This course is mainly a full time two years course. Generally, these two years are considered as a requirement for entering into the third year of a related degree of programme. This degree is mainly linked to some particular jobs and sectors. Such as nursing and social work.

➔   Higher National Diploma (HND): The Higher National Diploma (HND) course is a higher education qualification available in the UK. This course has been specifically designed for specific work/fields. This course is level 5 qualification which is equivalent to a foundation course in some cases. Basically, HND is more practical. Generally, it takes two years to complete an HND course.

➔   Bachelor or Undergraduate Degree: In most cases, the duration of a Bachelor degree is three years in the UK. This degree has been designed to assist students to gain a thorough understanding of a subject. Masters or Postgraduate Degree: It is believed that earning a master’s degree in the United Kingdom is really helpful for one’s personal and professional growth. However, in England master’s degrees are more intense and specific. Moreover, in the UK the master’s programme is mainly research-based which requires individual study.

➔   PhD/ Doctorate Degree: A Doctor of Philosophy is the highest level of academic study a student can achieve. The scholars who complete this degree mostly join the academics as lecturers or researchers

Life in the UK

It is highly exciting and adventurous for international students to move to the United Kingdom from their home countries. Moreover, there will be a period of adjustment whether the students are already familiar with British culture or it’s completely new to them. These four nations (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) have made up their own culture and tradition. As the UK is a multicultural society a glimpse of living in the UK has given below:

➔   British People: In the UK, being late for work is highly odd and British people consider it very rude. If you know that you’re going to be late, you’re expected to inform the person regarding the situation.

➔   British Food: If you go through the internet you’ll get to know that the UK is a multicultural society. International students can easily find American hot dogs to Italian Pizza, and Chinese Noodles to Indian Biryani. Moreover, there are a large number of grocery stores where you will find your home country’s products.

➔   British Public Transport: UK has a highly organized and sophisticated public transport system. International students can use different modes of transport to reach their destination.

The British Railway system is massively comprehensive and allows passengers to reach every city and town. The fare of buses is very affordable in the UK, although the passengers need to wait a bit for boarding into the bus compared to the train.

➔   Student Accommodation: It is well known that the downtown areas of megacities are pretty expensive. It is very unfortunate that London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, the students’ halls/ dorms are one of the cheapest options for international students in the UK.

➔   Work While Studying: It is immensely regular in the UK that students are working at the time of studying. Moreover, foreign students are also allowed to work (part-time) in the UK to gather work experience and earn money.

In the end, it is highly essential for international students to research well before moving to the UK. A little bit of research and guidance will make your life easier in the United Kingdom.

How to plan your study in UK if you have a Dependent?

Studying at an overseas university is exciting, especially when it comes to studying at a UK university. The United Kingdom is one of the first choices for international students. However, sooner or later the international students will start to miss their near and dear ones. Are you a student in higher education and have a dependent? If so, you are not alone! The higher education system in the United Kingdom is known for being one of the most expensive in the world. For many students, it can be difficult to balance their studies with their family commitments. However, planning ahead can make things much easier. There are several options for studying while having a dependent on your course of study. This article will show you how to plan your study in UK with a dependent, and what to do if your child is not eligible for government assistance or care.

What is a dependent student?

A dependent student is a student who lives with a parent or parents. If a person has a spouse or partner, they can also be classified as dependent if their spouse or partner is not in full-time employment and does not have enough income to support themselves. Dependent students are entitled to loans and grants from the government that go towards their living costs. In order to get these loans and grants, you need to be studying at certain types of institutions. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, this includes universities and colleges. The Student Loans Company will tell you what type of institution you’re studying at. The government provides different levels of support for dependents depending on how old they are when they start their course.

Financial requirement for a UK Spouse visa

The financial requirement for a UK Spouse visa application states that you will need to demonstrate that your Spouse (or both of you jointly if you are in the UK with valid leave to remain) has a gross annual income of at least:

• £18,600; plus

• £3,800 for a first child (who is not British, settled, or an EEA national); plus

• £2,400 for each additional child (who is not British, settled, or an EEA national).

How do I apply for a spouse visa?

You can apply for a spouse visa from overseas or from within the UK. If you are already in the UK on a fiance visa, work visa, or student visa valid for more than six months, you may be able to switch to a spouse visa. 

Can I extend my spouse visa?

The good news is that if you meet the criteria, you can apply for an extension for an additional 30 months which can take your total time in the UK on this visa up to five years. At this point, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) provided you are still married and living in the UK. You can also apply to settle in the UK if you have been married for more than four years and have lived together in the UK for at least five years.

Spouse visa entry clearance

If you are in a relationship with a British citizen, you may be eligible for a spouse visa to the UK. To qualify, you must have been married or in a civil partnership for at least 2 years and you must meet financial requirements. You will need to prove your relationship by providing proof of joint ownership of property, joint bank accounts, regular correspondence between the two of you.

Conclusion

A UK spouse visa allows married partners of UK citizens to immigrate to the UK because they are married to someone who is ‘settled in the UK’ The average processing time for a spouse visa application is 2 – 12 weeks from the date we submit the application. You can apply for an extension for an additional 30 months, which can take your total time on this visa up to five years. After you have been granted ILR you may be eligible to apply for naturalization as a British citizen.

10 Popular Myths about Studying in the UK

When it comes to studying at overseas universities, the UK is the first choice for international students. However, learners who decide to study abroad, whether it be London, Manchester, or Nottingham, or anywhere in the United Kingdom students will go through a great and lifetime experience. It is true that deciding about studying abroad is difficult as an intended student needs to consider a lot of things. They might hear some myths regarding studying in the UK. Some common myths that international students discover before going to the UK are: 

  1. They are not Qualified to Study in the UK: If students want to build a successful career, but feel that their goals cannot be achieved in their home countries then studying abroad will be the appropriate decision for them. Moreover, in the UK international students will get more trained teachers and opportunities for further education in their chosen field of study. You must enroll at a foreign university.
  2. Complicated Admission Procedure: The admission procedures of UK universities are pretty similar to your home country’s university admission procedures. The students just need to sit for an English Proficiency Test (EPT) if their first language is not English. Such as IELTS/ TOEFL. In addition, there is a possibility to get an enrollment at UK universities foundation programs even if you have a low score on the English proficiency test. You can consult with a UK education expert for gathering more details regarding this.
  3. High Tuition Fees: UK universities’ tuition fees are quite low compared to the other English-speaking countries (United States, Canada, Australia). If students carefully research and plan, they will realize that there’s a wealth of opportunities and affordable options around them. They can even look for funds that will help them financially while studying in the UK. They can even look for scholarships that will help them financially while studying in the UK.
  4. Expensive Accommodation: Although it is true that London is a little bit expensive, the cities outside of London are quite affordable for international students. Moreover, the Cost of living in the UK totally depends on your university location. The foreign students can live in the student dormitory which is pretty cheap.
  5. Difficult to get an Acceptance Letter: It is true that the procedure of getting an offer letter from a UK university is a little longer. However, if the students can plan properly they can receive the offer letter from universities.
  6. Need to Learn a New Language: It is a common myth that international scholars think they need to be as fluent as the natives in the English language. However, if the students have only professional knowledge about English that will be fine for them. Furthermore, knowing some native phrases will be an advantage for them.
  7. UK is Not Safe: The nature of the British people and the law and forces of the British government is globally recognized. The UK universities provide enough facilities and security to their students, especially to international students. So that they can feel more comfortable and safer during their stay in the UK.
  8. Less Quality of Degree: UK is globally recognized for its education and teaching system. The UK universities rely more on practical study rather than theoretical knowledge. Also, the students will have flexibility in schedules and subjects.
  9. Lack of Good Food: As the UK is a multicultural society, international students can easily find American hot dogs to Italian Pizza, and Chinese Noodles to Indian Biryani. Also, there are a large number of grocery stores where you will find your home country’s products.
  10. Weather is Not Tolerable: International students can explore four different seasons in the UK. Moreover, students also need to know that the weather is quite different depending on the geographic location in the UK.

In the end, it is highly essential for international students to research well before moving to the UK. A little bit of research and guidance will make your life easier in the United Kingdom.

Top UK Degrees for International Students

The UK is one of the most popular study destinations in the world for several reasons. In addition to having some of the world’s best campuses, UK universities are known for excellence in teaching. They have been recognised by rankings such as QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

They’re also known for having a variety of courses and degrees for students to choose from. With such a wide range of options to choose from, students are often confused about which discipline to major in. That being said, some UK degrees are more popular than others, especially among international students. If you’re thinking about studying abroad but don’t know which UK degree to pursue, this list of the top UK degrees for international students may help you make a decision.

Business and Management

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), 159,230 non-UK students chose to major in business and management studies in the 2019/20 academic years, making this the most popular UK degree for international students.

From business studies and management to marketing and economics, UK degrees in business and business-related courses are among the most popular. Students worldwide come to study at universities known for their exceptional business programmes, such as the London School of Economics, London Business School, and University of Cambridge Judge Business School.

One of the reasons business is such a sought-after degree is that the skills learned in the major are transferable to most industries and offer entry into various fields, including sales, marketing, management, retail, and more. In addition to a range of career paths, those majoring in business also benefit from lucrative jobs.

Engineering and Technology

Engineering is the second most popular UK degree for international students, with 58,700 non-UK students enrolled in the degree in the 2019/20 academic year. Science, technology, maths, and engineering (STEM) courses have always been popular amongst international students because of the lucrative careers in these fields.

These practical subjects have high employment rates and can lead students to different career paths, including design engineering, bioengineering, electronic engineering, aeronautics, and more. Engineering has become an even more viable career path with the emergence of specialisations like artificial intelligence, with universities like Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and the University of Manchester being some of the most highly regarded for engineering and technology-related degrees.

Social Sciences

Social science majors are in demand all over the world, and as a result, the degree is extremely popular. HESA figures show that 49,360 students from outside the United Kingdom opted for the degree in the 2019/20 academic years. The degree covers various subjects, including Criminology, Sociology, Social Policy, Psychology, Political Science, and more, allowing students to gain valuable transferable skills which can be applied to a range of careers.

Social science UK degrees also provide students with flexible career options and lucrative job opportunities. Since the demand for such a UK degree is so high, graduates can easily find a job, with 66% of social science graduates employed in the UK or abroad within a year of graduating. The University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and University College London offer some of the best UK degrees for social sciences.

Creative Arts and Design

According to HESA, 41,100 international students were enrolled in creative arts and design degrees in the UK in the 2019/20 academic year. Creative degrees like Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Fine Art, and Typography are becoming increasingly popular for UK and international students. They involve learning applied skills in specific fields and have a growing market in today’s creative world.

Additionally, the UK’s reputation in humanities and arts and the creative environment fostered by universities make it ideal for studying such a degree. International students can attend renowned universities like the University of Oxford, Newcastle University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and Royal College of Art if they pursue this UK degree.

Some may think that medicine and dentistry aren’t popular UK degrees for international students because of HESA figures like 12,115 non-UK students in the field. However, when combined with 28,275 international students pursuing related degrees, this number reaches 40,390 students.

Medicine has always been a popular UK degree because of the lucrative nature of the field. Additionally, those majoring in the degree can pursue various career paths, including dentistry, surgery, nursing, biomedicine, veterinary surgery, medical biotechnology, and more. Medicine is also a highly sought-after UK degree by international students because of the excellent quality of education from universities like the University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee, King’s College London, and the University of Oxford.

Computing

Computing is an increasingly sought-after UK degree, with statistics showing that there were 35,875 international students studying Computing in the 2019/20 academic year. It includes areas such as game development, information technology, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Computer science is an essential degree in a technology-driven age that provides graduates with lucrative salaries and incredible career opportunities. 

International students opting for this degree can choose from world-class universities like the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, and University College London.

Law

Law has always been a popular career choice for individuals around the world. This is still the case, with 26,525 non-UK students opting for the major in 2019/20. While law differs across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, international students can still benefit from studying British common law. This is because a third of the world’s legal systems are based on British common law.

UK degrees in law offer international students a chance to become well-versed in legal practice and research and provide them with essential skills needed to succeed in the legal profession. In addition to the unique advantages international students benefit from when studying for a UK law degree, they’re also guaranteed work since the legal profession always needs new talent.

It’s also one of the most lucrative career options and has various fields one can enter, including criminal law, contract law, human rights law, civil law, and more. Some of the best law schools in the UK include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science, Durham University, and the University of Edinburgh.

We understand that choosing a major can be a difficult decision, especially when there are so many different fields you can choose to pursue. Hopefully, this list of the most popular UK degrees for international students has helped you narrow down your options. 

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