The UK has over 1,000,000 Indians working and living within its borders. Because of this high number, it's becoming harder and harder to immigrate to the UK.
But UK universities always have their doors open to talented youngsters. In fact, the UK even has schemes in place that allow specialised workers to stay on after graduation.
But how does one go about studying in the UK? What is the process?
Paul Michael and Yatin Madlani, visa officers at the British High Commission in New Delhi, answered questions about UK universities and student visas during a July 11 expert chat.
They discussed employment in the UK after graduation, the visa process and resources for prospective students.
For those of you who missed the chat, here's the transcript:
Part I: 'Studying abroad is a personal decision'
sriram asked, what are the procedure which has to be followed to apply for a visa..
Paul Michael answers, Sriram, thank you for your question. You should select a course and institution that meets your requirements. You need to be able to show us evidence of your English ability and that you have the funds to finance your proposed studies without needing help from public funds or by working full-time. Guidance can be obtained from the British Council.
Maju asked, I had completed my degree in 2003 and i am working as an accountant for 4and half years .now i would like to apply for student visa . I am good in English.but scored only 54% in 12th and 45% in degree . Is it any chance for rejecting visa?if yes ,what I want to do?
Paul Michael answers, Maju, thank you for your question. Your English ability will be assessed when we see your application. It may be an idea to undertake an IELTS course at the British Council.
celestial asked, Is it possible to work a high-paying, specialised job w hile studying? I don't want to work in a grocery or in a chemist. I want to be a businessman in london.
Yatin Madlani answers, This is possible, however, you are limited to working for only 20 hours per week during term time. Please see www.ukinindia.com
1982 asked, Does UK offer the scholarships in the Ph.D studies in Organic Chemistry.
Paul Michael answers, 1982, thank you for your question. Yes. Through British Council you can apply for Chevening or UKIRI Scholarships. Please go to www.britishcouncil-in.org
pnreddy asked, I am about submit my PhD in a month and intrested in MBA HR. Do i need to have any work experience? I have worked as a lecturer for two years. Will this sufficent for an MBA or do i need more?
Paul Michael answers, MBA at most UK institutions requires students to have work experience (two to five years). They require managerial or supervisory work experience. Since you are from an academic background, institutions will also ask for evidence and motivation through your application for changing your stream. At the same time, let me add that in an typical MBA class there are students from a wide variety of backgrounds.
ramki asked, isr, which are the intakes for doing in mba. is it only september intake?
Paul Michael answers, The major intake is in September and October. However, there are some institutions that also have an intake in January and February.
Mony asked, I have done STCW-95 Course (Merchant Navy) Course from Kolkata (India). I want to pursue a Higher course from UK. So Please how shud i apply for visa, whether i don't know which institute is conducting these type of courses.
Paul Michael answers, Mony, thank you for your question. There are several institutions in the Uk offering these courses.
Anuragthebest asked, Hello Sir,I am in my last year of Graduation from Kanpur University which is well recognized in India..But I have heard that some B-schools in UK do not take foreign students with 3 year graduation degree???Is this true???I am doing a 3 year BSc with Mathematics,Physics as my last year subjects...
Paul Michael answers, Anurag, thank you for your question. Please can you be a bit more specific with your plans in the UK. Generally these schools will take Freshers.
FVER asked, Can an uncle in the UK sponsor my UK education?
Yatin Madlani answers, Yes, it is possible that a relative can fund your studies, but you would need to provide their family circumstances, including their employment and income and why the relative is funding your studies.
Fenes asked, Somone asked earlier about rejections, and you didn't answer. I want to know why you guys reject applications. Is it something wrong? Like a misspleled word? Or is something more serious than that like lack of funds or terrorist sympathy?
Yatin Madlani answers, I have already mentioned that applications get refused only becasue students have not shown how they will fund their studies. We do not refuse an application without giving full reasons.
keshrisingh asked, Dear Sir, I am presently working as Factory Manager in nigiera i am indian citizen can i apply viza from nigeria for further studies like MBA please advice.
Paul Michael answers, Keshri, thank you for your question. Yes, you can apply for a student visa from Nigeria. The Immigration Rules say that you can make an application from where you are normally a resident.
Anuragthebest asked, Can u please answer my Question???If I have to take admission in fall 2008 then when should I give my GMAT and ToEFL?????And when should I apply for the Visa..
Paul Michael answers, Institutions start accepting applications a year in advance; so start your application processing from September 2007. Please sit for the GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL when you feel you have prepared, as these scores can be sent later after you have sent your applications. The institutions will offer you a conditional offer, which they will make a confirmed / unconditional offer once you have submitted all your results and supporting documents.
Nikhil asked, Will I be compulsed to take english language exam? Whill degree give me a job in INDIA?
Paul Michael answers, Nikhil, thank you for your question. IELTS is not compulsory. Your English scores need to be of a standard that demonstrates to us that you will be able to study in the UK. It may be that you undertake IELTS to show us this. You will have a UK qualification which may be seen to set you above any competition. This is for any potential employer to decide.
Maju asked, I had completed my degree in 2003 and i am working as an accountant for 4and half years .now i would like to apply for student visa?
Paul Michael answers, You have to first apply for a course of study at a UK institutions and obtain confirmed admission before you can apply for a student visa. Please log on to our official web site to obtain detailed information on courses and institutions www.educationuk-in.org
immanuel asked, Hi Sir,I got an admission in Brunel University, Msc.Engineering design, pls comment on the university and the course(if possible)
Paul Michael answers, Immanuel, thank you for your question. I am unable to comment on individual universities and courses. Please conduct your own research via the internet.
mahajan asked, do UK university recoganize GRE ??
Paul Michael answers, GRE is a subject specific requirement. If you are applying for subjects like Economics, Politics & International Relations, etc, some institutions may have it as a mandatory requirement. Therefore, it will depend on the subject you want to study in the UK.
xyz asked, hi paul, what are the chances of getting a scholarship for an MBA in London Buisiness School? My academics is very good consistent and got a GMAT score of 750.
Paul Michael answers, xyz, thank you for your question. You can write to the school directly and advise them of your score. You can also get information on scholarships from the British Council.
vai asked, I will be applying for visa from Hyderabad. Can I directly print the application from the internet and then hand it in at the VFS center with the necessary documents? If I have any doubts regarding filling up the application will the VFS people help me out?
Yatin Madlani answers, You can print off the form from the internet. With your question about VFS helping you to assist your form, VFS can help you to complete the form and will be able to also advise you on the documents needed to submit with your application.
prency asked, hello,my name is prency. i am doing my bachalor of bussniness management course from bangalore. Next year i would like to go to UK and do my MBA. Well if i got there,can i also do per-time work?
Paul Michael answers, Prency, thank you for your question. The immigration rules permit you to work part-time in the UK during term time. You are also permitted to work full-time during holidays.
mahajan asked, do UK university recoganize GRE ??
Paul Michael answers, GRE is a subject specific requirement and is not required for all programmes. If you wish to apply for a subject, say Economics, International Relations, Politics, etc., some institutions may have it as a mandatory requirement.
jibabaji asked, My daughter is going to study. Can I go with her and help her settle for first six months?
Paul Michael answers, Jibabaji, thank you for your question. You can apply for a visit visa to accompany and help your daughter settle in the UK.
U kasera asked, Hello Sir! I have an unconditional offer from university of Edinburgh for Msc in International Business starting in September 2007. I shall be applying for the visa shortly. I want to know whether do you issue visas till the next year December i.e. December 2008?
Yatin Madlani answers, We issue a visa valid for any unconditional offers that you have plus a few extra months. So in your example, we would normally issue a visa for one year for your course plus four months. The visa would be valid for 16 months in total.
Viky asked, Hello, Does only London good manamgement institutes? how about a general management course from university located in Leeds or Liverpool? How are the job prospect after graduating from these universities?
Paul Michael answers, Viky, thank you for your question. There are many management institutes in the UK. Please contact the British Council for guidance. After graduating in the UK you may be eligible to apply to remain in the UK under the International Graduate Scheme. more details can be found at www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
bjt asked, Hi! please reply. My IELTS score will be valid upto Dec'07. Now I will apply for the MSc course. If uni. offer conditional admission that I have to do english classes after reaching there. Is there any problem in getting visa? thanks
Paul Michael answers, Please apply to the institutions of your choice without the IELTS score and let the institutions assess your application by looking at your grades in English, personal statement, references, etc. Many students are exempted from this exam, especially if they have a good English proficiency, which you need to prove through your application. In the case that the institution asks you for an IELTS score, you can always send it later.
Amit Anand asked, I want to do MBA from UK ; and also to work part time there to finance my study (little bit) can i work part time on Student Visa
Yatin Madlani answers, You are able to work part-time and no more than 20 hours per week during term time.
Mohamed asked, hello This is Mohamed, I have passed HSC at year1993. Is any possible to continue to studies
Paul Michael answers, Mohamed, thank you for your question. You can apply to study in the UK. You should research your course and institution and provide details about your current circumstances and qualifications you already hold and what you have been doing since your last period of study.
Viky asked, Hello, Does only London has good manamgement institutes? how about a general management course from university located in Leeds or Liverpool? How are the job prospect after graduating from these universities?
Paul Michael answers, There are good management institutions all across UK, not only in London. UK qualifications are internationally recognised and will give you good job prospects. However, largely it will also depend on your own performance and ability. All the best!
harvinder asked, hi...ihave got a unconditional offer from sheffield university and have all other documents ...can i apply for visa with this all...as sheffield have asked me to pay gbp2000 to reconfirm my seat and they have said it will benefit you in getting the visa
Yatin Madlani answers, You can get advice on the documents that need to be submitted with your application from our website www.ukindia.com You can apply for a visa when you have prepared all the necessary documents. The 2,000 pounds (about Rs 1,50,000) will be a deposit to secure your place and has nothing to do with your visa application, however, they may not confirm your place without paying ths deposit. We assess all applications against our student requirements and if you meet them, you get a visa.
Chandan asked, Hello Sir, I hav done my MBA in Marketing and Information Technology. I m working with Automobiles dealership as Executive Incharge from last more than 2 yrs. I want to study ahead in Uk. Can u plz guide me which course i shd take up so that i get placed in UK and do i need to give IELTS paper also. PLz help.thanks
Paul Michael answers, There will be many options available to you, having already completed an MBA programme and work experience of two years. Check on www.educationuk-in.org that has an excellant course search facility. IELTS is not a mandatory requirement and students do get an exemption. However, this is completely at the discretion of the institution you apply to as their decision will be final. Please apply and let the institutions decide on your application.
nikhil asked, i got addmission in university of wales cardiff for mba shall i go.do u think that it will provide me any benefit
Paul Michael answers, Nikhil, thank you for your question. This is a question that only you can answer. Please research the course and institution carefully. I am afraid I cannot advise you on the merit of going to a particular institution. Whatever you decide good luck with your studies.