Want to study in the UK? Read this!

United Kingdom has some of the world's finest universities, which offer an array of programs to choose from.

Students can choose from a variety of routes through the education and training system, combining different types of course according to their needs and abilities.

The variety of specialisations available in the UK only means that students are able to find a course that suits the interests, ambitions and passion.

In the UK, one can specialise in anything from computer games programming, ocean engineering, satellite positioning technology or sound engineering to multi- media design, anthropology, cross-cultural psychology, hotel management or dance.

Quality standards for UK institutions are among the best in the world. Thousands of families from around the world have made UK their home, creating a richly diverse, open-minded, multicultural society.

There are many international students in the UK at any one time pursuing various courses in the reputed institutions.Studying in the UK is not only a wonderful opportunity to benefit from a world-class education but also a chance to experience the country's vibrant culture.

Although the UK is relatively small in size, it offers a wealth of attractions. It is a nation which is as diverse as it is accessible and affordable.

UK degrees can take only three years and postgraduate master's courses only one year compared with four years and two years in most other countries. This means student saves a great deal on both tuition fees and living costs. The courses are shorter because they are more intensive, and therefore more efficient in terms of time and money.

Also read: 6 things a student must know before going to UK

UK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world and is a solid foundation for building ones future, boosting career and prospects for a higher salary.

There are private colleges and public colleges which are affiliated with Universities.

Admission requirements and Entrance tests

Colleges and Universities in United Kingdom have diverse requirements relative to entrance exams.

Typically, no entrance exams are required for undergraduate programs (bachelor's degree programmes), International students needs to prove their English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Depending on the school and programs, GRE and GMAT may be applicable for graduate programmes (master's and doctoral degree programmes).

For Undergraduate programmes: Qualifications equivalent to two or three years in UK or overseas or A-levels.

For Postgraduate programmes: To begin a postgraduate course in the UK, you'll need to hold an undergraduate degree from the UK or overseas.

Students in UK will be offered scholarships from the respective universities in the form of deduction in their tuition fee.

Other than this, students will be awarded other forms of aid/scholarships based on their academic excellence and background.

These scholarship programmes and other funding will be managed by the British Council and other associated organisations.

Deadlines for applying for scholarships vary, so students must check the deadlines before applying. There are few chances for financial aid in the UK for international students.

Some universities may give students with good or exceptional backgrounds, a part tuition fee waiver.

Some universities offer discounts between 1000 and 1500 Pounds to students with good academic backgrounds.

All undergraduates / graduates students are advised to apply for accommodation in their respective universities.

Each year, the universities offer accommodation to as many new students as possible, unfortunately they are unable to guarantee campus housing for all new students.

Every University maintains a database of private accommodation and University-owned accommodation including rooms in private homes, flat-shares, rooms with meals, flats and houses for groups of two or more students and couples, with or without families, whole blocks of self-catering flats, lists of hotels, hostels and accommodation agencies.

Many international students prefer the self-catered option because it allows them the freedom to cook their own food and on their own terms.

Self-catered halls are very similar to standard halls of residence, but there is also a communal kitchen available to all hall residents.

A single student living in the United Kingdom will need extra funds outside his education cost to meet his/her basic living expenses such as accommodation costs, heating, food, daily travel, books and equipment and other necessities.

It is difficult to put a figure on the total living expenditure because the amount will depend partly on the student's life style and the city s/he plans to live in.

• Cambridge University
• London School of Economics
• London Business School
• Edinburgh University
• Warwick University
• York University
• Durham University
• Nottingham University
• Ashridge Business School
• University of Strathclyde
• Royal Holloway, University of London