With a rich academic history, world-renowned institutions, and thousands of degree programs, the United Kingdom is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for international students. The UK offers a diverse range of courses across every field imaginable—from business and engineering to the arts and sciences. At Shalgo, we simplify your journey to studying in the UK. Our expert team helps you find the best programs. Let Shalgo, guide you toward your academic future—discover, apply, and start your studies in the UK today!
Why Study In UK?
Key Points for Studying in the UK
- Class Size
- Class sizes at UK universities can vary considerably, ranging from intimate seminars with just a handful of students to large lecture halls hosting hundreds. The size often depends on the program and level of study.
- Teaching Methods
- UK universities are known for their emphasis on interactive teaching methods. You can expect a lot of student participation through discussions, presentations, and group work, rather than just passive lecturing.
- Financial Support
- If your studies are fully funded by a scholarship that covers all living expenses, you may not need to provide evidence of additional financial support for your student visa application.
Student Work Rights
NOTE: NQF Level 7 means Courses at PG Level (Masters / PG Diploma / PG Certificate)
From Jan’24 onwards, the spouse will not be able to apply for dependent VISA, for the taught Master's program.
TYPES OF UNIVERSITIES IN UK
There are around 150 Universities in the UK which can broadly be classified into two categories:
- Traditional Universities
- Old and ancient universities also known as Red Brick Universities
- Prestigious and High Ranked
- Research Focused
- Offering a wide variety of subjects and specializations
- Ex. Durham University, University of Sheffield, University of Bristol, University of Glasgow, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester
- Modern Universities
- Polytechnics or other educational institutions which were given university status post 1992
- Focused on applied learning rather than research with excellent industry tie-ups
- Ex. Anglia Ruskin University, Coventry University, University of East London, Northumbria University, Middlesex University)
DURATION OF PROGRAMS
The biggest advantage of UK education in comparison to other educational destinations worldwide is that UK provides programs of shorter duration.
- Bachelors
- 3 years (4 years in Scotland)
- Masters
- 1 year ( 2 years with placement / internship also available)
- Bachelors with Sandwich year
- 4 years ( 1 year of internship after completing the 2nd year)
- Integrated Masters
- 4 years (5 years in Scotland)
- Integrated Masters with a Sandwich Year
- 5 years (UG and PG Combined with 1 year of internship)
ACADEMIC YEAR AT UK UNIVERSITIES
-
- Term Structure:
-
-
- Autumn Term: September – December (10-12 weeks)
- Spring Term: January – March/April (10-12 weeks)
- Summer Term: April/May – June/July (10-12 weeks)
- Breaks and Holidays:
- Each term is separated by breaks of 2-3 weeks, allowing for short holidays like Christmas and Easter.
- Assessment Schedule:
- Assessments like exams and coursework are spread throughout the year, typically at the end of each term.
- This structure allows focused study periods and facilitates effective workload management.
- Program length in an academic year:
- UG Programs (Typically 3 Years):
-
-
- PG Programs
- PG programs, particularly Master’s programs, might informally adopt a term-based approach.
- Trimester System: A program might be divided into three trimesters (around 10-12 weeks each) with assessment points spread throughout.
- Semester System: Less common, some programs might utilize a two-semester system with longer durations (around 15-20 weeks each).
- PG Programs
MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
- TYPES OF MBA
- Fresher’s MBA
- MBA for students having work experience
- Mature Entry MBA
- FRESHER’S MBA
- Recent graduates with no work experience can apply for an MBA for freshers
- MBA FOR STUDENTS HAVING WORK EXPERIENCE
- Students with a Bachelor’s degree and work experience of 2 to 5 years can apply for these MBA courses
- MATURE ENTRY MBA
- Students who do not have a formal Bachelor’s degree qualification can still pursue an MBA in the UK
- The entry requirement for such students is
- Pass in Standard 12
- Students age should be minimum of 25 years
- Work experience of at least 7+ years at managerial level
INTAKES
- UK Universities have two major intakes
- September / October – Fall Intake
- January / February – Spring Intake
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
In general, the English Language requirement as per UKVI is CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level B2 which is equivalent to a minimum 5.5 overall with 5.5 in each section in IELTS.
Types of English tests accepted
Applicants must achieve this level of English by completing a successful ‘Secure English Language Test’ or SELT.
English Language Test which are accepted in UK are IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and many more.
Which English language test is accepted in UK?
For entry to University programmes students would be required to take the Academic IELTS test. If students want to take a pre-sessional English course or a Foundation course, they must take the IELTS test at an approved UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) test center.
IELTS waiver is available in many of the universities if the student has secured more than 65% – 70% marks in 12th Standard English.
Pre-Sessional English Language
program is also offered for students who do not meet the IELTS requirements of a particular course at a University
- SELT (Secure English Level Test) is required for students seeking to study, work, and live in the UK.
- It is used by students applying for tier 1, 2, and 4 visas for short courses and pathway programs. Various platforms administer this test at authorized testing centers for immigration and visas to the UK worldwide.
- A variety of sections are included in the test, such as Reading, Writing, Listening, and Spoken English, to determine your level of English proficiency.
- UKVI PTE is also an approved SELT for UK Visa
Below is the conversion chart for IELTS scores equivalent to TOEFL and PTE scores:
| CEFR Level | IELTS | PTE | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
C2 |
8.5 |
80 |
117 |
|
C1 |
7.0 – 8.0
|
67 – 79
|
96 |
|
B2 |
5.5 – 6.5
|
51 – 66
|
92 |
|
B1 |
4.0 – 5.0
|
36 – 50
|
62 |
Entry Criteria for Bachelor’s
| Type of University | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|
|
High Ranked Universities
|
70% & above in 12th Standard
|
|
Middle Ranked Universities
|
60%-70% in 12th Standard
|
|
Low Ranked Universities
|
55% – 60% in 12th Standard
|
Subject specific Requirement:
- For Engineering degrees, a score of 60% - 85% is required in Mathematics and Physics in 12th Standard depending on the university.
- For Business degrees a score of 55% - 85% is required in Mathematics depending on the University and other relevant subjects in 12th standard with few exceptions where the Mathematics score in 10th Standard is considered.
- Similarly, for other degrees minimum subject specific scores may be required in 12th Standard.
IELTS Requirements
- IELTS requirement ranges from 6.0 / 6.5 with no band less than 5.5 depending upon the course and the University.
Entry Criteria for Master’s
| Type of University | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|
|
High Ranked Universities
|
60% & above in Bachelors
|
|
Middle Ranked Universities
|
55-60% in Bachelors
|
|
Low Ranked Universities
|
50-55% in Bachelors
|
IELTS Requirements
- IELTS requirement ranges from 6.0 / 6.5 with no band less than 5.5 depending upon the course and the University.
- Some UK Universities also accepts MOI –Medium of Instruction from graduating University to waive off the IELTS. MOI is not accepted to waive off IELTS for Bachelors.
Time Schedule for UK for September Intake
Time Schedule for UK for January Intake
Cost to study in the UK
Financial Requirement for UK Student Visa
Self Funded & Parents
Fixed Deposits and Funds in Savings Bank accounts are the only acceptable modes.
- 28 days of maturity are required
- Avoid showing recent large deposits
Education Loans
Loans from nationalized or private sector banks.
A guarantor or Collateral Security is required.
A guarantor or Collateral Security is required.
- Education loan sanction letter on bank’s letterhead with bank’s contact details mentioned
- Loan should be a part of the “Education Loan Scheme”.
Source of Funds
Explanation of major receipts into the account by providing necessary evidence.
SOME ACCEPTABLE SOURCES OF RECENT fUNDS
- Liquidating shares or mutual funds
- Transferring funds from cooperative banks to acceptable financial institutions (e.g., nationalized banks)
- Liquidating an old Fixed Deposit (more than 5-6 months old) and depositing the amount in a savings account.
- Sale of immovable property the transaction should be tally with the cheque not given in the sale deed (supported by sale deed and valuation report of the property)
- Transferring funds from Provident Fund Accounts (GPF/PPF)
- Transfer of funds from Post Office Account to acceptable Banks
- Agricultural sale bill, and deposit date and amount should corelate with sale bill, J-Forms
NOT-ACCEPTABLE FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS
- Funds kept in the bank which is not RBI regulated or do not maintain their records electronically.
- FD and saving accounts which are lien marked, and loan taken against this accounts.
- Bank statements electronic print outs but which are not on letter head, if not on letter-head then it MUST be supported by the balance certificate which is provided on the letter head with the logo, address of the bank on it along with the seal and signature from the bank officer.
- Conditional Education loan sanctioned letter.
- Any of the following is not accepted:
- Bank accounts with the post-office
- RD account
- PPF account
- Invest in share bond
- Gold loan, Crop loan, Mortgage loan
- Overdraft facility
- Loan against FD
POST STUDY WORK VISA: NEW UK GRADUATE IMMIGRATION ROUTE
- UK has re-introduced a Post Study Work Visa of two years after completing a Bachelors or Masters course.
- Students who will complete their degrees after June 2021 will be eligible for the Post Study Work Visa.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA TO APPLY FOR THE GRADUATE ROUTE
- A Graduate visa gives a permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the UK.
- Student must be in the UK when they apply.
- To apply for UK Graduate Immigration Route, international students must meet the following criteria:
- One must have completed the qualification mentioned on one’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) at Bachelor, Master’s, or Doctorate level.
- One must have a valid Tier 4 or student visa required to study at UK at the time of lodging the graduate route application.
- How long you can stay? A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years. If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years
FEES FOR THE GRADUATE ROUTE
- At the time of applying for the UK Graduate Route, graduates will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge along with the fees for a graduate route as a part of the application process. Check out the fees below:
- Graduate Route: £880 application fee (from 9th Apr.2025)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year
- Healthcare Surcharge
- If you’re eligible for a Graduate visa for:
- 2 years – it will cost £2,070
- 3 years – it will cost £3,105
From 1st January 2024, International students will only be able to bring dependents if they are government-sponsored or are studying for a Ph. D., doctorate, or a research-based higher degree. Dependents who are already in the United Kingdom can still extend their leave if they are eligible to do so.
IELTS-6-Band UK Universities for Master programs in 2025
Some of the UK Universities accepting 6 band IELTS for Master programs are mentioned as under:
Fund show for UK-Study Visa
- The fund show for living expenses is increasing in 2025 and new changes are effective from January 2, 2025. It reflects the rising cost of living in the UK.
- For studies in London, an international student must show GBP 1,483 per month and If a student is staying outside London, the amount one needs to prove they have is GBP 1,136 per month for a duration of 9 months.
- Therefore for students planning to study in London for nine months or more, the total amount they need to show in their savings is now GBP 13,348. The fund show for outside London is now GBP 10,224.
- Previously, these amounts were GBP 1,334 per month for London and GBP 1,023 for other parts of the UK.
- Therefore students applying for student visa for UK from January 2, 2025 onwards have to show increased funds as announced & must be at least 28 days old in the student account or in the accounts of parents.
Estimated expenses & fund show for UK for 2025 - UG student
- 1st year tuition fee:- Starting from 14,000 GBP ( Rs 15,00000 approx. ) and higher depending on program/institution. Any tuition fee paid to your University will deduct from this amount.
- 1st year living expenses :- Inside London :- 13,348 GBP ( Rs 14,50,000 )
Outside London :- 10,224 GBP ( Rs 11,10,000 ).
You need show this in your account or your parents’ account. - IHS (Healthcare):- 1164 GBP per year + 235 GBP (for stay back):-
1. For 1 years program – 1164 GBP
2. For 2 years program – 1940 GBP
3. For 3 years program – 2716 GBP ( Rs 300000 approx ).
You need to pay this amount before applying for visa by credit card. - Embassy Fee:- 490 GBP ( Rs 52,000 approx.). You need to pay it at the time of applying for visa by credit card.
- Medical test fees:- Rs 4000 approx. . You need to pay this amount to the authorized Doctor.
- Total approx. fund show / expenses:-
Inside London:- Rs 33 lakhs approx.
Outside London:- Rs 29-30 lakhs approx.
1:- Any payment made will be decocted from the final fund show amount.
2:- This is only an estimate of funds based on 14,000 GBP one year tuition fee and it can vary on the varying tuition fees of your institution.
Fund show for UK-Study Visa
- The fund show for living expenses is increasing in 2025 and new changes are effective from January 2, 2025. It reflects the rising cost of living in the UK.
- For studies in London, an international student must show GBP 1,483 per month and If a student is staying outside London, the amount one needs to prove they have is GBP 1,136 per month for a duration of 9 months.
- Therefore for students planning to study in London for nine months or more, the total amount they need to show in their savings is now GBP 13,348. The fund show for outside London is now GBP 10,224.
- Previously, these amounts were GBP 1,334 per month for London and GBP 1,023 for other parts of the UK.
- Therefore students applying for student visa for UK from January 2, 2025 onwards have to show increased funds as announced & must be at least 28 days old in the student account or in the accounts of parents.
Estimated expenses & fund show for UK for 2025 - UG student
- First year tuition fee:- Starting from 14,000 GBP ( Rs 15,00000 approx. ) and higher depending on program/institution. Any tuition fee paid to your University will deduct from this amount.
- First year living expenses :- Inside London :- 13,348 GBP ( Rs 14,50,000 ) Outside London :- 10,224 GBP ( Rs 11,10,000 ). You need show this in your account or your parents’ account.
- IHS (Healthcare):- 1164 GBP per year + 235 GBP (for stay back):- 1. For 1 years program – 1164 GBP 2. For 2 years program – 1940 GBP 3. For 3 years program – 2716 GBP ( Rs 300000 approx ). You need to pay this amount before applying for visa by credit card.
- Embassy Fee:- 490 GBP ( Rs 52,000 approx.). You need to pay it at the time of applying for visa by credit card.
- Medical test fees:- Rs 4000 approx. . You need to pay this amount to the authorized Doctor.
- Total approx. fund show / expenses:- Inside London:- Rs 33 lakhs approx. Outside London:- Rs 29-30 lakhs approx.
