Funding for international students

Why study in the UK?

UK universities provide internationally recognised qualifications of the highest standard. They also offer more opportunities than ever before: there are currently over 55,000 postgraduate taught courses and research opportunities to choose from. The UK higher education system combines the best elements of tradition and modernity. Some UK universities are among the oldest in the world; others are among the newest. Many provide degrees with a strong vocational foundation and enjoy good links with businesses and professional organisations.

Academic excellence

The quality and standard of UK higher education are guaranteed through the work of various official bodies. The quality of a university’s teaching and its general facilities are assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Research standards are examined by the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which publishes its findings every five years. The results of all these assessments are freely available on the Internet. Information on quality assurance and assessments is also available from the Higher Education Funding Councils.

Value for money

The quality of UK degrees is one reason why so many people come to the UK to study each year. Another is value for money. Unlike the equivalent programmes in the United States or Australia, most UK Masters programmes can be completed in one year.

An international tradition

The UK has always welcomed students from all over the world. In 2004/5, there were 218,395 students from outside the EU, which represents 9.5% of the entire higher education population.

At postgraduate level, students from outside the UK made up 50.1% of all full-time postgraduates, with 37.9% coming from outside the EU.

The language of business

A major advantage of studying in the UK is the opportunity to perfect your knowledge of the English language – one of the most important skills in the international business world.

If you are from outside the EU, especially if you are studying a commercial subject, you may well appreciate the opportunity to observe at first hand the operation of the European market. The UK is a member of the EU, and living and studying here can provide a useful insight into how this major trading bloc functions.

The UK system

In the UK, ‘postgraduate’ refers to the level of higher education that sits above first degrees such as the BA and the BSc. Sometimes, the term ‘postgraduate study‘ means the same thing as ‘Masters study’ or ‘graduate study’. This can be confusing for students from some countries. In Bangladesh, for instance, graduate study refers to first degree-level study.

For the purpose of this publication, postgraduate means a degree for which the normal entry requirement is a first degree from a UK university or its equivalent in other qualifications (i.e. an equivalent degree in your own country) or experience.

Further information

The British Council office in your home country should be your first stop for information on studying and living in the UK.

www.educationuk.org provides a wealth of information for anyone considering coming to the UK plus links to local British Council offices.

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How to find a course/research programme

How do you go about finding a postgraduate course or research programme at a UK university? With so much choice available, it isn’t surprising that some people don’t know where to start looking.

Exhibitions and fairs

The most important thing to do is to think very carefully about what it is you want to get out of your study. This will depend upon your interests, your experiences and your long-term ambitions. Only you can make the right choice but you should get as much advice and assistance as possible. If you are currently at university, talk to your tutors and, if appropriate, careers advisers.

You should also contact the British Council, which offers advice and information for anyone considering coming to the UK. Talk to your family and friends. If possible, talk to people who have already studied in the UK. Most UK universities have alumni networks. Many will also have international officers working in your own country.

UK universities attend exhibitions all over the world. These exhibitions, usually organised by the British Council, provide an ideal opportunity to talk to representatives from the universities and with alumni. An average exhibition will have representatives from over 100 institutions and will normally be busy, with many people waiting to speak to the exhibitors.

With so many exhibitors and so many students attending, it is important to prepare carefully before you attend an education exhibition. Make sure that you know exactly what you want to ask. Write down your questions in advance and make a note of the answers. Get a copy of each university’s prospectus and any additional information on your chosen subject area. If the university does not have any prospectuses left, leave your name and address and ask for a copy to be sent to you.

Exhibitions also provide seminars about studying in the UK, which take place throughout the event. Some seminars will be about general issues such as studying and living in the UK or applying for postgraduate study and some concentrate on specific subject areas. Seminars provide basic information and the opportunity to ask questions. The British Council has an information desk at every exhibition where you can obtain information, talk to counsellors about studying in the UK and obtain impartial advice.

Information resources

When you are clear about the subject you wish to study, you need to find out which universities offer the courses or research programmes you are interested in. The best place to start your search is at www.prospects.ac.uk/pgdbase

The online database provides more information per entry than this Directory and also allows you to search for postgraduate programmes by subject of study, institution, qualification and keyword. Each entry includes a description of the course or research opportunity, information on the duration of the course and the number of students plus a section with information relevant to international students. Email links mean that you can get in contact with course providers directly.

In addition to postgraduate opportunities, the British Council’s www.educationuk.org site includes information on boarding school and college education plus English language, career-based, and undergraduate programmes. The site also has a link to the English in Britain website where you can search accredited institutions offering relevant English language courses.

You can find out about student welfare, application processes and visa arrangements. The site will also point you to your nearest British Council office. Once you’ve got what you need from the website, click on the relevant link to contact the British Council. Your local office will have a wide range of books, directories, brochures, guides, prospectuses and CD-ROMs that you can use.

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How to apply

At postgraduate level, applications are made direct to the institution. With so many courses to choose from, it is important that you think carefully before you make an application as the process can be lengthy and time consuming.

Advisers recommend that you draw up a shortlist of six to eight universities, after finding out as much information as possible from individual institutions. You can get prospectuses and application forms at education exhibitions; you should also visit the university websites. Most UK universities have an international office which deals with applications from students from outside the UK.

Timing

Some courses fill up their places very quickly, so you must prepare well in advance of the starting date. This might be as early as the October or November of the previous year; ideally, it shouldn’t be any later than April, although some courses accept students as late as August.

Research students

Research students may begin their studies at any point in the year, with the agreement of their academic supervisor. As it is not possible for international research students to be interviewed before being offered a place at university, you must convince a potential supervisor that you have the foundation of knowledge to pursue the research in question. If communication is poor at the start of the application procedure, you could encounter problems in the future, even if you have been offered a place.

Things to remember

You should consider the time it takes to gather information, the time referees need to supply references in support of your application, and the fact that it may take a number of weeks for a university to make a decision due to the sheer number of applications it receives.

Your application will be considered on your academic achievements and on references. Referees should be university tutors able to comment on your academic performance. You should also take into account the time it will take to arrange funding.

In most cases, scholarship-awarding bodies need to know that you have an offer of a place at a university before you are eligible to apply. Many UK universities provide online application services. This may be a downloadable form, entire online application system or both.

Equivalence of qualifications

The National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) supports universities and colleges in making their decisions on the recognition of international qualifications, but the final decision is always made by the individual institution. NARIC also provides a service for international students seeking information on comparability between international and UK qualifications.

As an independent enquirer, you should forward the following: a photocopy of your degree certificate(s) together with transcript(s), a translation in English if necessary and a covering letter. Once NARIC has received this information, they will provide you with comparability information shortly afterwards. Responses to enquiries will usually be given free of charge (apart from postage and telephone charges).

Further information

• UKNARIC
• Address: Oriel House, Oriel Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1XP UK
• Tel: 00 44 870 9904088
• Fax: 00 44 1242 258611
• Web: www.naric.org.uk

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How much does it cost?

Students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are required to pay the full cost of their studies. It is up to each university, however, to set a fee, which can vary from institution to institution.

Fees vary according to the course. An MBA, for example, can cost as much as £29,000. As a general guideline, you can expect annual postgraduate tuition fees for international students to be in the following range:

The cost of tuition fees and living expenses mean that you should think very carefully about coming to the UK to study.

Cost of living

The cost of living in the UK is not the same throughout the country. The following figures are average costs for a twelve-month period:

How much you spend can depend upon your individual circumstances and tastes - and how good you are at managing money. But every postgraduate student has to budget for accommodation, food, heating, transport and other day-to-day expenses. If you are bringing your family with you, your costs will be considerably higher.

Like any other country in the world, the UK has its expensive and less expensive areas. Generally speaking, wherever students are gathered together, there will be an opportunity for cheap shopping. Most shops are open from 9.00am to 6.00pm except local shops which may have less predictable opening hours. Bargaining is not customary and you are expected to pay the price marked on the goods. You are also expected to queue for service if a shop is busy.

Supermarkets and street markets are the cheapest places to buy food, with some stores open 24 hours a day, six days a week. If you are looking for food from your home country, cities such as London, Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester and Liverpool have districts with plenty of Asian, Caribbean or African food shops.

Students are eligible for numerous discount offers. By joining the National Union of Students, you will receive a discount card which can be used for a variety of transactions, such as cinema tickets, bus and rail transport, and clothes - but not food.

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How do you pay for it?

The majority of students who come to the UK for their postgraduate education support themselves through private means, usually from a combination of private savings, loans, or family support. Others acquire funding to cover their course fees and living expenses from scholarships or awards.

Some international students apply for scholarships provided by their home government, the UK government or a third country, or awards provided by charitable trusts. Others receive scholarships from the institution to which they are applying. Even if you do obtain a scholarship, you need to be sure that it is enough to meet all your costs.

The British Council warns you to be particularly careful if you have only a partial scholarship or if you intend to bring your family to the UK. You should not assume that you will be able to find additional funds after your arrival in the UK, as you will only be able to make applications to scholarship and awarding bodies from your home country.

Competition for awards is fierce and it is important to remember that even if you have undertaken undergraduate study in the UK and are planning to stay on for your postgraduate education, you do not qualify for funding on the same basis as a UK or EEA student. Research Council studentships are not available to international students.

Official schemes

It is essential that you thoroughly explore all the options while still in your home country. There are many different schemes operating in different countries. Your first point of contact for information should be your education ministry. The British Council will also be able to offer you advice, as will your own higher education institution. Where there is no British Council office, try the British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. One of the best sources of information is www.educationuk.org/scholarships where you can search for scholarships you could be eligible for.

The British Government, sometimes in association with other countries, supports a number of schemes for international students:

British Chevening Scholarships

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides support for international students through its British Chevening Scholarships scheme. The scholarships (currently approximately 2,400 new scholarships each year) are offered in more than 150 countries and enable talented graduates and young professionals to study in the UK and to gain skills which will benefit their countries.

Awards are usually made for postgraduate diplomas/Masters course lasting up to one year. Candidates for British Chevening Scholarships are selected by British Embassies and High Commissions overseas. The scholarships are administered overseas and in the UK by the British Council on behalf of the FCO.4

British Chevening Scholarships

• Education Affairs Section, Cultural Relations Dept
• Address: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London SW1A 2AH UK
• Tel: 00 44 20 7270 1500
• Fax: 00 44 20 7210 6812
• Web: www.chevening.com/about/faqs

British Marshall Scholarships and the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

British Marshall Scholarships finance young US students of high ability to study for a degree in the UK. The scholarships are tenable at any UK university and cover two years of study in any discipline, at either undergraduate or graduate level. The scholarships cover university fees, cost of living expenses, annual book grant, research and daily travel, air fares, and where applicable, a contribution towards the support of a dependent spouse. 40 Scholarships are awarded annually.

In the US:

• British Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco.
• British Embassy in Washington DC.
• British Information Services, 845 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022 USA

In the UK:

• Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission
• Address: John Foster House, 36 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PF UK
• Tel: 00 44 20 7380 6700
• Fax: 00 44 20 7387 2655
• Web: www.marshallscholarship.org

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Through the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, university staff and students from the Commonwealth are able to study in the UK. The plan was designed as a system of awards to men and women from all Commonwealth countries chosen for their high intellectual promise and their capacity to return to make a significant contribution to life in their own countries. One of its main principles is that it be based upon mutual co-operation and the sharing of educational experience among all countries.

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

• Association of Commonwealth Universities
• Address: John Foster House, 36 Gordon Square, London. WC1H 0PF
• Tel: 00 44 20 7380 6700
• Fax: 00 44 20 7387 2655
• Email: www.acu.ac.uk

Marshall Sherfield Fellowships

The Marshall Sherfield Fellowships are open to US students who hold a doctorate in a science or engineering subject. Successful applicants will receive a laboratory/research grant, as well as travel and living costs. More information can be found on The Marshall Commission website www.marshallscholarship.org Applications must go through the Marshall Commission.

• The Marshall Commission
• Association of Commonwealth Universities
• Address: John Foster House, 36 Gordon Square, London WC1H OPF UK

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme

The Department for International Development, together with participating institutions, supports the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme. The scheme is designed for students from Commonwealth countries who are unable for financial reasons to come to the UK and who fall outside the ambit of other British Government schemes.

• Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
• Association of Commonwealth Universities
• Address: John Foster House, 36 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PF UK
• Tel: 00 44 20 7380 6700
• Fax: 00 44 20 7387 2655

Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme

ORSAS was set up by the Secretary of State for Education and Science in 1979 to attract high-quality international students to the United Kingdom to undertake research. The Scheme is funded through the four UK higher education funding bodies (for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

Participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) receive an annual grant to fund ORSAS awards. The grant is allocated by formula and reviewed periodically with regard to postgraduate research student recruitment and related data. ORSAS award holders are selected internally by HEIs. Prospective applicants should contact institutions directly for information on how to apply for an ORSAS award. For more information visit www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/ors

Fulbright Awards Programme

The Fulbright Programme aims to promote mutual understanding between the US and other countries, providing scholarships for postgraduate study, and scholarships and fellowships for lecturing and/or research. The programme allows US citizens to study in the UK, and covers maintenance and tuition for the first year.

The US-UK Fulbright Commission is looking for evidence of academic excellence, leadership, outstanding references, and strong reasons for coming to the UK to study, ambassadorial qualities and extra-curricular activities. The Fulbright Awards Programme is funded by grants from the US and UK governments, as well as a number of individual and business sponsors.

In the US: Institute of International Education (IIE)

• Address: 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017 3580 USA
• Tel: 001 212 984 5330
• Fax: 001 212 984 5325
• Web: www.iie.org/fulbright

(Initial applications for US citizens should be made to the US office)

In the UK: The Fulbright Commission

• Address: 62 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2JZ UK
• Tel: 00 44 20 7404 6994
• Fax: 00 44 20 7404 6874
• Email: programmes@fulbright.co.uk
• Web: www.fulbright.co.uk

Other sources

International agencies such as the United Nations and the European Commission may also be able to help. Many smaller awards schemes exist for students from particular countries or ethnic backgrounds. Your local British Council office (or Embassy, Consulate or High Commission) should be able to provide information on the schemes available to you.

Institutional scholarships

Some UK higher education institutions provide scholarships for international students. The scale and scope of such schemes varies from institution to institution. A university may offer scholarships to students from a particular country or just to postgraduates.

Other awards may be open to all students regardless of their country of origin, level of degree or subject of study. Some institutions offer partial fee assistance, which may contribute around £1,000 towards the cost of tuition fees, and others offer several thousand pounds for a full-fee scholarship. There are also schemes that don’t go towards tuition fees but cover other expenses by providing, say, free accommodation.

Eligibility for institutional funding

If you are applying for an institutional award, you will have to satisfy a number of eligibility criteria. You must, of course, have been accepted onto a postgraduate course. Your English language skills may be taken into account. You may also be assessed on your academic standards and asked to submit an essay. In many cases, you are automatically considered for an award as soon as you are accepted onto a postgraduate programme.

It is important that you find out exactly when you need to apply for an institutional scholarship. Deadlines in April, June or July of the year in which you are due to begin your study are common and sometimes you may even have to apply in the August of the year before you start.

Institutional scholarships are sometimes awarded by a central office in the university and sometimes by a particular school or department. You can find information on most UK institutional scholarships from the British Council or on individual universities’ websites.

Check www.prospects.ac.uk for a list of UK universities that provide scholarships for international students.

International students and employment

It is now possible for students from outside the EEA to work for up to 20 hours a week in term-time and full time in vacations. For information on employment, check the leaflet ‘International students working in the UK: What you need to know’ which can be found at www.dfes.gov.uk/ international-students/leaflet.shtml.

Further information can also be found on UKCOSA's website at www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/guidenote.htm.

Students from the EEA may work without restriction on the number of hours or type of work they do. Many international students are allowed to do some work whilst they study in the UK. However, this is not true for every international student, and even if you are allowed to work, there are certain restrictions on the type of work that you can take.

When the UK immigration authorities give you permission to be in the UK, they put a sticker or a stamp in your passport telling you what conditions apply to your stay. These include conditions of work.

It is compulsory to apply for entry clearance (a visa or a certificate of entry) for the UK before travelling if you are coming to the UK for more than six months or if you are from a country whose nationals require a visa to travel to the UK. The conditions applying to your stay will appear on your entry clearance sticker.

If you are coming for less than six months and are not from a country whose nationals require a visa for the UK, and plan to sort out your immigration when you land in the UK, your conditions of stay will be stamped in your passport when you arrive here. For more information about who needs to apply for entry clearance, see the UKCOSA Guidance Note ‘I am coming to the UK to start my studies. What do I need to do about immigration?’ which can be found at www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/guidenote.htm

What work am I allowed to do during my studies?

You can work up to 20 hours a week during term-time, and any number of hours during vacations. You can also take a placement which is part of a ‘sandwich course’. If you are on a degree course you may also take a three-month internship if it meets the correct criteria.

National Insurance

Everyone who works in the UK must pay National Insurance (NI) contributions. Once you have started work, you must apply for an NI number at your local Jobcentre Plus office (see www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/index.html to find your local office).

International students will be subject to the same taxation rules as UK residents. Everyone can earn or receive a certain amount of income in each tax year tax-free. Ask for a P38(S) form from your local tax office, and sign the form before handing it back to your employer.

Alternative funding sources

Some private foundations or voluntary organisations such as religious bodies or charities make modest awards. Check with your education ministry or higher education institution.

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How do you get in to the UK?

An important part of planning to study in the UK is to make sure that you meet immigration rules for international students. Before you pay the course fees or make arrangements to travel, ensure that you will be able to enter and stay in the UK as a student. Unless you are a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country (the member states of the European Union, plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) or a national of Switzerland you will have to meet the following conditions to enter the UK as a student:

• You have been unconditionally accepted for a course at a genuine educational institution.
• The course must be provided by an organisation which is included on the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers.
• The Register includes all publicly funded institutions of further and higher education. It also includes private education institutions which are accredited by the British Council, The British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education, or by the Association of British Language Schools, as well as other private education institutions that have applied to be on the Register.

You can check whether the institution you want to attend is on the Register by contacting your nearest British diplomatic post or British Council office. If you have access to the Internet, you can search the Register on the DfES website at www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister

• The course must be a full-time degree course and be run from a publicly-funded institution of further education, or a weekday course involving attendance at one institution for a minimum of 15 hours’ organised daytime study a week.
• If you are taking more than one subject to make up the 15 hours, then you have to show that the subjects are directly related to each other. The study of English language is always considered to be directly related to any other subject, if English is not your first language.
• You must have the ability to follow the course.
• You must intend to follow the course.
• You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies (unless you are a degree student hoping to stay on to work when you finish your studies, and are not sponsored by your own government or an international scholarship agency).
• You must not intend to take up employment or engage in business, unless the immigration authorities allow you to.
• You must have enough money without needing to work (or engage in business or claim 'public funds') to pay for your course fees, and the accommodation and maintenance of yourself and your husband, wife, and children, if they come with you.

If you are coming to the UK for more than six months or if you are from a country whose nationals require a visa to come to the UK, you will need to apply for entry clearance before you leave your home country.

It is not usually possible to apply for more time in the UK as a student (subject to a few exceptions) unless you have prior entry clearance as a prospective student or in a student related immigration category. For further information about whether you qualify to apply for more time in the UK as a student see the UKCOSA Guidance Note: 'I want more time in the UK as a student what do I do about immigration? www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/IwantMoreTime.pdf

For more information on immigration and working rights for international students, UKCOSA provides a series of guidance notes for international students and their advisers. These cover such issues as immigration, finance, employment and adapting to life in the UK. The guidance notes can be downloaded from the UKCOSA website at www.ukcosa.org.uk You can also contact the UKCOSA advice line on 00 44 20 7107 9922. It is open from Monday to Friday from 1.00pm-4.00pm (UK time).

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Adapting to life in the UK

Before the fun of being a university student and the long hours in the library begin, you need to think about moving from your home country to your new university and settling into UK life.

Accommodation

Start making arrangements as soon as you have been accepted on your course. This is especially important if you are planning to bring your family with you. Contact the welfare office of the students’ union at your chosen institution. They have lists of local accommodation to rent and may help arrange the accommodation for you. They should have inspected the accommodation and can help you if you have any problems. Some universities guarantee on-campus accommodation. There are different types of accommodation to choose from:

• Halls of residence: large, exclusively student-occupied accommodation, normally maintained by the university. Residents live in study bedrooms, either alone or sharing with another student.
• Hostels: the best alternative if you are unable to get a place in a hall of residence or you are coming to the UK for the first time.
• Lodgings: a rented bedroom in a private house. The landlord will also live in the house. You will have to adapt your lifestyle to fit in with theirs and respect the customs of the household.
• Bedsits: a single room in which you will have to live and sleep. You may have to share a bathroom and a kitchen with other residents. You will be independent but you may be lonely
• Flats and houses: after living in the UK for a while, you can share a furnished flat or house with your friends. You share the rent, heating and lighting bills, the food bills and the cleaning. It can be cheaper than other types of accommodation and you live with people of your choice.

Family issues

If you have children between the ages of five and 16, they are entitled to free education, although some schools may not take them if it is just for a short period of time.

Making friends

British universities offer a wide range of clubs and societies that cater for any interest. Cinema, music, drama, sports and specialist international societies are just some of the types available. Societies give you the chance to meet like-minded people, develop new interests and make new friends. Most students’ unions also have an active international society that will organise social events for overseas students.

Making friends with British students is not always easy at first, particularly if you are joining the course for the second semester or in the second.

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