I am in class 11. Is it possible for me to apply for studying in the UK ?

Yes. You will find a number of options to choose from if you go to UK now: You could complete school by doing the 'A' levels, the 'AS' levels or the Scottish Highers. Alternatively, you may wish to do a vocational course or a diploma. All these will enable you to take up an undergraduate programme, should you intend to do so later. Moreover, depending on the course that you take, it may be possible to obtain a few credits and get one to two years waived from your undergraduate programme.

When is the right time to apply to a UK university?

The academic year in UK begins in end September/ early October.

For undergraduate entry: Applications should be made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), a centralised clearing agency. UCAS forms are easily available from all British Council/British Library centres and our counsellors can help you fill them up. Students wishing to apply to Oxford and Cambridge need to do so before 15 October of the previous year. You could apply to either one or the other in any given academic year, not to both. At all other universities/colleges, the deadline is 15 December of the previous year. Late applications are taken till 30 June of the year of entry. For further information on application deadlines, you can contact our Education Counselling Centres. Contact details are available online at http://www.britishcouncil.org/india/education/ecs-contacts.htm.

For postgraduate entry: Certain institutions (eg. Oxford, Cambridge, the London School of Economics (LSE) etc.) have deadlines and would want applications to be made strictly within the given timeframe. However, most universities/colleges do not have any deadlines. The best time to apply is in October before the year admission is being sought.

Can I get a scholarship to study in the UK?

Yes, you can. UK offers Indian students a number of scholarships under a variety of programmes. Most of these are for postgraduate study, although limited awards are also available for undergraduate and research programmes. The British Council in India publishes a comprehensive scholarships guide which is available from all British Council and British Library centres at a nominal cost of Rs.100/-. This gives detailed information on application criteria and deadlines for each scholarship scheme.

I am getting transferred to UK. Can I take my children along and how much would their education cost?

If you have children below the age of sixteen, they can be admitted into a UK state school where the tuition is free. However, should you wish to put them into an independent (or private) school, the tuition fee could vary between £9,000 and £ 13,500 per annum. Children above the age of sixteen are admitted into sixth form colleges where the international student fee is approx £ 6,000.

I have got admission into a UK university. Can my spouse accompany me? Can he/she work in UK?

Yes, spouses can accompany full time students on a dependent visa, provided students can show that adequate funds are available for their support. Spouses can also work if their stay is for a year or more.

I am currently studying for an undergraduate course in the UK and have got admission into a masters course. Do I have to return to India to extend my student visa?

Not necessarily. You could get your visa extended in the UK without returning to India. You will have to go to the Home Office, with the evidence that you have been admitted into a full-time course. You will also be required to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover both the tuition fee and living expenses for the entire duration of your stay.

Can my overseas relatives sponsor my studies in the UK?

Yes. You should get a sponsorship letter from them indicating the relationship and the extent to which they are prepared to fund your studies. Besides this, they would also be required to show evidence of financial support (eg. bank statements, salary certificate, a statement from the Chartered Accountant, their source of income etc.).

Can I stay with my relatives while studying in the UK?

Yes, you can. You could also of course, live on campus. This would enable you to use the library, IT and extracurricular facilities to a greater extent. You would also get to know other international students better. Most institutions would be happy to arrange on-campus accommodation for international students during their first year.

English has been my first language throughout school and college. Do I still have to sit the English Language Test?

Most British institutions require you to prove your proficiency in English only if it has not been your first language. You may be required to either take the IELTS test which is administered regularly by the British Council at all its centres. Alternatively, the TOEFL is also recognised by British institutions.

Can I take up a part time job whilst studying in Britain? What is the amount I am likely to earn and can I sustain myself on it?

Yes, you can. International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays. The amount earned varies between £ 3 to £ 16 per hour. While this is generally not sufficient to sustain students, it does come in handy as additional pocket money. However, when applying for a visa, students must show evidence of full financial support from other sources to cover their tuition and living costs.

Can I take up a job after completing my course in Britain?

Student visas cannot be converted to work permits. If you are offered a job, your employer has to apply to the Home office for your work permit. This can take three months or more and is often difficult to obtain. During the interim period, you would need to return to your home country.

Are UK degrees recognised in India?

Most UK degrees awarded are recognised in India. The following programmes are however, not recognised:
* postgraduate Medicine
* courses run by City and Guilds
* courses run by the Chartered Institute of England and Wales
* the LLB degree, if done after class 12 is not recognised for practice in India.