Finding the path to higher education in the UK

Chennai

The United Kingdom has a global reputation for excellence in the field of education and skills. It has four of the world’s top 10 universities--University of Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London and University of Oxford -- and is home to 30 of the world’s top 200 universities. 

India and the UK launched a joint initiative ‘UK-INDIA Year of Education, Research and Innovation’ after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UK last year. The initiative aims to drive further collaboration in the field of education between the two nations.

Eligibility: 

There is no cap on the number of students who can study in the UK. The entry requirements will vary for different courses and universities. However, a student must speak, read, write and understand English, and must have the financial stability to live and study in UK. 

Students will also be able to work part time while pursuing a course to soften the financial strain they will incur. The number of hours a students can work will depend on their course. However all students attending higher education institutions at the degree level or above can work up to 20 hours per week in term time and full time during the holidays. 

Working abroad: 

While the UK government introduced strict visa regulations last year, students will still be able to work in the UK if they secure a job after graduating. They can switch to a work visa provided they secure a graduate level job, earning a salary of at least £20,800 within four months of completing their course.

The British Council also organises career summits to connect recent graduates who are eager to build their careers in India. They are planning to organise one such summit in Tamil Nadu later this year.

Scholarships: 

The UK government also provides a slew of scholarships to deserving Indian students.

• The British Council offers the GREAT scholarships 2016-17 worth over £1.5 million. A total of 291 scholarships will be offered in partnership with 45 universities.
• Chevening is the British Government’s flagship global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organisations. The Chevening India programme is now the world’s largest with a £2.6 million budget for 2015-16. 
• Commonwealth Scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries are offered for Master’s, PhD, and split-site (PhD) study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). On an average, 60 Indian students are supported by the Commonwealth programme each year. 

Education UK information briefing sessions are conducted by Education UK staff for prospective students. It is open to anyone interested in knowing about studying in the UK. These sessions are held at least twice a month in Chennai. To know more, visit www.educationuk.org/india 

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