Education System – A Brief Overview
Independent Schools :
In the UK, schools are either provided by the Government ( known as state schools) or are independent schools and charge fees from parents. The independent schools of the UK have a reputation of high quality, high standards since many years. Some state schools are also renowned for their high quality.
In the UK, education is compulsory till the age of 16. It is conducted in 5 stages:
Key Stage 1: Foundation years for students aged 5 to 7
Key Stage 2 – For students aged 8 to 11
Key Stage 3 – For students aged 12 to 14
Key Stage 4 – For students aged between 15 to 16 years
Key Stage 5 – For students aged between 17 and 18 years.
At the age of 16, all students are required to take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams in about 8 to 10 subjects.
As for higher education, the UK is regarded as an educational hub. Consisting of tank rank Universities in all fields and colleges covering all courses , the country enjoys a good reputation and sees a large number of immigrant students every year.
UK Visa – What How and When
There are 3 types of visa for students given by the UK authorities :
1.Short Term Study Visa :
You can apply for this visa if you are doing a short course in the UK. Remember that during this time, you will not be allowed to work , nor study at a state school, nor extend your visa, nor take dependants or family members with you.
This visa allows you to stay in the UK for months for any short course or 11 months if you are taking an English course and you’re over 18.
Fees: It costs About £89 for a 6 month visa and 170£ for a 11 month visa.
How Long it Takes : You can apply up to 3 months before tour course begins. You will get a declaration in about 20 days.
Eligibility :
1.You must prove you have been offered a place on a course in the UK with a Tier 4 sponsor license.
2.You have enough funds to support your fee and lifestyle during this period
3.Can pay for your return journey
Documents Required:
When you apply you’ll need to provide:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation
- Proof that you can support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending on your circumstances
- Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent
- Your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
You need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa.
Your documents will usually be sent back within 14 days.
If you’re under 18
If you’re under 18 you need to provide additional documents if:
- You’re travelling on your own
- You’re travelling with someone who isn’t your parent or guardian
Travelling on your own
You can travel to the UK without an adult (someone 18 or over).
Your parent or guardian needs to provide their:
- Written consent for you to travel to the UK
- Full contact details
They also need to provide proof that you have somewhere suitable to live during your stay in the UK, including:
- The name and date of birth of the person that you will be staying with
- An address where you will be living
- Details of your relationship to the person who’ll be looking after you
- Consent in writing so they can look after you during your stay in the UK
You must provide a letter from the school confirming it has notified the local authority of your visit and your care arrangements if:
- You’ll be studying in the UK during your stay
- You’re under 16
You must include the reply from the local authority if the school has received one.
Travelling with an adult
When travelling to the UK with an adult (someone 18 or over), you need to identify them in your visa application.
Their name will appear on your visa, and you’ll be refused entry to the UK if you arrive in the UK without them.
You can identify up to 2 adults in your visa application, and your visa will only be valid if you travel with at least one of them.
The adult can apply for a visa at the same time, but you must each complete separate applications.
2.Tier 4 (Child ) Student Visa
This is if you are aged between 4 and 17 and wish to study in the UK.
Eligibility :
1.You must prove you have been offered a place on a course in the UK with a Tier 4 sponsor license.
2.You have enough funds to support your fee and lifestyle during this period
3.Can pay for your return journey
You can apply up to 3 months before tour date of travel to the UK.
How Long Can you Stay :
If you are under 16, you can stay uphill your course length and 4 months after.
If you are 16 or 17, you can stay till tour course ends (max 3 years) and 4 months after.
In this case, you can work if you’re 16 or over for up to 10 hours a week , and apply for an extend visa. You cannot however take a full-time job or be self-employed
Documents Required:
When you apply you need to provide:
- A current passport or other valid travel identification
- Evidence that you can support yourself during your trip, eg. bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months
- Details of where you intend to stay and your travel plans - you shouldn’t pay for accommodation or travel until you get your visa
- Your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
- Contact details for at least one parent or guardian in your home country (if you’re under 18 years old)
You need to provide the original documents.
You also need to provide a certified translation of any documents that aren’t in English or Welsh.
You need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa.
Documents about your course
You must provide proof of the course you’re studying, eg a letter of acceptance from the educational institution - on official headed paper, stating the course’s name, duration and cost (including accommodation).
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances, eg evidence of your:
- Previous study, eg academic certificates, references or transcripts
- English language qualifications, eg certificates or awards
- Accommodation and travel plans
- Permission to be in the country you’re applying from (if you’re not a national)
- Financial sponsor’s occupation, income, savings or funds that will support your studies
If you’re under 18
If you’re under 18 you need to provide additional documents if:
- You’re travelling on your own
- You’re travelling with someone who isn’t your parent or guardian
Travelling on your own
You can travel to the UK without an adult (someone 18 or over).
Your parent or guardian needs to provide their:
- Written consent for you to travel to the UK
- Full contact details
They also need to provide proof that you have somewhere suitable to live during your stay in the UK, including:
- The name and date of birth of the person that you will be staying with
- An address where you will be living
- Details of your relationship to the person who’ll be looking after you
- Consent in writing so they can look after you during your stay in the UK
You must provide a letter from the school confirming it has notified the local authority of your visit and your care arrangements if:
- You’ll be studying in the UK during your stay
- You’re under 16
You must include the reply from the local authority if the school has received one.
Travelling with an adult
When travelling to the UK with an adult (someone 18 or over), you need to identify them in your visa application.
Their name will appear on your visa, and you’ll be refused entry to the UK if you arrive in the UK without them.
You can identify up to 2 adults in your visa application, and your visa will only be valid if you travel with at least one of them.
The adult can apply for a visa at the same time, but you must each complete separate applications.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies:
Your educational provider will send you a reference number called Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you will have to enter in your application.
3.Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
This if for students above 18 who wish to pursue their higher education in the UK.
One you get this visa, you will be allowed to wok in the UK . You may also take dependants to the UK.
Eligibility
1.You must prove you have been offered a place on a course in the UK with a Tier 4 sponsor license. Check the list for the same over here :
2.You have enough funds to support your fee and lifestyle during this period
3.Can pay for your return journey
4.Prove you can speak, read, write and understand English ( IELTS/ TOEFL score required )
Fees
The cost to apply for this visa s £328. You also have to additionally pay for a healthcare surcharge of £15p per year. You have to pay his full amount while submitting your visa application.
If you are applying for postgraduate programs, make sure your degrees are accepted by the Government of UK.
