United Kingdom

- Made up of four countries- England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom is a very popular study destination for Indian students.
- The UK has more than 100 universities and around 165 higher education institutions including universities and colleges.
- With ancient and traditional universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, University College London to modern universities, the UK offers something for every students in a variety of subject areas.
- Taught Master courses are only for 1 year. You do not need 16 years of education to pursue a Masters degree in most subjects.
- Most undergraduate (bachelors) degrees are for 3 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Scotland has some excellent universities, a different education system than the rest of the UK and a 4 year undergraduate degree.
Education is compulsory for all children up to the age of sixteen in the UK. The UK education system consists of two distinct systems of courses and qualifications which are compatible with each other. One system is followed by England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the other is adopted by Scotland.
The UK education system is made up of the following levels:
Pre- school, primary and secondary education
At school level there are two types of schools which are state schools and independent/private schools. Both of these types of schools ultimately prepare students for GCSE or equivalent qualifications. Pre-school is generally for 3-4 year olds; primary is from 5 to 11 and secondary education is up to the age of 16.
Pre-university education
Education at this level is mainly taught at schools, sixth form colleges and further education colleges. The types of courses include AS level, A-level, Scottish Highers, access/bridging/foundation programmes and other equivalents.
Vocational education
Vocational education focuses on courses that are skills-based and work-oriented. Qualifications include BTEC diplomas, vocational A-levels and other equivalents. These courses are mainly run in further and higher education colleges. The unique features of these courses are the wide range of subjects available and the flexible entry based on the student’s academic ability and experience. Depending on the results it is possible for the students to progress to undergraduate degrees.
Qualifications such as Higher National Certificates/Diplomas and Foundation degrees are employment-related higher education qualifications. These qualifications allow students to progress to the 2nd or 3rd year of an undergraduate degree based on their results.
Undergraduate qualifications
Undergraduate degrees are usually taught at universities and colleges of further and higher education. Most of these degrees are 3 years except for Scotland where the degrees are 4 years. Undergraduate degrees that incorporate industrial placement are longer by one year and are generally known as sandwich courses. Courses such as medicine, dentistry and architecture are longer, usually about 5 years.
Postgraduate qualifications
Postgraduate courses are either taught or by research. Taught programmes include the postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma and taught masters. Research programmes include research masters and doctorates. The duration of the taught programmes range from 9-12 months and for research programmes the duration is between 1 to 4 years.
Time line (age) | Level of Education | |
4 to16 | Pre-school, primary and secondary education | |
17 to 21 | Pre-university education | Vocational education |
18 or 19 to 21 up to 26 (depending on type of course) | Undergraduate qualifications | |
After 1st degree and/or with work experience (depending on entry requirements of course) | Postgraduate qualification |
The costs incurred by a student can be divided into
1) Tuition fee of the course and
2) Living cost.
Tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes ranges from GBP 4000 to 18,000. Tuition for laboratory based courses is usually higher than classroom based courses. Medicine, Dentistry courses have much higher tuition fee.
The living cost in the UK is higher in big cities such as London and lower in smaller towns and cities. The UKBA has defined the living cost for the purpose of obtaining a student visa. This is as follows-
- GBP 1000 per month in Central London
- GBP 800 for outer London and the rest of the UK
- University of Bristol, UK
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham
- Cranfield University, Cranfield (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- Queen Mary University of London, London (Direct Entry and UG and PG Transfer Programs)
- University of York, England (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool and London
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Queen`s University Belfast, Belfast
- Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- University of Leicester, Leicester (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- University of Dundee, Scotland (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- City University London ( INTO )
- Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh
- Brunel University London, England (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- University of Essex, Colchester
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
- Swansea University, Wales
- University of Stirling, Stirling & London
- Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth
- Bangor University, Bangor (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- Coventry University, Coventry & London (Direct Entry and UG and PG Transfer Programs)
- Kingston University, London (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- University of Bradford, Bradford
- Teesside University, Middlesbrough, England
- University of Portsmouth (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- Plymouth University, Plymouth
- University of Westminster, London
- Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge and Chelmsford
- Staffordshire University, Stroke on Trent
- The University of Northampton, Northampton
- Bournemouth University, Poole, England
- London South Bank University, London (Direct Entry and UG and PG Transfer Programs)
- Northumbria University,Newcastle & London
- Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- University of Sunderland, Sunderland & London (Direct Entry and UG and PG Transfer
Programs) - University of Greenwich, London (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool
- The University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- University of East London, London
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
- University of West of England, Bristol
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham
- De MontFort University, Leicester (Pathway and Direct Entry)
- University of Chester, Chester
- Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh
- University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Scotland
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow
- Middlesex University, London
- Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield
- University of Brighton, England
- University of Central Lancashire, Preston (Direct Entry and UG and PG Transfer Programs)
- University of Salford, Manchester
- University of Roehampton, London
- Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
- University of West London, London
- University of South Wales, Cardiff
- University of Bedfordshire, Luton
- University of Suffolk, Suffolk, England
- Leeds Beckett University, Leeds
- University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton
- University for the Creative Arts, Farnham, England
- Hult International Business School, London
- BPP University, London (Except Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar
Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Telangana) - Le - Cordon Bleu,London
- Istituto Marangoni, London (Pathway and Direct)
- QAHE- Ulster University, Birmingham and London Campus
- Solent University, Southampton
- Navitas- Robert Gordon University
- INTO University of Manchester
- University of East of Anglia, Norwich
- INTO University of Gloucestershire,Gloucestershire
- Study Group- Durham University, Durham
- Study Group- Keele University, Staffordshire, West Midlands
- Study Group- Lancaster University, Lancaster
- Study Group- Leeds Beckett University, Leeds
- Study Group- University of Leeds, Leeds
- Study Group- University of Lincoln, Lincoln
- Study Group- Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool
- Study Group- The University of Sheffield International College
- Study Group- University of Sussex, Falmer
- Study Group- Bellerbys College, Brighton
- Kaplan-University of Aberdeen
- Kaplan-University of Brighton
- Kaplan- UWE Bristol
- Kaplan- The University of Nottingham- UG Pathway Programs
- On Campus Birkbeck, University of London (UG and PG Transfer Programs)
- On Campus The Courtauld University of Art (UG and PG Transfer Programs)
- On Campus Royal Veterinary College, University of London (UG Transfer Programs)
- On Campus Goldsmiths, University of London (UG and PG Transfer Programs)
- On Campus University of Hull (UG and PG Transfer Programs)
- On Campus University of Reading (UG and PG Transfer Programs)
- Airways Aviation, Oxford, England
- Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts – CSVPA
- Regent’s University London
- NCUK (1+ 2 UG Business Degree)
Trained and experienced counsellors
Sky Dream International counsellors are trained to explore education opportunities in the UK. Your journey towards attaining a UK education starts with a comprehensive counselling process. You will be guided in your decision-making process, assisted in the application process, supported with visa advice and pre-departure information.
Unbiased professional advice
Sky Dream International has a strict policy of honesty and transparency in dealing with universities and students who entrust us with their future. Our reputation is based on friendly, accurate advice and service, and the provision of efficient and timely application processing in accordance with strict university and government compliance guidelines.
Focused on you
Sky Dream International counsellors are bilingual and will be able to assist you in bridging any language and cultural gaps you may experience. Their experience, expertise and excellent personal guidance will bring you closer to fulfilling your career and life goals.
Sky Dream International student service portfolio
- Career Counseling
- Entrance Test Preparation
- Scholarship Guidance
- Admission Guidance / University Selection
- Recommendations
- Bank Loan Assistance
- Visa Assistance
- Accommodation
- Pre-Departure Briefing
- Air Ticketing / Foreign Exchange
FAQ's
Sky Dream International counselors have vast experience in counseling students on choosing a program that’s right for you. Whether its undergraduate or postgraduate level, the counselors will guide you professionally and explore options of study that are personalized to your needs.
Yes, UK institutions give scholarship to deserving students. For more info, ask your Sky Dreamz counselor.
Yes, all international students are allowed to work part time for up to 20 hours per week while their course is in session and full time during summer vacation in UK. Many universities have a dedicated job centre on-campus for students that offer or advertise a range of job opportunities to help students develop skills.
Most UK universities and colleges will guarantee accommodation to international students if they have accepted the offer and applied for the accommodation within the deadline. Your Falcon counselor will be able to offer advice and guidance on finding suitable accommodation at the Institution.
Private accommodation outside of the University or College will be cheaper if you are prepared to share the facilities with another student and are more suitable to postgraduate or mature students. If you are looking at this option, you should get some temporary accommodation booked and plan to travel to UK 1-2 weeks before your course starts. The accommodation officer can provide you the list of private accommodation available in the surrounding areas and advise you on other formalities such as signings the lease document, etc.
Undergraduate students in their first year of the course are recommended to stay in the halls of residence on-campus. A number of universities and colleges now manage their accommodation in line with government-approved codes of practice.
It is recommended that you start your application process at least a year in advance to give enough time to the institutions to process your applications.
Courses in UK start twice a year in Jan/Feb and Sep/Oct. Though some universities has intakes in April and July.
Yes, once you sign up with Sky Dream International, you will be assigned a dedicated counselor who would guide you through the entire process.
Yes, Sky Dream International will organize a pre-departure info session which will help you in preparing for your life as a student in the UK.