Skills such as critical thinking, confidence, and creativity are fostered and nurtured in you through lively lectures, and actively engaging with your tutors. Discussions and practical projects, both as part of a group and on your own, are just some of the ways in which UK universities will challenge and develop you.

English-speaking employees are incredibly valuable to employers, and by studying in the UK you’ll be expanding your understanding of the language with the help of high-standard facilities at your university.

The UK is known for some of the world’s best research facilities in a number of industries. By studying in the UK, you’ll gain access to these and can take your education further as a result.

Regardless of whether you seek to study at a postgraduate or undergraduate level, in a further education college or boarding school, the UK offers safe, multicultural environments in order to enable you to do so.

The UK education system is divided into four core levels. These are primary education, secondary education, further education, and higher education. Legally in the UK, children must attend both primary and secondary education from the ages of 5 to 16 years old.

Requirements for Entry

There are a number of varying requirements for each level of UK education, all of which must be met if you want to gain access to that level of education.

English Language

Your level of competency with, and understanding of, the English language will be a key aspect of being accepted to major programs, such as degree programs. Proof of your level of understanding will be required by most educational bodies, which you can demonstrate through one of the following three widely accepted tests of your ability to speak English.

• TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
• IELTS – International English Testing System
• UCLES – University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate

Entry Requirements for School

The UK school education system is broken down into Key Stages, which are as follows.

• Key Stage 1 – Children 5 to 7 years old
• Key Stage 2 – Children 7 to 11 years old
• Key Stage 3 – Children 11 to 14 years old
• Key Stage 4 – Children 14 to 16 years old

Key Stages 1 and 2 usually take place at primary school, with students moving on to Key Stages 3 and 4 at secondary school from the age of 11.

At the end of each Key Stage students are assessed on their understanding. The most important assessment occurs when students are 16 and are nearing the end of Key Stage 4 education. This is the point when students are pursuing their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs) in their chosen subjects. Once students have completed their GCSEs they can choose to either finish school and enter the world of work, or continue on to further education, and higher education.

Requirements for GCSE Courses

You will need to register with your school for your GCSE education years, and the requirements generally depend on the specific school you are intending to study at. Aside from the school’s own requirements, the exams boards in the UK will require that you have a good understanding of the English language, since all tests will be taken in English. See the English requirements above.

Entry Requirements for A-Level Courses

Similarly to GCSEs, the school you wish to study at will have their own requirements for A-level entry. A 6th form college might require that you have 5 GCSEs with grades at or above a C. On the other hand, an independent school might require 10 GCSEs with grades at or above a B. As you can see, your level of education determines which schools you can study with.

A-levels prepare you for higher education programs, which is why many consider them to be even more difficult that some university courses. When considering A-level study it’s important to consider your level of understanding of the English language, since these much harder courses require a more expansive knowledge of English.

Entry Requirements for Vocational Courses

Basic vocational courses are similar to GCSEs in that you aren’t likely to need any formal qualifications in order to study them. The only requirements would be an understanding of the English language, and literacy skills, though each school may have their own requirements as well, which is why it’s always worth checking first.

Entry Requirements for University Courses

Each university course has its own requirements in the UK, and as a result they vary depending on the type of course you’d like to study. Most will require a student to have passed their A-levels at or above a certain grade, such as 4 B grades, or the equivalent in GNVQ or BTEC. Universities themselves may have their own requirements for potential students, as well as the requirements for signing up for the course. An example of this would be the fact that both Oxford and Cambridge require an interview before students are considered for entry, while many other universities don’t have this requirement.

Students coming to the UK to study from overseas don’t necessarily need to have been educated in the UK school system, or have taken A-levels. However, the administrator for the course you are interested in will need to be contacted so that you can find out their requirements of you from your home country.

When and How to Apply

Every UK university application is made through the Universities and College Administration Service (UCAS). To apply you will simply need to fill out an application form on the UCAS website.

You should try to get your application in well before the deadline date, particularly if you wish to study at a top university.

These are the five steps to UCAS applications.

1) Registration

The first thing you must do is register your details with UCAS. It’s important to double check that you enter your details correctly here.

2) Find a Course

The course you choose could be for three or more years, meaning you need to make a choice that you’ll be happy with for that period of time. When you’ve found a course that you’re happy to commit to, note down the unique UCAS code associated with it. This is required for the application form.

3) Find a University

Choosing a university is more than simply looking at the league table position and choosing the highest one. Each university has facilities, accommodation, societies, and much more that make them individual in so many ways. You should take your time picking the right university for you, in the right location too.

Once you’ve found the perfect universities, and made a shortlist of those you’d like to attend, note down their unique UCAS codes.

4) Fill out the Application Form

The application form is used to apply for five different choices of university. It’s up to you whether you apply for the same course at five different universities, or five different courses at five different universities.

It’s important to remember that you can only send one personal statement, which are generally course specific, when deciding what to apply for.

5) Send the Application and Wait for Replies

Once your application has been sent to your chosen universities, you need to wait for them to respond. Each university has many students applying for their courses, and they need time to consider every individual.

Non-EU International Students

For students from a non-EU country it’s possible to submit a UCAS application between the 1st of September and the 30th of June for the academic year preceding the academic year that studies will begin.

Most students apply well in advance of the 30th of June to make sure that spaces at their chosen universities, for their chosen courses, are still available. This also allows plenty of time to deal with travel, immigration, and accommodation arrangements.

EU International Students

Students applying to study in the UK from within an EU country need to send their UCAS application by the 15th of January in the academic year preceding the one in which studies begin. Any applications received after this date will be treated as late. Different dates apply for Oxford and Cambridge universities, and for art design and medical courses.

Remember to check your eligibility for any scholarships, grants, or loans in addition to your UCAS application.

You will need to apply through UCAS, working with their program as follows.

• Applications open for the next year on the 1st of September
• EU Nationals deadline for applications is the 15th of January
• The main application deadline is the 30th of June
• Clearing Process begins from the 30th of June and end on the 30th of September

Important notes

• The application process for Oxford and Cambridge is slightly different, and different dates will apply as a result. Please contact the universities directly for accurate information on deadlines that apply to you
• The most popular courses fill up extremely fast, and you should get your application in as early as possible to avoid missing out on your chosen course
• Any students who didn’t achieve sufficient grades for their chosen course and university will need to look for another one. This process is called Clearing

You need to gather all of the required information for your application and make it through UCAS. The required information is as follows:

• Requirements the university has for international students (which you will need to check with the university prior to applying), and your applicable test scores
• A personal statement
• A letter of reference
• Payment to UCAS

Please note that all Non-EU students are required to have a UK VISA before they can study in the UK. You can use our guide in order to learn how to apply for this VISA.

The post Study in the United Kingdom (UK) appeared first on Studycor.

General Information

If you are interested in studying in the United Kingdom and are 16 years of age or older, this guide will provide you the information that you need for applying for a student visa.

UK general student visa is called Tier 4. You can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa if you have been offered a place on a course and can communicate in English. You must have enough money to support yourself and to pay for any expenses related to coursework.

To qualify for this visa, you must be from a country that is not within the European Economic Area or Switzerland. There are other eligibility requirements that you must meet as well, which will be covered in the material below.

If the United Kingdom leaves the European Union without a delay, there will be no change to the status and rights of European Union citizens living in the UK until December 31, 2020. You may apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the European Union.

Timeline

You may apply for a visa three months before you start your studies, but no sooner. You will typically receive a decision about your visa within three weeks, but it is a good idea to check the specific processing requirements and times for your country of origin.

Costs

You must pay £348 per person for every individual applying for the visa. You will also be required to finance any healthcare surcharges, the specific costs of which vary.

Length of Stay

You may arrive in the United Kingdom a week before a six-month course (or a course lasting fewer than six months) or one month before for a course lasting more than six months. The length of stay will vary depending on how much study you have already completed, as well as the kind of course you are completing.

Restrictions

As a visa holder, you can study, apply from outside or inside the United Kingdom, work as a student union sabbatical officer, apply to extend your stay or work in most jobs. You may also be allowed to bring in family members.

However, you will be unable to apply for public funds or work in certain jobs like sports coaching or professional athletics. You may also not study at an academic or school funded by a local authority.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 visa, you must have an unconditional placement offer in a course that is a licensed Tier 4 sponsor. You must also have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself during your studies.

Your course may meet one of the following qualifications:

• Full time leading to a qualification that is level 6 (which is undergraduate level) or higher
• Part-time leading to a qualification that is level 7 (graduate level) or higher
• Overseas course of study that is equivalent to a UK higher education course
• Full-time with at least 15 hours per week of organized daily study, leading to a qualification for at least a level 3 (A-levels, international Baccalaureate diploma)
• Recognized program as a postgraduate doctor or dentist
• English language course at level B2 or higher

Once you have been accepted to your course of study, you will receive a reference number that will need to be supplied on your visa application. You can apply for your visa no more than six months after receiving this confirmation of acceptance.

If you have studied in the United Kingdom in the past, you can receive a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) if you are re-sitting exams or repeating coursework. If you are applying to a new institution to complete a course that you started at a school that lost its Tier 4 sponsorship, or attending your studies to complete a work placement or study abroad program, you may also receive a CAS.

This rule applies in a similar manner if you are applying after working as a student union sabbatical officer for continuing a Ph.D., doctorate, medical, dentistry, or medical science degree.

English Proficiency

When you apply for a Tier 4 visa, you must demonstrate knowledge of the English language. This is typically done by passing a secure English language test. This must be completed through an approved provider.

If you received a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the following locations, you do not need to prove proficiency in English:

• UK
• USA
• Trinidad and Tobago
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• St Lucia
• St Kitts and Nevis
• New Zealand
• Jamaica
• Ireland
• Guyana
• Grenada
• Dominica
• Belize
• Barbados
• The Bahamas
• Canada
• Australia
• Antigua and Barbuda

Documentation

When you apply, prepare to have the following documentation at hand:

• A current passport or equivalent travel documentation
• Proof of financial support
• Proof of legal guardian consent and parental relationship if you are under the age of 18
• Tuberculosis test results (if required by your country)

You will also need to have a blank page in your passport for your visa.

Application Process

Before applying, read the guidelines carefully. You can apply online for a Tier 4 visa, but you will need to have your photographs and fingerprints taken at a visa application center. You will need to collect your biometric residence permit, which will be printed after your photograph and fingerprints are taken, within 10 days of your arrival in the country.

If you live in North Korea, you cannot apply online.

How to Extend Your Visa

If you already have a visa and would like to extend it, you can do so if you meet the following conditions. You:

• Meet the eligibility requirements of the Tier 4 visa
• Are in the UK
• Are sponsored

A sponsor must be one from an institution of higher education, an overseas institution of higher education, an independent school, or an embedded college offering pathway courses. All dependents must be included in your application.

If you are applying for an extension, you should do so within six months of receiving a confirmation of acceptance for your studies but no more than three months before the course start date on your confirmation. This must also be done before your current visa expires.

An extension costs £475 plus expenses for the healthcare surcharge and biometric information processing. Expedited services are available.

All application materials are available online.

How to Switch to this Visa

You can switch to a Tier 4 visa if you are under any of the following schemes:

• Tier 2 (General)
• Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
• Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer)
• Tier 4 (Child)

To switch, you must apply within six months of getting a confirmation of acceptance but before your current visa expires. Again, you will need to pay £475 plus related expenses and application materials are available online.

Information for Family Members

Family members may be able to apply to join or stay with you in the United Kingdom. A dependent includes:

• Husbands, wives, or civil partners
• Unmarried or same-sex partners
• Children under 18 years old

You may bring a dependent to the country if you are:

• Sponsored by a higher education institution at level 7 (i.e. graduate level) or above, that lasts more than 9 months
• A doctorate extension scheme student
• A new government-sponsored student on a course lasting longer than six months

You must show that you can support your dependents while you are studying in the United Kingdom in addition to the funds that are available to you to support yourself. These funds required will vary depending on the length of your course, where exactly you are studying, and whether you have finished a course or are currently studying. You must provide documentation of proof.

All family members will need to apply online and have their photographs and fingerprints taken. Family members cannot apply online if they are doing so from North Korea.
 
Source: UK Government website

The post How to get a UK student visa appeared first on Studycor.

If you are interested in entering the United States for study and have citizenship in another country, you must first obtain a visa. This guide applies to students who are citizens of countries that require visas for entry into the United States as well as for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. You can either receive a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

Who is Required to Obtain a Visa?

Any student who plans on studying in the United States must obtain a visa. The specific type of visa will depend on the chosen course of study, as well as the intended destination school. The two primary types of student visas are M and F type visas.

You will require an F visa if you are attending a:

• College
• High school
• Private elementary school
• Conservatory
• Seminary
• Another academic program, like a language training course
• Vocational or other recognized nonacademic program (may alternatively require an M visa)

A student may not enter the United States and study on the visa waiver program or with visitor visas. You must have an F or M student visa. You can only study in the United States without one of these visas if you are pursuing recreational study as part of a tourist trip. Any coursework that will lead to a degree or certificate is not allowed on a visitor visa or visa waiver entry, even if it is pursued over a short period of time.

How to Receive a Visa Invitation

The school at which you intend to study should be able to send you a visa invitation. This will initiate the process, as your school should be SEVP-approved (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). Once the school accepts your enrollment, you can register for the Student and Exchange Visitor System and pay the 1-901 fee. Your school will then issue you a Form I-20.

Upon receipt of this form, you can apply at your local embassy or consulate for either an F or M visa. You must have the Form I-20 in your possession when you apply and attend your visa interview. Keep in mind that anyone you plan on taking with you, like a spouse or child, must also complete this same process.

Application Instructions

There are several steps involved in applying for a visa. The exact order will vary depending on your consulate, so make sure you contact them first to get information.

Online Visa Application

Begin by completing the online visa application. There are two steps. You must first complete the nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160, available online. Make sure you print the confirmation page and bring it with you to your interview. You will also need to upload a photo in an acceptable format.

Interviews

Next, you must schedule an interview. These are required for applicants aged 13 to 80 years old. Schedule an appointment at the consulate or embassy in the country in which you live. Your wait time may vary depending on visa category, season, and location, so be sure to schedule your appointment early. It can take up to 300 calendar days.

For New Students

If you are applying as a new student, you can receive a visa up to 120 days before the intended start date for your program of study. However, you cannot enter the country on your visa unless it is thirty days or less until your start date.

For Continuing Students

As a continuing student, you can apply for and receive a visa at any time. However, you must be currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved institution. You may enter any time before classes begin.

Fees

You will be required to pay the non-refundable application fee for your visa before your interview. You may also have to pay an issuance fee, which varies depending on your nationality.

Documentation Required

You will need to collect several mandatory documents before beginning your visa interview. These include:

• A passport valid for travel to the United States, with a six-month window beyond your intended period of stay in the country
• A nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160 (confirmation page required)
• Payment receipt of the application fee
• Photo (if it fails to upload while completing the online Form DS-160)
• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – this will be sent to you by your school once they have received your information and uploaded it into the SEVIS database

Additional Documentation Sometimes Needed

You may be required to submit additional paperwork at the behest of the consular officer. You might need to submit:

• Evidence of academic preparation, such as diplomas, degrees, transcripts, or certificates
• Statement of intent to depart the United States upon completion of course of study
• Description of how you will finance all living, travel, and educational expenses

Attending the Visa Interview

At the visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are eligible to receive a student visa. You will also have ink-free fingerprint scans taken during the interview.

The consular may decide that you need more information or processing for your application to be approved. If and when the visa is approved, you may be required to submit a visa issuance fee and also make plans for the return of all paperwork to you. Do not make travel plans until you have been issued a visa, as there is no guarantee.

Entrance into the United States

A visa does not give a guarantee of automatic entry into the United States but merely allows a foreign citizen to travel to a port of entry and request permission. Only the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities have the ability to allow or deny entry to the United States.

Once you present your documentation, including your visa, passport, and Form I-20 at your port of entry, a CBP official will decide whether you may enter the United States. You will receive either an admissions stamp or paper Form I-94 upon this decision.

How to Extend Your Stay in the US

You must depart the United States within 60 days of the program end date listed on your Form I-20. This includes any pre-authorized practical training.

Students may request to receive an extension through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. If you do not depart the Untied States in a timely manner, you will become out of status and will have your visa automatically voided. This may eliminate your ability to enter into the United States in the future.

Change of Status

While you are in the United States, if your plans change, you may request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category. This is commonly pursued by individuals who are married or receive an offer of employment.

You can visit the Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website to find out more about receiving a change of status. While you will not need to apply for a new status, you must apply for a new visa if you depart the United States.

 
Source: U.S. State Department

The post How to get a US student visa appeared first on Studycor.

The United States is the world’s top destination for international students who wish to study abroad. With over 150 top universities in the QS World University Rankings, this country is a hotspot for international students. In fact, as of 2019, over 1.9 million international students were studying in the United States – over three-quarters of whom came from Asia.

The Institute of International Education reported in their Open Doors findings that the most common states for international student were New York, California, and Texas, with students primarily studying topics like mathematics, engineering, computer science, and business and management.

The process of obtaining a degree in the United States follows a pattern that is similar to that of other countries. Students progress through the following grades of education:

• Early childhood education (also known as pre-kindergarten)
• Elementary (or primary) school
• Middle (also known as junior high or intermediate) school
• Secondary school (also known as high school)
• Postsecondary education (college, career or technical training)

Studying at the Postsecondary Level

There are plenty of US universities to choose from, each of which offers a variety of programs and services to international students. You won’t have to worry about finding a desirable program in your city of choice. And don’t worry if you choose the wrong one at first – it’s easy to move between universities in the United States, and you likely won’t lose any academic credit or have to begin your studies from the beginning.

Many universities will require you to take a standardized admissions tests, like the SAT or GRE, depending on your experience, level of education, and background.

Most undergraduate degrees in the United States take students around four years to complete, although this can be accelerated if you choose to take courses more quickly. In the first couple of years of study, you will explore a wide range of elective and required subjects. This will allow you to then choose the subject or subjects on which you would like to focus – something known in the United States as a “major.”

If so desired, you can also earn a qualification known as a “minor” along with your major. This will require you to complete a few classes in an additional area, but not as many classes as you need to satisfy your “major” requirements. Often, a minor is used to enhance a major program. As an example, many business majors will choose to minor in economics.

You don’t have to choose a minor that will improve your career success, either. You could choose one because it is simply something in which you are interested – even if it does not closely connect to your major of choice.

When you study in the United States, you will complete classes in two semesters. The fall semester typically begins at the end of August and concludes in December, while the spring semester extends from January to May. There are five steps involved in studying at a college in the United States:

1. Do your research.

Postsecondary education generally spans six degree levels – associate, bachelor, pre-professional, master, advanced intermediate, and doctorate. In the United States, there is no degree higher than a doctorate – however, many universities do offer postdoctoral programs of research. Make sure you have selected the program that suits your needs and goals.

2. Find financing.

The American government does not offer financial assistance to international students, except exchange programs. You will need to find your own funding. Here are some options:

• Education authorities in your home country – Some nations provide foreign study assistance to nationals who are admitted to an approved institution and qualify for an assistance program.
• International Admissions Office – Although the government does not offer funding in any way, some universities offer financial assistance to international students. Contact the admissions office at the schools to which you apply to find out more. Check out and follow Studycor’s scholarship and fellowship announcements to find your funding.
• Private sources – Some businesses, private foundations, and nonprofit companies offer financial assistance like grants and scholarships to be used by students for international study and research. You can use this handy tool from the U.S. government to search for opportunities.
• U.S. government exchange programs – Certain exchange programs, such as the Fulbright Program, provide financial assistance to some international students.

3. Complete an application.

Each college and university in the United States has its own admissions requirements. These may or may not include standardized tests and other tasks. Make sure you read the admissions requirements for your institution of choice carefully.

Foreign Diploma – Each college belongs to an individual state that will have varying licensing boards to evaluate degrees, licenses, and academic coursework. There is no single authority in the United States to do this, so read the instructions carefully.

Standardized Testing – Many universities require candidates to take at least one standardized examination. Do this well in advance so that you have plenty of time for your scores to reach you and the college before your application materials are due.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – You may be required to submit results from this examination to demonstrate English proficiency if you’re not from a country with English as a first language.

4. Apply for a visa.

You must be accepted by your university of choice first, but once you are, you can apply for a visa. The institution must be certified by the SEVP. For more details on applying for US visa click here to read our guide.

Studying at the Elementary, Intermediate, or Secondary Level

Formal education for children in the United States begins at the age of five. All students older than the age of five are required to attend school until they reach the high school (or secondary) level. The exact age at which education becomes optional varies depending on state regulations.

In the United States, there are two types of schools – public and private. Both public and private schools are divided into three major age groups – elementary, intermediate, and secondary schools. Although laws regarding compulsory (or required) education vary by state, citing different levels of participation and starting and ending ages, the laws regarding mandatory education apply to both private and public K-12 schools alike.

Public Schools

International students can attend either public or private schools. However, it should be noted that international students may only attend public schools, or those funded by the government, for a maximum of 12 months – no longer. After completing 12 months, students should stop attending public school, and they cannot even transfer to another public school to continue. Public school can only be pursued for international students seeking to enroll in grades 8-12.

International students who wish to study in the United States at the K-12 level, regardless of whether they are enrolling in private or public school, must also be able to prove their capacity to finance such a program. They must also have a place to stay and a way to cover any living expenses.

Each school will have a different process of determining the amount necessary to cover the living expenses, but each school must receive a statement of financial evidence and report the assets before administering the Form I-20, also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.

The school that you select must have a certification known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. Public schools that offer grades K-8 are not eligible for this certification, while public high schools (grades 9-12) have certification for international students to attend only for twelve months. Again, all costs of attendance must be reimbursed by the family of the international student to the public school.

Even though students are not permitted to spend more than a year at a public school, however students who wish to continue their studies in the United States may do so by transferring to a private school. All payment of attendance fees must occur before the student applies for his or her visa, as proof of payment will be required at the visa interview and the port of entry.

Private Schools

Private schools, or those that are funded independently from the government, have slightly different requirements for attendance than public schools. As an international student, it may be easier to seek enrollment in a private school because private schools do not cap attendance – an international student may attend for his or her entire education in the United States.

An international student may attend a private school from grades K-12, and this may occur for more than 12 months. To be eligible for a visa, the student must first be accepted at an SEVP-certified private school. He or she can then apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate. Visa programs are available to international students who wish to come to the country for educational, cultural, or professional reasons.

Although private schools offer greater flexibility in terms of the length of stay, it should be noted that they are usually expensive, and international students will be required to pay for all costs of attendance plus their living expenses. The process of supplying proof of financial support for attending a private school is identical to the process required for attending public schools. The full cost of attendance must be repaid to the school of choice.

The post Study in the United States of America (USA) appeared first on Studycor.

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  Study in the United Kingdom (UK)

  Learn the entry requirments, procedures, and timeframes for applying and geting accepted to a university or a private school in the United Kingdom.

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  Study in the United States of America (USA)

  The United States is the world’s top destination for international students who wish to study abroad. Learn how to enter a university or school in the US.

The post Study Abroad appeared first on Studycor.