1. How do we get to know the ranking and accreditation of Universities?

In the UK external bodies appointed by the government do ranking assessment for Universities. The objective of these ranking activities is to individually assess every department in the University rather than rate the University overall. The academic assessments include

Research Assessment Exercise (RAE)
Teaching Quality Assessment (TQA)

In the absence of a League table rating exercises done by Newspapers, Dailies and Magazines come in handy for students and parents to make the right decisions.
As the Government owns all the Universities it accredits all of them. In addition to this some Universities get added accreditation from external agencies for some of the courses offered by them. Example The MBA programs are accredited by the British Association of MBAs (AMBA).

2. Are there any private Universities in the UK, as in the US?

The Government owns all the Universities in the UK. But the University governing council administers them as autonomous bodies. This ensures that every University follows the guidelines and standards set by the government and also has its own freedom to formulate courses and course contents.
Apart from Universities there are other institutions of Higher learning like colleges, which are owned privately but accredited by the Government.

3. Location of major cities in relation to time of travel from London?

• Birmingham
  Distance : 106 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Birmingham International Airport (9 miles).
  Railway station: Birmingham New Street (4 miles) is one of the UK's biggest stations with services to many parts of the country.
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: Birmingham is surrounded by motorways: M6 (to Scotland up the North West coast, 5 miles); M5 (South to Bristol and Exeter, 4 miles); M40 (South to London,10 miles); M42 (North East, 8miles).

• Bangor
  Distance : 242 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Birmingham International (110 miles). Swansea and Cardiff (180 miles) for flights within the UK.
  Railway station: Bangor Station.
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: None. The A55 is the major road which goes east from Bangor along the north coast of Wales, linking to the M53 (for Liverpool) and M56 (for Manchester and the M6).

• Bristol
  Distance : 104 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Bristol Airport (7 miles), for flights within the UK and Europe. Heathrow Airport (110 miles).
  Railway station: Bristol Temple Meads is one of the major UK railway interchanges. Bristol Parkway station (4 miles) for Wales.
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk. Arrow and Bakers Dolphin coaches have cheap return trips to London.
  Motorways: M4 (4 miles - East to London, West to Wales) and M5 (5 miles - North to Birmingham, South to Exeter). The M32 passes through Bristol itself.

• Cambridge
  Distance : 90 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Stansted Airport (23 miles). Gatwick Airport (80 miles).
  Railway station: Cambridge Station (1 mile).
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: M11 (3 miles).

• Edinburgh
  Distance : 403 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Edinburgh (Turnhouse) Airport (5 miles) has international and UK flights, including cheap flights to London. Glasgow Airport (50 miles) also has flights to and from international destinations.
  Railway station: Edinburgh Waverley Station.
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com and for Scottish Citylink at www.citylink.co.uk. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: M8, M9 and M90 (all 5 miles) to other cities in Scotland. The A1 is the major road South to Newcastle.

• Glasgow
  Distance : 400 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Glasgow Abbotsinch Airport (8 miles). Direct flights to Europe, the US and within the UK, including cheap flights to London.
  Railway station: Queen's Street Station or Central Station.
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com and for Scottish Citylink at www.citylink.co.uk. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: M8 (1 mile), M80 (3 miles), M74 (5 miles)

• Huddersfield
  Distance : 192 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Manchester Airport International (30 miles).
  Railway station: Huddersfield station.
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: M62 (3 miles), M1 (10 miles)

• Leeds
  Distance : 198 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Leeds/Bradford Airport (8 miles) for European flights, Manchester Airport (41 miles) for international flights.
  Railway station: Leeds Station is the centre of the very efficient West Yorkshire metro train network which serves all the local Yorkshire towns (Bradford, Wakefield, Sheffield and York).
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: M1 (1 mile), M621 (1 mile).

• Liverpool
  Distance : 208 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Liverpool Airport (7 miles) for flights within the UK and to Ireland. Manchester International Airport (31 miles).
  Railway station: Liverpool Lime Street.
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: M53 (4 miles), M56 (15 miles), M57 (6 miles), M58 (6 miles) and M62 (4 miles).

• London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail,tube and Coach
  Airport: London Heathrow (15 miles), Gatwick (24 miles), Luton (26 miles) and Stansted (29 miles) all have international flights.
  Railway station: London has 10 major railway stations which make it the centre of the UK railway network, including: Paddington (services to the West of England and Wales); Euston (North-West and Scotland); King's Cross/St Pancras (North-East and Scotland); Liverpool Street (East Anglia, including Felixstowe port); Waterloo (South-East and European services); Victoria (South-East).
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: London has motorways to most parts of the UK. The M25 forms a giant ring road around the city, connecting to other motorways. From the M25 - North: M1, M11, M40; East: M20, A2/M2; West: M40, M4, M3; South: M3, M23, M20.
  

• Manchester
  Distance : 195 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Manchester Airport (8 miles) for UK and international flights.
  Railway station: 2 mainline stations: Manchester Piccadilly for London and the South; Manchester Victoria for everywhere else.
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: M67 (3 miles), M61 or M62 (6 miles), M66 (4 miles).

• Oxford
  Distance : 46 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: London Heathrow (45 miles) or Birmingham International (55 miles).
  Railway station: Oxford Station.
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: M40 (6 miles).

• Swansea
  Distance : 187 miles from London
  Mode of Transport : Air , Rail and Coach
  Airport: Swansea (5 miles) for UK flights. Birmingham International (112 miles) for international flights.
  Railway station: Swansea Station. For route planning, times and prices go to www.totaljourney.com
  Coach travel: You can get information on routes, times and prices at www.gobycoach.com. To get information on local bus services go to the Public Transport Information site at www.pti.org.uk
  Motorways: M4 (3 miles).

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4. What is the last date for filing University Application?

Most or all of the UK Universities offer admission to students on a first-come-first-serve, provided the student fulfil the entry requirements, hence there is no official closing date for application filing with most of the Universities. But as the University takes a minimum of 4weeks and a maximum of 8weeks for issuing the offer letter and also as the student is required to get his visa, which might add some more time to the process it is recommended that the student file his application at the earliest by February or at the latest by early July for the September intake and by November for the February intake.
An early application apart from enhancing the student chances of getting a successful offer would also give the student the added advantage of applying for scholarships and ensuring the best of accommodation.

5. Why Should I take the IELTS Exam?

IELTS is conclusive proof of English proficiency accepted internationally. So the IELTS scores of the student gives the University and also the Immigration officials an insight into the students ability to undergo the academic program as well as survive in an English-speaking environment.

6. Does the IELTS enhance my chances of success for student visa?

As proficiency in English is one aspect that affects the outcome of the visa application IELTS sometimes does have a bearing on the visa prospects of the student.
In the absence of an IELTS score the visa officer would base his conclusions regarding your English proficiency on the limited conversation he engages you in and also on your SSLC and HSLC English scores. As these could sometimes portray a picture different from the real one it is strongly advisable for the student to have an IELTS score at least from the visa perspective

7. What are the criteria for issuance of visa?

The UK student visa is commonly termed as a student friendly visa. The major criteria for the issuance of Student Visa are
1. Financial credibility of the student or his sponsor in supporting UK education
2. Overall Academic record of the student
3. English Proficiency
4. Post study plans of the student

8. Do Universities allow me to pay my fees in instalments?

Most Universities collect their fees in instalments. For a one year PG program the student could pay the fees in 2 instalments the first being paid at the start of his course and the second instalment at the beginning of the second term.
Understanding the earning potential in India most Universities offer this sort of Flexible fee payment options.

9. Why do Universities collect security deposits?

Security deposit is collected from intending students as Universities have come to face a problem with many students not reporting to the Universities after entering UK. This has been an issue of great concern for the institutions as well as the immigration authorities as most of such students have an high potential of becoming illegal full-time workers. In order to overcome this hurdle recent years have seen the implementation of the security deposit scheme by most of the Universities. This has become the most effective way to judge the genuineness of the intending student and also partial payment of fees and the security deposit go a long way in proving the financial status of the student for visa purposes.

10. How do I get a refund of my security deposit if my visa is rejected?

The security deposit is refunded only if the student shows the letter of rejection of student visa issued by the British High commission. In most cases the University refunds the deposit within a period of 1-2 months upon the University receiving the formal letter for refund along with the letter of visa rejection. In some cases when the agent has issued acknowledgement of payment of

11. Financial options available to me for pursuing UK education?

Apart from self savings and family sponsorship from India & Abroad the student could also avail the following options to finance his studies in the UK
Scholarships-University Scholarships, International Scholarships, regional awards and other scholarships
Bank Loans-many nationalised banks are offering student loans for students undertaking studies in foreign countries. These have low interest rates and flexible repayment options and are mostly sanctioned with a few days on producing convincing collateral properties.
Part-time Work- As an international student studying in the UK you are entitled to work part-time for 20 hours in a week and full-time that is 40hrs in a week during vacation. With salaries raning from £4-£6. Thus enabling the student to cover a considerable amount of his living expenses through this.

12. What is UCAS?

Universities & Colleges Admission Services (UCAS) is the central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.

13. What are the benefits of applying through UCAS?

UCAS gives the applying student the advantage of applying to 6 different Universities on one form for a small fee. The student could also add to the 6 Universities through the clearing scheme.

14. Can I also apply directly to the University for a UG program?

Some Universities do take applications directly for UG programs but this happens mostly when the deadlines have lapsed and spot admissions are underway. Though the University might take an application directly from the student it still sends the application to UCAS to get the approval.

15. Can you give us assistance in applying for Scholarships?

Scholarship assistance is a very essential part of our service. We would give in depth advice on applying to scholarships like Chevening Scholarship, Rhodes Island etc and also provide you with information on regional scholarships, institution based scholarships and scholarships offered by Multi-national companies.

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16. What are the job prospects at the end of my study in the UK?

As a British graduate students will have better prospects of obtaining employment than others, as British qualifications are well recognised and respected around the world. Irrespective of the subjects studied, those with British degrees enjoy a greater range of opportunities, with higher potential salaries and rewards.

There are a number of recruiting companies around the UK that place students around the world. Many large companies and consultancies often organise graduate recruitment fairs in major cities and towns and some times, in the universities itself. students may attend recruitment fairs, provided you satisfy the visa requirements.

It may be possible for students to stay on in the UK for practical training or work experience or for full time employment.

Under the 'Training and Work Experience Scheme', employers can apply for permits to employ a person in a particular post for a limited period for work experience or for professional training.

The Government has also relaxed its policy on students staying on in the UK after studies under the main Work Permit scheme: degree level students, student nurses and postgraduate doctors and dentists in training may be able to stay in the UK for work permit employment if their employer can secure a work permit for them.

It may also be possible to stay on in the UK under the 'Innovators Scheme'. The Government has also introduced a 'Highly Skilled Migrants Programme'. Some highly experienced and/or highy qualified students may be able to stay in the UK under this programme.

17. How do I prepare for my visa Interview?

Primarily the candidate is expected to have all the required documents in order. Presentation of self is also very important. As the student is going to be tested for his English language skills in a very crisp way his answers need to be precise and to the point. Knowledge of course and University the student is going to is very essential as the student would be questioned on this. General information on UK education, lifestyles etc would be an added advantage. Finally the student is expected to have a clear plan of action regarding his post study plans.

18. Is it advisable to take University accommodation or private accommodation?

It is advisable to take University accommodation as a new student you don't have to hunt much for accommodation, dont have to worry about landlords & contracts,no extra bills and mostly university accommodations are close in proxmity to the place of study. How ever university accomodation has its own limitations the accommodation is slightly expensive, less space, limits things you do (throw parties and make noise) etc.

19. Is there any discrimination towards Indian students?

UK is the favourite destination for students from all around the world; with students from various nationalities coming into the UK the law is very stringent in ensuring that no one adapts any sort of discriminatory activities. Added to this the rich cultural heritage of UK has been built on many centuries of relationship with India, which gives a perfect understanding of Indian cultural values and customs.

20. Will I be provided airport pick-up when I arrive in the UK?

Most Universities give arriving students airport pick-up on certain days. This requires that the student inform the international office of his arrival plans well in advance and get a written confirmation for his pick-up at the airport.

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