Cost of Studying

Tuition Fee- The annual tuition fees depends on the University. It is generally low for public Universities and more for private Universities. In general, the tuition fees ranges between US$10,000 - US$45,000 .

Average tuition fee of UG program in a public university is around US$10000 - 15000 whereas private it may cost between
US$12,000 to US$25000.

Average tuition fee of PG program in a public university is around US$12000 - 25000 while in private it may cost between
US$15,000 to US$45000.

Living expenses - Living expenses include house rent, food, books, insurance, mobile/internet and other Leisure activities. These expenses vary a lot from place to place.Your approximate budget for housing and utilities should be around $1000 to $1500 for a month.

Funding Options -

There are various funding options that you can avail:

Bank Loans: Most banks offer educational loan schemes. Loan Processing takes ample of time. Make sure you plan your loan needs well in advance.

Teaching assistantship (TA), Research assistantship (RA), Graduate assistantship (GA)

Various assistantships are available once you have arrived at the University. However, you need to find out what is the aid scenario in a particular University. In most Universities, the TA and RA are not immediately available and you may have to wait upto one year to get any of these assistantships.

Tuition Waivers: The University can waive off part of your tuition fees if it finds your academic record good enough.

On-Campus Jobs: The international student visa permits work on campus on a part-time basis for upto 20 hours per week. The positions include student helpers at the university bookstore, campus post office, dining halls, supervisory roles at graduate housing office, etc. The students are paid on an hourly basis and the money earned is usually sufficient to cover one’s living expenses.

Working in the UK

Welcome to our guide on working in the UK during your studies, specifically for those holding a Tier 4/Student visa. It's essential to understand the regulations and restrictions surrounding employment to ensure compliance with your visa conditions. Below, we outline the key points to keep in mind:

Tier 4/Student Visa Holders:

Your visa will specify the amount and type of work you are permitted to undertake in the UK. It's crucial to adhere to these conditions, as outlined in your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and visa application decision letter.

Undergraduate Students:

Term Time Work:

Undergraduate students are allowed to work, whether paid or unpaid, for up to 20 hours per week during term time.

University Vacations:

During university breaks, you have the flexibility to work full-time. Please note the UK government provides further details on holiday pay regulations.

Post-Study Work:

After your course end date (as specified on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS), you can work full-time until your visa expires. However, filling a permanent vacancy is not permitted.

Postgraduate Taught Students (PGT):

Term Time Work:

Similar to undergraduate students, PGT students can work for up to 20 hours per week during term time.

University Vacations:

Full-time work is allowed during university holidays. Refer to the UK government for holiday pay guidelines.

Post-Study Work:

After your CAS course end date, you can engage in full-time employment until your visa's expiry date, excluding permanent vacancies.

Studying Below Degree Level:

Term Time Work:

If your program is below degree level, you're allowed 10 hours of work per week during term time.

University Vacations:

Full-time work is permitted during breaks. The UK government offers comprehensive information on holiday pay.

Check Your BRP:

Verify your permitted working hours on your BRP to ensure compliance with visa regulations.

UK Graduate Visa

your pathway to extending your stay in the UK after successfully completing your studies. Below are the key details you need to know about the Graduate Visa:

Duration:

A Graduate Visa allows you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years, or 3 years if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification.

Eligibility:

To qualify for a Graduate Visa, you must currently be in the UK on a Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible course, and your education provider must confirm your successful course completion to the Home Office.

Application Process:

Timing:

You should apply before your Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.

Course Completion:

You can apply once your education provider notifies the Home Office of your successful course completion, even if you haven't graduated or received a certificate.

Identity and Documents:

As part of your application, you'll need to prove your identity and provide necessary documents.

Processing Time:

You can typically expect a decision within 8 weeks of applying online. You can stay in the UK while waiting for a decision.

Financial Considerations:

Application Fee:

The application fee for a Graduate Visa is £822.

Healthcare Surcharge:

You'll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, typically £1,035 for each year you plan to stay in the UK.

Further Information:

Study Limitations:

You can only study with a Graduate Visa if your chosen course is not eligible for a Student Visa. If your course is eligible for a Student Visa, you can extend your Student Visa instead.

ATAS Certificate:

Depending on your field of study or research, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for studying or researching sensitive topics.

Extensions and Alternatives:

The Graduate Visa cannot be extended. However, you may be eligible to switch to a different visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if you wish to stay longer in the UK.

Visa Process and Requirements

Studying abroad can be an enriching experience, but navigating through visa processes can sometimes feel like a daunting task. At AOCG, we understand the importance of making this journey as smooth as possible for our students. That's why we've compiled all the necessary information you need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) visa to study in the United Kingdom.

Understanding the Visa Types

Before beginning your visa application, it's crucial to determine which type of visa you need:

1. Tier 4 (General): For full-time students pursuing higher education.
2. Short Term Study Visas (Study Visitor Visa): For short courses or research opportunities.
3. Tier 4 (Child): For children aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK.

Ensuring you meet the financial requirements for your UK student visa is vital for a successful application. Here's a detailed breakdown of the financial aspects you need to consider:

Payment of Course Fees

• You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your course fees for the first year, or the entire duration if it's less than a year.

• The UKVI will verify the amount required for your course fees based on the information provided in your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). Ensure the details on your visa application match those on your CAS.

• If you've paid only a part of the tuition fee for your CAS, you must show evidence of the remaining amount in your bank account for at least 28 days.

Who Can Pay Tuition Fees

• Payments towards your tuition fees can be made by anyone into the university account. However, the remaining funds must be in either your or your parent's bank account for a minimum of 28 days, or covered by an education loan.

• If using a parent's account, you must provide a consent letter from your parents along with your original birth certificate.

Living Expenses

• According to UKVI guidelines, living costs are estimated at £1334 per month for students studying in London, and £1023 per month for those studying outside London.
• For visa purposes, if your course lasts for more than 9 months, you'll need to demonstrate funds for up to 9 months of living expenses.

Source of Finances

1. Self-Financed:

   • You or your parents pay for your studies from instant access cash funds, savings accounts, or fixed deposits.
   • Bank statements should be originals or certified printouts, including essential details such as the bank's name and logo, account holder's name, account number, date of statement, and available balance.
   • If self-financed, you must submit a bank letter confirming the availability of funds for at least 28 days.

2. Education Loan:

   • Submit a sanctioned letter from a UKVI authorized bank confirming the education loan.

3. Sponsorship:

   • If your studies are sponsored by a government, international company, or scholarship agency, provide a sponsor letter stating the sponsorship amount, duration, and printed on letterhead paper with a stamp and date within the last 6 months.

4. Scholarship:

   • If the university sponsors your studies, ensure it's mentioned on the CAS or provide an official letter from the university confirming the scholarship details.

Required Documents Checklist

When applying for a Tier 4 (General) visa, you'll need to gather various documents, including:

• CAS Details
• Passport
• Tuberculosis Test Results
• Criminal Record Certificate
• Proof of Financial Sufficiency
• Parental Consent Letters (if under 18)
• English Language Proficiency Exam Results
• International Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment Confirmation

Application Process and Timeline

• When to Apply: You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before the start of your course.

• Decision Timeline: Typically, you'll receive a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

• Duration of Stay: The length of your stay depends on the duration of your course and your study level.

Visa Fees and Healthcare Surcharge

• Visa Fee: The application fee for a Student Visa from outside the UK is £490.

• Healthcare Surcharge: You'll also need to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application, the amount of which depends on the duration of your visa.

At AOCG, we're committed to supporting you through every step of your academic journey. For further details and assistance regarding UK student visas, feel free to contact our dedicated team of advisors.

Note: Documents submitted must be original and in English or accompanied by a translation. Translations of documents should include the date of translation, signature of the translator, contact details of the translator, and confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original.

Useful resources for the Job finding

Below are the link for some resources which can be useful to you when you are preparing for jobs .

Interview Questions Sites

http://www.geekinterview.com/Interview-Questions

http://dba.fyicenter.com/interview

http://www.allinterview.com/Interview-Questions

http://www.careerride.com/ For Interview Preparation Guidelines Click here – Must Read

Job Sites

http://www.jobserve.co.uk

http://www.Monster.co.uk

http://www.jobsite.co.uk

http://www.reed.co.uk

http://www.iprofile.org/ – UK’s leading Online CV Formatting Template

http://jobs.guardian.co.uk

http://jobs.timesonline.co.uk

http://www.efinancialcareers.com – for finance, retail banking, investment banking jobs

http://www.freemycv.com – Upload your CV once, and they register you with other leading job sites.

http://www.activetechpros.com Benchmark your salary against Similar Profile People from All over the world.

www.cv-library.co.uk ( useful site to compare and develop your own CV by bench marking it with simillar skills CVs of others available on site)

www.agencycentral.co.uk
www.alec.co.uk
www.cwjobs.co.uk
www.dovajobs.co.uk
www.engineeringjobsite.co.uk
www.elanit.co.uk
www.experteer.co.uk
www.fish4jobs.co.uk
www.flipdog.com (Now Part of Monster.co.uk)
www.gumtree.com
www.itjobswatch.co.uk
www.job.com
www.jobs.co.uk
www.jobsite.co.uk/it
www.jobs.guardian.co.uk
www.jobsearch.co.uk
www.jobs1.co.uk/directory/recruitment_leisure.html
www.jobsearch.co.uk
www.jobcentre.gov.uk
www.jobserve.com UK’s leading jobsite.
www.jobsgroup.net
www.jobsite.co.uk
www.manpower.co.uk

www.neuvoo.co.uk ( one stop platform to search jobs in more than 64 counteries)
www.singaporejobsonline.com
www.peoplebank.com
www.planetrecruit.com
www.recruitdirectory.com
www.redgoldfish.co.uk
www.reed.co.uk
www.skillfair.co.uk
www.totaljobs.com
www.theitjobboard.com
www.topjobs.co.uk
www.totaljobs.com
www.ukjobsnet.co.uk
www.workthing.com

www.jobs4medical.com (for pharmacy and medical jobs)

www.inretail.co.uk – Leading Job Site for retail sector

http://get.hobsons.co.uk – 750+ Pages of Jobs, Recruiters and advice

http://insidecareers.co.uk – Detailed insight into a career as an actuary

Website for industry oriented jobs

https://primarycarepeople.co.uk - Primary Care People is a recruitment agency that specialise in finding positions across the UK for GP’s and nurses. It  is a ticket for international students to remain in the country if they want a career in medicine or healthcare. They have more than 15000 vacancies within industry.

University List

Cost of Studying

Course Fees:

The cost of studying in the UK varies depending on your study level and location. Here's a breakdown:

Undergraduate:

International undergraduate tuition fees range from £11,400 to £38,000, with an average of around £22,200 per year. Undergraduate degree courses typically last three years in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and four years in Scotland.

Postgraduate:

International postgraduate tuition fees range from £9,000 to £30,000, with an average cost of around £17,109 per year. Many postgraduate degree courses in the UK can be completed in one year of full-time study, offering financial and career benefits compared to traditional two-year programs.

Tuition fees vary by course and institution, so we recommend consulting the website of the university or college for detailed information.

Living Costs:

As an international student in the UK without dependents, you can expect to spend approximately £1,300-£1,400 per month in London or £900-£1,300 in other parts of the UK. This covers accommodation, bills, groceries, and various living expenses during your studies.

Planning your finances carefully is essential to ensure a comfortable and successful experience while studying in the UK. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to the university or college you are applying to.

Categories of expenditures.