Complete Guide to Study in the UK From Bangladesh

The United Kingdom is the most popular study destination that accepts thousands of international students. The country provides great academic opportunities and career prospects. 

Introducing one of the most comprehensive guides if you are planning to study in UK from Bangladesh. This comprehensive resource covers everything from selecting the perfect course and university to meeting admission requirements and securing financial assistance through scholarships. 

Our guide will expertly navigate you through the visa application process, ensuring a seamless experience. We have valuable information on practical matters such as finding suitable accommodation and preparing for your departure. By offering insights into adapting to the UK's academic and cultural environment, our guide empowers Bangladeshi students to study in the UK. 

Necessary Steps to Study in the UK from Bangladesh 

Here are the simpler steps to study in the UK from Bangladesh:

• Look for universities & course options: Research universities and their offered courses to select one for your academic ambition. 

• Check Admission Eligibility: See if you meet the admission criteria of selected courses. 

• Prepare Documents: Ensure all essential and mandatory documents are complete for university admission and visa purposes. 

• Plan Financially: Consider your budget to afford studies abroad and see scholarship opportunities.

• Apply for University Admission: Some universities accept online applications, while a few may take documents by mail. 

• Get a Student Visa: After receiving admission confirmation, apply to the nearest embassy for your Tier 4 (General) student visa. 

• Book Tickets and Arrange Accommodation: See for air tickets and find affordable accommodation near your university.

UK Study Eligibility and Admission Requirements 

The UK admission requirements for international students in UK universities vary and depend on the course and university. However, these are eligibility criteria for UK admission that are common among most universities:

• Academic Qualifications: You need a good academic record, with at least 65% in HSC (12th grade). 
• English Language Proficiency: You need to showcase proficiency in English by taking a language proficiency test, such as the IELTS, Duolingo, or TOEFL.
• Personal Statement: You need a personal statement that tells your motivation and why you are the best for the applied course.
• Letters of Recommendation: You need one (or) two letters of recommendation from university or work referees who can attest to your academic capabilities.

Choosing the Perfect UK University & Course

International students always want to study at top-tier universities and highly in-demand courses. You can choose a course and program by evaluating your passion and academic priorities. Here are the important factors you need to consider before choosing a university:

• Courses Offered: Ensure that the university offers your intended course and program.
• Tuition Fees: Keep the university's tuition fees in mind and compare it with other universities offering the same courses.
• University’s Ranking: Consider the university's reputation, ranking, and student satisfaction.
• Location & Offered Facilities: See where the university is located and what facilities are provided, such as a library.
• Personal Preferences: Evaluate your personal preferences, career ambitions, and how the intended course meets your future goals.

Step-By-Step Application Process for UK University

The UK university application process mainly includes:

1. Shortlist university or college and course: List down universities and colleges that offer courses relevant to your interest, and consider their admission requirements.
2. Register & Apply through UCAS: Register on UCAS if you are applying for the undergraduate program or send a direct admission application for postgraduate programs.
3. Organize Documents: Prepare your academic and personal documents for university admission, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
4. Accept University Offer: After receiving the admission offer letter from universities, accept whichever university is best for your profile. 
5. Pay Tuition Fees: Arrange tuition fees to deposit the first installment for university admission confirmation. You can pay it online or through bank transfer. 

Best Courses in the UK for Jobs

Some of the best courses in UK for international students that are highly in demand are:

• Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Civil)

• Teaching (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA)

• Computer Sciences (Data Sciences, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence)

• Health & Medicine (Dentistry, Nursing, Midwifery, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology, Pharmacy)

• Economics (Microeconomics, Economic Policy, and Analysis)

• Law (Civil law, criminal law, corporate law, property and taxation law)

Apart from these, here are some courses that help international students get permanent residency after completing higher education: 

• Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Law 
• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Computer Science
• Mathematics and Actuarial Science
• Education
• Psychology
• Architecture
• Language
• Physiotherapy
• Culinary Arts

UK Student Visa Process Step-by-Step Guidelines 

You can easily obtain a UK student visa from Bangladesh with these simpler steps:

• Accept University Offer: You can formally accept the offer by following their instructions, such as paying the first installment or deposit to confirm enrollment. 
• Get CAS Letter: After accepting the offer, get your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from UCAS, which states course details such as duration, tuition fees, and deposits.
• Prepare Documents: Organize all mandatory documents such as a valid passport, previous transcripts, personal statements, bank statements, language proficiency test scores, reference letters, and CAS letters.
• Pay Visa Fees: After completing your visa application form, you pay the visa application fee through the online portal. 
• Go For Biometrics: Attend biometric data collection and photograph taking at your nearest visa application center.

Accommodation and Living Cost in the UK

The student living cost in the UK for international students mainly comprises accommodation, food expenses, transportation, weekly entertainment, and healthcare. Living costs are higher in big cities like London.

On-campus accommodation costs around £600 (within London) and £440 (outside London), whereas off-campus accommodation is somewhere between £710 (within London) and £420 (outside London).

On average, an international student needs approximately £1300 to £1400 (if living in London) monthly and somewhere £800 to £1300 (in other parts of the country). Besides accommodation, the major part of monthly expenses is food, around £150 to 250 per month. However, you need somewhere £40-50 for public transport and £35-45 for utility bills every month.

Top 10 Amazing Places to study in the UK

International students are always looking for the best places to study in UK. Here are some of the top cities with top universities in them:

Health Insurance and Safety 

As an international student applying for a visa from Bangladesh, it is important to note that if your student visa is granted for a duration of less than six months, you will be required to travel to the UK for short study periods. 

Additionally, it is highly recommended that you obtain medical insurance as you will be responsible for any charges incurred for the treatment you receive in the UK unless it is considered a medical emergency under the NHS program. The duration of your visa determines the UK health insurance cost of Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

• For visas lasting 6 months or less, the IHS fee is £235 per year.
• For visas lasting more than 6 months, the IHS fee is £470 per year.

Working Opportunities for International Students 

The United Kingdom has one of the best employment policies for international students. You can easily look for work in the UK after completing your studies through a Graduate visa that enables individuals to remain in the United Kingdom for a duration of two years after the completion of the course. 

During this time, the government allows international students to look around for employment and apply for a work visa. On the other hand, skilled international students can also go through a Skilled-Worker visa category, where they are allowed a five-year residency period. After that, you can settle permanently.

Campus Life and Student Support at UK Universities 

The United Kingdom’s education is enormously supportive, with flexible policies for international students. The educational institutions offer numerous student support services to students. Some of these student support in UK are:

• Financial Support: International students can get fully or partially funded scholarships and bursaries to cover their study expenses. Many universities also provide financial aid to deserving international students.
• Accommodation Support: Many universities offer accommodation discounts to international students, on-campus or off-campus. These dormitory rooms are well-equipped and are given to international students on discounted rent.
• Academic Support: Universities offer various academic assistance services to support international students. These support services include tutoring, mentoring, and workshops