Study Options in UK and Ireland

Study in the UK

England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland form the United Kingdom, an island nation in northwest Europe. The economy of the United Kingdom is both a social market and a market-oriented economy. The United Kingdom features three of the top ten universities in the world, according to the World University Rankings, making it a popular study destination for students from all over the world. A degree earned at a UK university will be recognized by universities, corporations, and governments all around the world. Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford are top universities in the United Kingdom. Cost-effectiveness, location, student experience, subject rankings, entry requirements, career prospects, and employment availability are all reasons that attract Indian students to UK universities (part-time and full-time).

Popular destinations within the UK

• London: In this city, there are over 40 universities that provide courses in a range of fields. For teaching excellence in undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundational education, a number of universities have received gold awards. Brunel University, City University, and Middlesex University are just a handful of the top schools in the area. London is the world's financial hub, offering a plethora of job prospects.The BBC, Unilever, and HDFC are just a few of the well-known companies with headquarters here. You may be able to conduct internships while still in school and gain a jump start on your career because you have so much exposure. 

• Edinburgh: According to QS, Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is the 16th best student city in the world. Because of its rich history and current diversity, it is one of the best UK cities for Indian students. Students who have studied here praise the city's unique blend of natural beauty, history, world-class facilities, and cultural diversity. The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University are two of the city's six international universities.All of Edinburgh's institutions have an integrated connection between academics and industry experience. After graduation, you will be able to work for top companies in Edinburgh, such as Skyscanner and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

• Manchester: With over 100,000 international students, Manchester is one of the most populous student cities in the UK.It is ranked among the top 25 student cities in the UK. It is a huge city with a diverse and accepting ethnic society, and it is one of the best places in the UK to reside for Indian students. Students compare Manchester to a "smaller, cheaper, and kinder London." Manchester is much more than a great place to live. It also provides great international education. Two of the city's best educational institutions are the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University. Manchester is one of the most important economic centers in the United Kingdom. Many international firms, such as Kellogg's and Adidas, have their headquarters in Manchester. You will be able to advance in your career as a result of this experience. 

• Glasgow: The largest port city of Scotland is next on the list of the top UK cities for students. Because of its modern culture, strong educational standards, and friendly population, it is one of the most preferred cities among Indian students. Glasgow is also a leading location for research and academics, as well as entertainment and culture, earning it high marks for "student mix." In the sphere of education, Glasgow is an expert. Glasgow's universities, after all, have been teaching since the 15th century, with the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University among the city's forerunners. Glasgow is home to several successful global corporations. Still, it's becoming a magnet for entrepreneurs: Clyde Space, Data Lab, and Mind Mate are just a few of the numerous firms where you may kick start your career, making it one of the best cities in the UK for students.   

• Coventry: The city of Coventry is densely populated with students. University students make up 6.8% of the population, with international students accounting for 40% of the total. As a result, as a foreigner exploring, you will be surrounded by a large number of international students. Because of its proximity to the University of Warwick, the community has a "student perspective." Coventry students spend their free time visiting a range of art galleries and theatres. This is the automobile capital of the world. Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover are two of the world's most well-known luxury car brands. If you don't want to work in the automotive business, companies like Cognizant Technology Solutions, KM&T, and others offer a variety of different opportunities.

 

Popular Courses & Colleges in the UK

Popular Courses in UK:

• Nursing: The study of principles and practices for assessing, managing, treating, and monitoring patients is referred to as nursing. Adult, child, mental health, and learning disabilities are the four core nursing areas in the NHS.

•  Psychology: The study of the human mind is known as psychology. Psychologists try to figure out why individuals act the way they do, and if you get far enough in this field, you can reach dizzying heights: think of Freud, Jung, and Pavlov.

•  Law: Law is a discipline that focuses on legalities and bringing criminals and victims to justice. A legal degree equips you with the necessary abilities to practice law. Research, analysis, and explanation of complicated subjects, analytical thinking and practical problem solving, strong oral communication, negotiation, teamwork, and the capacity to produce formal papers are all transferable qualities.

• Computer Science: You may specialize in the theory and design of computing systems using this methodical science, which is a field that currently dominates our modern world. Students can work as consultants, managers, programmers, analysts, and developers after graduating with this degree, which is both mathematical and artistic.

• Design Studies: Design studies focuses on ordinary object design, taking into account technology, business, appearance, and current art thinking. Computers are frequently used as design tools in classes. Fashion, animation, computer games, theatre, textiles, and artwork are just a few of the industries where students from this study area find work.

• Preclinical Medicine: Preclinical medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing disease in people (humans). Anatomy, physiology, pharmacy, and nutrition are all topics that can be considered specialties in their own right. 

           The majority of courses are highly vocational, preparing you to work as a healthcare professional shortly after graduation.

• Sports and Exercise Science: Due to a surge in interest and investment in the field of sports and exercise science, the sector is rapidly expanding. As a result, there are a variety of degree programs to choose from. Sports therapy, sports medicine, sports journalism, and motorized sports are just some of the specialized alternatives available. 

• Management Studies: Management skills are highly transferable and extensively applicable, therefore degree programs in this area prepare you for a career in almost any professional sector. You'll learn how to make a workplace efficient and successful, from company organization to human resource management.

Popular Colleges in UK:

• University of Greenwich

• Teesside University

• Coventry University

• University of Oxford

• University of East London

• University of Warwick

• Kingston University London

• University of Manchester  

• King's College London

• Anglia Ruskin University

Business studies particularly MBA is the most popular course among Indians.

Entry essentials to enter the UK

Documents needed to enter the UK for a student:

• UK visa application form

• Two photographs.

• Your Valid Passport

• Proof you have the financial means to cover the living costs

• Proof of accommodation

• Tuberculosis Test Results

• Biometric information

• Paid UK visa fees receipt

 

Exams required to enter the UK

Language Proficiency Exams 

• TOEFL – Necessary for both undergraduate and graduate courses. Test of English as a Foreign Language. A score of 83-120 is considered an above-average score.

• IELTS – International English Language Testing System. The average Score Requirements is 7.0. Necessary for both undergraduate and graduate courses.

• PTE – Pearson Test English. The average Score Requirements is 51. Essential for both undergraduate and graduate courses.

• UCLES – University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. Essential for both undergraduate and graduate courses.

 

Exams required For Undergraduate courses in the UK

• Cambridge Law Test: This is a paper test in which you read an essay and then answer questions about it. The test does not require any prior knowledge of the law and is designed to assess your ability to think critically

• LNAT Exam (National Admissions Test for Law): The LNAT UK exam is designed to determine whether a candidate for a university seat possesses the necessary skills, such as verbal reasoning, information interpretation, issue analysis, and conclusion. This exam, like the CLT, requires no previous knowledge of the law. Applicants are generally using the test to enter undergraduate law programs (LLB) 

• Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT): The MAT is a standardized math exam that is jointly administered by Oxford and Cambridge, two of the most well-known universities in the United Kingdom. This is a paper test designed to assess a candidate's ability in a particular mathematical topic. Anyone interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Mathematics or Computer Science program must take this test. 

• Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP): Cambridge University and Warwick University are now developing and using the STEP test. A STEP test taker must demonstrate a thorough mastery of regular collegiate mathematics. 

• BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT Exam): BMAT UK is required for anyone interested in medical, biomedical, or dental school.

• Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT Ulster): The HPAT is designed for students who want to pursue a career in healthcare.

• UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT): Candidates intending to enroll in medical or dental education in the United Kingdom must take the UKCAT test.

 

Exams required For Post Graduate courses in the UK

• GMAT: a score of 600 and above is required to get into top colleges in the UK.

• GRE for the UK: The GRE is a standardized test for graduate students in the United Kingdom. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test for graduates. The majority of UK universities do not demand a GRE score, and the GRE cannot frequently replace IELTS as a Secure English Language Testing. If a candidate has never studied in the United Kingdom before, certain institutions in the United Kingdom consider the GRE to be a mandatory requirement.

• Test of Mathematics for University Admissions: This test is designed to evaluate your capacity to think. If you want to attend Durham University, Lancaster University, Warwick University, Sheffield University, or Southampton University, you must take this exam.

 

Intakes in the UK

 In the United Kingdom, there are two main intakes: September/October and January/February. A few universities in the United Kingdom provide April/May intake for a few courses. The summer intake, which occurs in April/May, is the least popular period for admissions. During the summer admission season, UK institutions only offer a restricted number of courses and programs.

Cost of Stu dyin the UK

English universities can cost up to £9,250 per year (US$13,050) for students from the United Kingdom and the European Union. In other countries, undergraduate tuition prices range from £10,000 (US$14,130) to £38,000 (US$53,700) or more for medical degrees.

Scholarships

• Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarships

• Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships

• Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarship and Leadership Programme

• British Chevening Scholarships in the UK for International Students

• Clarendon Fund Scholarships at University of Oxford

• Reach Oxford Scholarships for Developing Country Students

• Gates Cambridge Scholarships for International Students

• Transform Together Scholarships for International and European Union (non-UK) Students

• Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University for International Students

 

Cost of Living

Students typically require between $1,300 and $1,600 in living expenditures per month of study (depending on if you decide to live inside or outside London).

Part-Time Jobs Opportunities in the UK

For students pursuing a degree or higher, a maximum of 20 hours of paid/unpaid labor per week is allowed. For language center students, a maximum of 10 hours of paid or unpaid labor per week is allowed during the course term. A valid student visa must be provided for a full-time course. Authorities in the United Kingdom do not allow part-time students to work. Candidates can work on or off-campus depending on the opportunities they are presented with.

 Highest paying part-time jobs for students

• Dog Walker
• Private tutor
• Mystery shopper
• Proof-reader
• Product tester
• Market researcher
• Translator
• Babysitter

Post-study Visa in the UK

A post-study visa is easily available and you will be able to work in the UK after graduation under the new post-study work visa conditions. Beginning in September 2020, any student enrolled at a UK institution will be able to stay in the UK for up to two years after graduation to look for work connected to their degree or program. 

Immigration to the UK is quite easy. Many people who come to the UK to study find work and decide to stay permanently.Because English is the country's first language, most people find it simple to stay here permanently.

Career and Salary

In 2020, the median wage of a postgraduate in the working-age population (16-64 years old) was £42,000, compared to £35,000 for a graduate. Postgraduates earned median pay of £31,000 among 21-30 years old, while graduates earned a median salary of £28,000. 

There are many career opportunities in the UK:

• Product Manager

• Enterprise Architect

• Dentist

• Full Stack Engineer

• Sales Manager

• Mobile Engineer

• Tax Manager

• Cloud Engineer

 

Study in Ireland

 

• Galway: Every year, a large number of students go to Galway. Because of its distinct culture, it is a favourite student hangout. Here, there is a beautiful blend of contemporary and imagination. On the one side, it promotes Irish culture, but it also reflects modern Irish culture. Every year, the city, which is known as a center of arts and culture, has a variety of exciting events. The best universities in the area are the National University of Ireland (Galway) and the Galway Mayo Technology Foundation. There are numerous job options in this area. 

• Maynooth: The city's historic architecture and medieval aura give it a unique appeal. Maynooth University is one of the most well-known universities. It has an excellent reputation in the field of higher education. Students from all around the world compete for spots at this university, which has a relatively low acceptance rate. The city's official language is English. It is easy to settle here because it is a worldwide language. 

• Limerick: Agriculture and fishing are the city's primary sources of supplies. Shannon salmon fisheries are centered here. It also has electronics and computer-related industries. Limerick has reaped significant benefits from the Shannon hydroelectric power project. Limerick lace, which resembles an embroidered machine-made net, has become extremely popular in the city.

 

Popular Courses & Colleges in the Ireland

Popular Courses in Ireland:

• Business Analytics: This subject, which combines Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, and Computer Programming, is quite popular among students. It enables you to analyze an organization's data to devise profit-generating initiatives. Good news: business analysts are in high demand across industries such as IT, banking, e-commerce, and telecom, among others, since every industry seeks professionals who can support and improve their operations. In Ireland, the typical compensation for an entry-level business analytics graduate is €40,000 per year, while an experienced individual can earn up to €52,000 per year. Indeed, Glassdoor has named data analyst and data scientist as the top job of the year in Ireland for the past three years, with Business Analytics graduates earning around €50,000 on average. 

• Investment Banking and Finance: Dublin is home to a number of the world's most prestigious investment banks and asset management firms, which has boosted the demand for personnel with risk and compliance experience. As a result, there are numerous options for students to work in finance and investment banking. Some notable employers in Ireland include Barclays and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. In Ireland, the average pay of a finance graduate varies depending on the job chosen. A Financial Analyst, for example, earns €42,000 per year on average, whereas an Investment Analyst earns €34,000, a Fund Accountant €29,000, an Associate - Investment Banking earns €44,000, a Risk Analyst earns €39,000, a Credit Risk Analyst earns €32,000, and a Financial Accountant earns €49,000. 

• Big Data / Data Science: Due to the presence of many big IT organizations in Dublin, has opened opportunities for all international tech students who aspire to work for such multinational corporations. This course covers a wide range of topics, including statistics, mathematics, intelligent data collection techniques, data cleansing, mining, and programming, all of which are used to prepare and align huge data for intelligent analysis to extract insights and information. This structure enables businesses to focus on leads and increase profitability. In total remuneration, an entry-level Data Scientist with less than one year of experience can expect to earn roughly €36,000 per year (including tips, bonuses, and overtime pay). 

• Pharmaceutical Sciences: Biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, analytical, and medicinal chemistry are among the subjects included in pharmaceutical science degree programs, and they help students develop the abilities needed for individual and team research in fields such as drug creation. For drug safety associates, the average pay for pharmacovigilance officers (graduate level) varies from €28,000 to €55,000 per year. The average annual compensation for a senior manager is €50000. (i.e., usually, after M.Sc. Pharma in Ireland). If you choose to work as a pharmacist, you can expect to earn between €31,000 and €40,000 per year on average. 

• Construction: The construction courses are designed to satisfy the industry's needs by preparing graduates to enter the technical professional workforce with the necessary principles and fundamentals of construction technology and management, as well as general management abilities. An early-career Construction Manager in Ireland earns around €43,000 per year, whereas an early-career Project Manager in the Irish construction business earns around €44,000 per year (approx.).

 

Popular Colleges in Ireland

• Trinity College Dublin

• University College Cork

• University College Dublin

• National University of Ireland, Galway

• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

• University of Limerick

Data analytics, cloud computing, and big data are three courses that are attracting a lot of Indians — and that Indians excel at. Nursing is also popular in Ireland.

 

Entry Essentials in Ireland

Documents needed to enter Ireland for a student:

• The valid passport

• Acceptance letter from the college/university

• Registration and tuition payments must be paid in full.

• Evidence of financial resources

• two passport-sized pictures

• Permit to Study and Visa

• Evidence to explain any gaps in the candidate's educational history

• Proficiency in English

Note: If there are any additional criteria, your university will notify you before you submit your application.

Exams Required to enter Ireland 

• IELTS: For entrance to undergraduate or diploma programs, you must have at least 6 overall bands. Aim for 6.5 overall bands for postgraduate courses. These scores are safe with visa officers, but you may still be accepted to the university with lesser scores.

• TOEFL: In most universities in Ireland, a minimum TOEFL score of 570 (paper-based) or 90 (Internet-based) is required.

• PTE Academic: The PTE Academic exam is a computer-based English language test accepted by educational institutions around the world. PTE stands for Pearson Test of English, and Pearson Test of English (PTE) and Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-Academic) are both acronyms for Pearson Test of English. The PTE-Academic English test is taken by students and hopefuls who want to study or immigrate to a major English-speaking country. Students must take the PTE exam to demonstrate their English language skills. A score of 63 – 65 is required.

• Duolingo Test: The Duolingo English Test is a computer-based online exam that applicants can take at their leisure. Candidates who need to demonstrate their English language skills can take the Duolingo English Test, which can be taken at any time and from any location online. It assesses all four language skills- Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, just like the traditional study abroad exams TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. A score of 95 – 120 is required.

• GRE and GMAT Requirements for Studying in Ireland: One of the main reasons why many students choose postgraduate study in Ireland is the fact that most of the country's universities and colleges have lowered GMAT and GRE requirements. Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD) are the only two universities that demand GMAT or GRE scores for their MBA programs.

 

Intakes in Ireland

In Ireland, there are two intake options: Autumn/Semester 1: Begins in early September and lasts until the end of December. Spring/Semester 2 begins in late January and runs until May.

Cost of Study in Ireland

You will require between €10,000 and €25,000 per year to meet your tuition fees. Humanities, education, and the arts are typically less expensive, whereas medical, engineering, business, and management are more likely to be more expensive.

Scholarships in Ireland

• Centenary Scholarship Program

• Central Bank of Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students

• Scholarships for Ontario College Graduates 

• NUI Galway International Students Scholarships

• India Undergraduate Scholarships- Trinity College Dublin

 

Cost of Living in Ireland

The cost of living in Ireland for a student for one academic year is projected to be between €7,000 and €12,000 a year. Rent, energy, food, books, laundry, and medicine are included, as are travel passes and social expenditures, but education fees are not included.

Part-time Jobs

International students can only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, but they can work full time during the holidays (40 hours). Students can work both on-campus and off-campus.

Post Study Work Visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to stay and work in Ireland, although there are some limits. You can apply for a study visa extension for up to six months after receiving your exam results if you are a graduate from outside the European Economic Area. For this, you must apply to the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Immigration is seen positively in both countries- India and Ireland. However, if you were not born in Ireland, it can be difficult to get into several professional occupations (especially in the public sector).

Careers and Salary

 Following are some of the popular jobs in Ireland:

• Computer Network Architect, IT Coordinator, Network Administrator

• Site Foreman, Electrician, Architect, Interior Design

• Financial Analyst, Account Broker, Investment Advisor, Chartered Accountant

• Art Director, Graphic Designer, Production Artist, Copywriter

• Interpreter, Communications Specialist, Translators

• Supply Chain Manager, Sales Director, Acquisitions Manager

• UX/UI Designer, SEO Specialist, HTML/CSS Writer, Content Management Specialist

• Intensive Care Nurse, Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Hospital Administrator

• Sales Associate/Manager, Travel Agent, Hotel Manager

• Schoolteacher, University Professor, Freelance Tutor

According to this year's poll, the average pay offered to graduates is €31,938, up from €30,409 in last year's report. The figure was €29,060 in 2018, therefore this year's figure represents a big increase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions by students.