Have you gained admission into a UK university, but you're unsure if it's reputed enough?
How can a 'Trusted Partner' help you get your UK student visa?
What are the expenses you need to consider before applying to a UK university and are there any finance options available to you?
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To answer these and many other questions related to UK study and study visas, Lai-Ming Sui, student team leader, Visa Services, British Deputy High Commission, Chennai, and colleagues hosted a chat with Get Ahead readers on June 23.
For those of you who missed the chat, here's part II of the unedited transcript:
Part I: 'Is an MBA from the UK recognised in India?'
Raghav asked, Hello Ma'am, Can you tell me more on the financing options for a general MBA in the UK, mostly from the premier B Schools?
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Raghav, Thanks for your question. The funding needed to study in the UK will depend on the UK institution you select and the area of the UK. You only need to show the visa officer enough funds to meet the costs of your course, living expenses and accommodation in the UK, for the duration of your studies there. The costs vary from location to location and from UK institution to another, so I am not able to give you a 'set' costing for this. You will need to work out what the costs are for your individual needs. I hope this helps, Lai
Veeru asked, It is said that British people are very conservative by nature and are unwelcoming to foreigners. British people still have that historical pride of their erstwhile British empire which is no more and consider Indians to be their enslaved subjects in there historical past and hence consider them to be inferior. I mean that British people are still having racist feelings to non-Europeans, especially Asians and in that Indians. In such scenario, what do you feel about the education that we as Indians will take in such an alien and hostile atmosphere. Please give answer to my question and then I will think of studying in UK?
Jim answers, Hi Veeru I am sorry that you have been given this impression of the UK which i am sure you would find at odds with the experience of many thousands of indian students who have a wonderful experience studying in what is a very mult-cultural society with several million people of Indian origin living in the Uk permenently. I hpe you will consider the Uk positively. Jim
Pradip asked, hi, I have done B. Tech in Textile Technology and working in a mnc. Pls advise suitable university for textile in UK...Thanks
Jim answers, Hi Pradip Try a website such as www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. Jim
ravi asked, You asked, Hello. Can you give some information on Masters programs in Economics. I have work experience in the field but my bachelors degree is not in the same field
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Ravi, thanks for taking part in todays webchat. You will need to do some research on MA Economics to find a course that suits you. Some UK institutions do not require relevent previous work experience/ education in the same field but that will depend on the individual UK institution, so you will need to check with them. I hope this helps you, thanks, Lai
nagi asked, hi i am 33 with average english knowledge i have 10 yrs...of work experience..am a Bcom grduate...i want to study in UK is it possible
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Nagi, Thanks for taking part in this webchat. It's never to late to go back to school, especially if you have skills you need updating to keep you current in todays work place. Thanks, Lai
acishalgupta asked, I m indian tell me abt expenses which i have to bear to study in uk for MBA!!!
Jim answers, Hi Acishal MBA courses are normally 1 year in length. The British Council recommended figures forthe cost of living expenses including accommodation in the Uk for an academic year say that you will need about GBP 7500 in London and the South East, and about GBP6000 in the rest of the UK. You will have to add the costs of your fees to these figures. Jim
Deepak asked, Hi, I want to know the time required for the visa process. If the MBA program starts in 3rd week of September 2008, when do I need to apply for the visa.
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Deepak, thanks for your question. You should apply for your visa as early as possible. You can apply up to three months in advance of your course start date. It is going to be another busy year for student visas and it's recommended that you apply at at least six weeks before your course start date. Remember, if you don't apply for your visa in time, you may not get your visa! I hope this helps. Thanks, Lai
Aiswarya Kumar asked, Hi, Iam Aiswarya Kumar completed B.E. in Info. Technology this year with aggregate 68%. I want to do M.S. in I.T. from U.K. universities.Can I know about fees,living expenses,jobs and funding..
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Aiswarya, thanks for your question. You will need to work out the funding for your course and it depends on the location in the UK and the UK institution as well, so the costs vary from place to place. You only need to show the visa officer enough funds to meet your tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses in the UK for the whole duration of your course. Hope this helps, thanks, Lai
madhu asked, Is there any age restriction for student visa I am 46years old. I would like to do networking course
Jim answers, Hi Madhu I can relate to your question as i am a very similar age to you! There is no age restriction for a student visa. you should simply familiarise yourself with the immigration Rules and need to satisify the Visa Officer that you intend to follow a recognised course, have the funds necaasry to pay for it and your expenses, and so on. I hope you find this useful. Jim
mark asked, Hi Lai, I am Dr. nitin . Could you guide me which universities offer Post Grad in Community Dentristry or Paeditric Dentristry ?
Jim answers, hello Mark Please check the website www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. Jim
Kaushik asked, Hello Lai, I have received my Entry Clearance (validity 18 months) to the UK, and would commence my MBA full-time course from Sept 2008 onwards. I would like to sponsor my wife and children as dependants while I pursue my course. Kindly advise what documents they require to apply "Dependant of a Student" visa, the processing time required, and the visa fees. Thanks a lot. Kaushik
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Kaushik, thanks for your question. For more help with student dependant visas for your wife and children, as well as up to date information on the visa fees: Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) - www.vfs-uk-in.com and UKvisas - www.ukvisas.gov.uk . The visa processing time is about 15 working days. I hope this helps. Thanks, Lai
Amjad asked, Hi, I'm Amjad, 24, working in Dubai. I'm interested in doing M.Sc in Networking communication from the Westminster university. I'd also applied for it. However, my application for that course was rejected for reasons unknown. Can you please suggest me other universities where the above course is available? Are there any scholarships available.
Chris Perry answers, Hi Amjad, thanks for your question. I'd like to take this oppurtunity to say that reasons ARE ALWAYS GIVEN when a visa is refused. If you are thinking about reapplying, you should read your refusal notice carefully and make sure that you have addrressed the points raised in there to avoid a second disappointment. Try contacting the British Council for possible places to study in the UK. They have many prospectus' from UK education providers. hope this helps, Chris
vinit asked, Well can u tell me how long i will get work permit after completion of my course?
Jim answers, Vinit Try the website www.workingintheuk.gov.uk . this gives information about the various working schemes available for international students after completion of their course -- this includes the new Tier One points based Post study scheme that allows 2 years in the Uk following obtaining a recognised Uk degree or above. it is available from 30/6/08. Jim
sathish asked, Hi i have unconditional offer from University of Durham for MA in Financial Management , i just want to know how long i can stay back and search for a work in UK after i complete this course ???
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Satish, thanks for your question. The post-study work programmes are due to be changed at the end of the month. For more info on this and to find out how to qualify: The current post study programmes, International Graduate Scheme and Fresh Talent will be replaced by the post-study work (PBS Tier 1). The Post-study work programme (PBS Tier 1) will be launched on June 30, 2008. For more information on this new programme, please refer to: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/pointsbasedsystem/ (Information of change) and http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/temporaryarrangements/internationalgradssciencegrads/ (Notification of the old system stopping on the 30th of June). Hope this helps. Lai
vinit asked, Hi Lai- Well i am working in a MNC in admin dept and i want to pursue MBA or MS in the same... can you tell me best university for this course.. is university of liverpool a good option for this course?
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Vinit, hi and thanks for taking part today. You will need to decide which university you want to study at. You should look carefully and decide if the course contents is suitable for your needs. For more information: This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. You can also look at: Research Assessment Exercise ( RAE) -- www.hero.ac.UK/rae This website gives you comparative ratings list by disciplines, of research offered by UK institutions. I hope this helps. Thanks, Lai
Koustubh asked, What are the Post Graduation opportunities in technical stream in UK? Especially in Computer Science and engineering?
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Koustubh, Thanks for your question. For more info on PG working opportunities in the UK, please look at: The current post study programmes, International Graduate Scheme and Fresh Talent will be replaced by the post-study work (PBS Tier 1). The Post-study work programme (PBS Tier 1) will be launched on 30th June 2008. For more information on this new programme, please refer to: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/pointsbasedsystem/ (Information of change) and http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/temporaryarrangements/internationalgradssciencegrads/ (Notification of the old system stopping on the 30th of June). Thanks, Lai
Mahen asked, can TOEFL exam will okay for studying in UK?
Jim answers, Hi Mahen yes we will take account of a TOEFL certificate providing it shows the same score as an IELTS 5.5. Unfortunately i do not have the scores required to hand as there are different scores depending on what sort of test you do. The British Council may be able to advise you. Jim
Hi asked, Hi, I am 35 now. Can I do Phd in Civil Eng in UK
Chris Perry answers, Hi Hi, thanks for your question. Of course you can. There is no upper age limit for undertaking studies in the UK. Good luck. Chris
finddollar asked, What type of parttime jobs could be found while pursuing MBA
Jim answers, Hello Finddollar You can do any part-time job while doing an MBA providing it entails no more than 20 hours a week during term-time. You should also bear in mind that it may negatively affect your studies however. Jim
sks asked, where can i get trusted partners of high commission list?
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear SKS, Thanks for your question. If you need more information on the Trusted Partners (these are students agents that have been carefully selected to work in partnership with BDHC Chennai, as they are professional and offer expert assistance to students), you can find the list from the British Council. Also, if you attend a visa seminar, the visa officer will also give you the same info. Hope this helps you. Thanks, Lai
sonia asked, While doing MBA u can get part time jobs as u are allowed to work for 20 hours a week. You may get any job may b related to your work.
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Sonia, Thanks for asking your question. When you are a full time student, studying a course that is over six months - you can work up to 20 a hours a week during term time and full time during term break. The work does not have to be related to your studies. I hope this helps, Lai
baburao asked, hi this is baburao, have done graduation from commerce stream,,, my 10th std. marks were 40% and would like to persue studies abroad for medical science .... please help me with the visa proceduce and some part time jobs over there thx
Jim answers, Hello Baburao try the website www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. www.workingintheuk.gov.uk gives you information about the various working schemes available for international students after completion of their course -- this includes the new
Namita asked, Where can I find the rankings of the universities and colleges in UK?
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Namita, A very good question! You can find more info on university and college rankings in the UK: Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) www.hero.ac.UK/rae This website gives you comparative ratings list by disciplines, of research offered by UK institutions. And also Teaching Quality Assessment (TQA) -- www.qaa.ac.UK/reviews/default/asp Contains quality review reports and related documents at both institutional and subject level. Hope this helps you, Lai
bakfire asked, hi , i wanted to know details about univ of portsmouth. I have got admit for Msc Finance, what are job oppurtunities after i complete from here ? Please let me know if you are aware of this univ.
Chris Perry answers, Hi bakfire, thanks for the question. Portsmouth is a well known University in the UK. If you are thinking about post qualification work then this link should be of use: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/ hope this helps, Chris
sapanshedge asked, mam pls tell me how i can fund my study in the UK? i have done my basics in agriculture i am intrested in management of agriculture etc
Jim answers, hello Sapans There are various scholarships available; try www.britishcouncil.org/India-scholarships.htm This is a comprehensive information source for international students on scholarships and fellowships for study in the UK. We will also consider visa applications for studies financed through an educational loan if you do not have sufficuient resources yourself. Good luck. Jim
Atish asked, Hi Lai Madam, I have one typical question which Most of the Indians have in their mind. If any one(Most of them from Middle class) spend huge amount of MOney to study in UK they also expect a good paying job to pay back that amount. But I see there are various strict norms in Europe and specially in UK for foreigners to work and to get work permit. How do you consider to study in th UK in such scenario???
Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Atish, Thanks for your question. Of course, the expense of studying overseas is alot. And that is why the UK offer post-study work programmes, so students can make the most of their UK study but gaining invaluable work experience as well, to help start them in their professional careers. It is definitely worth considering the post-study prospects. For more info look at: The current post study programmes, International Graduate Scheme and Fresh Talent will be replaced by the post-study work (PBS Tier 1). The Post-study work programme (PBS Tier 1) will be launched on 30th June 2008. For more information on this new programme, please refer to: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/pointsbasedsystem/ (Information of change) and http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/temporaryarrangements/internationalgradssciencegrads/ (Notification of the old system stopping on the 30th of June). Hope it helps, Lai
fffff asked, Hi Mam. I would like to know if i have to write TOFEL eveb if my education has been in English medium through out? Thanks in Advance
Chris Perry answers, Dear fffff, thanks for the question. If you can show that your course was taught in English and that you scored at least 70% in English at 12th you can still apply for a student visa. hope this helps, Chris
Jayakrishnan asked, Hi I am a qualified Dentist from India with Full GDC Registration. I want to do a course at Newcastle University which is offered only on a part- time basis. What student visa can I apply for to study such a course?
Jim answers, hello Jayakrishnan Your studies must be fulltime ie 15 hours of organised day time study per week. Jim
sk asked, is the student visa process same if one applies in India versus applying outside india
Chris Perry answers, Dear sk, yes. The application procedure for a UK visa is the same for whatever country you make it in. hope this helps, Chris
Lai-Ming Siu says, Dear all, thanks for taking part today, I hope Jim, Chris and I have been able to give you the answers to the most popular questions you have all asked today. Good luck with your future studies and I hope this has helped you all. Until next time... Thanks, Lai, Chris and Jim
