.1. What is the Application Procedure for UK?
The basic steps for applying are: -
1. Choosing your required programme
2. Identifying universities
3. Taking various required tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, etc.
4. Arranging and preparing essays and recommendation letters
5. Completing and sending application forms along with required documents
6. Applying for VISA after obtaining unconditional offer from the universities

Q.2. What are the Visa Application Requirements?
Immigration requirements:
Student visas can be obtained from the offices of the British High Commission in Delhi and the British Deputy High Commissions in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Students need to prove that they have an unconditional offer on a full time course, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds to cover the entire cost of studying and living in Britain and that they intend to return home on

completion of their course.
Documents that are required for a student visa:-

1. Completed visa application form (IM2A and IM2S) with two passport size photographs.

2. Valid passport (in original)

3. Visa Fee (non- refundable)

4. Letter of unconditional acceptance from a UK institution for a full time course

5. Proof of funding (bank statement, details of securities held, chartered accountant's certification, Income Tax clearance, letter from sponsor, etc.)

6. Attested copies of education certificates and English language test (IELTS) score sheet (if applicable)

7. Proof of accommodation in the UK

Q.3. What are the support services available?
Leaving home to study in a different country is always a big step. Fortunately, the UK has a long tradition of welcoming international students to its shores. British schools, colleges and universities have developed world-class student services. These, along with the welfare services provided in the wider community, ensure quality support for international students.

Many schools, colleges and universities send a representative to meet new students at the nearest railway station and provide transport to the campus. Institutions also stage orientation programmes just before term starts to help new international students get familiar.

Once you have settled in, you will find that the support continues. Most schools, colleges and universities have special international student advisers to help with academic and personal concerns. International offices are open throughout the year and you can seek advice and information on any subject at all. These staff are there to make you feel welcome and to help you adjust to living in the UK.

At universities and many colleges, there are student counselors available to advise on personal, financial, practical and health matters. Specialist careers advisers will discuss your career options with you and help you formulate practical plans. Most boarding schools, colleges and universities have professional health care staff on site to advise on your personal health matters.

Degree courses
Many UK universities and colleges have specialist international advisers whose job is to provide support for international students. The international office is the first point of contact for many international students. You can approach international officers for independent advice and information on almost anything, from accommodation to how to extend your permission to stay in the UK.

Many institutions also arrange orientation programmes for new international students at the beginning of the academic session. The duration and content of these programmes vary considerably; some last only 1 or 2 days and others a whole week. Typical elements include a tour of the campus, an overview of the facilities and how to use them, explanations of the institution's rules, help with registering for your course, an outline of teaching methods, discussion of important aspects of life in the UK and social events where you can meet staff and other students. Institutions also organize a fresher week or fresher¿ fair for all new students. This is a further opportunity to make friends, as well as to join clubs and societies run by other students.

Many international students find it useful to join an international student society within their institution. There are two types: societies for all international students, irrespective of nationality, and societies for students from specific countries or regions. Both types of organisations provide useful guidance about the UK from a student's point of view and are a good way of meeting and socializing with other students. The Students Union or international students association may also have information about national or cultural groups outside the institution in the town or city another possible source of support.

Q.4. Can I work whilst I am studying?
Most students on courses of more than 6 months will be given a passport stamp that allows them to work part-time during the term (up to 20 hours a week) and any number of hours during the vacations. The Rules state that applicants must be able to support themselves and any dependants without working. This means that while there is provision for students to take employment during vacations or spare time, no account may be taken of any prospective earnings from that employment in assessing the ability of a student to meet the maintenance requirement, except where the educational establishment at which the student has a place:

* is a publicly funded institution of further or higher education which is itself providing and guaranteeing the employment, and has provided details of how much the applicant will earn
* is able to guarantee that there are jobs available and how much if anything the applicant will earn.

Q.5. Can I stay in UK to work after I have finished studying?
It may be possible for you to stay on in the UK for practical training or work experience. Under the 'Training and Work Experience Scheme', employers can apply for permits to employ a person in a particular post. It may also be possible to stay on in the UK under the 'Innovators Scheme'. Note however, that it is very difficult to stay on in the UK after your studies under the 'full work permit scheme'.

Some changes have been introduced that have made it easier for students to stay on in the UK to work. Subject to meeting the relevant criteria, students who have successfully completed a recognized degree course may be able to switch to work permit employment in the UK after completing their studies. An employer can apply for a work permit for such a student without the student having to return home first. You can find more information about the current position if you click on work permits- on the Home Office's website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk . Special provisions have always applied to doctors, dentists and nurses and these will continue.

Q.6. Are Scholarships available?
British universities and colleges are rarely able to offer scholarships for undergraduate studies, although some are available for exceptional students, especially for postgraduate courses in particular fields or for research. The awards guide "Study in Britain: a Guide to Scholarships and Fellowship" gives information about various scholarships available.

Q.7. What are the entry requirements?
British students undergo thirteen years of pre-university education as opposed to twelve years in India. Outstanding marks from one of the central boards or their equivalent or the first year of an Indian degree programme are therefore usually required for direct entry into an undergraduate. For those who do not, as yet, have these qualifications, there is a range of access or foundation courses available. For direct entry into a postgraduate programme a good first class degree in a relevant subject is generally acceptable.