what is the difference between indian education and foreign education?

Answer 1

Hello Friend!
There will be less job opportunities in Indian education. But Foreign education will give more jobs.
Nowadays, Indian education gives job opportunities in foreign countries. Also Indian education gives more knowledge than other countries.

Answer 2

Indian education is more memory-based; we have to by-heart things a lot, which makes sense for only a few subjects and is not a useful strategy for higher education.

Education in Western countries is more creativity-based, which is important for conceptual learning. There is a focus on extra-curicular activities, which are not completely encouraged by our educational system, because some teachers believe that extra-curricular activities interfere with studies.

Answer 3

If Indian education is better then why so many people are going abroad for studies? Foreign Universities offer part time jobs for students who study under them. But not many Universities in India are doing it. May be thats one of the reason. And the second one is may be this sounds silly but it is also one of the reason..People believe that after doing their graduation abroad when they return to India, they get lot of respect, and high status in our society like oh that guy was a student of XYZ University in England or United States..Well they think they get two horns after returning from abroad..According to me those type of people are not even fit to polish a shoe. Education doesn't teach ego..In fact it teaches how to respect others...

Answer 4

education is education every where but they way input it in child is there are different methods and the child how he/she receiving it also important and depends on teacher here in India we study for money in foreign it is for some gaol Indian education scenario also changed now foreign and Indian have no difference. then one thing education without moral sense is useless

Answer 5

Australia
LIVING IN AUSTRALIA

Australia is a sophisticated, tolerant, multicultural society with a great love of sport and life in general. Its vast size and amazing variety of things to do and see will ensure you are never bored while you are here.

Australia has one of the highest standards of living in the world. It has excellent living conditions, infrastructure and amentities.It has also convenient telecommunications, Internet access, excellent health services, modern public transport systems and world class shopping. Australia has a wide variety of food by which people get influenced from many cultures living in it. Living costs and student fees are very affordable in Australia and it is less expensive than the united states of America and united Kingdom.

Australia is the world's smallest continent and largest island, is like nowhere else in the world. It is as big as mainland United States (excluding Alaska) but has only 18 million people. It's young, adventurous, stylish and friendly. Has unique animals and a fantastic climate. Aussies (as the locals are called) enjoy physical challenges, sport, beaches, music, performing arts, outdoor cafes, good friends and multicultural restaurants.

With people from more than 140 countries making Australia their home, it is one of the world’s most extremely safe, friendly society as personal safety and security are major issues for students and their families.

ACCOMMODATION

A variety of student accommodation is available in Australia to suit different budgets and needs.

Institutions help students in finding accommodation and understanding lease and tenancy conditions. Temporary accommodation can be arranged before you leave your home country allowing you time on arrival to consider where and how you would like to accommodated in the longer term.

Further advice will be available from your prospective institution.

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How to Apply



Student Visa



Study Costs




Accommodation options Approximate cost

University Accommodation A$80–A$250 per week
University accommodation prices and options vary between different institutions. students should contact the accommodation service of their prospective university for full details. Due to the popularity of these choices it is important to apply early.

University Apartments
Some universities also have apartments, either close to or on campus, which students can rent. This provides the security of university based and run accommodation with the increased freedom of share living. Apartments are generally popular with students in the later years of their degrees.

University Residential colleges
University residential colleges provide accommodation along with all meals, cleaning and a wide range of support services for social and study needs. They are generally more expensive than halls of residence because of the large number of facilities offered.

University halls of residence
University halls of residence offer accommodation but with a lesser number of services attached. Some meals and cleaning services will usually be included but students will be expected to look after themselves more, with facilities such as cooking equipment being provided. Only full-time students are accepted. This form of accommodation is very popular, especially with first year students, and has to be booked early because of the high demand for places.



Homestay or Farmstay A$110–A$270 a week
Homestay and farmstay are where you live with an Australian family in their house. Single or shared rooms may be offered and the cost will vary accordingly. Meals are usually included in the cost. Self-catering Homestay is sometimes available cheaply. Homestay is the more common option and is accommodation within a city, and farmstay is accommodation in a rural area.

Institutions maintain a register of families prepared to board international students during the academic year. Educational institutions ensure that Homestay families are reputable and that they offer accommodation of a reasonable standard.


Share accommodation A$50–A$160 a week
Share accommodation is where two or more people live in a house or apartment and share the costs. Students may have to provide their own furniture. Advertisers will be looking for one or more people to move into a share accommodation house or flat. Many students prefer to move into share accommodation after a year or two of on-campus residence.


Rental accommodation A$70–A$350 a week
Rental accommodation is the same as share accommodation except that it involves finding a house or flat to rent, rather than moving into one that has already been rented and set up. You will generally be expected to supply your own furniture and household goods. When renting a house, apartment or bed sitter, landlords require rent to be paid in advance and will require a security bond equal to one month's rent. Costs depend upon whether you are renting by yourself or planning to share with others. Your accommodation service will be able to help you with finding rental accommodation and your rights and obligations as a tenant.


Hostels & Guest houses A$80–A$135 a week
This option can be cheaper than university accommodation. Residents share kitchen and bathroom facilities and cook for themselves. Hostels are usually run by organizations such as Youth Hostels Australia and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).


Boarding Schools A$8000–A$11000 a year
Many private schools offer boarding options. Students are provided with meals, cleaning and laundry services. Boarding students also have access to school facilities to assist with study and social activities. Tuition fees are in addition to the boarding fees shown.

HOW TO APPLY

Study Planning and choosing your course
If you want to study in Australia, you can directly contact and apply with the school or through an Agent of Education or even with a travel agency that represents an Australian Institution. You may apply from any place or country in which you are living.

Think about your career plans and which courses will help with these plans. You have a wide range of courses to choose from in Australia. You will need to find out which institutions offer the course you are interested in. When considering the courses available, check the entrance and English language requirements to ensure you are eligible to apply.

Students must meet minimum academic requirements to be accepted into specific courses. Each institution sets its own entry requirements so they may vary from one institution to another, and from one course or faculty to another. Some courses also require relevant work experience and this may be particularly important in relation to MBA and other postgraduate studies. Evidence of English language proficiency is required when applying for a student visa. Depending on your proposed study sector you will need to have a minimum score in the IELTS/TOEFL English language proficiency test. If not eligible for a specific course you may have to consider another course, or bridging or foundation study that may lead into your desired course.

Applying for admission
Once the determined course and the city is chosen, you will have to request to the school a letter of offer of vacancy (Letter of Offer). For requesting a letter of offer you will need to fill the form of registration of the institution (in their website or through email) with your personal data such as your full name as from passport, address, desired course, duration, if you want a homestay etc. If at any time in the application process you are uncertain how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact the education provider or your education agent—they are there to help.

After that the institution will send you a letter (by fax or email to it) confirming that it has vacancy for you. The invoice will come as an attachment for you to make the payment (they accepted majority of Credit Cards, and 100% of them accept remittance or banking transfers). The majority of the schools include in the invoice, the compulsory health insurance.

After the payment is made you will receive a COE from the institution. The Confirmation of enrolment or COE is an official and is the most important document, because with it you then are able to apply for the visa. It is emitted by the institution after receiving the payment confirming that you are registered for the course. Being an official document, it will not be sent by email, but by either Fax or Postage.

Therefore, when sending your details to the institution for you to get the Letter of Offer you should include a fax number or indicate an alternative to receive it (such as a neighbor). The fax machine has to be on 24 hours in the automatic mode to accept documents any time of the day or night because of the time zone differences. After receiving it, you must check carefully if your name is spelled correctly, and if the dates and course are right. In case it has any mistake such as misspelling your name or dates, you must request to the school to make the appropriate corrections and send it again. All the numbers that appear in the COE must be clearly written. The institution will send one copy of the COE directly to the Embassy and the other one to you.

Applying for a student visa
After you have been accepted by your education provider, it is time to apply for your student visa. International students must have a valid student visa for the duration of their studies in Australia.

You will have to attach the necessary documents like COE, Letter of Offer etc with the form application for Student Visa. The Form application for the Visa is simple to fill and direct, and completed without the need of others. All you have to do is follow the procedure written in the website of the Embassy.

STUDY COSTS

Tuition fees vary according to the institution and course selected but here we are providing you a guide to the average costs. Your tuition fees may vary more or less than the average costs. Scholarships are available for international students however the competition is intense and the majority of international students in Australia are full fee paying students.

The average international student in Australia spends about $335 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs. While this is a realistic guide, it is important to remember that individual circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle.

For the student visa to be granted in Australia you need to have adequate means of financial support for all the expenses during your stay in Australia. International students can work while studying in Australia but the money so earned should not be used as their only source of income.

International students studying in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa in Australia. Students in Australia are also responsible for their own accident and property insurance. It is a good idea to take out travel insurance before leaving their country to cover lost baggage, cancellation of plane tickets and repatriation.

Tuition Fees
International students are charged up-front tuition fees. Institutions sometimes make an additional charges to cover other costs such as: student organization membership, library and laboratory costs and sports facility costs. Some courses make specific charges for excursions, books, stationery and other essential material. These costs will vary depending on the course or institution therefore average costs are provided below and should only be used as a guide. All school tuition fees are exempt from Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Institutions will advise when to pay your tuition fees and acceptable methods of payment.

University
Foundation Studies $A9000–$A14,000 a year
such as university entrance, preparatory and bridging courses

Undergraduate
Bachelor Degree
$A10,000– $A13,500 a year
such as courses in arts, business, economics and law

Laboratory-based Bachelor Degree
$A11,000– $A16,500 a year
such as science and engineering courses

Postgraduate
Graduate Certificates
Graduate Diplomas $A9000– $A16,000

Masters
Doctoral Degree $A11,000–$A18,500 a year

Vocational education and training
Certificates I - IV $A5500–$A18,000 a year
Diploma
Advanced Diploma

Secondary education
Secondary school $A6000–$A13,000 a year
Primary and junior secondary schools $A5000–$A11,000 a year

English language training
varies significantly depending on the course duration or institution $A3500–$A13,500

USA Campus

USA provides limitless opportunities for you to explore your future.

America is a dynamic, vibrant country. Its people are energetic, friendly and confident. They value for knowledge and its application and are recognized for their achievements in may fields.

The United States calls itself "a nation of immigrants." Immigrants (from Europe) founded this country and have been coming in large numbers (from all over the world) ever since. Therefore you will find that all ethnicities and nationalities are represented, although not to the same extent in every city. The country is vast (over 9 million square kilometers) and populous (over 275 million people). In the US, you can encounter and experience almost any climate, landscape, lifestyle, and culture imaginable. By selecting the right location, you will be able to find a living experience that is perfect for you.

Even though there is so much variety in America, there is still an "American culture" that may be quite different from your own. While much of American culture is exported through television, film, and consumer products, there are some aspects that you do not encounter until you live in the US.

Accommodation
One of the important things you will have to take care of before you start your studies in the United States is finding a place to live. This is an important decision since it will be one of your biggest expenses and will affect your personal and academic adjustment
Temporary Accommodations


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You may arrive at your Institution in advance of the date when you can move into your permanent housing, or you may need to look for housing. There are a number of choices when temporary, overnight accommodations are required. The most expensive are hotels and motels, but some motel chains can be quite reasonable. Other options include the local YMCA or YWCA, youth hostels, and international houses. At some schools, university residences may be available, or you may be able to stay with a local family or current student. It is always best to check with the international student adviser in advance for information on overnight housing options

Campus Accommodation


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Almost all USA colleges and universities provide their students with the option to live in dormitories or residence halls. These are usually for single students, not for married couples or families, and are situated on or close to the campus. Dormitory rooms are equipped with basic furniture, and many dormitories in the United States also have a cafeteria. In some dorms (dormitories) there may be a kitchen for those who would rather cook for themselves. Dormitories usually have common rooms where students can get together to watch television, play games, or simply be with friends. Supervisors, often called "residence advisers" or "resident directors," often live in dormitories to keep an eye on safety and cleanliness and to make sure the rules are observed.

Many rooms in dormitories are shared with one or more roommates. Many universities require first year students to share a room. Your roommate will be someone of the same sex, whom you will not know. If you have problems in your living arrangements with your roommate, do not hesitate to contact your residence adviser or anyone else in charge of housing at your university to discuss the situation. In extreme cases, it is possible to change rooms or roommates.

Dormitory rooms usually do not have a private bath or toilet. Instead, residents share large bathrooms, which are separate for men and women. In the United States, a bathroom includes a toilet, a sink, and a bathtub or a shower.

Students living in a dormitory generally have to follow a set of rules to ensure smooth community living. There are rules to control the noise level, the cleanliness, the number of visitors, and other aspects of living. These rules can vary from building to building to cater to different student tastes. Make sure you are familiar with the rules before you move into a dormitory or a residence hall to avoid unnecessary discomfort or misunderstandings.

Some campus Accommodation closes for holidays, vacations, and break periods; others may be open year-round. If you require campus housing during vacations and holiday periods, be sure to inquire well in advance regarding availability. Also check with your international student adviser regarding the possibility of a homestay or off-campus housing options.

Types of campus Accommodation

University apartments: Some universities operate apartment houses on campus. Apartments are always in high demand. Usually priority is given to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students and to students who are married.

Single-sex residence halls: These dormitories are for those who prefer to live in an all-male or all-female environment. Universities may set aside a residence or at least part of a residence building that houses women and men separately.

Coed residence halls: Coed dormitories have both men and women living in the same building. For some international students, this might be a new and very different concept, but it works very well on U.S. campuses. However, male and female students do not share rooms. Sometimes men and women live on different floors or in separate suites, which are small apartments that contain several sleeping rooms, a common living area, and one or two bathrooms.

Fraternity and sorority houses: Fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women) are close-knit social organizations of undergraduate men and women who live in a house operated by the organization. Fraternity and sorority houses may be either on- or off-campus. Living in a fraternity or sorority house may be restricted to upper-level students.


Off-Campus accommodation


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If you cannot find accommodation in university dormitories, you may have to look for housing off-campus. In particular, students with families may need to look off-campus. While university-subsidized housing is often less expensive than housing off-campus in large U.S. cities, that is not always the case in smaller cities and towns. Types of accommodation include furnished and unfurnished apartments and houses, privately operated dormitories, cooperative residence halls, and rented rooms in private homes.

To find off-campus housing, ask the university's housing office or consult the classified advertising section of the local newspaper. Many U.S. newspapers are now on the World Wide Web so you may be able to explore off-campus housing opportunities while you are still at home. Check campus bulletin boards for notices of students who are looking for roommates to share an apartment. Seek the help of someone who knows the community or ask the international student adviser for suggestions.

Making arrangements for housing off-campus can be quite challenging. For example, if you do not have a car, location is important. If an apartment is farther than walking distance from the campus, it may prove to be inconvenient unless it is close to public transportation. Gas, electricity, and telephone services, usually are not included in the rent and must be paid by you, each month. You must make payment arrangements directly with each of the utility companies. Heating can be expensive in colder parts of the country, and gas and electric bills should be taken into account in determining monthly costs.

Sharing an apartment with a roommate can keep costs down. If you do not know anyone to room with, it is appropriate to ask another student who is also looking for a roommate to consider sharing an apartment with you. Often students advertise for roommates. Never room with someone until you have discussed issues such as smoking, study habits, cleaning arrangements, parties, overnight guests, food, cost sharing, and so on. If you decide that you want to live alone or if you have a family, bring someone who is familiar with the local community and with rental procedures with you when you go apartment Searching.

When you find an apartment you want to rent, you must enter into an agreement with the landlord. Many landlords require payment of the first and last months' rent before the tenants move in. This is known as "advance rent." It ensures that the tenant notifies the landlord at least 30 days before moving out.

It is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and your landlord's obligations. Before you sign the rental agreement, ask about rules and restrictions. Your responsibilities include paying your rent on time, keeping the apartment clean, repairing damage you cause, and telling the landlord if something does not work. You must not disturb the peace, that is, you must not be excessively noisy, and you must comply with the terms of your rental agreement. The landlord's obligations include repair and maintenance of the apartment.

Types of off-campus accommodation

Off-Campus Dormitories: Sometimes there are privately owned dormitory complexes near the campus. These are designated for students and are run like university dormitories, but privately owned. Usually the costs are comparable to living in an on-campus dormitory.

Rooming Houses : These are dwellings in which rooms are rented usually to individuals, but occasionally to two roommates. Cooking facilities are often provided. It is probably cheapest to live in such a room, but sometimes there are problems with human relations (sharing the bathroom, kitchen, and so on).

Cooperative Residence Halls ("Co-Ops") : A co-op is usually a large house in which a group of students lives together, sharing the costs and chores. Residents take turns cooking meals and work together to clean the house and take care of outside maintenance. Because they are generally less expensive, rooms in co-ops may be difficult to find.

Living With a U.S. Family : Sometimes international student advisers have listings of families in the community who would like to have an international student live in their home. Living with a family can be a warm and enriching experience, but consider the family and the arrangements carefully and be sure that you understand what is expected of you. Sometimes the family expects the student to perform certain services, like baby-sitting or household chores, in exchange for free or reduced rent. Check with the international student adviser to determine if services are expected in exchange for room and board. This might be considered employment by the U.S. Government and therefore subject to certain regulations.


Cafeteria


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Most dormitories at U.S. colleges and universities are equipped with cooking facilities. However, for those who do not have the time or facilities to cook for themselves, there is the option of cafeteria dining. Most dormitories have a cafeteria within the building or nearby that offers low-cost food to students. Often students can sign up for one of a variety of meal plans by which they can pay ahead for the food they will consume. Depending on your tastes and financial situation, you might find these meal plans convenient, cheap, and easily accessible. Some universities require that all students living in a dormitory sign up for a meal plan. Cafeterias are open during scheduled hours and usually offer a variety of foods, including vegetarian selections for those who do not eat meat. Meal plans are sometimes available to students living off-campus as well, which is a great convenience for students who may eat as many as two meals a day on-campus. If you plan to live in an apartment and do not wish to cook or if you enjoy the social aspect of eating in the cafeteria, consider trying out your school's meal plan. Cafeterias are generally closed during holidays and vacation periods.


Visas


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USA Visa Information

Most non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa types that are sometimes authorized for those who study in the U.S. Here is a short description of the different visa types that involve study:

F-1, or Student Visa. This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute. Know More

J-1, or Exchange Visitor. This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The "J" visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs. Know more

M-1, or Student Visa. This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the U.S. Know More

Applying for a Student or Exchange Visitor Visa

In order to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, you must first have a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)-generated document (either an I-20 or DS-2019) issued by a U.S. college or university or Department of State-designated sponsor organization. You will be required to submit this form when you apply for a visa. The U.S. academic institution or program sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS-generated form only when you have been academically admitted to the institution or accepted as a participant in an exchange program. The institution or program sponsor will also send you additional information about applying for the appropriate visa, as well as other guidance about beginning your academic program in the United States. (For more information about SEVIS, see below.)

Once you have all the documentation that is required, you may apply for the visa, even if you do not intend to begin your program of study for several months. It is best to apply early for the visa to make sure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.

More Information About the Visa Application Process in Your Country

Most of the procedures and requirements for applying for the various types of student visas, as well as for the Exchange Visitor visa are described at the following websites.
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html
Some procedures vary from country to country, for example, how to pay the visa application processing fee and how to make an appointment for an interview. For details on applying for a Student or Exchange Visitor visa in the country in which you are located, please visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

SEVIS

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), administered by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is an Internet-based system that maintains data on foreign students and exchange visitors before and during their stay in the United States. For more information about the SEVIS program, visit the ICE

In order to enroll students from other nations, U.S. colleges and universities must be approved by the School Certification Branch of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Most U.S. institutions of higher education have received this approval. If you wish to confirm that the institution that you are interested in attending has been approved to admit international students, please view the list of approved schools on the ICE website.

Planning Ahead for the Visa Process

One of the most important things you can do to ensure that you will be able to arrive in time for the start of your educational program in the United States is to plan well in advance, not only for the academic portion of your U.S. program, but also for the visa process. This means you will need to request and receive the appropriate visa-qualifying document (either an I-20 or DS-2019) from the U.S. institution or program sponsor well in advance of your planned departure to the United States. You will also need to make an appointment for your visa interview. Please consult the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you to find out how long it may take to get an appointment.

Applying for a Visa

Among the things you’ll need to do is pay the SEVIS fee (information about paying the fee -– and confirming that your payment has been received -- is available at http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/index.htm ), pay the visa processing fee (the procedure will differ from one U.S. Embassy/Consulate to another, so visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in the country where you are located), and make an appointment for the visa interview (again, procedures will differ, so visit the website of the U.S. Embassy). You should also make sure you have all the documentation you will need when you go for the interview, including the visa-qualifying document (I-20 or DS-2019), financial support documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and a completed visa application form. Ensure that you complete the visa application correctly by following the Department of State website procedures carefully.

Key Information about Visas and Entering the United States

There are two additional bits of information that are useful to know. The first is that the U.S. Embassy/Consulate cannot issue a visa more than 90 days before the actual start of the program in the United States. However, visa applicants are encouraged to apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so. Thus, if the college or university to which you have been admitted states on the I-20 or DS-2019 that the program will start on August 1, a visa cannot be issued before May 1. Second, even if you have been issued a visa to enter the United States, you will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of your program, if you are an initial entry student. Returning students do not have this requirement. Using the earlier example, if the program of study starts on August 1, you will not be permitted to enter the United States until July 1 or later.

Immigration Related information

U.S. immigration law governs the entry of all visitors to the United States, including students and exchange visitors. It details what they are authorized to do during their stay in the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the agency responsible for ensuring that these visitors comply with U.S. law and regulations. When you arrive in the United States, you, too, will come under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security, and one of the three units within DHS responsible for non-U.S. citizens: the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau.

when you arrive in the U.S., you will receive a Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record). Please safeguard this form; it contains the official record of your stay in the United States. For more information about arriving in the U.S., see, "Arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry --- What a Student can Expect," or, "Arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry --- What an Exchange Visitor can Expect," on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.

To obtain answers to questions you may have regarding your stay in the United States (for example, travel outside the United States, employment, and much more) visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. After you arrive in the U.S., you may wish to direct your questions to the office at your educational institution that is responsible for services to international students. This office should be able to provide you with the answers you need or refer you to a person or office that can.

What to Do When You Arrive at the College or University in the U.S.

Once you arrive on campus, you should report immediately to the office that is responsible for assisting international students and scholars. It may be called the Office of International Services, the Office of International Education, the International Programs Office, or some other similar name. Whatever the name, however, that office can help you with any questions or concerns you may have about immigration rules and regulations. Moreover, that office must report your arrival within the SEVIS system. If this report is not submitted, you may be considered to be in violation of your status in the United States, so be sure to make the international student office one of your first stops on campus.



Education System


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The USA education system offers international students the most diverse set of education options in the world. In fact, an international student who elects to take advantage of the American education system can pursue anything from nuclear science to film and dance.

The USA education system requires that students complete 12 years of primary and secondary education prior to attending university or college. This may be accomplished either at public
(government-operated) schools, or at private schools. These 12 years of schooling (or their equivalent) may also be completed outside the USA, thus giving foreign students the opportunity to pursue the benefits of the USA education system and obtain a quality American education. In many fields and industries, the American education system offers the most cutting-edge, sought-after programs at the world's best schools.

Whether you want to study at a top USA University, a top USA College, vocational or high school, a thorough understanding of how the American education system works is essential. Without a clear grasp of the American education system, an international student will find it difficult to make the right academic choices. The information provided in the overview of the USA education system section will help you develop the understanding.


Overview of the USA education system

Primary School


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American children start school at the age of five years. The first year at school is called kindergarten. It is required of all American children enrolled in the American education system. The second year at school is considered as the first year of primary school and is referred to as first grade. In the USA, the word grade has two meanings: (1) the score achieved on an exam or in a course, and (2) a year of education in primary or secondary school. Primary school most commonly consists of five years of education, referred to as first through fifth grades

Secondary School


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Upon completion of fifth grade (the last year of primary school), American children enrolled in the American education system advance to secondary school. Secondary school most commonly consists of a total of seven years, referred to as sixth through twelfth grades. The ninth through twelfth grades are most commonly referred to as high school. Upon completion of twelfth grade, American students are awarded a certificate called the high school diploma. In the USA education system, students must have obtained a high school diploma before they are admitted into college or university. Foreign students who would like to attend an American college or university must have completed coursework that is equivalent to what is taught at an American high school. Foreign students who would like to attend an American high school, need to consider how the high school they select will give them access to the best colleges.

Undergraduate school


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Students who have completed high school and would like to attend college or university must attend what is referred to as an undergraduate school. These are schools that offer either a two-year degree (called an associate degree) or a four-year degree (called a bachelor’s degree) in a specific course of study. That course of study is called the major. While most schools that offer a four-year degree will admit students who have not yet chosen a major, all students are required to select (or declare) a major by their second year at school. Students who complete an associate degree can continue their education at a four-year school and eventually complete a bachelor’s degree.

Graduate school


Visas



Students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree can continue their education by pursuing one of two types of degrees. The first is a master’s degree. This is usually a two-year degree that is highly specialized in a specific field. Students are sometimes admitted to a master’s degree program only if they have a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field. However, there are many exceptions to this, such as with students who want to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree. Students who want to advance their education even further in a specific field can pursue a doctorate degree, also called a PhD. A PhD degree can take between three and six years to complete, depending on the course of study chosen, the ability of the student, and the thesis that the student has selected. The thesis is a very intensive research paper that must be completed prior to earning the degree. It is always required of students pursuing a PhD, and may sometimes be required of students pursuing a master’s degree (depending on the school).

UK campus
The UK is a great place to live as well as study. It is a vibrant, fun multicultural country with beautiful scenery, historic sights and some of the best museums, art galleries and cinemas in the world.

However, coming to the UK can be an equally thrilling and daunting event. There are certain climatic and cultural peculiarities to the country that may make life initially hard to adjust to.

Leaving home and traveling to study in a new country is a stressful experience for anyone. This applies whatever country you come from, and wherever you are going to study, even though some cultures are more similar than others because of geographic, historic, demographic and other connections. There are some aspects that you do not encounter until you live in the UK.

INFORMATION FOR EVERYDAY LIVING

While in the United Kingdom, you will want to do more than just study. You will have many opportunities to discover more about the country through daily contact with people , by exploring all that your area has to offer, and by taking some time to travel to other corners of the UK. You will have to deal with such matters as banking, shopping, postal and telephone services, automobiles and traffic laws, and so on. This section gives practical information to help you become familiar with the services, conveniences, opportunities, and ways of daily life in the United Kingdom.

INFORMATION FOR EVERYDAY LIVING

While in the United Kingdom, you will want to do more than just study. You will have many opportunities to discover more about the country through daily contact with people , by exploring all that your area has to offer, and by taking some time to travel to other corners of the UK. You will have to deal with such matters as banking, shopping, postal and telephone services, automobiles and traffic laws, and so on. This section gives practical information to help you become familiar with the services, conveniences, opportunities, and ways of daily life in the United Kingdom.

ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS

As a student in the UK, you will find a range of services and facilities at your disposal. In addition to academic facilities such as libraries and laboratories, most universities and many colleges provide recreational facilities for their students, such as inexpensive restaurants or cafés, pubs, lounges, athletics facilities, and shops where you can buy basic necessities.

There is a huge range of activities to choose from, beginning almost the moment you arrive. Many colleges and universities provide an orientation programme for new international students in the week before term begins. This is your chance to get to know the campus, find out about essential services and meet other international students.

Then, in the first week of term, many institutions stage a ‘Freshers’ fair’: a programme of social events for new students. (‘Freshers’ are students in their first year of an undergraduate or a college programme.) During the fair, you will have further opportunities to meet other students at receptions and dances and you will have a chance to find out about the various clubs and societies you can join. Student clubs and societies in the UK reflect a wide range of interests, and may centre around anything from a particular sport, political party or language to a specific computer game, television programme or musical group. Many colleges and universities have an international students’ society which provides activities and support for students from outside the UK.
BANKING

If you are planning on staying in the UK for longer than a few months you will need to get a bank account. This will be more secure than carrying large amounts of cash and travellers’ cheques around with you.

Opening a bank account in the UK can take up to two or three weeks and it can be quite difficult if you don’t plan ahead. If you already have a bank account in your home country, ask them whether they have any special relationships with banks in the UK. They may be able to set up an account for you before you even arrive in the UK. There are also organisations in some countries that help you set up a bank account in the UK before your departure.

Before you leave, you could also think about adding someone you trust (such as your parents) as a signatory to your bank account – this means that they can do things to your account while you are away, and immediately transfer money in case of an emergency. Ask you bank for more information on this.

Spending money
You will probably be spending a lot of money on things such as tuition fees, accommodation, and text books. Ask your university or college how much you are expected to spend and whether you can arrange to pay most of it from your home country first. This way you will not have to carry much money around with you.

When you open your bank account, whether from abroad or in the UK, you will need your passport and course letter of acceptance and possibly proof of where you live (if abroad this can be changed later when you know your address in the UK). It is a good idea to bring copies of old bank statements from your home country too, as proof of identity.

Banks in the UK are usually open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Some are open on Saturdays, though smaller branches may open just in the morning. If you have a cash card for your account, you can withdraw money from your account at any time from a cash machine, or use it to pay for goods and services directly using ‘Switch’. Since February 2006, it is compulsory to use your PIN number when making card transactions, so you will also be given PIN numbers for your credit and ‘Switch’ card.
RESTAURANTS

Eating out in the UK is an international adventure – you can find restaurants serving almost any kind of food you would like to try, especially in the cities and larger towns. Popular options include Chinese, Indian, Italian, Greek and Thai food. Traditional British food is also available, of course, and different regions have their own specialities.

With all this choice, the hardest thing about eating out in the UK is deciding whereto go. Here are three ways to find a restaurant:
• ask friends or colleagues to recommend one
• look in a national or local restaurant guide (available from bookstores, newsagents and at libraries)
• look in the local Yellow Pages telephone directory under ‘restaurants’.

Most restaurants display their menu outside so that you can check what they have to offer – and their prices – before you go in. Prices vary widely from one restaurant to another, so do look first.

Opening hours vary:
• Some restaurants are open from about 11.00 or 11.30 a.m. (for lunch) through to about midnight.
• Some may open for a couple of hours for lunch, then close for a while and reopen at about 6.00 or 7.00 p.m. for dinner.
• Some may open for dinner only.
• On Sundays, some restaurants may close early, and smaller ones may not open at all.

Takeaway food
'Takeaway’ food is cooked food that you buy from the restaurant and take away to eat somewhere else. The most popular kinds include hamburgers, pizzas, kebabs (grilled meat), Indian meals, Chinese meals, and fish and chips. Takeaway food is sometimes cheaper than eating the same food in the restaurant.

If you do not want to go out to pick up your takeaway, you can let your takeaway come to you: many restaurants offer a delivery service. You telephone in your order from home, and the restaurant delivers the food to your door. Some restaurants charge extra for delivery – check when you place your order.
ENTERTAINMENT

There is always something entertaining happening in the UK. Artistic and cultural events and facilities are plentiful, from museums and galleries to theatres and cinemas. Head to the nearest concert hall to get your fill of orchestral music, or pop down to a club to indulge your taste for house and jungle. Check out the exhibits and events, and brighten up the winter months by sampling opera, modern dance and alternative comedy. If sport is more your style, you can cheer the local football club from the stands or join in on the pitch with a friendly sports club.

To find out exactly what is going on in your area, keep up with the following sources:
• your students’ union
• your students’ union newspaper
• your students’ union website
• local newspapers
• entertainment listings magazines
TELEPHONES

Public telephones
Some public telephones in the UK are coin-operated and others are card-operated. To use a card-operated telephone, you need either a credit card or a special phone card. Phone cards come in values of £2, £5, £10 and £20, and you can buy them from newsagents, post offices and supermarkets. The amount of time you get with each card depends on where you are calling: long-distance calls will use up your card faster than local calls.

Most card-operated telephones have a display panel telling you where and how to insert your card, when to dial and when to hang up. If you are using a phone card, the display will also show you how much money you have left on your card.

Telephone numbers
Telephone numbers in the UK are usually written like this:
• 020 7482 1456
• 0161 592 4836
• 01223 273300
The first three to five numbers in the series are the codes you need to dial if you are outside that particular area. For example, 020 is the code for London and 0161 is for Manchester. If you are inside the Manchester area, you ignore the 0161 and just dial the rest of the number. When telephoning the UK from overseas, ignore the first 0 of any number, so [phone] should be dialed as +44 (for the UK) 161 592 4836.

Mobile phones
Mobile phones are very popular in the UK, and a number of packages are available:
• Pay-monthly plans: You sign a contract (make an agreement) with a mobile phone network or a service provider and agree to use the network’s service for a minimum period, usually12 months. You choose a tariff (a fee structure) from a range of choices offered by the network. The network or service provider bills you monthly for your calls and services.
• Pre-paid plans: You sign a contract with a network or a service provider and pay for a minimum of 12 months’ service in advance, at a cheaper rate than for monthly plans. If you use the phone more than the agreed amount, the network or service provider bills you monthly for the extra time/calls.
• Pay-as-you-go plans: This is probably the best option as it enables you to carefully budget the use and therefore the cost of the phone. You buy credit (talking time) in advance, either direct from the network or in the form of vouchers. You use the phone until the credit runs out, and then you buy more credit. No contracts or bills are involved.

There are hundreds of different tariffs available. For example, one tariff might have low rates for calls made during the day and higher rates in the evening, and another might have the reverse. The cost of phones also varies widely. If you buy a phone when you sign up for a plan, your network will subsidise the cost of the phone, so you will
not have to pay the full price. The subsidies vary from network to network and from plan to plan. So shop around until you find the combination of plan, tariff and phone cost that best meets your needs. Shop staff will be able to give you advice, and most places, including the major supermarkets and high street chains, will offer good deals.
E-MAIL

Most colleges and universities in the UK provide free e-mail accounts for their students – check with your students’ union. If your institution does not provide e-mail accounts, here are two other ways to keep in touch electronically:
• If you have your own computer and modem, you can sign up directly with one of the hundreds of internet access providers that operate in the UK. Several now offer free access; all you pay is the phone company’s charges for your connection time. But do check whether there are any hidden costs, such as charges if you need to call them for help. Also, you will need access to a phone line – if you share
a single line with other people, you may need to get their permission to use the line for internet access.
• Sign up with one of the many web-based e-mail services (Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.), and then check your e-mail using online computer terminals at your institution, a public library, an internet café or even a friend’s home. This option should cost you absolutely nothing.
POSTAL SERVICES

Post offices are usually open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 9.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Saturday. You can also buy stamps at newsagents, supermarkets and some other shops, and from special vending machines.

Four ways to send a letter
First-class post. For a normal letter (under 60g in weight), this currently costs 28p. For destinations within the UK, first-class mail usually arrives the next day. To send a 60g letter overseas currently costs between 68p and £1.49, depending on the destination.
Second-class post. For a normal letter (under 60g in weight), this currently costs 20p. Second-class mail usually arrives within two or three days.
Recorded delivery. Use this for sending important documents. Recorded delivery gives you confirmation that your item has been posted and received.
Special delivery. Use this for sending urgent items. Items sent by special delivery are guaranteed to reach any destination in the UK by the next day.
Never send passports or cash through the post, unless you use recorded or special delivery. Instead of cash, send a cheque, postal order or international money order.
WATER & GAS

Drinking water: It is perfectly safe to drink from the mains supply in the UK. In UK homes the mains supply is usually the cold tap in the kitchen. Avoid drinking from taps in bathrooms as they are often supplied from storage tanks and, in public places, do not drink from a tap unless it’s labelled ‘Drinking water’.

Swimming: As an island nation, the UK has many beaches and a long, continuing tradition of seaside activities. But do check with local authorities before swimming at beaches or in rivers or lakes; pollution levels sometimes rise above the recommended limits.

Gas: Natural gas is widely used in the UK for cooking and heating. If you are not used to gas cookers and heating systems, here are three basic precautions to follow:
• read the safety instructions for each gas-powered item and follow them
• never block ventilation pipes or hatches
• if you smell gas, do not use any form of flame or electrical switch – call the gas emergency service immediately.
Accommodation
Your living arrangements can be an important factor in your success as a student in the UK. When you live in comfortable accommodation that meets your needs, you are better able to study and relax properly and can make the most of your time here.

Take the initiative and sort out your accommodation as soon as you can. There are several types of accommodation to choose from, but there are also shortages in some areas, particularly London, so do not leave this until the last minute. As soon as you have accepted a place on a course, you should start to arrange accommodation through your institution’s accommodation office (or ‘student housing’ office). Make sure you complete any accommodation forms and return them before the deadline date. At the very least, make sure you have temporary accommodation arranged before you leave home, so you have somewhere to stay when you first get to the UK.

UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE ACCOMMODATION

Universities and many colleges own and run their own accommodation for their students. There are several types:
• halls of residence – large buildings for large numbers of students
• houses for small groups of students
• flats for married students or students with families.

Halls of residence are the most widely available type of accommodation. Some halls are single-sex (for male or female students only) and others are mixed. Universities and colleges usually only have a limited number of houses and flats, and so specific groups will have priority.

In a hall of residence you live in a study bedroom (either by yourself or with another student) and you can expect to have a bed, bed-linen, storage space for your clothing, a desk, a desk lamp, a chair, and some bookshelves.Your room might also include a shower and a telephone – but in most halls these are located outside the individual rooms and you share them with other students.

Some halls of residence provide meals (usually breakfast and an evening meal), but most accommodation is now ‘self-catering’ – which means that you buy and prepare your own food, usually sharing a kitchen with other students.

For more information and how to apply contact your university or college accommodation office.

Home for the holidays: staying with a British family
Some international students choose to stay as a guest in the home of a British family during the vacations. There are two organisations in the UK that arrange this kind of short-term accommodation for international students:

PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION

Private accommodation is sometimes a little harder to arrange in advance, but the accommodation office at your college or university should be able to help. They may have lists of the rental accommodation available in the area, and they might even be able to make the arrangements for you.

Private accommodation varies widely in size and quality, so always arrange to view the accommodation in person before you decide whether or not to take it.

Private accommodation may be owned and run by organisations (such as charities), by private companies or individuals (a landlord). There are several types available:

> Student Hostels
> Flats and Houses
> Lodgings
> Bedsits
> Youth Hostels



Student hostels
Hostels tend to be run by charitable organisations. Some are for nationals of specific countries, and others are open to students of all nationalities.

Hostels generally provide rooms for single students but a few also
provide rooms for married couples. Many hostels provide meals, and some provide cooking facilities so you can prepare your own food.

As with university or college accommodation, staying in a hostel allows you to grow familiar with an area and decide where you would like to look for other accommodation.

To book a place in a hostel, you need to apply direct to the hostel and
pay a deposit. Hostels are not available everywhere, and some of them have long waiting lists, so apply as early as you can.

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Flats and houses
This is a popular option for groups of two or more students who are
willing to share costs.

In this kind of accommodation you will usually get a self-contained,
furnished flat or house, usually with living room, kitchen,
bathroom, bedroom(s), and sometimes a dining room. Various sizes are available, from one and two-bedroom flats up to four- or five-bedroom houses. You may have to pay an initial deposit as security, in case you break or damage anything. Depending on the arrangement, you and your friends may also need to pay the heating and electricity bills, and you will almost certainly have to pay the telephone bill. Most students in this type of arrangement also choose to share their food costs. You will have to do your own cleaning and provide your own bed-linen and towels.

Ask the accommodation office at your college or university for help and advice.

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Lodgings
Living in ‘lodgings’ means that you rent a room in someone’s home. The home could belong to anyone: a single person or a married couple; young people or older people; or a family with children.

In this kind of accommodation you have your own room to yourself, but you will probably have to share the bathroom. Your host may provide meals, or else you will have access to the kitchen to prepare your own.

If you get along fairly well with your host(s), living in lodgings can
be a very comfortable arrangement that provides you with some company and a source of social contact separate from your college or university friends.

Ask the accommodation office at your college or university for help and advice.

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Bedsits
The word ‘bedsit’ combines the ideas of ‘bedroom’ and ‘sitting room’. Some large houses consist entirely of bedsits, which are rented out to couples or individuals. Other bed sits are located in someone’s home.

In this kind of accommodation you will usually get a single room
containing living, sleeping and sometimes cooking facilities. If
cooking facilities are included, they are likely to be fairly simple –
for example, perhaps a small refrigerator, an electric kettle, and a
microwave oven and/or a hotplate. You will normally have to sign a
tenancy agreement with the landlord and may have to share some bills, or you might have an electricity or gas meter for your room only. If cooking facilities are not included in the room, you will have to share a kitchen with the other residents of the house. You also share the bathroom, and you might have to share the telephone. You provide your own bed-linen and towels, do your own laundry, and keep your own room clean. You will also be expected to clean up after yourself when you use the kitchen.

Ask the accommodation office at your college or university for help and advice.

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Youth hostels
Youth hostels are used mainly by tourists on a tight budget.

You will get fairly basic accommodation. You may have to share a room with several other people, and you will certainly have to share the bathroom. Some youth hostels provide meals, and others provide simple cooking facilities.

Youth hostels can be a useful source of inexpensive short-term
accommodation – for example, if you need a place to stay for the first
few days while you look for more permanent accommodation.

Ask the accommodation office at your college or university for help and advice.

UK VISA INFORMATION

UK Visa Categories
Visas for the UK are divided into three categories as follows:

1. European Area
If you are a national of a European Union country or are from Norway or Iceland you are free to enter the UK to study, live and work and you do not need a visa. European Union citizens face fierce competition from British students and also have to pay the same tuition fees of up to £1,000 a year depending on financial circumstances. Icelandic and Norwegian students have to pay full fees as international students, but do not need work visas and so can fund their course by working.

You must meet the following conditions in order to enter the UK

> You must have been accepted for a course of study at a publicly funded university or college, or a bona fide* private institution , or a fee paying independent school.

> You must be able and intend to follow a full-time degree course, or a weekday full-time course at a single institution involving at least 15 hours per week of organised, day-time study or a full-time course of study at an independent fee paying school.

>You must be able to meet the costs of your course and maintenance (living expenses, including accommodation) and the maintenance of your husband/wife and children (if they are with you) without working in the UK or claiming public funds.

>You must not intend to work in the UK, except part-time or vacation work.

>You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies.

2. Non-Visa Nationals
Non-visa nationals are from countries that don't require a visa to enter Britain, you can arrive with the necessary documentation and be issued the visa when you arrive. You need:

> Proof that you have been accepted onto a full-time course at a UK school, college or university (totaling 15 or more hours a week).

> A letter from your new school, college or university, on their official headed paper, to state that you have paid your deposit and/or your tuition fees.

> Proof that you have the funds to pay for your study and living expenses. This could be in the form of travellers' cheques in sufficient quantity to cover your expenses, a bank draft drawn on a UK bank, letters or bank documents from sponsors, or a combination of all these things. You will have to show that you will not have recourse to public funds that you can support yourself financially without relying on the British welfare state or by working to fund your studies.

If you are staying for longer than six months, your finances will be inspected much more rigorously. It is advisable to submit your documentation to the British Embassy/High Commission in your own country and get entry clearance (a visa) prior to arrival. Your status can still be challenged but you have the right to lodge an appeal and remain in Britain while your case is heard. If you were intending to be issued with a visa on arrival you could be sent back at your own expense. There are plenty of scare stories around, but this is unlikely to happen in practice unless you have done something that arouses suspicion. This might include travelling back and forth from Britain a number of times over a short period, appearing to have little money, or enrolling at a school with a reputation as a visa factory.

You can bring your partner/husband/wife or children with you. However, they will require a separate student dependent visa, which they must obtain before they arrive (even though your own visa can be issued on arrival). To obtain this you will have to show that you can support them out of your own pocket. Remember that it can be very difficult to find accommodation for families and what there is tends to be expensive, so try and make arrangements before you arrive. Most universities can offer family accommodation, but space is limited. Be as organised in your arrangements as possible, as this will make you look more credible in the eyes of immigration officials.

You could also enter Britain as a tourist. In theory non-visa nationals can then apply to have it changed to a student visa without leaving the country as an in-country application. In practice this is not advisable as the immigration department is inherently suspicious of people who change the purpose of their stay while they are in Britain. You may succeed in getting your visa changed this way, but you will get a grilling in the process. Many people come to Britain on a tourist visa, and then look around for a school to enroll in. Be careful, because you could end up being deported if you are thought to have deliberately deceived the immigration department. The best thing to do is to apply for a prospective student visa in your home country. You will need to show that you have the finances to support your course and will be allowed to stay in the UK for a maximum of six months.

3. Visa Nationals
Visa nationals need to get a student visa from their nearest British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission before arriving in Britain. In order to get this you will need to show the following:

> Proof that you have been accepted for a full-time course (15 or more hours a week) at a reputable UK college or university. If it is at a language school it is preferable for it to be an ARELS or British Council accredited school.

> A letter from your new school, college or university, on their official headed paper, to state that you have paid your deposit and/or tuition fees.

>Proof that you have the funds to pay for your study and living expenses. This could be in the form of traveler's cheques in sufficient quantity to cover your expenses, a bank draft drawn on a UK bank, letters or bank documents from sponsors, or a combination of all these things. Immigration officials prefer a bank draft as this is the most difficult to forge and can be checked with the issuing bank. You will have to show that you will not have recourse to public funds. The longer your proposed stay, the more convincing your financial credentials will need to be.

You will need to get your visa, and bring it along with all the above documentation when you enter Britain, as immigration officials may wish to see on arrival. If you have been given entry clearance in your home country this is usually sufficient. However, your right of entry may be challenged if immigration officials believe that there has been a change of circumstances or you have not disclosed, or have hidden, some relevant information. In this situation, you have the right to remain in Britain while you lodge an appeal.

If you entered the UK as a tourist you will not be able to get your tourist visa changed to a student visa in Britain. You will have to leave the country, and re-apply for a student visa before re-entering.

How to apply for entry clearance ( visa)
You must apply for entry clearance at the British Embassy or High Commission in the country of your nationality, or the country in which you are living. You should ask for form IM2A.The IM2A form is now accompanied by an IM2S form, which is intended to be completed by all visitors to the UK who intend to be students. Once you have the form, you should take the time to fill it in carefully. It is a good idea to do it in pencil first in case you make a mistake. In any event, you should keep a copy of the completed form for your own records.

You must then submit the following (by hand or post) to the British Embassy or High Commission:

> The completed form
> Your passport
> 2 recent passport-sized photographs
> The fee is currently £33 for single entry - paid in local currency and non-refundable
> The relevant documents showing that the requirements of the above Immigration Rules can be met

Do not send cash through the post but use a postal/money order or bank draft payable to the High Commission/Consulate.

Required documents
All persons seeking entry clearance as students will be expected to produce various documents to show that they meet the Immigration Rules for students.

The institution where you have a place to study should send you appropriate documentation for entry clearance purposes. If you do not have such documentation to give to the entry clearance officer (or to the immigration officer at the port of entry), the immigration authorities may have to make a judgment without the benefit of adequate information. This could easily lead to a refusal of entry clearance or entry to the UK.

Entry Clearance Checklist
This is a list of the documentations and information you should have before you apply for the Entry Clearance

A letter of acceptance on the course
This will be a letter from your institution confirming that a place has been offered to you and that the course is full-time as defined by the Immigration Rules. The duration of the course should be stated. Where your course is more advanced or specialized, the letter should also state what level of English is needed for the course (giving minimum test marks, if appropriate) and confirm that you satisfy this requirement.

Evidence that you can pay the course fees and support yourself and your family (if applicable)
Depending on your circumstances, this could include evidence of a government sponsorship, a letter from a sponsor in the UK confirming s/he can support you together with evidence that s/he can do this, and/or your own bank statements. You should also provide a letter from your institution stating the full cost of the course, what arrangements are acceptable for payment and whether you have already paid fees or a deposit.

Accommodation
Although the Immigration Rules do not require unaccompanied students to show that accommodation has been arranged, the institution may have provided you with information about its availability and you should bring this to the attention of the entry clearance officer. If your family are coming with you to the UK, you will need to show that there will be adequate accommodation for them. If the institution cannot confirm that family accommodation will be available, you may have to consider travelling to the UK alone and making arrangements for your family to join you when accommodation has been secured.

Problems
Even if you think you have provided all the correct information and documentation, you may still face problems obtaining entry clearance. If your entry clearance has been refused or if the entry clearance officer has not refused your application but says that s/he is not satisfied with the evidence you have provided, you should contact your institution for assistance as soon as possible. If you cannot do this, for instance if the institution is closed for the holidays, you can contact your nearest British Council office
For complete Information on visa requirements and visa applications, Please vist www.ukvisas.gov.uk
UK EDUCATION SYSTEM

UK Education has long attracted and welcomed high caliber students of different nationalities and backgrounds, and today builds on hundreds of years of experience in providing quality education to international students. To ensure that the quality is maintained, UK has implemented unrivalled quality assurance and academic audit systems. Standards are high not just in teaching but in other facilities as well : Libraries, computers, research equipment and living accommodation.

UK higher and further education provides value for money by offering shorter, more intensive courses than are available in many other countries, thereby reducing living expenses and time spent away from home. Closely supervised study in an intellectually and culturally stimulating environment, together with an emphasis on student welfare and close contact between staff and students also ensures that individual students get maximum support and, as a result, pass rates are high and the drop-out rate for international students is very low.

With more than 150 institutes of higher education to choose from, all equipped with extensive facilities, UK is able to offer a broad spectrum of subjects from the highly academic to the purely practical in anything from architecture to zoology.

Information about various Qualifications offered by UK Colleges and Universities:

Vocational Courses
These courses offer an opportunity to enter the university system slowly. Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC), General Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ), General Scottish Vocational Qualifications (GSVQ) offer recognized courses in a range of disciplines. Most students opt to take 1-2 years of, for example, BTEC courses before being transferred to a degree programme.

Higher National Diploma (HND)
It is awarded by Vocational and Technical Educational Councils. They offer a 2-year course in a vocational subject like scientific and technical business subjects. Great emphasis is placed on work experience. It is often seen as the first step towards a degree course as the credits can be transferred.

Sandwich Courses
These courses are where the coursework is accompanied by practical work. A student could either complete 2 years of college, then a year of commercial training before returning for a final year in college. Or, he/she could do a 4-year course with 3-6 months’ training interspersed each year. The main advantage is that the student gets real experience while in the learning mode. Most universities offer this type of education.

First Degree Courses (Bachelor's degree)
These are normally of three or four years' duration and are largely taught courses, sometimes including the preparation of a short written thesis.

Postgraduate study
This may take the form of an independent piece of research under supervision or a taught course, and leads to a variety of degrees and awards. The taught courses normally last for one or sometimes two years. Completion of a doctorate normally takes a minimum of three years. Many post-experience courses are also available, either leading to a qualification or providing a refresher course for graduates wishing to update or extend their knowledge.
FEES AND THE COST OF STUDY

One of your main concerns when thinking about studying in the UK might be the cost. However, this is unlikely to be the barrier that you expect it to be.

Financial assistance and scholarships are available and it is worth finding out early on in the process what you will be able to receive.

But of course you will want to be clear what scale of investment is needed before you commit yourself.

To gain entry clearance to the UK, you will need to prove that you have enough money to cover all your course fees and living expenses. To calculate whether you have enough money, you first need to work out how much you will need. The best source of information about course fees is your college or university – the admissions staff are the ones who can tell you exactly how much your course will cost. Here is a rough guide to what you can expect.

Level of study

Average cost

English language:
£150–£300 per week
Vocational
(pre-degree level):
£3,300–£4,150 per year

Undergraduate level
Arts, business, social science courses:
£7,000–£7,900 per year
Science (lab based):
£7,000–£10,400 per year
Clinical:
£17,400–£18,710 per year

Postgraduate level
Arts, business, social science courses:
£5,000–£12,000 per year
Science:
£6,500–£10,000 per year

The fees quoted above are typical ‘overseas’ fees. But some international students qualify for ‘home’ fees (the fees charged to UK students), which are lower because they’re subsidised by the UK government. If you are a national of an EU (European Union) country, or if you have been living in the UK for a while already, you may qualify for these reduced fees.

Funding
If you’re hoping for a scholarship to help pay for your studies, then start making enquiries and applications at least a year in advance.

Most scholarships are merit-based and competitive. The deadline to apply for a scholarship can be up to 12 months before your course starts, so it is best to see what scholarships are available as early as possible.

It is a good idea to contact those organisations that offer scholarships directly, as well as to ask your chosen university what scholarships are available. If you have a study abroad adviser at your school, they will also be able to help you find out about financial assistance.

You could also start by enquiring with your own Ministry or Department of Education.

Your local British Council office can provide details of awards available, including those offered by UK institutions themselves. You’ll also find information and a scholarships database at www.britishcouncil.org.