University in England

The UK is home to Europe's most established public universities and significantly influences global academic culture. The UK's education system has pioneered many academic innovations worldwide, making the country one of the most successful university systems in the world. The duration of undergraduate programs in the UK is generally three years, but this period may vary in some departments. For example, architecture may take three or four years, dentistry five years, and medicine five or six years. Unlike England, universities in Scotland offer four-year undergraduate education. Although the academic calendar usually starts at the end of September or the beginning of October, some institutions may also begin the new academic year in January or February.

Students who go from Turkey to England to receive undergraduate education can directly start their first year at the university if they have a high school grade point average and a good level of English or if they have internationally recognised diplomas such as IB and A Level. Students who do not meet these criteria must participate in the Foundation Program, a one-year preparation program, to adapt to the education system in England and complete their missing credits. To participate in this program, it is generally required to have at least an IELTS 5.5 level of English. The Foundation Program is designed to facilitate adapting students from different education systems to academic life in the UK.

University education costs are an essential issue for students considering studying in the UK, and these costs vary depending on the undergraduate or postgraduate degrees and programs chosen. Annual tuition fees for students from the United Kingdom (UK) and European Union (EU) member countries are generally capped at a maximum of £9,250. This fee is the maximum limit the government sets, and many universities apply this amount.

Tuition fees paid by international students are relatively higher and vary widely. Annual tuition fees vary depending on the program chosen by the student and the level of education. Tuition fees for Undergraduate and Masters programs start from an average of £10,000 per year, rising to £38,000 or more in some cases. These amounts may be higher, especially for popular and competitive medical, engineering or business programs.

Students should also take living expenses into account. Student living costs in the UK can range from around £10,000 to £14,000 per year, depending on the city, lifestyle and accommodation options. These costs should be considered in addition to tuition fees.

Studying and working in the UK is a topic that many students are curious about. Although there are situations where it is possible to find a job and work while studying in the UK, this opportunity is subject to specific criteria and rules. The British government has set certain conditions and procedures for students to study. Factors such as the length of time the student will stay in the country, the field in which they will study, and the visa they will have in the country will play an essential role in determining these conditions. If the student meets these conditions, working while studying in the UK is possible. Let's examine these terms and conditions in detail.

Unfortunately, students who come to the UK for language education are not given a work permit. However, international students studying at undergraduate or graduate level have the right to work in the UK. The UK offers two primary visa categories for students, of which Tier 4 General Student Visa holders, i.e., university students, can work part-time jobs for up to 20 hours per week. Many international students work part-time to cover living expenses such as food, accommodation and transportation. Finding a job while studying in the UK is generally easy, especially if students are on the UKVI-approved sponsor list of their study institution. Weekly working hours for international students are limited to 20 hours for part-time students, and full-time working hours are allowed up to 40 hours per week during holidays. There are various jobs and opportunities to work part-time in the country.

There are various scholarship opportunities for international students in the UK, including scholarships provided by the government, universities' scholarship programs, scholarships offered by third-party organisations, and scholarships funded by various organisations. The value of scholarships varies depending on the type of provider and the organisation it is affiliated with. For example, some scholarships are offered to cover tuition fees only, while prestigious government scholarships such as Chevening can cover all the costs you will incur throughout your education process. Each university and organisation sets specific criteria for the distribution of scholarships, and there is often intense competition. To successfully emerge from this competition, besides your academic achievements in the field you are applying for, additional factors such as your extracurricular activities and volunteering can provide a significant advantage.

The scholarship application process follows the rules set by the institution providing the scholarship. While some scholarship programs are automatically evaluated during the application to the university, some may require a separate application. You may be asked to submit special projects or written studies for research-oriented scholarships. Documents often needed when applying include a scholarship application form, academic transcripts and diplomas, passport or ID copy, letter of intent, letter of recommendation, standardised test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GPA, etc.) and language proficiency test results (e.g. IELTS). Careful preparation in this process can increase your chances of winning a scholarship.