STUDY IN UK

MBA courses in the UK

A Master of Business Administration is among the most sought-after degrees for business professionals. The MBA is internationally recognised all over the world, enhancing your capabilities while developing the flair necessary for managing and motivating people, but, economically, it can be an expensive exercise.

There are a wide variety of small and private colleges, especially around London, which offer low cost MBA programmes to international students. Many of these colleges have university affiliated MBA degree programmes and offer a cheaper alternative for international students, with tuition fees starting at around Euro 7,000.

How much does an MBA cost?

One-year MBA degrees can cost Euro 10,000 - Euro 15,000 on average, with MBA programmes at top schools such as Oxford and Cambridge potentially costing up to Euro 45,000. There are however a number of universities and business schools offering high quality degrees at a much lower cost.

As described in our "About the UK" section, the UK is made up of four parts: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Although it is all one country, there are many distinct regions with varying accents and cultures. For such a small country, it has so much diversity!

The main aim of this section is to give you some background information about the UK, and answer questions you might have like:

What is Scotland like to study in?
How is the weather in Cornwall during the summer?
Can I easily travel around the UK?
Can I get a bank account?
Plus many more...

We have broken this section down into various sub-categories to make it easier to read and understand - they include:

Map and Climate

Make sure you can locate the UK's major cities and that you can distinguish between Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland - plus what to expect weather-wise during the year.

People and Culture

The most common stereotypes that people have about a nation often are not true, and the UK is no different. Learn a little about British Culture and the people.

Working abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. However, it requires thorough preparation, starting with a successful application. This is a brief guide to help you in your application process. For more detailed information, you should consult the full guide on the United States of America.

Work permits in the UK

In order to work in the US, you must have an appropriate visa. The most common visa for international students in the US in the F1 student visa. In order to be eligible for an F1 visa, you must be enrolled full-time at an academic institution or language-training program in the US, show sufficient financial support to complete the study, and you must prove that you do not intend to abandon your foreign residency.

All visas have to be applied for at the American embassy in your home country. Details can be obtained from the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the US Department of State. For more information about student visas, check out our Visa and Immigration Center.

The application procedure in the UK

The Internet is the main source for vacancies and information concerning job applications. Search services such as LinkedIn and even Craigslist can be integral in your job search. However, avoid using job search services that charge you a fee. Most reputable services are free of charge.

Carefully read any job listings you come across before applying. It is also a good idea to cast a wide net by applying to any jobs you can see yourself in even if you don't meet all of the requirements. At worst, you will be turned down and at best, you'll get an interview!

The application letter in the UK

Students From Non-EU Countries

Here's a brief overview of the new rules for the Student Visitor Visa (less than 6 months) and the Student Visa/Prior Entry Clearance (greater than 6 months). These rules apply only to students from non-EU countries.

Student Visitor Visa - the Student Visitor Visa is for those that plan a stay of less than 6 months. Under the Student Visitor Visa, a student cannot have paid employment or an internship greater than 2 credit hours, and cannot extend their stay once they have arrived.

Student Visa/Prior Entry Clearance - if you plan to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, if you may extend beyond 6 months, or if you want to work or have an internship greater than 2 credit hours - then you need to apply for a Student Visa/Prior Entry Clearance.

The interview

The interview is by far the most nerve-wracking part of the job search process. The most important thing you can do to prepare for an interview is to research the company. Make sure you are familiar with the company's goals and values; if you can, try to memorize a few key words from the company's mission statement and use them in your interview. Another helpful way to prepare for interviews is the mock interview. Ask a friend or family member to ask you questions you're likely to be asked during your interview, and practice your answers. This will help you remain cool and calm during your actual interview.

The day of your interview, remember to dress your best, and bring several copies of your resume along with you. Provide specific examples and stories of your achievements when answering questions, and avoid criticizing former employers. Be pleasant and polite, but not too personal. Follow up your interview with a short thank you letter to your interviewer.

Visa and Immigration

Probably one of the most important sections about the UK, learning more about your visa, who needs one and what to do to get one!

Applying for a Student Visa

You should apply for a Student Visitor Visa, a Student Visa and Prior Entry Clearance before leaving your home country. If you don't, you risk being turned away at arrival if you do not have all appropriate documents and information.

Generally, to apply for a student visa you will need the following:

Be accepted and enrolled in a recognized full-time degree course, or
A course run during the week involving at least 15 hours of organized daytime study each week, or
A full-time course at an independent fee-paying school
You also have to:
Be able to pay for your course and support yourself and any dependants, and live in the UK without working or needing any help from public funds,
Be able and intend to follow your chosen course, and
Intend to leave the UK when you complete your studies.

Working After Degree Completion

Like the USA, students who complete a degree program in England are allowed to apply for a one year extension to their visa to allow them to gain work experience in the UK, without having to obtain a work permit. Students studying in Scotland are now able to extend their visas and work for two years after completing a degree at a Scottish university, helping to make Scotland a particularly attractive destination for international students.