Today, UK universities offer Indian students exciting opportunties and a world-class education. To explore these options, however, you must first understand the protocol and procedure.
Is it difficult to immigrate to the UK after earning your degree?
How should you navigate the student visa process?
Kevin Woods, head of the visa department at the British Deputy High Commission in Chennai, shared his expertise in UK visas during our June 13 expert chat.
For those of you who missed it, here's part one of the transcript.
Salban asked, What are hte living costs of studying in UK? How much do I show in visa interview and application?
KEVIN WOODS, You only need to show that you have enough money for all of your course fees and related living expenses in the UK for the whole time that you are there. The British council estimate that the living expenses per year for a student in London is 7,300 pounds. Outside London, is roughly 6,000 pounds
Aspi asked, What about dependents/ can they come as well?
KEVIN WOODS answers, Student dependents can accompany their spouse/ parent whilst they are studying in the UK. Paragraph 76 of the Immigration Rules applies. Please check our website www.ukinindia.com for further information
Sushmita asked, Hello Kevin, I'm an NRI who's completed her undergraduate degree in Bangalore. I'm planning to pursure my Masters degree in the UK. Since I'm planning to apply for my study loan from Oman, do you think it'd be better to apply for my visa from Oman itself? Or may I apply from India?
KEVIN WOODS answers, You should apply in the country that you are living in. We will only be able to process an application in India if you are here. Also, you may need to be interviewed in connection with your application and that
may need further travel.
Rosemary asked, Hello Mr. Wood. I have an offer letter from LSE and would be joining the programme in September this year. The fee structure I have been given from the university amounts to 20 lacs INR. This amount includes living expenses as well. My question is, if I am able to show only 15 lacs INR (which I will get through a bank loan) will it in any way adversely affect my chances of getting a student visa?
KEVIN WOODS answers, We need to see evidence that you will be able to meet the costs of your tuition and maintenance and accommodation without working or recourse to public funds. So you will need to show us how you intend to finance the shortfall when you submit your application
BRINDA asked, Good afternoon Sir! I am mother of Shrikanth. My son has got admission in Glasgow Caledonian University for M.Sc(Net work Engineering. The total tuition fee is 14500 pounds.(Complete Tuition Fees + Living expenditure) I have availed complete loan. I wish to know apart from the Loan sanction should I need to submit anyother financial documents?
KEVIN WOODS answers, We would need to see evidence of the security used for the loan and that you will be able to meet the rest of the costs associated with this.
gaurav_10 asked, sir i want to apply for student visa pls let me know how much finance i have to show for posr graduation course duration of 1 yr
KEVIN WOODS answers, The amount of money required depends on the course fees, your accommodation arrangements and living expenses. Please refer to my earlier reponse regarding the British Council estimates.
asand asked, Hello sir, how to get to Cambridge to study life sciences? Im doing very well on my board exams. What would you suggest?
KEVIN WOODS answers, I would take the advice of Cambridge directly or as a first step use the counselling advice and expertise of the British Council.
Zakiuddin asked, I got rejected in the year 2002.Now i want to apply again can i get the visa or shall i go for the other country.
KEVIN WOODS answers, There may be many reasons for rejection but you should take advice on your application and ensure that you are well briefed on the Immigration Rules and how to satisfy them. There is a lot of free information available on the internet, our website and the British Council offices. Additionally, if looking to use a student agent, please select them carefully. We work with over 40 student agents in the South of India and a total of 80 across the entire country.
gk asked, They offer me 12,000 pounds per annum + tution fees, Till now I have not applied for the accomodation. Do I need to show the letter for my accomodation in the application
KEVIN WOODS answers, You do not have to show this, just the ability to finance this. What this means is that you can use the estimates provided by the British Council and ensure that you demonstrate that you have this level of finance.
Abhi asked, sir i would also like to know if am not able to show the amount of liquid assets required..then whats the procedure for a sponsorship from a relative?
KEVIN WOODS answers, We would need to know how you are related to them and why they are specifically sponsoring you. Additionally, we may want to verify that the funds are genuinely available.
Parth asked, Hi Kevin, Whats the Job prospectus for the IT people in UK after 2 years? I'm planning to do Msc in IT, i'm concerned over a job issue after completing the course. Thanks in anticipation
KEVIN WOODS answers, As you are well aware, the IT sector is competitive. There are no guarantees of employment with any degree but the IT sector in the UK continues to thrive.
Amita asked, I want to study abroad.
KEVIN WOODS answers, Excellent. Choose your course carefully and take expert advice. Make sure you are aware of the Immigration Rules and I wish you every success with your education
Arnab asked, sir i am student of metallurgial and materials engineering department and has just taken my 4th semester examinations.i want to pursue higher studies in uk.does any of the top universities give complete\full scholarships to international students?if yes then how to applyto such universities?
KEVIN WOODS answers, Many of the Universities provide scholarships as do the British Council. Please check www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships.
rajivrajiv asked, sir i have been offered a seat at Heriot Watt University, could you please tell me what are the documents required for applying for the student visa and what is the waiting time?
KEVIN WOODS answers, We aim to process student applications within 24 hours of them being received in our department. Please take a look at our website www.ukinindia.com for advice on documentation.
kancherla asked, Hi Sir I have Got Unconditional letters from 3 universitys and i have finalised one out of them and course starts on 10th Sep can i apply for VISA in a week or Two
KEVIN WOODS answers, Thank you for the question. We can only post date the issue of visas by three months. However, we do encourage students to apply early in order to beat the rush.
Gargi asked, Good afternoon sir, If the assets and fixed deposits and loans cover only half the total amount required, can my sister and her husband, working in the UK, show their 6 month salary slips and a sponsorship letter to cover the rest of the fees and accomodation? Would this adversely affect my chances of getting a visa?
KEVIN WOODS answers, Yes, they can sponsoring you. It will not adversly affect your chances of getting a visa. You will need to show that they can afford to sponsor your study on top of their own living expenses and show they have the funds.
mellwyn asked, hello this is mellwyn...working in goa india as a networkadministrator...aged 29..is it possible to apply student visa for me...possible means whats the procedure
KEVIN WOODS answers, Dear Mellwyn, uou should carefully research the course and college you wish to go to. Further information on courses is available from the British Council www.britishcouncil.org. Once you have made your decision on a course and college you will need to gain admission and obtain the necessary admission letters. You then apply for your entry clearance. Advice on the procedure for visa application is available on our website www.ukinindia.com.
srinimisha asked, the sponsor is my business assoicate .Is it acceptable.My income and my spouse income will be considered for funding the education of a 4 years course apart
KEVIN WOODS answers, Anyone can sponsor you but you need to satisfy the reasons why they would do so.
jag asked, Can you give me some information on HSMP.
KEVIN WOODS answers, You can find more information on this website: www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
NK asked, Hellow Mr.Kevin Can a student on fresh Talent Visa (extension) work in london for 2 years
KEVIN WOODS answers, The fresh talent scheme is for living and working in Scotland
ganesh asked, hi Kevin, how much does a MBA course cost in UK. what r the chances of getting scholarship/assistantship for the same.
KEVIN WOODS answers, The cost of the tuition fees will depend on what the university charges for their individual courses. If you would like more information on scholarships, please look at this website: www.educationuk.org.
vasanth asked, Hello sir,i am vasanth from india,i am an Employee of an organisation,if i am apply for my graduation in any universities in abroad is my experience is help me to any way?
KEVIN WOODS answers, Further education is always a good thing when it comes to career building. An education obtained from a British University is valued globally and will be held in high regard by any potential employer.
srinimisha asked, apart from present bank funds,future earnings will be considered?
KEVIN WOODS answers, I am not sure whether you mean future earnings once you have graduated, or, for example future earnings of a sponsor. Future earnings of a sponsor may be considered if they have other savings as well. But it is better to show actual liquid funds.
Sanjay asked, Hello Kevin, i am sanjay. i have 3+ yrs exp and i am working on SAP technology. i have applied for the H1B visa. i wants to do my MBA from the US, UK or Canada. Is it possible to do my Studies on H1B visa in countries like US, UK or Canada? pls answer my questions.
KEVIN WOODS answers, My understanding of the H1B visa for the Americans is that this is work permit based. Whilst international students can work part-time whilst in the UK during term time, and full-time during the breaks, you should be able to meet the costs of your course and maintenance without doing so.
Sanjay asked, Hello kevin, is it posible to study on H1B visa? pls answer this.....
KEVIN WOODS answers, This is an American visa.
sameera asked, Hello Mr. Wood.i got admission at oxford brookes universiy and now i had planned to apply for my visa by this week and in this regard i would like to know what are the health checkup that is required and where it 'll be carried out? and regadring the documents that is need for appying UK visa
KEVIN WOODS answers, If you are studying a course that is related to the health care field, then you may be required to have a medical checkup before your visa can be issued. If this is the case, then it would be carried out locally to where you live in India.
Manmohan asked, Dear Sir ,, I Am B-com & doing sme work 4 an E-commerece web portal.but i want to doing MBA frm Uk.can u tell me which one is better 4 me
KEVIN WOODS answers, I cannot advise on the relative merits of one degree awarding body or the other. My suggestion is that you use the counselling services of the British Council or one of our preferred student agents
boscoo asked, Hello Mr. Woods, I have got admission for M.S programme in UK. I have my mother. Can i take her as along with me as an Dependant.
KEVIN WOODS answers, No, I am afraid there is no provision under the Rules for parent dependants.
Gargi asked, My course starts on september 25th. But I would like to spend some time with my sister who is living in London. If I apply for a visa on July 10th, is it possible to travel to london on August 11th? provided I have sufficient funds to cover all expenses of course. My 15-month visa can start on August 11th?
KEVIN WOODS answers, You can apply for your student visa as soon as you are ready. If your application is successful it will be issued from the date the application is assessed by us. You may then travel when you wish even if that is before your course starts.
bjt asked, Hi Kevin, I am Veterinary Pathologist. I would like to immigrate UK on HSMP. is it easy to get job there? Pl. suggest some websites to search jobs for veterinary pathologist in UK.
KEVIN WOODS answers, I am not sure what the employment prospects are for Veterinary specialists in the UK. I would contact one of the employment agencies for further advice.
Abhi asked, sir can we apply for visa before the completion of documents..i mean can we book dates for the interview in advance or something?if yes..how?
KEVIN WOODS answers, When you apply for a visa, you should have sorted out all of your documents before hand. The visa officer will look at these documents and consider if you meet the Immigration Rules, and you may not neccessarily be required to have an interview. If you are invited for an interview you will not be able to book it in advance.
purvvi bagariaa asked, I want to study in The UK and have selected the university where i wanna pursue higher studies also. I have to start with my visa process and would like know how should i go about the whole process and when should i start applying for one?
KEVIN WOODS answers, You should apply as soon as you are ready. Please examine our website http://www.britishcouncil.org for advice on documentation. You can also visit the British council either in person or through their own website which carries information on our prefered student agents and the education seminars that we will be attending.
Rosemary asked, My question - My course is officially slated to get over in one year.. ie. September 2008. However, the graduation ceremony is in December 2008. DO I apply for a one year or 2 year student visa?
KEVIN WOODS answers, If you are successful in applying for a visa, you will be given between 2 to 4 months after your courses finishes to do things like attend your graduation and tidy up your affairs in the UK or apply for a further visa in the UK (if you qualify).
Joseph asked, I got an offer for MSc in Electronics at Imperial college London. I can show a bank loan of 18500GBP and bank statement for 12000GBP(from my father's account) as my total tution fees and living costs.Is that enough to complete my financial statement when applying for visa? Is there currently any problem with the online visa applications due to VFS global service in India?
KEVIN WOODS answers, This depends on how much your course fees are. The online visa application is currently suspended. You may make your application by completing a VAF 1 form in manuscript. You will need to show the source of your funds and provide evidence of the bank loan.
justgovi asked, Hello , i did my UG(BSc) in IT with more than 90% and have three years of experience in IT industry, Will i get admission in Oxford for MSc Computer science if i apply?
KEVIN WOODS answers, It is impossible for me to determine as I am not part of the selection process or aware of the admission process. But I wish you well with your academic career.
Jithin asked, Greetings Sir.... Permit me to introduce myself as Jithin.... I got the offer from the London School of Economics.... I have a very specific question reg the proof of funds...... According to the Admit offer from LSE, the total amount required is 16,686 (Fee) + 13,000 pounds(Living Expense) = Rs.25,50,000 I would be getting a loan of $45,000 as US student loan for this purpose which is around Rs.18,00,000. Though I have now secured the entire amount required for my living expense and studies, My doubt is regarding the amount which I need to show for the purpose of the Visa application.
KEVIN WOODS answers, All you need to show us for the purposes of meeting the Immigration Rules is that you are able to cover the costs of your maintenance and accommodation. So if you have secured finances that meet these LSE estimates you should be ok
Rosemary asked, Thank you for your answer. I have another question which I would be grateful to have answered. As per the immigration rules, I read that any student who has a Masters degree from any univeristy in the UK is entitled to stay back for a year and look for a job. My question is, can i apply directly for a 2 year visa on account of this or do I apply for one year for now and then extend it after I complete my course?
KEVIN WOODS answers, Yes, that is correct. Students that successfully complete a MA course from a UK University can apply for the International Graduate Scheme (IGS). It allows students to stay on in the UK for one year and to work. You cannot apply for a student visa and a IGS visa at the same time, as IGS is dependant on successful completion of a qualifying course. What you would do would be to apply for your student visa, successfully complete your study and then apply for IGS, you can apply for IGS whilst you are in the UK.
Gargi asked, What questions are normally asked during an interview? If we take a loan for 15 lakhs and it covers both tuition and living expenses, will it be accepted?
KEVIN WOODS answers, We will ask questions about your application, about the reasons for your study, the benefits you wish to gain from the study, and about your circumstances. It is not always the case that an interview will be required. If you take a loan to pay for your costs you will have to provide evidence of the loan and the collateral used to obtain it.
prashant asked, Hi Kevin, this is Amit, I will be going for MS in IT from UWIC, Just wante to know the Job Prospect for an forign student after doing masters in UK? Will UK government easily allow forgin guys to work there? I know getting job in UK is easy but problem is with visa (work permit/HSMP). So whats the true picture?
KEVIN WOODS answers, There may be several options available to you, if you successfully complete this course - please refer to this website for more information: www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
khaleel asked, hi kevin.i am planing for MS in UK,if it is 3 years duration,will the consulate allows me to take that particular course of 3 year duration
KEVIN WOODS answers, we will issue visas for the full duration of the course providing the Immigration Rules are met.
123 asked, i am 31 year old . can i get student visa in this age for study in uk?
KEVIN WOODS answers, Age is no bar to study. You should provide full evidence of what you have been doing since your last period of study, the qualifications that you already hold and be able to explain your reasons for wishing to resume studies.
Gayathri asked, halo, mR.Kelvin..... how much of funds do we need to show..... ???
KEVIN WOODS answers, Depends on the cost of your course. You will need to show that you can pay for the course and support yourself for the duration.
suman asked, sir, If i got the admission in any UK University hw should proceed for VISA.
KEVIN WOODS answers, Please refer to https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa for more information about visas.
hema asked, hello i am Hema B Gandhi who completed graduation two years back.am pursuing my further studies in UK. as i'll heard that its difficult to get visa for it. i'll require your guidance. even i'd heard that sfter completion of studies you will not allowed to stay there. i am planing to do Acca and Mba please help me
KEVIN WOODS answers, I am not sure from your question whether you have commenced studying in the UK yet. I can assure you that it is not difficult to obtain visas to study in the UK providing the application is well prepared and you meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules. There are many educational establishments that offer ACCA in the UK and numerous opportunities for MBA programmes
sameera asked, what are the documents should i provide along with the visa application form. i got my offer from oxford brookes to do my msc in biotechnology full time course.
KEVIN WOODS answers, Everyone's circumstances are different so we do not prescribe what documents you should present - it is up to you. Further information on documentation can be found on our website www.ukinindia.com
Jithin asked, 1. Can this entire amount (27,000 pounds- Fee+Living expense) be shown as student loan (as the US student loan + Student loan from India) as part of the funding proof of the Visa application process? Will this suffice? 2. If not, Should I show more liquid funds for the same & How much amount should I show? 3. It would be very helpful, if you could please suggest if only relatives can stand as guarantors?
KEVIN WOODS answers, Yes the entire amount can be a student loan. We would need to establish what was used as security in order that we can be certain that the funds will be availed to finance the course. Anyone can be your sponsor. If they are related to you it is always helpful if you establish how they are related and in any event explain why they are financing your studies rather than yourself or your parents
GowthamiKankanalapalli asked, Hello sir,this is Gowthami I have been offered a place at University of Nottingham for UG. My course fee is 11,000 pounds per annum. My course is for 4 years. I have taken a loan for 2 years and can show funding for remaining 2 years. Will those documents be sufficient or do I need to show any documents of my parents? I need to go to UK in August so when do you advise me to apply my visa?
KEVIN WOODS answers, Hi Gowthami, you do need to show that you have enough funding for the whole course as well as your living expenses in the UK. However, 4 years worth of funding is alot of money. If you can show how you will meet the funding for the other two years of the course, then that should be sufficient. You can apply for a student visa 3 months in advance of the start date.
Hash asked, hi Kevin. this is harsha from chennai. i will be going to pursue a 1yr MBA at Lancaster. I believe thr is an MBA provision in the HSMP procedure. Is that list of universities due to be revied anytime this year?
KEVIN WOODS answers, Not that I'm aware of at the moment. You can obtain an updated list from www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
krishna asked, good day sir, i wanted to ask you if a visa is denied what is the waiting period before applying for it again and what are the grounds on which it can be rejected, what are the documents you'll require, what is the waiting time for a student visa?
KEVIN WOODS answers, If your visa is rejected we will give you a written notice explaining exactly why we consider that you do not meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules. My advice would be to study that notice and if necessary take expert advice on how you can overcome the concerns of the visa officer. You can then either submit an appeal against the decision or a fresh application. There is no time limit for the fresh application and it can be done the following day if you wanted to. For the appeal the time limit is 28 days
MM asked, I have to visit UK for my MSc programme(1 yr) from LSE.What are chances of getting a HSMP visa after the completion of the course?
KEVIN WOODS answers, HSMP applications are considered on a points basis. You can obtain more points if you can show earnings as well. Check www.workingintheuk.org for information on HSMP.
tim asked, how to get scholrships in any university
KEVIN WOODS answers, please visit the British council website- www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships
Gargi asked, Thank you for the reply but would taking a loan of 14 lakhs adversely affect my chances of getting a visa?
KEVIN WOODS answers, no it would not
reject asked, hi keven my question is simply abt visas. i have a toyrist visa rejection from uk and student from germany and i am confident if i apply for uk i will get rejected again what do u say
KEVIN WOODS answers, You will have been given an explanation as to why your visa was refused. If you decide to reapply you should address those concerns and provide as much information about your circumstances as possible.
Abhi asked, sir my total fees come to about 16 lakhs..out of this i hv gt a oan of 13.5 lakhs sanctioned.i would like to know what amout exactly wud be required by me to show n my ca statement in liquid assets??
KEVIN WOODS answers, Please see my responses to earlier questions. The total amount that you are required to show is your tuition fees, maintenance and accommodation. If the total is 16 Lakh you need to show us that you have the majority of these funds available at the time of the application and evidence your ability to meet the remainder of the costs without working.
Tomorrow -- Part II
Kevin Woods is the Head of the Visa department at the British Deputy High Commission in Chennai.
MORE ON STUDY ABROAD:
~ Are you a student who is studying/ has studied abroad? What advice would you have for other students who may soon be pursuing studies in a foreign country? What are your experience as an international student? What were the things you wished you knew before you left home? Write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in and we will feature your experiences right here.
