International Students in The UK

There is an increasing rise in the popularity of international students in the UK, with thousands of budding students choosing to pursue their qualifications in one of the many highly respected UK universities. With its world-renowned universities, culturally diverse space, and highly academic staff, the UK is truly the epitome of academic success for international students in the UK.

International Students in UK Grow Over the Years

According to the year 2018 and 2019, statistics from the official Higher Education Statistics Agency have stated that there are currently 485,645 international students in the UK pursuing their degrees.

The Government has claimed that the number of students who were granted a Tier 4 visa in the year ending in September 2019, was 276,889. This proves that there has been a 16% increase from the year 2018, this was also the highest level of Tier 4 granted visas since the year 2011.

The total number of students enrolled in university or higher education institutions, as of 2018 to 2019, remains at 2,383,970. These statistics involve international students in the UK as well as students whose home country is the UK. This has shown a 2% increase from 2017 to the year 2018.

There are about 32% of first-year international students in the UK, which is the equivalent to a total of 86,485, these are in fact international students arriving from China.

Top Countries of Origin of International Students in the UK

Statistics have shown that the total number of international students in the UK is currently 485,645 as of 2018 and 2019.
A total sum of 342,620 students arrived in the UK to pursue and complete their degrees or qualifications from countries abroad (this excludes the European Union).
There are 143,025 students enrolled in UK universities that originate from the European Union.
Non-EU International Students that are part of the UK Statistics

The majority of international students coming from countries outside of the EU come from China. There are a total of 120,385 students enrolled in universities or higher education institutions in the UK. This means that a total of 35% of all non-EU students are from China, as stated in the 2018/2019 statistics.

India comes in second place among the top countries of origin of non-EU students in the UK, with a total of 26,685 students.

The US follows right behind these statistics of non-EU students in the UK, with a total of 20,120 students that are pursuing a qualification in the UK.

Hong Kong and Malaysia are fourth and fifth in the ranking when it comes to international students’ countries of origin. With the former sending a total of 16,135 students; while the latter is sending a total of 13,835 students.

Five other countries from outside the EU of origin that makeup part of the statistics of international students in the UK are;

Nigeria
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Canada
Thailand

EU International Students in the UK Official Statistics

The number of international students in the UK that are coming from EU countries, would be a total of 143,025. The majority of students come from Italy which is a total of 13,965.

After Italy, France is next in the rankings in pursuing a degree in the UK. As of 2018 to 2019 statistics, there are 13,675 students in the UK whose country of origin is France.

Germany and Spain are also among EU countries of international students in the UK, with a total of 13,475 students. The other countries sending the most students to the UK include; Greece, Romania, Ireland, Cyprus, Poland, and Bulgaria.

How to get a Permanent Residence in the UK

The UK is known as one of the best choices for pursuing education as it is a great mix of people from around the world. It is also very student-friendly and is amongst the leaders in a lot of subjects and prospective career sectors. The UK has a total of 12 universities ranked in the top 100 universities globally. England is infamous for Oxford and Cambridge, both are very well known internationally and are over 8 centuries old.

The UK is diverse and the main religions are Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism. The rich and ancient history and a modern democracy make the United Kingdom the right place for international students in the UK pursuing Higher Education. The UK welcomes these students wholeheartedly to study for their future and also be permanent residents in the country.

Everyone wants to know how to get PR (permanent residence) in the UK after completing their study. At Kampus Group we will simplify the steps of how to gain a PR in the UK…

Step 1: Secure an Admission to the UK University

To get a PR international student in the UK, the first step to take would be to will be to get admission to a verified Higher educational institution. Studying in the UK is the greatest move any new student could ever make because the UK is worldly empowered by their quality of higher education, facilities, and global connections to work. The decision to move from one country to another for higher education is undoubtedly a big move to make. We think that such a decision should be made only after some great deal of thought, that’s why at Kampus Group we will answer any queries that you have about studying in the UK.

Every year, 5000000+ International students come to the UK to pursue their studies. This is a very large number but there are many factors involved in moving to the UK which include; personal, social, and economic reasons for such a huge number of students who come as international students in the UK.

Step 2: Withhold a Student Visa for international student

This is an important step in getting a PR in the UK for international students. It is important to note that for your Tier 4 Student Visa, all the documents needed are put up on the UKVI website which usually includes; your passport, photos, the University Admit, and the UK address you will be staying at. You also need to get a medical certificate ruling you are tuberculosis-free. The visa application fee is the sum of £348 and there is a healthcare charge of £150 per year which proves that you are medically fit.

Once your identity has been confirmed, then they can decide whether or not to grant you a Tier-4 Visa which is the student Visa. For shorter courses that last for the duration of 6 months, there is the short-term study visa, which is valid for 6 months and can be extended to 11 months.

Step 3: Working While You’re Studying

There are many opportunities for students to find an internship. Students of the Tier-4 Visa can work for up to 20 hours per week and have the opportunity to work full time during summer and Christmas and can earn about £1200 to £1500 a month in the UK. An internship (that is paid for) will not only provide money but will also help to improve your resume as well as provide steps forward in your career. This is another important part of how to get a PR in the UK while being an international student.

Step 4: Getting Employed

The Post Study Work Visa (also known as PSW) in the UK allows international students to stay in the United Kingdom even after their graduation is over so that they can pursue work for at least 2 years. However, the new rules for the visa are going to affect all the international students who have started their studies in autumn 2020 and onwards. Upon completion of their graduation, if they withhold a PSW visa, they will be allowed to start any job they will find for the first two years of their visa. After 2 years, the goal will be to transition into a general work visa.

In the context of how to get PR in the UK, this is the most important part for international students. Apart from this, the UK has a Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 5 Visa that allows international students in the UK to set up a business, which is also known as the ‘graduate entrepreneur’ visa. All the biggest companies in the world have their offices spread across the United Kingdom. Upon completion of a degree, the UK welcomes international students to work within the UK. The visa requirement to work permanently in the UK is a Tier 2 Visa.

Over 7,000 international students switch from the Tier 4 Student Visa to a Tier 2 Work Visa every year. According to the rules currently, students have to wait until they get receive and complete their degree to apply for a Tier 2 visa.

Tier 5 is a work visa for the Tier 4 student visa holders that have to undergo professional training or work experience as part of their course or degree.

Step 5: Becoming a Permanent Resident in the UK

Becoming a permanent resident for international students in the UK is securing the Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa also known as ILR. After 5 years of completing their first graduate job, a person can apply for the ILR visa. A stable income works in the individual’s favor as well as a full-time job, good moral conduct with no criminal record will help in securing the ILR visa. The individual also has to pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and a recognized English Language test. The entire process of withholding the ILR visa can take up to 6 months.

From 1 July 2021, international students have the option to apply to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduating with the new Graduate Route visa.

What is the Graduate Route visa?

With the Graduate Route visa, students that are set to graduate in summer 2021 and onwards will be able to remain in the country for the duration of 2 years. This new rule applies to both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, regardless of your area of study. Applications for the Graduate Route visa are now open to apply online.

You don’t need to be sponsored by an employer to be eligible for the Graduate Route Visa so you don’t need to already have a job set in stone when you apply. There are also no restrictions on the kind of job or work you can do during the 2 years, as well as no minimum salary requirements. This is a chance to look for roles related to your degree or gain experience working in other areas.

The new route is also very flexible for students, you don’t need to be employed continuously in the same job as you were on the Graduate Route visa. So if you decide to take some time out, or change jobs in between, it won’t count against you or your visa.

The Graduate Route differs for Ph.D. students. You will be able to work in the UK for up to 3 years after completing your doctoral degree.

The visa is part of the government’s proposal to increase opportunities for international graduates in the UK and bring in 600,000 international students into the universities in the UK by the year 2030. This confirms the UK’s commitment to welcoming international students and creating future opportunities for them to boost their career prospects and level up with their education.

Permanent Residence in the UK

An international student having the status of a permanent resident (PR) can live and work in the UK permanently. After receiving this visa they will no longer have any immigration limitation on working or any business in the UK. Candidates can then proceed to stay in the UK with no time limits on their stay.

How to get a PR visa in the UK after study?

Many international students wanting to study in the UK wonder if it is possible to get a PR visa in the UK after studying…
Yes, it is possible if you meet the requirements of the UK government. Applying for a PR visa in the UK for international students is not as complicated as one may think. Here are the steps you need to undertake:

Get admission to a university in the UK
Get a student visa for the UK
Work during your studies in the UK
Get a job in the UK after graduation
Apply online for Permanent Residence in the UK

Step 1: Get admission to a University in the UK

To get PR in the UK your first step will be to get accepted into an accredited university in the UK. Different universities have different eligibility criteria and requirements in order to be accepted.

Check with their respective websites and apply further. Here are some of the top universities in the UK that accept this type of visa are;

University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
Imperial College London
UCL
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Manchester
King’s College London
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
University of Bristol
The University of Warwick

Step 2: Get a Student Visa in the UK

A Tier 4 student visa is the longest stay visa you can get and it will also help you to get a PR in the UK. It is important to note that you should apply for it at least 3 months before your course begins. The criteria for applying for a students visa as an international student in the UK are;

Withholding a valid passport
Withholding the Latest Passport size photographs
Withholding a place on a course in an accredited university in the UK
You should have evidence of enough money to support yourself during your time in the UK
You should be proficient in the English language
You should have evidence of consent from your parents if you are under the age of 18

Step 3: Work during your Studies in the UK for international student

International students studying in the UK are allowed to work on a part-time basis in UK. International students in the UK can find plenty of job prospects in UK. You are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during your study terms and full-time during term holidays. But there are a few rules and regulations you need to follow to work in the UK while studying as an international student.

Step 4: Getting Employed after studies in the UK

Securing a good job is a good option for staying in the UK after studying. After completion of a degree, the UK welcomes international students to work with open arms.

However, you have up to a year after your Tier 4 expires to receive a job offer from a company in the UK.

You can apply for a work permit after you finish your studies in the UK. International students have the advantage of a 2 years’ Post Student Work Visa also known as PSW.

To further add, permanent employment in the UK is only open for those that are tier 2 visa holders.

*UK Tier 2 visa

This is a work visa that allows the visa holder to work within the UK. International Students can apply for the Tier 2 visa once they finalise their study program. Once the students acquire their tier 2 visa, they can also apply for permanent employment within the UK region.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence in UK

If you have lived in the UK for 5 years on a Tier 1 and Tier 2 work permit, you can then apply for a permanent Residence. To become a permanent resident, you should get the ILR also known as the Indefinite leave to remain Visa.

To secure an ILR visa in the UK you must mainly fulfil the following 3 conditions below:

Withhold a full-time job
Maintain a good code of conduct
No criminal record
You need to successfully clear the test of Life in the UK along with a English Language proficiency test.

You are also required to collect all the relevant paperwork:

Payslips
Bank account statements
Council tax letters
Letter from employer on company headed paper

Applications for permanent residence in the UK can be made online and these usually require a;

Copy of the correct completed form
Your passport
Biometric information
The required supporting documents

Processing time for Permanent Residence in UK

With a PR the processing time is a maximum of 6 months for the application. Some applications may take a longer time to proceed although the majority of applications are processed within 6 months. If you decide to go with an in-person application, you will receive a decision on the day and will not have to wait for the duration of 6 months.

Processing fee for a permanent Residence in the UK

The cost of a permanent residence is £2389 for an individual application by post. You will need to pay more if you decide to move forward with an in-person application.

The UK PR for Indian and other international students is possible if you fulfil all the requirements we have stated.

What is for graduates in the UK?

The Post Study Work Visa also known as PSW allows international students to stay in the UK even after their graduation so that they may find work over there for at least 2 years.

The new rules for the visa are going to affect all the international students in the UK who are going to start their studies in autumn 2020 and onwards. After the completion of their graduation and when the individual gets granted a PSW visa, they will be allowed to work in any sector for the first two years. After the 2 years are up their goal will be transition into a general work visa. This is a great opportunity to start a residency in the UK and pursue their desired career.

Is it possible to get a Post Study Work Visa after graduation in the UK?

Yes, the new Post Study Work Visa (PSW) visa rules allow international students to work after their graduation in the UK.

The students who have enrolled from September 2020 at any accredited UK university will be able to stay after completing their graduation for two years to work in the UK. However, it has to be related to their course or degree.

The Eligibility Required for a PSW as an International Student in the UK

The international student who is a Tier 4 visa holder and has enrolled from September 2020 at an institution in the UK will be considered as eligible to stay after graduation. This is an extension of the rule changing which allows the Ph.D. holders to stay even after graduation in the UK to grow the STEM industry fields. This option will be available for all graduates from 2020.

In the past, the graduates and postgraduates were allowed to stay after the completion of their study for only the duration of four months. But the new rules for the visa are allowing the duration of 2 years for the new graduates.

Post Study Work Visa

When will the PSW rules be effective?

The students with Tier 4 Visa and who have enrolled for any course in 2020 and onwards will later have the benefits of new PSW conditions. So, if someone is thinking about applying to any course in the UK for September 2020 or onwards, these rules will be applied to the individual when they graduate.

Please keep updated with any kind of changes keep following the public announcements and conditions do change…

Are EU students required to have a post-study work visa to work in the UK?

After Brexit, it appears that the EU students also need to have the PSW visa to stay in the UK after finishing their studies.

EU students will be qualified for domestic fees such as international and home fees if the individual started a course in 2019 at any accredited UK university as long as they continue the course. But Brexit does create a negative impact as EU students have to stay with a PSW visa in the UK after their studies have finished.

What happens next when the validation of the PSW visa ends?

The Post Study Work Visa allows the graduate to find a job and stay in the UK for 2 years after they have graduated. When the 2 year period ends, then the PSW visa expires. If the individual is willing to live in the UK furthermore and wants to work, the individual will need to withhold a ‘General Work Visa’ or ‘Skilled Work Visa’. The job that the individual is going to continue in will need to meet the criteria for a Tier 2 visa.

We have put together some FAQ’s at Kampus Group

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How can I get a PR in the UK after a Student Visa?

To get a PR visa in the UK, one needs to demonstrate a stable income along with a full-time job. For a strong CV and to boost the individual’s employment prospects, the student should work while learning through various internships. Upon finishing their time at university they should get a full-time job. After working for 5 years, one can apply for the ILR Visa which grants them Permanent Resident status. They will also be required to pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test as well as an accredited English Language test.

Q. How many years does the UK give to international students in the UK?

When the announcement was made in March 2019, the Tier 4 Visa, which is also known as the Student Visa, will be extended till the duration of the course. In addition, an extra 6 months is granted after finishing the course for undergraduates and postgraduates and one year for doctorate students. Previously, the tenure was the course duration plus an additional 4 months. The short-term study visa is typically for shorter courses which are valid for 6 months and can be extended for 11 months.

Q. Can I stay in the UK after my studies?

Post-Brexit (March 2019), a statement was made that foreign undergraduate and master students were allowed to stay up to six months. Doctoral students are allowed to stay up to one year after completing their degree. After receiving their degree, they can apply for the Tier 2 visa which allows the individual to work permanently in the UK. It is valid for the duration of 5 years and 14 days. Post-completion of this time, one can apply for permanent residency in the country.

Q. What is the UK equivalent of a USA green card?

The UK equivalent of the Green Card is the Indefinite Leave to Remain, which allows the individual to attain the status of ‘permanent resident of the UK’.

Q. Who is eligible for permanent residence in the UK?

This is eligible for an individual who has worked for five years in the UK, they then can proceed for the ILR. A full-time job, stable income, and good moral conduct with zero criminal records will elevate the individual’s chances of getting an ILR visa. They also have to pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and an accredited English Language test.

Q. What is the difference between permanent residence and citizenship?

The definitions for permanent residence and citizenship vary according to the country. If you get British citizenship, you will get the full rights and benefits of other UK nationals. On the contrary, the definition of permanent residence differs from citizenship as the permanent residence has the advantage of traveling inside and out of the UK without any need of pursuing a visa every time they move around. They are granted permission of working and studying as a permanent resident.

Study in uk for international student in 2022-23 :: Students Guideline