Study in the UK FAQs - Study in the UK - Learning - British Council

	Frequently Asked Questions


	Study in the UK frequently asked questions

		I want to study in the UK. Where do I start looking?

	A good starting point will be www.educationuk.org. This site will give you general information about education in the UK and access to information on the range of courses available in the UK. You can search by institution name or by course type to find out who offers the course you are looking for.

		What are the course fees?

	Fees will depend on the type of course being considered.

		How do I find out about entrance requirements?

Information on specific entry requirements can be obtained by consulting the prospectuses or web sites of individual institutions.

English language requirements will vary depending on the type of institution and course of study, and institutions will specify exactly if a minimum level is required. The British Council is the centre for the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations in Bulgaria: CPE, CAE, FCE, IELTS, YL, PET, and the 3 levels of BEC: preliminary, vantage, higher.

		What scholarships are available?

Scholarships are usually sector specific, e.g. there are certain scholarships which are available only to postgraduate students.

The British Council has a comprehensive database that provides information about sources of funding for international students: www.britishcouncil.org/learning-funding-your-studies.htm.

		Can I find advice on schools locally?

Local education agents and representatives of UK institutions

In February 2003 the British Council held a training event for Bulgarian education agents. The aim of the workshop was to bring together professionals from Bulgarian tourist and education agencies for training and discussions related to the recruitment of students on English language and other courses in the UK.
We are hoping to develop our relations with educational agents further by supporting the formation of a professional association of Bulgarian agents in the near future.

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		How long must my child study in order to gain entrance to a British university?

	This will depend on the student’s current level. All students must meet university entrance requirements before they can be admitted and the average length of courses leading up to qualifications for university entrance are two years in duration.

		Are state schools open to international students?

	International students are eligible to attend a state school if their parents are resident in the UK on a valid visa.

		I’ve heard that it is hard to get accepted on a British undergraduate course. Is this true?

One of the main strengths of UK education is its reputation for quality. This clearly means that high standards are kept. However, another strength of the system is its diversity – there is a huge range of options available. Different institutions have different entrance requirements and these should be investigated. There is also a variety of routes into higher education, including access, foundation and bridging courses, which aim to ‘bridge’ the gap between the student’s current level and the institutions’ entrance requirements.

		If I have a qualification from a tertiary institution in my own country, into which year of a UK degree course will I be accepted?

	Practice varies and the same qualification may be accepted by different institutions for admission to different levels. Students should consult individual institutions for advice.

		Can I do an MBA with no relevant work experience?

	Sometimes, yes, though normally relevant work experience will be required. This will depend on the MBA programme itself and entrance requirements will vary.

		Can I study a different subject at postgraduate level from the one I studied for my undergraduate degree?

	Yes. Students frequently choose a different subject for their postgraduate degree.

		Do I need a visa to study in the UK?

	Bulgarian nationals do not need a visa to enter the UK as a student.