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Following are the frequently asked questions which we would find them useful for those who are planning to go study in the UK.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

How much money do I need to study in the UK?

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS & STUDY OPTIONS

Do I need to take an English test?
Can I go and study in the UK after my matriculation?
I have not finished my degree in Burma.  Can I still apply for a degree course in the UK?
I am a graduate from Yangon University.  My first degree is B.A/B.Sc and I am interested in pursuing a degree course in the UK.  Will my qualification be recognised in the UK and can I get any sort of exemptions?
What is AS-level?
What are the required A-level subjects to study medicine in the UK?
Are foundation degrees similar to foundation courses?
If I follow certain type of access or foundation course, will I be guaranteed to get an acceptance on a degree programme?
How do I choose the right foundation programme to do a degree in the UK?  Are all the foundation programmes recognised by all UK universities?
Where can I find the list of institutions offering foundation courses?
What is a sandwich course?
How long does it take to complete an undergraduate (Honours) degree course in the UK?
Can I study a different subject at postgraduate level, from the one I studied at my undergraduate level?
If I don't have an honours degree, can I still apply for a postgraduate programme in the UK?
Can I study for a MBA without relevant work experience?

APPLICATION

How do I apply for a place on a course at an institution in the UK?
Where can I get UCAS application forms? And how do I send the completed form to UCAS?
How much do you charge if you send the completed form to UCAS on my behalf?
When is the best time to apply for a Postgraduate taught Masters programme?
Where can I obtain an application form?

QUALITY ISSUES

How do I choose a college or a university?
How can I check whether the English Course I registered is accredited?
How can I find out whether my Further Education College I registered is accredited?
How do I know if the Higher Education College or University I registered is accredited?
How can I find out the ranking of a particular institution in the UK?

VISAS

Do I need a visa to study in the UK?
How do I know that my chosen institution is registered on the Department for Education and Skills, Register of Education and training Providers?
What is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)?

WORKING IN THE UK

Can I work while studying in the UK?
Can I work in the UK after my studies?

UK FACTFILE

Where can I find out the information on the weather condition in the UK?
Where can I get some guidance on getting around in the UK?

STUDENT LIFE

Will I be entitled to free National Health Service Treatment?
How do I apply for the International Students Identity Card (ISIC)?

SCHOLARSHIPS & SOURCES OF FUNDING

Does British Council offers scholarships for full time studies in the UK?

EDUCATION SERVICES

Do you accept walk-in enquiries?  Or do I need to make an appointment prior to my visit?
What kind of assistance Education staff can give to UK bound students?

FINANCIAL MATTERS

How much money do I need to study in the UK?

International students from outside the EU (European Union) pay international student fees given below:

Career-based and Pre-university courses

AS and A-levels and other equivalents £4,000 - £8,000 per year
HNC/HNDs £5,000 - £10,000 per year
Foundation Degrees (FdA, FdSc) £7,000 - £12,000 per year
Foundation Courses £4,000 - £12,000 per year

Degree courses (BA, BSc)

Arts courses £7,000 - £9,000 per year
Science courses £7,500 – £12,000 per year
Clinical courses £10,000 - £21,000 per year

Postgraduate courses (MA, MSc, PG Cert, PG Dip, PhD)

Arts and humanities courses £7,000-£9,000 per year
Science courses £7,500-£12,000 per year
Clinical courses £10,000-£21,000 per year
MBA £4,000 to more than £30,000 per year

English Language courses

Fees vary greatly but, expect to pay anything from £200 to over £1,000, depending on the nature of the course you choose.  You can find out what your course will cost by checking on your course providers’ site.
(Source: www.educationuk.org/burma website)

COST OF LIVING

As a rough guide, for a nine-month academic year, you should allow (on average):

•£7,500 if you will be living in London (or £800 per month)
•£5,500 if you will be living elsewhere in the UK (or £600 per month).

These figures are based on Pre-departure Briefing Pack (2006-07), including the cost of accommodation, heating, lighting, food, clothing, insurance, books and daily travel for one person for a year.  Living costs for career-based and access or foundation courses tend to be lower than these average figures. Back to top

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS & STUDY OPTIONS

Do I need to take an English test?

For all courses it is essential to have a good command of written and spoken English. Universities and colleges normally require a pass at grade C6 or above in GCE 'O' level English. Alternatively they will usually accept a good score (5.5 to 7.00) in the IELTS test administered by the British Council. Back to top

Can I go and study in the UK after my matriculation?

This is possible but not encouraged. Overseas students whose first language is not English and who are not used to the British Education system should not attempt this. Students should at least pass their GCE 'O' level if they intend to go for further education in the UK. Back to top

I have not finished my degree in Burma. Can I still apply for a degree course in the UK?

It is possible. But when you apply to universities, we suggest you make sure that you provide as much information as you can about your academic qualifications (Transcript or Grading) if relevant, enclosing detailed syllabuses to enable them to make a judgement.

Each university determines its own policy in the light of their admission standards and the compatibility of the content of your academic achievements with the content of their degree programmes. Therefore, where there is greater compatibility, there is a better chance of being accepted.

If you are unsure about the status of your qualification, please visit NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) to find out the compatibility of your qualification with that from the UK. Back to top

I am a graduate from Yangon University.  My first degree is BA/BSc and I am interested in pursuing a degree course in the UK.  Will my qualification be recognised in the UK and can I get any sort of exemptions?

A degree is an acceptable qualification for entry to many UK degree courses in a similar subject. Any decision to offer you a place will be taken on an individual basis. It depends on your O-level grades, your A-level results (if any) and your degree grades.
Special attention will be paid to the grades in your proposed degree subject and for engineering and computing to your maths and science grades.
Please also note that your working experience since graduating and your academic reference may also influence the decision. Back to top

What is AS-level?

AS- level is a UK qualification.  It is in-between an O and an A-level and it is not AO-level.
A-level courses usually last two years.  In the first year of study, a student is able to take up to four, or five subjects at Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level; receiving a qualification for each subject they pass.  In the second year of study, the student can continue to study three of those subjects in greater depth and if they successfully complete the course, the AS-level will contribute to the final A-level pass for that subject.  The second year unit cannot alone result in a qualification.
AS-level is half an A-level. Back to top

What are the required A-level subjects to study medicine in the UK?

In most cases, three GCE A-levels are the normal entry requirement by the UK medical schools. Chemistry is essential, some medical schools will accept only two science A-levels with the third being another academic subject.  Candidates are strongly advised to consult the medical schools they are considering. Back to top

Are foundation degrees similar to foundation courses?  

No.  A foundation course is also known as a bridging course or access course which is equivalent to ‘Year zero’ of a degree programme. It prepares students for entry into an undergraduate degree.
Foundation degrees, on the other hand, are two-year career-related higher education courses, offered by a college validated by a university.  Successful students are able to cite the letters FDA or FDSc after their name, depending on whether their foundation degree is in an arts or science subject.  It is not equivalent to a full degree, but students can undertake a further one-year full-time study and obtain a full honours degree.  You may need to take a foundation course before progressing to a foundation degree.  Back to top

If I follow certain type of access or foundation course, will I be guaranteed to get an acceptance on a degree programme?

No. Students will always need to meet the universities' entrance requirements, whether it is access/foundation course or a degree programme.  It is advisable that before choosing an access or foundation course, students should always obtain specific details as to whether it provides an established route into a particular university. Back to top

How do I choose the right foundation programme to do a degree in the UK?  Are all the foundation programmes recognised by all UK universities?

The acceptability of foundation programmes varies considerably, and students should check with their intended university before signing up for any particular foundation course. Back to top

Where can I find the list of institutions offering foundation courses?

You can do a search on educationuk to obtain a list of institutions offering foundation courses. Back to top

What is a sandwich course?

A sandwich course generally includes an additional year’s work experience in industry.  The industrial training periods in sandwich courses mean that you should be better able to relate theoretical concepts to industrial practice, and you will have a much better feel for the social and cultural aspects of working in industry.  Hopefully, you will also have proved that you can work productively in an industrial environment and you may have made some contacts which will be valuable when you are looking for a job.
There are two types of sandwich courses: ‘thick’ or ‘thin’. Thick sandwich courses have one or two industrial periods lasting about a year between the second and final years of the academic course; thin sandwich courses have shorter periods, often of about six months, spent alternatively in industry and university.  Thin sandwich courses can offer the advantage of greater integration of academic work and industrial training.  Back to top

How long does it take to complete an undergraduate (Honours) degree course in the UK?

Undergraduate (Hons) degrees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can take three years to complete. In Scotland, undergraduate honours degree takes four years to complete. Some undergraduate courses, however, may last up to six years (e.g Medicine). Back to top

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

Many students frequently select a different subject for their postgraduate degree.  For example, Law for undergraduate and Business Management for postgraduate, or Engineering for undergraduate and MSc/MA International Law for postgraduate.
However, some postgraduate degrees would require an undergraduate degree in the similar field as a prerequisite. For example, LLB at undergraduate in order to complete LLM at Masters. Consult the university concerned for the entry criteria.  Back to top

If I don't have an honours degree, can I still apply for a postgraduate programme in the UK?

Most institutions require you to have an honours degree. However, if you do not have an honours degree, the institutions may recommend you to do a postgraduate diploma (usually nine months) initially. Upon successful completion of the postgraduate diploma, you will then go on to the Masters programme. Back to top

Can I study for a MBA without relevant work experience?

Sometimes, yes, though normally relevant work experience will be required. This will depend on the MBA programme itself, and entry requirements vary from one institution to another.  Students should check directly with their chosen university for required prerequisite for MBA course. Back to top

APPLICATION

How do I apply for a place on a course at an institution in the UK?

For pre-degree course, students should apply directly to the institution which offers the course.
For undergraduate degree courses, applications to universities must be made through a central admissions system called the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS)
Postgraduate applications are made directly to the institutions. It is always advisable to check with the chosen university for date and method of application. Application for postgraduate courses does not take palce at specific dates for all courses. However, the autum term is still the most popular starting date and other courses often follow term dates, starting after Christmas.
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Where can I get UCAS application forms? And how do I send the completed form to UCAS?

UCAS application forms are free of charge and available at the Education UK Services, British Council. You can either submit the completed form to UCAS through your school or the British Council or self-submit directly to UCAS. Back to top

How much do you charge if you send the completed form to UCAS on my behalf?

We charge a fee of US$ 50, which includes £16 for UCAS application fee. Back to top

When is the best time to apply for a Postgraduate taught Masters programme?

Postgraduate taught Masters Programmes should ideally be made between October and March prior to the start of the academic year in September.  Programmes starting in January have an earlier cut-off date.  Please check with the individual institutions for deadlines.
Note: Institutions will accept late applications.  However, you are advised to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.  Back to top

Where can I obtain an application form?

Postgraduate / Master application forms can be obtained directly from the institutions.  Back to top

QUALITY ISSUES

How do I choose a college or a university?

There are various parameters that you need to keep in mind when choosing a college or a university.

Course contents Does it suit your requirements?
Faculty
Teaching methodology this is important particularly for the MBA
design related or practical courses
Facilities library, computers, recreation, social welfare
accommodation, etc.
International links
Location
Size and cost

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How can I check whether the English Course I registered is accredited?

Followings are the accreditation schemes available for English language providers:
Accreditation UK is internationally recognised accreditation scheme for English language Providers
English UK  includes members from private language schools and English language teaching centres in universities and colleges throughout the UK
British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes provides quality assurance of courses in English for Academic Purposes  Back to top

How can I find out whether my Further Education College I registered is accredited?

For state-funded further education colleges, quality assurance is under government control. You can find inspection reports for all UK further education colleges as follow:

• England: You can check out inspection reports from Ofsted.
• Wales: You can check inspection reports from Estyn.
• Scotland: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education for Scotland
• Northern Ireland: Inspection reports from Department of Education Northern Ireland

For private FE colleges, they may choose to be accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further & Higher Education or by the Council for Independent Further Education .  Back to top

How do I know if the Higher Education College or University I registered is accredited?

You can check out list of accredited HE education and their teaching quality assessment on the Quality Assurance Agency. You can find out about the quality of research projects, by visiting Research Assessment Exercise.  Back to top

How can I find out the ranking of a particular institution in the UK?

In Britain, there is no official ranking of colleges or universities. However, unofficial rankings of British universities and colleges are compiled by various publications.  They include

VISAS

Do I need a visa to study in the UK?

Burmese students need to apply for a visa to study in the UK. Visa application form VAF1 can also be downloaded from here. Enquiries on UK Visa issues should be sent directly to consular.Rangoon@fco.gov.uk..  
Alternatively, you can visit UK Visa Section, British Embassy (Consular Section), 80, Kanna Road, Kyauktada Township, Rangoon.  Back to top

How do I know that my chosen institution is registered on the Department for Children, Schools and Families, The Register of Education and Training Providers?

To get a visa to enter the UK as a student, your course must be provided by an institution or organisation listed on the DCSF - The Register of Education and Providers.  You can find this online.
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What is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)?

From 1 November 2007, all postgraduate students except nationals of European Economic Area (including Switzerland) seeking qualifications in science, technology or engineering based courses in the UK will need to obtain an ATAS Clearance Certificate prior to making a Student Entry Clearance.  Back to top

WORKING IN THE UK

Can I work while studying in the UK?

International students can work part-time during term time (up to a maximum 20 hours a week), and as many hours as they want during their vacations.  In most cases, however, they cannot rely on their earnings as a source of financial support.
Full details of the regulations; please refer to the UKCISA website.  Back to top

Can I work in the UK after my studies?

There are several schemes which will allow graduates to take on full-time employment in the UK depending on whether you meet the requirements for any of the schemes that the UK Government operates.
The schemes that are most significant for students who have finished their studies are:
International Graduate Scheme for those who have obtained a degree or postgraduate diploma or certificate on or after 1 May 2007, or a degree completed before this date from a list of qualifying courses
Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme for those who have studied and lived in Scotland
Work Permit Scheme for jobs where no one in the resident labour market can be recruited, and occupations where there is a shortage of qualified workers
For more details on work after your studies, please refer to Border and Immigration Agency site.
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UK FACTFILE

Where can I find out the information on the weather condition in the UK?

Please refer to the following websites:

www.bbc.co.uk/weather/
www.metoffice.gov.uk/
Back to top

Where can I get guidance on travelling in the UK?

Please visit the following websites

www.visitbritain.com
www.visitscotland.com
www.visitwales.com
www.discovernorthernireland.com
www.enjoyengland.com
Back to top

STUDENT LIFE

Will I be entitled to free National Health Service Treatment?

Under the current Regulations, anyone who goes to the UK to pursue a full-time course of more than six months’ duration will be fully entitled to free National Health Services hospital treatment in the UK.  This also applies to your spouse and children (under the age of 16, or 19 if they are in further education) if they are living permanently with you in the UK for the duration of your course.  Please note, however that you will have to pay the prescription or any dental treatment charges.
If your course of study is less than six months, you will be charged for any treatment you receive. It is therefore advisable to take up a private medical insurance to cover the cost of any treatment.  More information can be obtained from the Department of Health Website.  Back to top

How do I apply for the International Students Identity Card (ISIC)?

To apply for ISIC, you need to present a proof that you are currently studying full-time at a recognised institution.  This could either be your college or university student ID or a signed letter from your school on official stationary.  From then on, wherever you are in the world, all you need to prove that you are a student is your ISIC.  Back to top

SCHOLARSHIPS & SOURCES OF FUNDING

Does British Council offers scholarships for full time studies in the UK?

British Council (Rangoon) does not have its own scholarship schemes.  However, British Council has an online scholarship database where you can view a list of the scholarships, bursaries and awards currently available.
You may also want to visit our british council, funding-your-studies site, which could give you links to the information on the main Scholarship Schemes, offered by UK government, colleges and universities. Back to top

EDUCATION SERVICES

Do you accept walk-in enquiries? Or do I need to make an appointment prior to my visit?

Walk-in general enquiries are handled from Monday to Friday between 10.00 hrs – 13.00 hrs

For specific enquiries, however, please make an appointment with our Education staff either by phone or email prior to your visit.  Back to top

What kind of assistance Education staff can give to UK bound students?

Our staff can:

provide a comprehensive and unbiased information on various study options and UK institutions
give you guidance on UCAS application process
give you an on-line view of education qualifications by on www.educationuk.org
Organise pre-departure briefings for students who have already been granted UK Student Visas.
provide verification of academic certificates and transcripts for those who would like to register for UK programmes of study.

Please note that for pre-departure briefings, requests must be made at least 2 weeks ahead to give us time to make necessary arrangements.  Small amount of fees will be charged for this service.
Frequently asked questions are also available in electronic version and accessible by simply sending a request to: education.enquiries@mm.britishcouncil.org
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