PTE inspiration and advice

You’ve always dreamed of studying in the UK. But what’s student life in the UK actually like?  

From living costs to class schedules, to accommodation options, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get from international students coming to study at UK universities. Check them out! 

What will my class schedule be like? 

University classes in the UK typically run between late September and June. At some universities, courses are divided between two semesters: fall (or autumn) and spring. But at others, courses are divided into three terms. In the last term students usually take exams.  

How many hours you’ll spend in class each week will depend on the course you’re studying. If you study something like English - which requires a lot of reading outside of class - you might only spend 10 hours in lectures and seminars each week. But if your course is more hands-on, you could be in class for several hours each day. You’ll also have several weeks off each year - usually around April or March (Easter), December and January (Christmas), and in July and August (summer).  

And what will classes look like this upcoming term as coronavirus restrictions ease? Well, the UK has allowed students to head back to campus starting in May. However, many universities say they’ll run hybrid classes (both online and in-person) this fall, so that’s something you should be prepared for.  

Check out our blog: Study tips for the UK 

What housing options will I have? 

Lots! As an international student in the UK you can choose to live in residence on-campus, or similarly, in student housing off-campus.  

These options are designed for students in mind. They usually feature study spaces, social rooms, as well as restaurants and cafeterias. Many people decide to live in student accommodation because it gives you a real taste of student life in the UK. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and socialize with other students from around the world. 

You might also decide to rent a room in a shared space with roommates. Alternatively, you can find your own private apartment, which can provide you with a bit more independence abroad.  

Check out our blog: How to choose international student accommodation in the UK.

What will my living costs be? 

Living costs in the UK can vary depending on where you’re located. For example, university life in London will be more expensive than in smaller cities like Leicester or Nottingham. But a survey conducted by Save the Student found that students across the UK spend an average of £795 each month. Expenses include things like rent (£418), groceries (£100), going out (£46) and getting around (£46).  

Can I work? 

Many students who move overseas want to work while studying. And in the UK, lots of international students can. If your course is at a degree level and you’re studying full-time, you should be able to work for 20 hours each week during the semester. If you’re studying below a degree level full-time, you should be able to work 10 hours per week. The rules surrounding exactly how many hours you can work will be clearly stated when your student visa is approved. 

Learn more about the minimum and living wage in the UK.    

What can students in the UK do for fun? 

With its multicultural cities, charming towns and breathtaking rolling landscapes, the UK is an incredible place for international students to explore. Why not hop on the train to visit some centuries old castles? Or spend an afternoon alone exploring a renowned museum? Wherever you are in the UK, there’s no shortage of activities to take part in between classes - all of which can help you experience the different cultures across the UK. 

If you’re looking for something unique to do, design my night is a good website to check out. It lists events across more than a dozen UK cities. It includes activities like quiz nights, escape rooms, pop-up cinemas, afternoon tea, and more. There’s also Sofar, which plans intimate, pop-up gigs in secret locations around London – and work to follow COVID-19 regulations.  

Lots of restaurants, museums, and stores also boast generous student discounts. You can take a look through them on Save The Student’s student discount directory.  

Now, what does the PTE team like to do in London? Here’s what they recommend: 

“I've really enjoyed cycling on all of the bike routes in London during lockdown! There are so many cycle highways that it's easy to see the whole city on bicycle," said Richelle Zakrzewski, who’s the Digital Marketing Manager at PTE Academic.  

“I've been making the most of the great British countryside and going hiking at the weekends in small group," said Melanie Drake, our global training and resources manager. 

“I've become a member of the National Trust and have enjoyed visiting the UK's historic houses and gardens. My favorites include Chartwell - Winston Churchill's house growing up - and Osterley House - a Georgian country estate in West London. I also went to a socially-distanced concert and really enjoyed it! I saw a band called Squid play outside in London's docklands, at sunset, with Canary Wharf and the Emirates Cable Cars in the background. It was a really nice way to see live music, and we felt very safe with mask wearing, social-distancing and table-service in place,” said Gemma Considine, who is the director of English Assessment Marketing at PTE Academic.  

"With less people in town, I’ve been enjoying taking photos of iconic landscapes that would normally be very crowded,” said Erica Da Rocha, our Global Marketing Manager.  

Are there support services for international students? 

Yes. International student life in the UK can be full of great moments - but it can also be challenging at times. Your university will have a team to support international students, who should give accessible information on university matters. These teams help foster a community for international students and provide general support for every international student on campus.  

You will also be able to get academic, well-being, and community support through your university. This might include language support, study skills programs, employment and housing services, academic accommodation, and financial support.  

Student Minds, a UK charity which focuses on student mental health, also has a great resource for university students. It addresses a number of issues that might come up such as questions about identity, excelling in courses, and developing positive mental health.  

How should I plan for life after graduation?  

There are new visa changes in the UK - and they make them much easier for students to plan for after graduation. The UK’s new post-study work visa - called the Graduate Route - opened on July 1st. It lets bachelor’s and master’s students stay in the UK to work (or job search) for two years after completing their studies.  

Doctorate students will be allowed to stay for three years. So, graduates are now able to take time to grow their careers in the UK - and make long-term plans to stay if they choose.  

Looking to study in the UK?

PTE Academic can help you begin your adventure. Our computer-based test is accepted by 99% of universities across the UK as proof of English language proficiency and it’s also accepted by the UK government for immigration purposes. Learn more today!

The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. And, being awarded a scholarship to study in the UK can give you access to a top-level education at a more affordable price.  

So, how do you apply? UK university scholarships are offered by both the UK government and individual universities – and are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students alike. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the top scholarships for international students in the UK:  

Undergraduate scholarships in the UK

Are you interested in studying medicine in the UK?  You’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll learn about some of the best medical schools in the UK and what you need to apply. We’ll also explore tuition costs, visa requirements, and more. Ready? Let’s take a look:  

Why study medicine in the UK 

Medicine can be a competitive degree. But, studying it in the UK can prepare you to work and practice in one of the best healthcare systems in the world. According to a 2017 study by The Commonwealth Fund, the UK and its healthcare system ranked number one in overall performance, compared to 10 other high-income countries – including in things like care process and equity. The UK’s health service, called the NHS, is publicly funded.  

The UK also boasts world-class Research and Development (R&D), which the government actively invests in. For example, the UK hopes to raise funding for R&D to £22 billion a year by 2025. This means studying medicine in the UK can provide you with the opportunity to learn at state-of-the-art facilities, as well as help give you more access to research support and funding.   

Best medical schools in the UK  

The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world. In fact, according to the QS World University Rankins 2021, the UK boasts four of the top 10 best universities to study medicine worldwide – including University of Oxford (2), University of Cambridge (4), University College London (9) and Imperial College London (10).

There’s also University of Glasgow, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, and University of St Andrews in Scotland, as well as Queen Mary University of London in England, and Swansea University in Wales. All of these are listed within the top universities for medicine in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2021 rankings.

Of course, the best university for study will come down to one very important aspect: you. Be sure to do your research on each university, try to speak to current students, and discover what career options the choice will give you in the future. 

Types of medicine degrees 

Medicine degrees in the UK can take between 4-6 years to complete. Students applying to study medicine in the UK have four types of courses to choose from:  

• Standard Entry Medicine– a bachelor’s degree in medicine 

• Graduate Entry Medicine – a graduate degree in medicine

• Medicine with a Preliminary Year – a bachelor’s degree in medicine that includes an extra first year, for students who didn’t take the necessary science courses in school

• Medicine with a Gateway Year– similar to the course above, this is made for students who’ve had barriers to education and offers different entry requirements 

No matter which degree you choose, you’ll have to sit an admissions test. There are three different admissions tests in the UK, and which ones you take will depend on what institution you apply for. The tests are:   

• The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) 

• The BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test)

• The GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) 

In addition to these tests, you’ll need to look at the admission requirements for each medical school you intend to apply for. These might include mandatory school courses, personal statements, or an interview to talk about work experience.  

The Medical Schools Council of the UK has an excellent in-depth guide to entry requirements for dozens of universities across the UK, as well as more information on the courses and tests we list above. You can also learn more on their website. 

Visas 

If you’re coming to the UK to study medicine, you’ll need a Student visa. To apply, you’ll need to be offered a spot at a university, have sufficient funds to support yourself, and prove you’re proficient in English. And, our computer-based English language test at PTE Academic is approved by the UK Home Office for all Student visas. You’ll have to demonstrate you’re at a B2 level or higher, depending on your university. 

After graduating, you might be able to apply for the Graduate route to stay in the UK to work (or look for work) for 2-3 years, depending on your degree.

Keep in mind: We aren’t immigration agents. For the latest information and official updates, please visit the GOV UK website. 

Costs 

Studying medicine in the UK for international students can be expensive. According to Save the Student, medical degrees in the UK can cost up to £64,652 per year – which is a lot more expensive than other degrees. On average, students spend about £795 on living costs each month in the UK. However, the average salary for nurses in the UK is over £35,000 per year. Doctors who are general practitioners can make between £60,455 to £91,228 per year.  

Learn more on our blog: Living expenses in the UK for international students 

Studying medicine in the UK can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to learn at a world-class university, and perhaps even contribute to cutting-edge research. On top of this, you’ll get to explore the UK’s beautiful landscapes, history, culture – and immerse yourself in all the great things it has to offer.  

Learn more about PTE Academic UKVI, our English test recognized by the UK’s Home Office.

Are you interested in working as a nurse overseas? With the right qualifications, your passion for nursing could help you begin a new chapter in Australia, the US, or the UK.

In this guide, we’ll learn about what you’ll need to do to work as a registered nurse in each country, as well as what employment opportunities waiting for you abroad. Let’s explore:  

Nursing in Australia: requirements 

The UK has long drawn people from around the world to live, work and study. It boasts an excellent healthcare system and impressive universities. Its countryside and cities are dotted with historic buildings and castles. Another big plus? The UK is incredibly diverse.  According to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, about 14% of the UK’s population was born abroad, and 35% of immigrants live in London. And, many of the UK’s migrants come to work. In fact, in 2019 48% of EU residents moved to the UK to work, while 21% of non-EU residents did.

So what kind of jobs are there in the UK for international applicants? The UK has a skills shortage for a long list of occupations, and professionals who can fill them will have an easier time applying for a UK work visa under the new points-based immigration system.

In this blog, we’ll explore what top professions can help give you an advantage when applying for a UK work visa, and insight on how to get a job in the UK.

The top jobs in the UK for international applicants 

The UK has two shortage occupation lists. One outlines occupations in healthcare and education that need more personnel. The other list features occupation shortages from a range of different fields – including the arts, science, and IT.

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you need to reach 70 immigration points. And working in a job on the Shortage Occupation List counts for 20 points – which can provide you with a big advantage. We’ll expand on a few top jobs on the list:

1. Nurses

The UK has faced a nurse shortage for a long time. Right now, England needs to fill more than 36,000 positions, making it an excellent place to look for work if you’re a nurse wanting to move abroad. Already, about 15% of nurses in the UK are trained overseas.

However, nurses and other healthcare professionals were added to the Shortage Occupation List just this March. “Every year we welcome healthcare workers from across the world to our United Kingdom, with many having played a key role on the frontline of the NHS during the recent pandemic,” said the UK Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, Kevin Foster, in a statement.

The move, he said, will help ensure international healthcare professionals get the immigration status they deserve.

Learn more about how to register as a nurse in the UK.

2. Pharmacists

Pharmacists were also added to the UK’s Shortage Occupation List in 2021. While not as in short supply as nurses, there’s a pharmacist vacancy rate of about 8% in hospitals. Again, this means there could be of opportunity for internationally-trained pharmacists to find a job in the UK.

To work as a pharmacist in the UK, you need to register with a regulatory body called the General Pharmaceutical Council, which you can learn more about on the NHS website. (The NHS is the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system).

3. Engineers

There are also plenty of engineering jobs on the shortage occupation list. From civil engineers to mechanical engineers, to electrical engineers and everyone in-between engineers from around the world are in high demand in the UK.

Depending on the field of engineering you work in, you’ll have to make 80% of the going rate for the job to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.  That’s between about £26,160 and £29,600 per year.

4. Secondary education teachers

Secondary education teachers who teach math, physics, modern foreign languages, and computer science are some other jobs on the list. If you’re a trained teacher outside the UK, you can work without getting Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for four years. But after that, you’ll have to become a qualified teacher in the UK.

You can learn more about teacher salaries on the UK Department of Education website. To qualify for a visa, you’ll have to earn at least £20,480 (or more depending on where you’re located).

5. Graphic designers

Are you a graphic designer? Well, you’re in luck. Graphic designers are also a sought-after profession in the UK. It’s common for graphic designers to work on a freelance basis. But keep in mind: to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you’ll need to get a job sponsorship in the UK from an employer.

You’ll also have to earn 80% or more of the going rate for graphic designers in the UK. This is about £18,800 per year.

How to get a UK work visa

A Skilled Worker visa lets you work in the UK with an employer who is approved by the Home Office, which is a UK government department. As we mentioned above, you’ll have to reach 70 immigration points to be eligible. Having a job offer from an employer, professional skills, and English proficiency all contribute to your points.

Depending on your situation, you may decide to apply for another type of visa or immigration route, such as the EU Settlement Scheme or UK Graduate visa. There is also a Health and Care Worker visa, which enables healthcare professions to work with the NHS.

How to find a job in the UK

So, how can you find an employer in the UK to sponsor you? There are lots of job boards that are related to specific professions. For example, the UK’s Department of Education offers a website to search for teaching vacancies by location. There’s also Nurses.co.uk, which features thousands of nursing jobs. More generally, websites like Reed and Jobsite are also good places to look for employment in the UK.

All in all, the UK is an excellent place to call home. And better yet, there’s plenty of job opportunities to help you thrive.

Our Secure English Language test, PTE Academic UKVI, is accepted by the UK’s Home Office for all UK visas to test your four language skills – including the Skilled Worker visa.

Learn more about the PTE UKVI test today.

Students around the world have long been drawn to study in the UK. And, it’s for a good reason. The UK is known for its world-class education, diversity, and bustling student cities – making it a great place to study abroad. 

In recent years, the UK has also announced more incentives to attract international students – such as visa changes and friendlier immigration policies. Overall, it hopes to recruit 600,000 international students per year by 2030. In 2019/2020, international university students made up 22% of the student population! 

So, why should you consider studying in the UK? In this article, we’ll explore 7 benefits and how studying at a UK university can help prepare you for the future.

1. The UK is home to top universities 

UK universities are among the most respected in the world. In fact, according to QS World University Rankings 2021, eight UK universities are ranked among the top 50 universities globally. They are: 

• University of Oxford

• University of Cambridge

• Imperial College London

• University College London

• University of Edinburgh

• University of Manchester

• King’s College London

• London School of Economics and Political Science

Universities in the UK are well-known for their R&D capabilities, medicine, and arts and humanities courses – and there are more than 100 universities to choose from. To see which universities in the UK excel in your specific area of study, QS World University Rankings also breaks down universities by subject.  

2. It’s incredibly diverse 

Fourteen percent of the population in the UK was born abroad, about 9.5 million people. This means international students who move overseas to the UK could have the opportunity to learn about numerous different cultures and make friends with people from around the world. This is especially true if you’re moving to London, where 35% of the population was born outside the UK. Even more, you’ll also likely be able to stay closely connected with your own culture, through attending community events or visiting restaurants that serve food from home – things that can help with homesickness and culture shock.

3. There is support for overseas students 

There is plenty of support for international students in the UK. This might be online, through your university, or through the local government. For example, each university has an office set up to address international students’ needs, and answer questions about tuition, housing, and academic support, etc. You can also be in touch with this office before you apply to a university.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs, which is an advisory body for international students, boasts lots of great information on their website for international students, as well – including resources on mental health support, housing, working, and immigration. They also have a hotline you can call with questions. Learn more here.  

You might be interested in our articles: scholarships for international students in the UK and UK loans for international students. 

4. Studying in the UK will improve your English skills 

What better place to practice your English than England, where the language originated from? By studying in the UK, you’ll get the chance to hear numerous different British accents – including English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh, all of which might sound distinct in different regions.  

Since the UK is so diverse, you’ll also be exposed to different English accents from around the globe, giving you a real-world listening experience you might not get at home.

5. There are job opportunities after graduation 

This March, the government announced they’d soon open up applications for the Graduate route – a move that’s set to attract even more students to study in the UK. Starting in July, international bachelor’s and master’s students will be able to apply to stay for 2 more years after graduation, while international doctorate students can stay for 3 years. This makes it easier for new professionals to settle and begin their careers in the UK. 

There are also lots of career opportunities, especially if you work in a job on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List. In the UK, there is a shortage of nurses, pharmacists, teachers, engineers – and more – and the government actively recruits professionals for these positions from abroad.  

Learn more:  The great UK skills shortage – 5 occupations that can help you move abroad 

6. It’s a great place to live

So, what’s it like to live in the UK? According to the OECD Better Life Index, pretty good. People in the UK ranked their general satisfaction with life a 6.8 out of 10 (which is higher than the OECD average). The UK also ranks above average in things like jobs, education and skills, and social connections – all things that may be important to international students.

7. Finally, you’ll have a lot of fun 

From London to Glasgow, to Manchester, to Nottingham, the UK is home to a whole range of great student cities for international students to explore.

You might want to enjoy the UK’s pub culture through university student nights or visit your new city’s world-class art galleries and museums. You’ll get the chance to tour centuries-old castles, and explore landscapes, cliff sides, and picturesque towns. Most of all, you’ll get to meet friends from around the world – and with them, enjoy all the UK has to offer. 

PTE Academic can help you get started on your journey to the UK. Our English language test is accepted by 99% of UK universities as proof of English proficiency. 

Learn more about the PTE Academic test, and how you can start preparing today.

International students in the UK now have the option to stay longer after graduation. 

Back in March, the UK’s Home Office announced the Graduate route. This will let students continue living in the UK for two to three years after finishing their studies. It’s a big deal, giving students the opportunity to begin their careers, as well as set long-term goals for themselves abroad.

“As we rebuild from the global pandemic we want the world’s brightest talent, who aspire to a career at the highest levels of business, science, the arts and technology to see our United Kingdom as the natural place to fulfill their aspirations,” said Minister for Future Border and Immigration Kevin Foster in a statement.

In this article, we’ll take a look at everything graduates and prospective students need to know about the new UK visa.

The Graduate route: how will it work?

The UK hopes to welcome 600,000 international higher education students per year by 2030. The Graduate Route contributes to this plan. It is designed to attract students to study in countries throughout the UK. In fact, since the route was announced back in 2019, enrolments from students outside the EU hit a new high – increasing 17% year-over-year.

So, how will the new UK visa work? International students who’ve completed an undergraduate degree (or above) should be able to apply. With the route, bachelor’s and master’s students will be able to stay in the UK to work or look for work for two years after graduation. Doctorate students will be able to stay for three years.

The new Graduate route within the UK immigration system is meant to be flexible. That means you won’t need a job offer to apply. There’s no salary limit and you can change jobs whenever you want. However, if you find a job you like, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK.

It’s important to keep in mind that the Graduate route doesn’t count for settlement. So if you want to stay in the UK permanently, you may consider applying for a work visa which does count toward settlement sooner.

Who is eligible?

If you’ve finished your undergraduate, master, or doctorate degree and have a valid student visa when you apply, you are likely to be eligible for the Graduate route.

People studying remotely outside the UK during the pandemic are also eligible, at least for a time:

• If you began university in fall 2020, you’ll have until June 21st of this year to enter the UK on your Student visa. Do so and you will be eligible for the Graduate route later on.

•  If you started in winter 2021, you’ll have until September 27th.

How can you apply?

The cost to apply to the Graduate route is £700 for both two and three-year Graduate route applications. On top of this, there will be an extra Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 each year. This gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service on generally the same basis as a UK permanent resident.     To discover more about the visa application process and the UK visa requirements, be sure to check the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Other visa options

The Graduate route is welcome news for international students in the UK. However, it’s not the only option when it comes to UK work visas. For example, after graduating you might also be able to apply for a:

Start-up or innovator visa

If you have an innovative business idea and plan, you might be eligible for a Start-up visa. This lets you stay in the UK for up to two years. To apply, you need to be endorsed by either a UK university or a business organization. There’s also the UK Innovator visa, which lets you stay in the UK for three years.

Global Talent visa

The Global Talent visa is made for people who are leaders (or potential leaders) in digital technology, arts and culture, and academia.

Getting this type of visa isn’t easy. You need to apply for an endorsement through the Home Office, which experts in your industry will review. If you get granted the visa, you’ll be able to stay in the UK for up to five years. You will only be required to renew your visa each time you want to stay longer.

Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa lets you stay in the UK for up to five years to work for a UK employer. To apply, an employer needs to sponsor you. Your job will also need to be eligible for the visa.

That said, there is a long list of occupations in the UK that need filling including nurses, teachers and engineers so if you work in these jobs, you’ll have a big advantage when applying.

Learn more on our blog, “The great UK skills shortage:5 occupations that can help you move abroad”.

Why stay to work in the UK?

There’s no doubt that having a UK degree is valuable. But getting UK work experience afterwards? That’s priceless.

The UK is also an excellent place to settle. According to the OECD Better Life Index, the UK ranks above average in important areas like health status, civic engagement, jobs and earnings, education and skills, and environmental quality.

Not to mention, people who work 5 days a week get lots of holiday time – 5.6 weeks a year!

If you want to move to the UK to study and work, PTE Academic can help you get there. Our computer-based, unbiased English language proficiency test at PTE Academic is approved by the UK Home Office for all visas including student and post-study work visas.

Learn more about PTE Academic UKVI.

The UK is an excellent place to study. It is home to a long list of renowned universities, many of which are often ranked among the top universities in the world. Recently the UK government has shown it is committed to attracting more foreign students – and making it simpler for innovative professionals from abroad to call the UK home.  

In July 2020, the UK published a Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap, which listed a number of exciting new policies and changes to support international students. 

In this article we’ll learn more about:  

• The UK’s new “Office for Talent” was created to make the immigration process smoother for skilled students 

• New visa extensions for international students after graduation 

• What this means post-Brexit

What is the Office for Talent? 

The UK’s new Office for Talent has been set up to make it easier for international scientists, researchers, and innovators to work and live in the UK. The team works from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office at 10 Downing Street. In the UK, the headquarters is often simply referred to as “Number 10.”  

According to the government announcement, the Office for Talent began work right away on reviewing the UK’s current immigration rules and will focus on ensuring the immigration system is simple and quick for both students and professionals alike. “They will also help those coming to the UK better understand the opportunities on offer and break down any barriers they might face,” read the statement. 

How long can foreign students now stay in the UK after graduation?  

The UK has also announced some exciting new visa changes. PhD students who graduate in Summer 2021 will now be able to stay in the UK for an additional three years. International students who graduate with undergraduate or Master’s degrees can stay in the UK for two years. This news was announced back in 2019.  

Before, foreign students could only stay in the country for four months after graduation. This made it difficult for students to find jobs or begin their working lives in the UK. 

Now, these new changes give foreign students the freedom to nurture the connections they made while studying, build new relationships, establish themselves, and develop meaningful careers in the UK. 

What else did the UK announce?  

The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system, made to streamline the visa process.  According to the roadmap, people interested in studying in the UK will now have more time to make a visa application. 

The UK also plans to get rid of study time limits for postgraduates. Previously, most students had to complete their studies in five years. Finally, students will no longer need to leave the UK to switch visas – which will help to reduce lots of stress and worry for foreign learners. 

The UK announced it would also invest £300 million in science infrastructure at research institutes and universities. This could prove to be a plus for international scientists and researchers considering whether to study or live in the UK.

What does this mean post-Brexit?  

Brexit caused a lot of uncertainty for students in the UK from the European Union (EU). If you’re an EU citizen moving to the UK in 2021, you’ll now have to apply for a visa to study for longer than 6 months. If you were studying in the UK before this year, you can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme – which will let you continue living in the UK permanently.  

Learn more about the EU settlement scheme. 

The UK states the Research and Development Roadmap will “help to power up the economy and level out the UK.” Overall, the changes are set to help support foreign students in the UK – and particularly those in science, research, and innovation fields. 

To conclude, here’s a concise look at how student visas have evolved:  

What were visa rules like before? 

• In the past, international students could only stay in the UK for four months after graduation

• Most students had to complete their degrees in five years

• Students had to leave the UK to apply for a new visa

• EU citizens did not have to apply for a visa to study in the UK

What will students be able to do now? 

• PhD students who graduate this summer can stay in the UK for three more years. Undergraduate and Master’s students can stay for two more years (announced in 2019)

• The UK will get rid of study limits for postgraduate students

• Students will not need to leave the UK to switch visas

• EU citizens must apply for a visa to study for longer than 6 months.

  EU citizens studying in the UK before 2021 can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme instead

For more information about how to apply for a UK student visa, don’t forget to check out our complete guide.  

Are you interested in working, studying, or living in the UK? 

PTE Academic UKVI is approved by the UK Home Office for visa purposes. Book your test 24 hours in advance, get your results typically within 2 days –  and bring your dream a step closer to reality.  

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Applying to university and college is an exciting experience. However, it can also be nerve-wracking. After all, the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) manages three million applications each year.  

So, how can you make your application stand out? Writing an interesting, enthusiastic and genuine UCAS personal statement is one of the best ways to catch an institution’s attention.  

But if you’re still not sure what to write about, there’s no need to panic. In this blog, we’ll explore how to write a UCAS personal statement that will open doors – including how to brainstorm ideas and some UCAS personal statement examples.   

What is a UCAS personal statement for? 

A UCAS personal statement is all about you, and it’s your time to shine.  

In it, you’ll talk about why you’re interested in what you’re applying for. You’ll also talk about your skills, and how they’ll help you succeed in your studies. It’s a good idea to use concrete examples, and talk about how you have already used these skills in your life.   

Institutions want to see why you’ll make an excellent student. So, don’t be shy – you’ve got to sell yourself! 

How to brainstorm ideas 

We know it can be hard to write about yourself. That’s why we always recommend brainstorming ideas before you begin. This will make your writing process a lot more efficient, and let you communicate your thoughts better. Here are some things that can help:  

Write a list 

Make a list of all the topics you may include in your personal statement. Separate the list into three parts: why you’re applying, what you’re interested in, and what skills you want to highlight.  

Write down everything that comes to mind. With all your thoughts on the page, it will be easier to narrow down the most important ideas.  

On their blog, UCAS also shares a great tip. “Every course you can apply for is listed in our search tool, together with entry requirements and a description of what it covers. Find the courses you’re interested in and try to match up your strengths and experiences to the course requirements,” they write.   

Think about what makes you unique

What makes you special? Perhaps you’ve overcome a big challenge, or have an interesting hobby. Write about whatever comes naturally to you. This will ensure your statement is genuine. It’ll also make your personality shine through. If you’re an international student, don’t forget to talk about why you want to study in the UK.  

Talk to your teachers or mentors

If you’re still stuck for ideas, ask your teachers or mentors to help. What do they think makes you a unique student? You never know: they might even point out some transferable skills you didn’t realize you had.  

Use the tools designed by UCAS

Don’t forget to check out what resources are on the UCAS website. The UCAS personal statement brainstorming worksheet is a very helpful tool, for example.  

We also recommend taking a look at the UCAS personal statement builder. This will help you think of topics to write about, and understand how to put your statement together.  

How to structure your statement 

There is no right or wrong way to structure your UCAS statement. It all depends on what information you decide to include – and sometimes, even what institution you are applying to.  

This video by UCAS explores one way to structure your statement. It suggests including: 

• A catchy introduction that talks about why you’re so excited about the course.

• A middle paragraph that talks about why you’re so interested in the course – which includes concrete evidence and the skills that’ll help you succeed.

• And a final paragraph that talks about why you’re so unique.

Many universities and colleges also have tips on how to structure a UCAS personal statement. So, you should always see what advice the institutions you are applying to have to offer. The University of Sussex, for example, recommends applicants focus 80% on why they want to study the course and just 20% on their skills.  

And Amy Smith, who works in admissions at Nottingham Trent University, recommends focusing on your skills first. “Put your notes in order according to what the course you’re interested in is looking for. If you have any skills and experience relevant to the entry requirements, make sure you say so at the start of your personal statement,” she said in a popular UCAS blog.  

As you can see, there is lots of different advice out there. So, just do your research and focus on what works best for you.  

But don’t forget: you must stick to the word count. So just how long is a UCAS personal statement? It can only be up to 4000 characters or 47 lines – including spaces. 

Personal statement examples  

Many institutions provide personal statement examples. These are great for inspiration – especially if you are struggling with how to start or how to end a UCAS personal statement. 

We especially like the list of examples the University of Essex has put together. They provide examples of personal statements for more than 2 dozen areas of study. None of the statements are perfect – each has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. But with this, students get an excellent idea of what institutions are looking for.  

You can take a look at their examples here. 

Dos and Don’ts  

We’ve covered a lot of information in this blog. So now, let’s quickly take a look at some dos and don’ts for writing a UCAS personal statement.  

Don’t

• Don’t mention any institutions by name. Your application will be sent to all the universities and colleges you are applying to

• Don’t plagiarize. UCAS uses software to detect this

• Don’t include jokes or informal hyperboles. This is meant to be a formal document. Still, do make sure you write in plain English 

Do  

• Do start your application early and have others read it over. The UCAS has a great timeline to help you plan, which you can check out here  

• Do be honest and genuine. You’re great – so just put your best foot forward!

• Do be enthusiastic. Let admissions staff know how excited you are to be applying for the course; they want to offer a place to students with great attitudes

Ready to apply to study in the UK? 

At PTE Academic, we want to help you get there. Our secure English language test is accepted by 99% of universities across the UK – and you can check out our minimum score requirements for UK universities here.