The United Kingdom (UK) is an attractive destination for students from Bangladesh seeking an international education. UK universities offer a world-class education, a diverse student community, and globally recognised qualifications, making it an excellent choice for students looking to broaden their horizons and achieve their academic and career goals. 

This article will explore why students from Bangladesh should consider studying in the UK, the UK education system, and the cost of studying in the UK.

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Why Study in the UK?

The UK has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality education to students worldwide. It has a diverse and multicultural society that welcomes international students and offers a supportive environment to help them settle in. 

Here are some reasons why students from Bangladesh should consider studying in the UK:

• High-quality education: UK universities are globally recognised for their academic excellence, providing students access to world-class education, research facilities, and expert faculty members.
• Multicultural community: The UK is a diverse and multicultural society that allows students to meet people worldwide and learn about different cultures.
• Globally recognised qualifications: UK degrees are highly respected and recognised globally, giving students an edge when pursuing further education or employment prospects.
• Employment opportunities: The UK has a strong economy, and studying in the UK gives students access to a vast network of businesses and organisations, providing opportunities for internships, work placements, and job offers.
• English language proficiency: Studying in the UK allows students to improve their English skills, making pursuing higher education or employment opportunities in an English-speaking country easier.
• Cultural experience: The UK has some of the world's most iconic cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historical landmarks. Studying in the UK allows students to explore these attractions and better understand British culture and history.

Education System in the UK

The UK's well-established education system is globally recognised for its high academic standards. 

More than 150 universities and higher education institutions in the UK offer various courses and qualifications. 

The UK education system is divided into four main stages:

• Primary education: Students typically begin their education at age five and attend primary school until age 11.
• Secondary education: Students attend secondary school from age 11 to 16 or 18, where they study for their GCSEs and A-levels.
• Further education: Students can pursue further education in a college or vocational school to obtain a diploma or vocational qualification.
• Higher education: Students can pursue a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at a university or higher education institution.

Choosing a University or Course to Study in the UK

Choosing a university or course to study in the UK can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• University ranking: UK universities are ranked based on academic performance and research output. Consider the university's ranking when selecting your institution.
• Course availability: Different universities offer different courses and specialisations. Ensure that the university you select provides the course you want to study.
• Location: The UK has various universities in different cities and regions. Consider the location when selecting your institution.
• Cost: Studying in the UK can vary depending on the university and course. Consider your institution's tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.

Selecting a university or course to study in the UK requires careful consideration of various factors. With the proper research and planning, you can find the perfect institution to achieve your academic and career goals.

Cost to Study in the UK from Bangladesh

For a student from Bangladesh planning to study in the UK, you must consider the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. The total cost of studying in the UK can vary depending on the institution, program, location, and study duration.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in the UK are typically higher than in some other countries, but they can vary significantly depending on the institution, program, and level of study. On average, international undergraduate students expect to pay between £12,000 and £30,000 per year (~BDT 14,18,869 and BDT 35,47,173) for tuition fees. Postgraduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, can be more expensive, with fees ranging from £15,000 to £35,000 (~BDT 17,74,172 and BDT 41,53,088) per year.

It is important to note that some courses, such as medicine and dentistry, may have higher tuition fees than other programs.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs in the UK can also vary depending on the location and type of accommodation. On-campus accommodation is generally more expensive than off-campus housing options such as shared flats or private rentals.

On average, international students can expect to pay between £4,000 and £10,000 (~BDT 4,73,762 and BDT 11,84,404) per year, although this can vary significantly depending on the location and type of accommodation.

Living Expenses

In addition to tuition and accommodation, international students must consider their living expenses. The cost of living in the UK can be high, but it can vary depending on the location and lifestyle.

International students can expect to spend between £9,000 and £12,000 (~BDT 10,65,814 and BDT 14,21,086) per year on living expenses, which include food, transportation, entertainment, and other personal expenses.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Many UK universities offer scholarships and bursaries to international students to help cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses. These scholarships can be highly competitive, so it is essential to research and apply early.

The UK government also offers financial assistance to international students through the Chevening Scholarship, which provides full funding for a one-year master's degree at a UK university. Other scholarships and funding options are available through the British Council and other organisations.

Part-time Work

International students in the UK are allowed to work part-time while studying to supplement their income. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. The minimum wage in the UK is £8.91 per hour (~BDT 1,055), which can help cover some of the living expenses.

Studying in the UK from Bangladesh can be expensive, but with careful planning and research, it is possible to find affordable options. Scholarships and financial assistance can help cover some costs, and part-time work can provide additional income. 

By choosing the right institution and location, international students can have a rewarding academic experience in the UK.

Visa application for the UK from Bangladesh

For a Bangladeshi citizen planning to study in the UK, you must apply for a UK student visa. Here are the steps you need to take:

• Check if you need a visa: Check the UK government website to see if you need a visa to study in the UK.
• Choose your visa type: If you plan to study for over six months, you'll need a Tier 4 (General) student visa. If you plan to study for less than six months, you can apply for a Short-term study visa.
• Prepare your documents: You'll need to provide various documents to support your visa application, including your passport, proof of your offer from a UK educational institution, evidence of your financial support, and your English language proficiency.
• Apply online: You must apply for your visa via the UK government website. You must create an account, fill out the application form, and pay the fee.
• Biometrics appointment: Once you've submitted your application, you must attend a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken.
• Wait for a decision: After your biometrics appointment, you must decide on your visa application. This can take several weeks.

The UK visa application process can be complex, so starting early and seeking professional guidance is a good idea. The UK government website has detailed guidance on the visa application process, so read it carefully.

Documents Required for Admission in UK Universities for a Student from Bangladesh

Here are some of the documents that a student from Bangladesh may need to provide:

• Academic transcripts and certificates: This includes transcripts and certificates from secondary school, college or university, as well as any relevant exam results such as A-levels or the International Baccalaureate.
• English language proficiency test scores: Most UK universities require international students to demonstrate their English proficiency by taking IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English exams.
• Personal statement: This is a document where the student explains why they want to study in the UK, why they have chosen their particular course and their future career goals.
• Letters of recommendation: Some universities may require letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or other professionals who can speak to the student's academic abilities and potential.
• Passport and visa: Students from Bangladesh will need a valid passport and a student visa to study in the UK.
• Financial documents: Students may need to provide evidence of their ability to support themselves financially while studying in the UK, such as bank statements or scholarship letters.

Student Health Cover in the UK

All international students studying in the UK are required to have health insurance coverage, also known as health cover. The type of health coverage required depends on the length of the student's course and the country they come from.

If you are a student from Bangladesh, you are entitled to free medical treatment from the National Health Service (NHS) if you study in the UK for six months or less. However, if you study in the UK for over six months, you must pay an immigration health surcharge for your visa application. The surcharge will allow you to access the same healthcare services as UK residents during your stay.

In addition to the immigration health surcharge, some universities in the UK may require you to purchase private health insurance coverage as a condition of your enrollment. You must check with your university to determine what health coverage your course requires. This will depend on the specific university and the length of your course.

International students need health coverage in the UK to ensure they can access medical treatment if required during their stay.

Best Universities to Study in the UK from Bangladesh

There are many excellent universities in the UK, and where to study depends on your preferences and academic goals. Here are some of the best places to study in the UK:

• University of Oxford: This prestigious university consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. It offers a wide range of courses and is renowned for academic excellence.
• University of Cambridge: Another highly-ranked university, Cambridge is known for its exceptional teaching and research facilities.
• Imperial College London: A science and technology-focused university, Imperial College is an excellent choice for students interested in engineering, medicine, and natural sciences.
• University of Edinburgh: Located in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh is a top-ranked university renowned for its research and teaching in various subjects.
• University of Warwick: This university has a strong reputation for research and teaching and offers various arts, sciences, and social sciences courses.
• University of Manchester: One of the largest universities in the UK, Manchester is known for its excellent teaching and research in various subjects.
• University of Bristol: This university is known for its research and teaching in various fields, including science, engineering, and the humanities.
• University of Glasgow: Another top-ranked Scottish university, Glasgow is known for its excellent research facilities and strong teaching across various subjects.
• University of Leeds: A research-intensive university with a strong reputation for teaching and research, Leeds offers a wide range of courses across multiple disciplines.
• University of Southampton: Located on the south coast of England, Southampton is a highly-regarded research university with strengths in engineering, science, and the humanities.

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Managing your expenses while living in the UK

The expenses and estimated costs for a student living in the UK are listed below:

Creating a budget and keeping track of costs is always a good idea to ensure you manage your finances effectively.