UK Application Process

When considering studying in the UK as an international student, the United Kingdom stands out as a prime destination for Bangladeshi students. Choosing to study in the United Kingdom holds significant appeal for international students due to various compelling factors. The UK is renowned for its academic excellence and storied educational heritage, with top-ranking institutions like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London. With an annual intake of around 460,000 international students, the UK fosters a diverse and vibrant multicultural environment, promoting cross-cultural understanding. The country’s commitment to research and innovation, coupled with robust connections between universities and industries, results in cutting-edge discoveries, enhanced employability, and global career opportunities for graduates.

Best places to study in the UK

The cities of the United Kingdom have long been known for their opulence and vivacity. The quality of life in these places is unparalleled, both for native-born citizens and newcomers. Consequently, if you want to have a good time as a student and take advantage of the vibrant atmospheres of these cities, you might consider studying and living in one of them.

  • London
  • Edinburgh
  • Manchester
  • Glasgow
  • Coventry
  • Nottingham
  • Birmingham
  • Aberdeen
  • Newcastle Upon Tyne
  • Brighton

Intakes

The main intake offered by all Universities is September / October few universities offer Jan / Feb intake also. Some of the university run their program in May.

English Language Requirements

UKVI IELTS is mandatory for Foundation programs. UKVI/Academic IELTS score of 4.5 to 6.5 is required for Foundation and Undergraduate programs. For Postgraduate programs UKVI or Academic IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 is required or equivalent. MOI/ELLT/PTE/Duolingo is accepted by some of the UK university

Academic Requirement

Foundation

  • GPA 2.5 and above in HSC/ O level

Undergraduate – Bachelors

  • GPA 3.0 to 5.0 in HSC / Min 2C in A Level to 3A* in A Level
  • Few Universities require Math course in 12th Grade for Business and Science programs

Postgraduate – Masters

  • CGPA 2.2+
  • GRE or GMAT is not required for Business, Science and Engineering programs
  • For MBA programs at some Universities students need to have work experience along with GMAT Score

Each institution sets its own entry requirements, and you will find that they vary between universities. Your application will normally be assessed on your current level of qualification.

To make sure you meet all the admissions criteria for the course(s) you wish to apply for, contact the International Office at the institution(s) you are applying to and check.

Tuition fees

Foundation: £8500-£15000

Undergraduate: £13000- £21000

Postgraduate: £11500-£18500

Scholarship

The funding amount and award structure differ among institutions, with certain research programs offering up to 100% of tuition fees and partial coverage of living expenses. Here are notable government scholarship programs for Bangladeshi students seeking to study in the UK:

ScholarshipsDescriptionEligibilityAmount in GBP
Chevening ScholarshipPrestigious global scholarship funded by the UK governmentBangladeshi students with leadership potential and academic excellenceFull tuition fees, living allowance, and other expenses
Commonwealth ScholarshipsScholarships for students from Commonwealth countriesBased on academic merit and potentialTuition fees, living allowance, and other expenses
GREAT ScholarshipsScholarships offered by UK universities under the GREAT campaignBangladeshi students applying for specific programs and universitiesPartial tuition fee waivers or specific amounts
Rhodes ScholarshipHighly prestigious scholarship for postgraduate study at OxfordExceptional academic achievements and leadership qualitiesFull tuition fees, living allowance, and other expenses
Commonwealth Shared ScholarshipsScholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countriesBangladeshi students applying for eligible master's programsTuition fees, airfare, living allowance, and other expenses
UK Universities ScholarshipsScholarships offered directly by UK universities to international studentsBased on academic merit, program of study, and specific criteriaPartial or full tuition fee waivers or specific amounts.

To apply to a UK university, you will typically need to provide several documents, whether you apply through Study Theme Associate or direct to the university. Keep in mind that specific requirements may vary between universities and programs, so it’s essential to check the admission requirements for the specific institution and course you are interested in. However, here is a general list of documents that are commonly required:

For University:

  • Passport (Minimum 6-month validity)
  • Academic transcript and certificate
  • Two academic Reference letters
  • CV
  • English proficiency – IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Test/ELLT/Duolingo
  • Personal statement
  • Work/Job experience (If student have)
  • Research proposal (If the student wants to study PHD/ Research Based masters)

If the student has previous UK education history, then student needs to provide following.

  • Previous CAS letter
  • Confirmation of enrolment
  • Previous visas (Visa stamp and biometric card)

Upon the completion of the application process and the submission of the necessary documents, the student will be receive following two distinct types of offer letters from the university:

  • Conditional (Conditions can be interview, payment, gap explanation)
  • Unconditional (Payment stage)

Following the completion of the university’s credibility / CAS/ Pre-Cas/Admission interview and the required payment, students become eligible to apply for the CAS Letter. To apply for the CAS Letter, it is necessary to have the following documents prepared and presented.

  • Tuberculosis screening (TB report)
  • Documentation demonstrating the ability to cover tuition fees and living expenses (28 days matured bank statement and solvency).

For visa application:

After receive the CAS letter student is eligible to make visa application (Tier 4 student visa). After complete the visa application student needs to pay IHS fee (Depend on the course length), Embassy fees and VFS fee (If student buy any additional service from the VFS). The student can submit the documents through VFS or can be upload through VFS portal. Furthermore, the student need to attended VFS centre to complete biometric process.  To apply visa student needs following mandatory documents:

  • A current passport that is not expiring in next 6 months
  • Unexpired TB (tuberculosis) certificate
  • Educational certificate and/or transcript as mentioned in the ‘Documents used to obtain offer’ section of CAS statement
  • English Language Test i.e. IELTS test report as and if mentioned in the ‘Documents used to obtain offer (English language)’ section of CAS statement
  • Bank statement and/or bank letter from UKVI approved bank (or letter from official financial sponsor, scholarship provider or a loan letter from the loan provider)

Additional documents may also be needed if you are:

  • Not a citizen of the country you are applying from
  • Under 18 years of age
  • Have family (dependents)

After complete the all-necessary step for the visa, student need to wait 3 weeks or 15 working days to receive the visa outcome. All the above process takes up to 1-2 months, however depends on the student credibility.

Working Opportunities for International Students

International students who complete their studies at a UK institution after the summer of 2021 can benefit from the Graduate Route, known as the Post-Study Work Visa(PSW). This student visa allows you to stay in the UK for an additional two years after graduation, providing the opportunity to work, seek employment, or start your own business. This period offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the job market, enhance your resume, and potentially secure a position directly related to your field of study.

 

UK Approved Bank list in Bangladesh:

It is highly advisable for Bangladeshi nationals intending to study in the UK to obtain a UK visa, and proof of financial stability is a prerequisite for visa approval. However, not all banks in Bangladesh are recognized by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), making the selection of a suitable bank for visa application challenging. Fortunately, applicants from Bangladesh have several UKVI-recognized banks to choose from, ensuring they can submit credible evidence of sufficient funds for their stay in the UK. This guide provides comprehensive information on recognized UK financial institutions in Bangladesh, facilitating the intricate process of visa application, including document collection and financial documentation.

Utilizing UKVI-approved banks in Bangladesh is crucial for UK visa applications, as these banks offer a means for applicants to demonstrate adequate funds for their UK trip. These approved banks are authorized by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) department to validate financial statements, increasing the likelihood of acceptance by the UKVI. Furthermore, opting for a UKVI-approved bank can expedite the application process, ensuring quicker and more efficient acquisition of the necessary documentation due to the bank’s familiarity with UKVI requirements.

  1. Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd (HSBC)
  2. Mutual Trust Bank Ltd
  3. National Credit and Commerce Bank Ltd
  4. One Bank Ltd
  5. Shahjalal Islami Bank Ltd
  6. The City Bank Ltd
  7. Trust Bank Ltd
  8. Pubali Bank Ltd
  9. Woori Bank Ltd
  10. Bank Alfalah Limited
  11. Standard Chartered Bank
  12. State Bank of India
  13. AB Bank Limited
  14. BRAC Bank Ltd
  15. Citi Bank
  16. Commercial Bank of Ceylon Ltd
  17. Dhaka Bank Ltd
  18. Eastern Bank Limited
  19. First Security Islami Bank Ltd
  20. Premier Bank Limited
  21. Standard Bank Limited
  22. IFIC Bank Limited
  23. Southeast Bank Ltd
  24. Prime Bank Ltd