Requirements to Study in United Kingdom
German applicants generally need to have a high school diploma in order to study in Great Britain. Since the universities decide autonomously about the admission of their applicants, they determine the average grade and other admission criteria such as grades in certain high school subjects themselves. In some cases, applicants without a high school diploma can also receive a place on the course if they are judged to be suitable by the university.
Special evidence and deadlines
In addition to the school leaving certificates, letters of application and motivation must also be submitted at almost all universities. Good knowledge of English is also expected; this usually has to be proven in the form of a test such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
Full degree in Great Britain
According to andyeducation, the application for a full-time study in England and Wales in the undergraduate range must be connected to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) be directed. The annual application deadline is January 15th; earlier application deadlines apply for Cambridge, Oxford and medical courses.
The applications for the Master’s and PhD degree programs are directly addressed to the universities. They themselves decide on the admission criteria, but a bachelor’s degree with a certain minimum grade is common (alternatively, old degrees such as master’s degree, diploma or state examination are also accepted).
Semester abroad in Great Britain
It is much easier to apply for a semester abroad in Great Britain, where applicants usually only have to provide evidence of a (technical) university certificate and sufficient knowledge of English.
Cost of studying in the UK
Most universities in the UK have tuition fees. Since 2013, universities have theoretically been able to charge Bachelor students up to £ 9,000 for a year of study – more than half of all English universities also make use of this right. In Wales and Scotland, more favorable regulations have prevailed. The bachelor’s degree in Scotland is free for international students from the EU (with the exception of English and Welsh students).
The cost of living in the UK varies greatly from region to region. In cities like London, Oxford or Cambridge in particular, students have to budget up to £ 14,000 per year for accommodation, meals and leisure activities. In other regions, a budget of up to £ 12,000 is enough.
Funding options for studying in Great Britain
There are several forms of financial support that international students can use to cover costs. Since Great Britain is within the EU, German students can, for example, make use of their right to BAföG abroad, in which they are supported with up to EUR 4,600 in grants for tuition fees and further grants for travel and living expenses.
Students from the EU who are completing a full bachelor’s degree in the UK can also receive funding through the Student Loans. This loan covers part or all of the tuition fees and does not have to be paid back until the annual income exceeds a certain limit.
Students who perform well can also be supported by numerous scholarships. On the German side, for example, the DAAD and various foundations award scholarships.
UK residence permit
Germans can easily enter the UK with a valid identity card or passport. For an extended period of study one can residence permit (Residence Permit) be applied. As an EU citizen, it is also possible to do a part-time job without a work permit.
Health insurance for the UK is also not required as EU citizens are automatically insured through the National Health Service. Students can register in advance with this nationwide statutory health insurance company in Great Britain. Since the same costs are not always reimbursed as with a German health insurance, an additional insurance policy for abroad can also make sense.
History of Great Britain
The differences between the individual countries are due to the eventful history of Great Britain. Since the first settlement around 10,000 years ago, the island on the other side of the English Channel has been conquered by Celtic tribes, Romans, Angles, Saxons, Jutes and Vikings.
It was not until 1707 that England, Wales and Scotland were united to form today’s Great Britain, which rose to become a colonial power in the following centuries. History lovers can discover an old castle, a Celtic place of worship or another building from the long settlement period almost behind every street corner.
Great Britain also has a unique nature. In fifteen national parks, visitors can explore the solitude of the Scottish Highlands, idyllic heathlands, picturesque lakes and ancient forests. The metropolises of Great Britain, on the other hand, are modern and cosmopolitan. The multicultural metropolis of London is not only Europe’s most important financial center, but also sets the tone when it comes to fashion and music. But not only the hip capital of England is worth seeing. Even old industrial cities such as Newcastle, Birmingham or Glasgow have developed into extremely livable cities in the last few decades, offering visitors a wide range of cultural activities.
