UNITED KINGDOM
THE FUTURE HUB FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION
The UK has a world-class reputation for higher education excellence. Its renowned societal norms, living standards and openness to other cultures have made it a top destination for skilled immigration.
In October 2022, the government announced an ambitious digital strategy. By working with education providers as well as businesses, the policy is to ensure that the digital skills required are here to innovate, research, develop and ultimately grow the economy.
“Skilled digital workers from around the world are incentivised to come to the UK, with generous visa programmes for the right people, so businesses can recruit international talent with ease.”
Chris Philp, MP Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy
WHY UNITED KINGDOM?
The UK is an ideal place for international students and professionals alike. It is renowned for its high quality of higher education, making it a popular destination for international students. Additionally, the UK is one of the leading technology hubs in the world, offering plenty of lucrative opportunities. On top of that, it is an excellent place to live and raise a family. This is because of its welcoming, vibrant, and multicultural society, plenty of accessible opportunities and events, as well as its picturesque countryside and beautiful scenery.
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1 - THRIVING ECONOMY
The UK is a prosperous and socially conscious nation. It boasts the 3rd largest inward foreign direct investment, 6th highest GDP and 9th highest PPP, and one of the most valued currencies in the world. This highly developed and globalised economy provides a fulfilling life for its citizens.
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2 - WELCOMING & MULTICULTURAL
Diversity is celebrated in the UK, particularly in London, where over 300 languages are spoken. This cosmopolitan city is renowned for its polite, inclusive, and friendly people, making it no surprise that English has become the world’s international language.
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3 - EVENTS, ART & CULTURE
The UK is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, boasting world-renowned music, literature, comedy, architecture, and design. London, the largest city in Europe, is a hub for celebrities and artists, offering an array of concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.
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4 - NATURE & LANDSCAPES
The UK is a nature-lovers paradise, boasting a variety of stunning landscapes, from national parks to coastal cliffs, rivers, and charming villages. Head north for a breathtaking experience of Scotland’s lochs and Highlands.
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5 - ACCESS TO EUROPE
London is the perfect gateway to exploring Europe, with hundreds of destinations just a short flight away. With Airbnb and budget-friendly flights, you can easily plan a weekend getaway to a different country or city – perfect for students on a budget!
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6 - SAFE PLACE TO LIVE
The UK is a secure and family–friendly environment, boasting low crime rates, plentiful CCTV, swift emergency services, clean air, and a driving culture that prioritizes safety. Health and safety regulations are strictly enforced.
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7 - FREE HEALTHCARE & SCHOOLS
UK residents can access free, high–quality healthcare through the National Health Service, and all children aged 5–16 are entitled to free, government-funded education with some of the best outcomes in the world.
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8 - TRANSPARENT DEMOCRACY
The UK is renowned for its transparency and low levels of corruption, as well as its commitment to free speech and individual liberty. It also offers equal opportunities for anyone with the ambition to rise to economic or political power.
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9 - SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The UK is renowned for its history of innovation and scientific research and is home to some of the world’s leading technology-based industries. A career in the UK allows you to stay abreast of the latest progress in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and automation.
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10 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
UK law prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, disability, age, ethnicity, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. However, equality extends beyond the law. Having an Asian Prime Minister illustrates how ingrained equality is in British society.
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11 - WOMEN'S OPPORTUNITIES
Women in the UK have equal rights to men and access to initiatives such as WOW to support them in reaching their potential. WOW offers interventions to increase the number of women beneficiaries and access to leadership roles. These initiatives seek to counteract historic oppressions and injustices.
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12 - BACKING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The UK is consistently ranked in the top 10 countries for start–ups, making it ideal for entrepreneurs. In addition to offering venture capital, investment and beneficial laws and taxes, it provides funding advisory services to provide an atmosphere of support.
THRIVING ECONOMY
The UK is a prosperous and socially conscious nation. It boasts the 3rd largest inward foreign direct investment, 6th highest GDP and 9th highest PPP, and one of the most valued currencies in the world. This highly developed and globalised economy provides a fulfilling life for its citizens.
WORKING IN THE UK
A THRIVING ECONOMY AND A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY THAT VALUES AND REWARDS YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
WHILE YOU STUDYInternational students may not work while studying at LSI. Our programmes are intense and need your full time and attention during the academic year. |
AFTER GRADUATIONUpon successful completion of your degree, a two-year ‘graduate visa’ will give you enough time to secure full-time employment and 5-year visa sponsorship, leading to permanent UK residency. |
CAREER PROGRESSIONThe skills you will gain during your master’s degree alongside industry experience will open doors to your accelerated success and UK career progression to leadership. |
STUDENT VISA SPONSORSHIP
International Students May Need A Student Visa To Enter The UK. The Steps To Obtain A Visa Are Outlined. It’s Not A Complete Guide. For More Information, Please See The Government’s Student Visa Guidelines.
YOUR CAS NUMBER
Upon Successful Admission, The school Will Issue A CAS Number, Valid For Up To 6 Months, To Sponsor Your Student Visa Application.
VISA APPLICATION FORM
You Can Apply For A Student Visa Online At Www.Gov.Uk/Student-Visa/Apply With An Application Fee Of £363 Plus An NHS Surcharge Of £470.
NEEDED DOCUMENTS
A Student Visa Application Requires A Photo, A Valid Passport, Transcripts, Exam Certificates, And Proof Of Funds. A Reference Number Suffices For IELTS.
TRAVELLING TO THE UK
As Soon As You Are Granted A Visa, You Will Be Able To Move To The UK. On The Funding Page Of This Website, There Is A Relocation Budget Calculator That You Can Use To Plan Your Arrival In The UK.
VISA INTERVIEW
You May Be Required To Have An Interview To Discuss Your Immigration History, Education, And Post-Study Plans Which Must Be Answered In English. Fingerprints Will Be Taken For Your Biometric Residence Permit.
EVIDENCE OF FUNDS
You Must Demonstrate That You Have Access To £12,000 For Living Expenses And The Remaining Tuition Fees Not Covered By Your Student Loan Minus The Deposit Already Paid
BRINGING YOUR FAMILY
From January 2024, Non-Research Postgraduate International Students Cannot Bring Dependents On A UK Student Visa. After Completing Your Course And Changing To A Work Visa, You May Bring Dependents.
Police Registration
Your Visa Will Indicate If You Need To Register With The Police Within 7 Days Of Arrival In The UK, Depending On Your Country Of Origin. Any Address Change, Visa Status, Or Passport Change Must Also Be Reported To The Police.
FAQs
Our Student Success Team is here to support all students, including international students. They can be contacted at studentsuccess@lsi-ac.uk. They provide a range of services to help all students navigate their academic and personal journey. Whether you need guidance, help with documentation, or support adjusting to life in the UK, the team is ready to assist. Simply reach out to the team whenever you need assistance.
Preparing to live in London as an international student involves several essential steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Start by researching your accommodation options. While the School does not offer on-campus housing, we can connect you with local agents to help find suitable accommodation that meets your needs. Consider location and transport links in your decision.
Familiarising yourself with local culture will ease your transition. Engaging with London's rich history and traditions can enhance your experience. Joining local social media groups for international students may provide valuable insights.
Financial planning is crucial. Open a UK bank account upon arrival and create a realistic budget, accounting for transportation, food, and leisure activities.
Ensure your documentation is in order, including your visa and medical records. Familiarise yourself with the UK healthcare system.
Once in London, take advantage of orientation sessions and participate in extracurricular activities to build a support network. Maintaining a positive mindset and being open to new experiences will enrich your time in London.
Most international students will need a visa to study in the UK. The specific visa required is typically a Student visa, which allows you to pursue your course of study at a recognised educational institution. To qualify for a Student visa, you must have received a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), confirming that you have been accepted onto a programme. It is important to ensure that you apply for your visa well in advance of your intended start date, as processing times can vary. Please see the UK government’s guidelines.
To apply for a student visa to study in the UK, you will need to provide several essential documents.
Firstly, you must have a valid passport or other acceptable travel documentation. You will also need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which confirms that you have been offered a place on a programme. If applicable, you may also need to submit evidence of your English language proficiency, such as an IELTS certificate.
For the most accurate and comprehensive guidance regarding the documentation required for your student visa application, please refer to the UK government website.
If your visa application is rejected, it can be a challenging situation, but it is important to understand the next steps you can take. Firstly, you will receive a notification detailing the reasons for the rejection. This information is crucial as it will help you understand what went wrong and how you can address these issues.
You may have the right to appeal the decision or apply for a re-evaluation of your application. The process for this can vary based on the reasons for rejection, so it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified immigration advisor.
In the meantime, if your visa is not approved, you will not be able to enrol in your chosen programme. We encourage you to stay in touch with the School for support and guidance throughout this process. Our Student Support Team is here to assist you in understanding the options.
For comprehensive details on the conditions and requirements for dependant visas, please see the UK government’s website.
International students in the UK are subject to specific work restrictions. It is crucial to consult the official UK government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding work rights and restrictions for international students.
For information regarding the eligibility criteria and the latest updates, please consult the UK government's guidance on the Graduate Visa. This will help you understand the latest requirements for working in the UK after graduation.
The time it takes to receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of your application and the timing of your submission. Generally, once you have met all the conditions of your offer and submitted the necessary documentation, you can expect to receive your CAS within a few working days.
It is important to ensure that all required documents are provided in a timely manner, as any missing information may delay the process. For specific details regarding the issuance of your CAS, please refer to our Visa Sponsorship and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Policy.
If you are an international student, it is essential to consult your doctor in your home country regarding the vaccinations you need before entering the UK. Vaccination requirements can vary based on your country of origin and it is wise to be well-informed before your arrival.
In addition to speaking with your doctor, please check with your local embassy for any specific vaccination requirements that may apply to you. This will help ensure that you are fully compliant with UK regulations.
Studying in the UK offers numerous opportunities for both personal and professional growth. To stay informed about the latest updates on programmes, funding, and student life, we also recommend exploring the following trusted resources:
UK Council for International Student Affairs
These platforms provide information to help you navigate your journey as a student in the UK and make the most of the opportunities available.