Many young South Africans choose the United Kingdom as an overseas education destination. This choice is no surprise as the United Kingdom consistently ranks high in studies for the best educational institutions and it is thought that at least 29 out of the top 200 universities in the world is based in the United Kingdom. In addition, all United Kingdom university towns and cities have well-developed infrastructure and transport, making it relatively easy and cheap for students to commute to and from affordable housing.

South Africans find the United Kingdom especially appealing as there is no language barrier to overcome. The United Kingdom also has a rich cultural heritage and love for sports, not unknown to South Africans.

Breytenbachs is aware of relatively large South African student communities in various university cities and towns in the United Kingdom. Having fellow South Africans near makes life a bit easier when homesickness hits.

Immigration benefits of studying in the United Kingdom

Obtaining a degree from a United Kingdom university will, of course, greatly improve your chances of employability. However, it’s not only the pride and joy to get a degree from a top United Kingdom educational institution that entices graduates but also the immigration prospects. Upon completing studies, it is possible to switch to visa categories that allow students to live and work in the United Kingdom. Examples are the Skilled Worker Visa, which enables the student to switch into skilled worker employment, and the new Start-up visa.

New Graduate visa

The best news for foreign students is that the United Kingdom Government will be introducing a new Graduate visa route for overseas students during the British Summer of 2021. This route will allow overseas students who have finished their studies in the United Kingdom to stay in the country for two more years to work or look for work. During this time, graduate students should find a position that will allow them to apply for more permanent immigration categories. The Graduate immigration route is thus a wonderful incentive for prospective overseas students, as they now know that they will have the option to stay in the United Kingdom to secure a career after their studies.

How to qualify for the Graduate visa

Graduates have to have a valid United Kingdom Student visa at the time of application. You have to have completed a degree or other permitted qualification at an undergraduate level or above at a higher education provider. The higher education provider must have a track record of compliance.

The Graduate visa is valid for two years, allowing you to stay in the United Kingdom for two more years after completing your studies, or three years if you completed your doctoral studies. This route has many advantages. There is no need for a job offer to be eligible to apply. You will be able to work for any employer, switch jobs, have complete work flexibility, and develop your career.

However, extending the visa is not possible, and it does not lead to the right of abode in the United Kingdom. But it offers the opportunity to move into other work-based United Kingdom immigration routes that lead to the right of abode.

Ten reasons why international students prefer the United Kingdom

• The United Kingdom ranks first place in a study called “The Best Countries for Education”. This first place is not surprising considering that the United Kingdom is thought to be home to 29 of the top 200 universities in the world.
• All United Kingdom university towns and cities have a well-developed transport system, making life easy and cheap for overseas students.
• Many international students come from countries where English is a second or third language. Language, in most cases, is thus not a barrier. However, for many citizens from non-English speaking countries, it is also the reason to study in the United Kingdom. According to the British Council, almost 500 000 people travel to the United Kingdom every year to learn English.
• The United Kingdom has a rich cultural heritage, and most overseas students find it easy to adapt to the English culture.
• There is a large diaspora of expat communities from all over the world in the United Kingdom.
• United Kingdom immigration laws make it possible to work in the United Kingdom while studying. However, the Home Office is very strict in its guidance that the Student visa is to study in the United Kingdom. The intention of working may only be to supplement the income of the student. Speak to your consultant before assuming allowed working hours, as these differ depending on the study course.
• Upon completing your studies, it is possible to switch to categories that allow students to live and work in the United Kingdom. One example is the Skilled Worker visa, which allows a student to switch into Skilled Worker employment, as well as the new Start-up visa.
• A United Kingdom degree will increase your rate of employability.
• If you want to study for a degree at the post-graduate level, your spouse or unmarried partner will be able to accompany you to the United Kingdom.
• There is no age limit on the United Kingdom Student visa. Many mature students fulfil their dreams of doing a post-graduate degree at one of the prestigious United Kingdom universities.

How Breytenbachs can help you

If you are thinking of studying in the United Kingdom, Breytenbachs will be able to assist you. We have a dedicated team of consultants helping many South Africans, young and old, undergraduate and postgraduate, get a United Kingdom Student visa. They will be able to guide you through the process of applying for your United Kingdom Student visa. To find out more, please visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com or contact us directly at info@bic-immigration.com.