Study in United Kingdom

Overview

Why Study in the UK?

The United Kingdom offers Russell Group universities, NMC-accredited nursing programs, and a thriving tech industry. English Council specialises in placing students in IT and Health programs with a clear route to settlement.

Key advantages:

Graduate Visa: 2 years post-study work (3 for PhD) — still active April 2026
Skilled Worker Visa: path to ILR after 5 years
Health and Care Worker Visa: fast-track, reduced fees for NHS roles
Immigration Salary List (ISL): 20% salary discount for shortage occupations
IT and Health roles frequently on the ISL

[2025-2026 UPDATE] Shortage Occupation List (SOL) was abolished in April 2024 and replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL). Graduate Visa still active but subject to ongoing policy review.

Education System & Courses Available

The UK education system offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at world-renowned institutions. English Council partners with Russell Group universities and modern universities across England, Scotland, and Wales.

IT Programs: Computer Science, Software Engineering, AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Cloud Architecture

Health Programs: Nursing (NMC-accredited), Midwifery, Digital Healthcare, Pharmacy, Healthcare Science

Tuition Costs:

IT: GBP 14,000–25,000/year
Nursing/Health: GBP 14,000–20,000/year
NHS bursaries available for some programs

Living Costs: GBP 12,000–15,000/year (London 20-30% more)

Additional: IHS surcharge GBP 1,035/year

United Kingdom Visa Types (2025-2026)

Complete breakdown of all visa categories and pathways

Visa Type	Purpose	Key Features	Duration
Student Visa	Full-time study at licensed sponsor	CAS required; 20 hrs/week during term; unlimited in holidays	Course + up to 4 months
Graduate Visa	Post-study work	Work in the UK after graduating; no sponsorship needed; full work rights [UPDATE] Still active April 2026 but subject to ongoing policy review	2 years (3 for PhD)

Visa Type	Purpose	Key Features	Duration
Skilled Worker Visa	Employment in the UK	Licensed sponsor + job offer; path to ILR after 5 yrs; salary GBP 26,200 general	Up to 5 years (renewable)
Health and Care Worker	NHS/health sector	Fast-track; reduced visa fees (~GBP 284 vs GBP 1,769); family included	Up to 5 years
Scale-up Worker Visa	Fast-growing UK firms	Endorsed employer + high-skilled job; no employer tie after 6 months	Initial 2 years

Visa Type	Purpose	Key Features	Duration
Family Visa	Join UK partner/spouse	Sponsor must be settled/citizen; income threshold GBP 29,000 from 2025	Temporary to ILR

UK ILR / PR Pathway

Your route from Student Visa to British Citizenship

Skilled Worker Visa → ILR

ILR after 5 continuous years. British Citizenship eligible 1 year after ILR. Current salary: GBP 26,200 general or going rate, whichever higher.

Skilled Worker Visa → ILR

ILR after 5 continuous years. British Citizenship eligible 1 year after ILR. Current salary: GBP 26,200 general or going rate, whichever higher.

Health and Care Worker Visa

Same ILR route after 5 years. Lower salary thresholds via ISL. NHS roles (NMC/HCPC registered) qualify — faster and cheaper processing.

Health and Care Worker Visa

Same ILR route after 5 years. Lower salary thresholds via ISL. NHS roles (NMC/HCPC registered) qualify — faster and cheaper processing.

Graduate Visa Limitation

Graduate Visa does NOT count toward ILR — must switch to Skilled Worker or another qualifying visa before it expires.

Graduate Visa Limitation

Graduate Visa does NOT count toward ILR — must switch to Skilled Worker or another qualifying visa before it expires.

ISL Salary Discounts

ISL roles: GBP 20,960 (20% discount retained). IT roles: Software engineers, cybersecurity, data scientists frequently on the ISL — verify at gov.uk.

ISL Salary Discounts

ISL roles: GBP 20,960 (20% discount retained). IT roles: Software engineers, cybersecurity, data scientists frequently on the ISL — verify at gov.uk.

Family Considerations

Family Visa income threshold raised to GBP 29,000 in 2024 — advise students planning to bring dependants.

Family Considerations

Family Visa income threshold raised to GBP 29,000 in 2024 — advise students planning to bring dependants.

British Citizenship

Apply 1 year after receiving ILR. Must pass Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirement (B1 IELTS Life Skills).

British Citizenship

Apply 1 year after receiving ILR. Must pass Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirement (B1 IELTS Life Skills).

UK IELTS / English Requirements

Minimum English language requirements for different visa types and courses

Purpose	IELTS Overall	Each Band	Notes
Student Visa (most courses)	5.5	5.5	CEFR B2; check per institution
Student Visa (degree level)	6.0-6.5	6.0	Russell Group: 6.5; post-1992: 6.0
Nursing / Midwifery (NMC)	7.0	7.0	NMC requires 7.0 in ALL four skills — non-negotiable
Medicine / Dentistry (GMC/GDC)	7.0-7.5	7.0	PLAB exam required; check GMC requirements
Skilled Worker Visa	B1 / IELTS 4.0+	--	Depends on job and salary level
Settlement (ILR)	B1 Life in the UK Test	--	IELTS Life Skills B1 + Life in UK Test
Graduate Visa	No test needed	--	English requirement met at Student Visa stage

Key UK Occupations — ISL Status (April 2026)

Health

Registered Nurse (General) — NMC, IELTS 7.0 all bands, On ISL — 20% salary discount

Health

Mental Health Nurse — NMC, IELTS 7.0, On ISL — critical shortage

Health

Midwife — NMC, IELTS 7.0, On ISL

Health

General Practitioner — GMC, IELTS 7.5 (PLAB), On ISL — IMG via PLAB 1 & 2

Health

Pharmacist — GPhC, IELTS 7.0, On ISL in community pharmacy

Software Developer/Engineer — SOC 2136, GBP 35,000-45,000+, Often on ISL — very high demand

Cybersecurity Specialist — SOC 2136/2139, GBP 38,000-50,000+, On ISL — growing rapidly

Data Scientist / Analyst — SOC 2425, GBP 35,000-45,000+, Often on ISL

Cloud Architect / Engineer — SOC 2136, GBP 40,000-55,000+, On ISL — Azure/AWS/GCP valued

AI / ML Engineer — SOC 2136, GBP 45,000-65,000+, On ISL — fastest growing 2024-26

TOP UNIVERSITIES IN UK