And the first question is from Omid in Iran: How can I study in the UK? How can I pay for it?

NB: The most important thing if you want to study overseas is to be absolutely clear what you want to study. Once you've decided that, you can have a look at the 50,000 or so courses available in the UK. I suggest that one of the best ways of doing this is to look at a website called http://www.educationuk.org. There you will find help to search for the course you are interested in.

Your next question - how can I pay for this. Higher and Further Education in any country of the world is an expensive business. In the UK you have to pay a fee to the University plus of course to have funds for living expenses while you are studying here in the UK. There are a number of scholarships available to study, although nearly all of these depend on the individual student's academic ability.

Elena asks: How well, economically speaking, does the scholarship cover the living expenses?

NB: On the whole most scholarships will cover living expenses. It's important to recognise that by studying in the UK, you are investing in your future and hopefully you will be able to get a better job as a result of your studies when you go back to your home country.

Elena: If I am awarded a scholarship and I am on my student visa, can I work in the UK?

NB: Yes you can Elena. Whether you have a scholarship or funding yourself the regulations state that a student can work up to 20 hours a week during term time, and full-time during vacations.

Ergys in Albania: 'Will I have any support or help with my English if I am studying in a university in the UK?'

NB: Hi Ergys - of course there will be plenty of help for you with your English when you are studying here. Universities and colleges are well aware that students from overseas may not have had the opportunity to visit the UK or another English speaking country. Many of them have specialised English language teaching units to provide you with the sort of help you require, especially with writing assignments and understanding lectures. So no need to worry on that score.

Sheng Chai asks: What is it like studying in the UK?

NB: Studying in the UK can be a little different to studying in your own country as the mode of teaching puts more responsibility in the hands of the student. We aim to help students to learn how to learn, rather than teach them a whole series of facts which they need to recall for an exam. Living in another country is always a fascinating experience.

I'm sure there will be things you like about the UK, and other things you don't like too much, for example the weather! What you will find in the UK is an enormous diversity of students from all over the world, plus a very multicultural society. I'm sure you'll find plenty to enjoy about your study and stay in the UK.

Roberta from Italy asks: What documents do I need to enter the UK?

NB: What you do need is a letter confirming your accepatance at your college, or language school saying how long your course, the fees and where it is located. You will also need documentation to show that you are able to pay for the course and your living expenses while you are in the UK. The documentation required differs from country to country and you should ask your British Council office or the embassy (visa section) exactly what documentation they require. Finally, you will need to be able to convince the visa officer that you will be returning to your country after your studies. If all that documentation is in order you should be issued a visa very speedily.

Ali from Iran asks: What English certificate is enough to study in the UK?

NB: Hello Ali - thank you. I'm assuming you mean what level of English you require to study in the UK. If you are intending to study at a University in the UK, your level of English will need to be good enough to understand lectures in English and to be able to write assignments in English. The requirements which Universities normally ask for is for an IELTS score of somewhere between 6 and 7.5.

If you are thinking of studying for a vocational qualification where you will be doing a lot of practical work the level of English required will obviously be less. If you are coming to study an English language course your level of English might be none at all.

Rajibur Rahman from Bangladesh asks: I have completed my 5th semester from Ukraine and would like to study my third year in a UK university. Is it possible?

NB: I'm intrigued to see you are studying in Ukraine. It's not possible for me to answer this question directly because it will depend on exactly what you've been studying so far. You will need to contact the University in the UK, explain the situation to them and then it maybe possible for you to be accepted onto a third year in the UK. It might also be that they suggest that you join the second year of the course. All universities are autonomous in the UK.

Fernando from Chile asks: Will I find it difficult to settle in to living in the UK?

NB: That will depend a little bit on you, but I don't think it will be any more difficult than anywhere else. From my experience, it's important to make the first move in terms of wanting to get to know people in the UK. They are less forthcoming than some Latin Americans for example, but once you get to know people and students here I'm sure you will get on very well. Universities are very good at bringing people from overseas together with other overseas students and with their colleagues in the UK, and you can make every effort to take advantage of these opportunities. You should not stay in your room - go out and get involved in what is happening in the UK.

Marta from Ukraine says: I have 13-years old daughter. I would like to send her to English language summer school in the UK. How can I choose the proper school (good education, not very expensive and safe for girl)?

NB: This is obviously an important question when you have a young daughter or son that when you send them overseas, they will be looked after, not only studying but also meeeting other students. In the UK, there are over 370 English language schools acredited by the British Council where you guarantee that the level of teaching is of the highest order, but also that the welfare and accomodation are appropriate for students even younger than your daughter.

My advice would be to contact your closest British council or have a look at the Education UK website where you can find more info about these schools.

Adjobi from Ivory Coast asks: I've been offered a place to study full-time for an award of MSC commencing October 2004. I should like to know whether It is possible to defer this place for the next academic year.

NB: Just to explain, MSC means a Masters of Science. I think the answer to your question is likely to be yes, but as all universities are autonomous and make their own individual decisions about offering places, it would depend. I would be surprised if they didn't accomodate your wish.

Question from Selcuk: Do universities help foreign students to feel integrated into the British culture?

NB: Yes Selcuk, universities do provide help. With over 275,000 students coming from overseas to study in the UK every year, universities have very well organised support services for foreign students. These include help with accomodation to the provision of prayer rooms for individual faiths to arranging events not only to integrate with other overseas and UK students, but also to integrate with the local community. I think you will have a great time in the UK, and make friends from other countries as well as students from the UK.

Juliana from Greece asks: If I study in the UK, can I work in the UK after I finish my degree?

NB: Yes - under certain conditions. Firstly, you are normally given a few months after your course finishes on your visa to stay in the UK. This will give you the opportunity to work or travel in the UK. If then a company wishes to offer you employment it might then be possible for the company to arrange a work permit for you.

However, a new scheme is being introduced at the moment for people studying science, maths, or technology, you will be able to stay in the UK to work for a year. If you are a student from the EU this is not an issue, as you are able to work across the European Union.

Hadi from Iran asks: Please explain about scholarships and fellowships available in UK universities?

NB: UK Universities do offer a number of scholarships and fellowships but they are usually based on academic excellence in your subject. The http://www.educationuk.org website has a database for this, there is a list of scholarships for subjects and institututions.

You may have heard of the Chevening Scholarship scheme. This offers a small number of fellowships to selected students in a large number of countries around the world and is managed by the British Council and the embassies overseas. Do please contact them if you would like further details.

Jean from France asks: How do I prepare for my studies before I come to the UK?

NB: I think the first thing to do is to be absolutely sure before you apply that the course you have selected really is the one you want to take. Once you've done that I suggest you contact the department in the University you've selected for advice on how to prepare for the course. Universities are well aware and prepared to provide support for overseas students. Obviously the more English you practise and read before you come will help you get used to listening to English 24 hours a day. You may well meet different dialects along the way!

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