How to choose a university without looking at ranking figures?

21/10/2020

In your search for the perfect university degree program, it is obvious you'll spend a lot of time researching the module structure of the course, the city, the tuition fees, different facility resources( living in the Campus or city), surrounding cities, reviews on university ranking, placement/internship opportunities, commuting accessibility, current students, staff, and Youtube videos.

However, as an international student, it is important to redefine your goals, career aspirations, current skills, abilities, comparing, and contrasting them with what you have achieved so far and need. This comparative analysis of your skills would save you a lot of money, and energy enabling you to know where to start. For undergraduates or those switching from one profession to another, it is important to clearly set smart goals like where do I see myself in the next 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, 10 years. As a disclaimer, university degrees do not guarantee success, a job upon completion graduation despite the numerous opportunities available.

Therefore, it is important to choose a university in consideration of the system in place as Student Tier 4 Visas only enables you to work for 20 hours per week and if lucky, you might get a 4 months visa extension after your studies especially if you're studying a masters degree. Another challenge to be considered is the hierarchy system in place whereby for an employer to recruit you, they need to ensure that no British or EEA citizen is capable of performing that job before you're considered.

Bearing that in mind, you need to know what you want and choosing the wrong course and the university don't really matter, to be honest. I understand some people would prefer going for a reputation but the truth is, it all depends on your aims and goals as mentioned earlier.

Choose a university or module course based on your intent of Staying, Working, getting industry experience, or returning home to work and empower your community. I would provide two options or scenarios to consider, if your goal is to study and return home to empower the community, then you should study any related course of your choice that is aligned with your dream or the company recruiting.

If your goal is to Stay and Work in the UK, you need to choose a university offering a government graduate scheme or a course with skills that enables you to be eligible for a Tier 2 Visa. Course that without a doubt that increases your eligibility for Tier 2 Visa is in the following fields: Civil, mechanical engineering, hydro-geologist, geophysicist, geoscientist, geologist, geochemist, Social and Humanities' Scientists, Programmers and software developers, Information technology and communications professionals, Medical practitioners, Psychologists, Occupational therapists, Secondary education teaching professionals, Medical Radiographers, Actuaries, economists and statisticians, Architects, Chemical scientists, Production managers, and directors in mining and energy, specialist managers, Line repairers, and cable jointers, IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, Accounting and Finance.

The Biggest Tier sponsors at in 2020 are the NHS, PWC, Deloitte, KMPG, and more information on sponsoring companies could be found onhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers

Working in the UK after Graduation

London has the best beginning salaries for graduates. As a worldwide city, London has fantastic links with blue-chip organizations in all industries. The city's universities have probably the highest graduate employment rates in the UK. Regardless of whether you come all the way back or remain in the UK, a London degree will help your CV and make you stand out in a crowd.

Non-EU Students and Work Visas

Non-EU students who wish to stay or Work in the UK after they have graduated must apply for a visa route from UK Visa and Immigration. There are a couple of visas you should consider applying for as a London graduate: Tier 2 (General) Visa: This is the essential visa to remain and work in the UK after your studies. It is available to recent graduates with a Bachelor's, Masters, or Ph.D. from a UK university. Before you apply, you should have a valid sponsorship offer from an authorized business and be paid a payment off at any rate of £30000. To check your eligibility visit: https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-general/eligibility.

After five years of work, Tier 2 visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to stay in the UK giving they meet the salary necessities and other relevant eligibility criteria.

Tier 4 (Student) Visa: If you are a student finishing a Ph.D. at a UK advanced education institute you can apply to remain in the UK for a further year after your course completion date. You will be sponsored by your university but you will have full unrestricted work rights, with the exception of some limited professions, for example, specialists or dentists.

Level 5 Youth Mobility Scheme: Some nationalities are qualified to apply for a two-year work scheme license. You can find details on the UK Home Office site.

Tier 5 Temporary Worker: This visa enables you to work in the UK for up to 12 or two years (contingent upon the plan you're applying for). International students in the UK can apply for the Tier 5 (Government Authorized Exchange) visa to end work experience and entry-level positions in the UK after their studies. You can apply to change from your Tier 4 visa to this visa from inside the UK.