In the previous episode of Students Speak, we explored Nikita Singh’s motivation to pursue overseas education, research mechanism, and university application process. In this episode, let’s explore the academic intake, English proficiency exam, and the visa application process.

The academic intake

There are two prominent intakes in the UK, i.e. fall and winter. The fall intake begins around September, whereas the winter intake begins in December/January. However, many universities in the UK offer summer intake too, which starts around April/May. Since Nikita had to defer her study abroad plans due to the pandemic, she planned to apply for an earlier intake instead of waiting for the September intake. She communicated her requirement to her education consultant, who then helped her apply for April intake.

One of the many reasons to opt for an education loan

During our conversation, Nikita shared her reason to opt for an education loan. She always aspired to finance her education independently without depending on her family. This encouraged her to opt for a student loan to earn a self-made badge. Besides, an education loan will help students build a healthy credit score. She got a lot of information about education loan providers from Gyandhan, an education financing marketplace.

English proficiency exam

IELTS, an English proficiency test, is a mandatory entrance exam in the UK. However, if you scored well in the English subject in 12th, which is also known as the HSC examination, then you are allowed to skip this exam. Nikita utilised her time to prepare for this exam during the lockdown and even appeared for her entrance exam. She had two options, either appear for the exams from home or go to the nearest centre. She chose the latter, which allowed her to finish her IELTS without technical issues. To prepare herself for the English proficiency exam, she ordered books online to practise regularly.

Another source that helped her prepare for the English proficiency test is YouTube. Nikita mentioned that clearing the IELTS test will be a piece of cake if you prepare yourself thoroughly. Once you start practising, you will learn all the tricks of the trade to ace your entrance exam. You have to prepare for four sections – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

The Listening section will be for 30 minutes and will include 4 recordings that will gauge your ability to understand the information shared by the speakers. The Reading section will comprise 3 passages and 40 questions that you have to complete within 60 minutes. The Writing test will have graphs, charts, etc., and 2 questions which you are expected to complete within 60 minutes. The Speaking section will have 3 parts that will gauge your communication skills, and the duration will be 11-14 minutes.

Visa application process

Nikita shared some interesting insights that she gained when she researched the visa application process. Firstly, you need to prove to the authorities that you have the necessary funds in your account. These funds have to be in your bank account for at least 28 days before you apply for the visa. Secondly, you have to ensure that the funds that you will utilise during your stay in your host country should reflect in a single account. Also, ensure you have some extra amount in your bank, over and above the amount you will need for your overseas education. Lastly, check if all the information that is mentioned in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter is correct; otherwise, it will have an adverse effect on your visa application process.

So, in this episode, we covered academic intake, the English proficiency exam, the visa application process and some reasons to opt for an education loan. In the next episode, we will cover the job prospects, her education financing solutions provider and some valuable tips. If you have any queries, please connect with us, we will be glad to assist you.