UK universities are recognised as some of the best in the world, meaning graduates are in high-demand in the local job market.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s more, if you study in the UK on a Tier 4 (General) student visa, it\u2019s far easier to get a job in the UK and switch to a Tier 2 (general) work permit and even one day naturalise as a British citizen.<\/p>\n
This is according to Sable International’s<\/a><\/strong> John Dunn, who indicated that South Africans over the age of 18 can apply to study at a\u00a0UK university or college through a\u00a0Tier 4 (General) student visa<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n This visa works on a points system, and you will need\u00a040 points to be eligible, including the following:<\/p>\n Main requirements<\/b><\/p>\n You will need to have received an unconditional offer of a place in a course at a university or college that is a\u00a0licensed Tier 4 sponsor, said Dunn.<\/p>\n “Once you have received your offer, your university or college will send you a reference number called a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS).”<\/p>\n The amount you will need for your course will vary depending on the length of your course and where you will be studying, he said.<\/p>\n “Tuition fees are, on average, approximately \u00a312,000 (R217,850) per year, but they can range from \u00a38,000 to \u00a336,000 (R145,234 – R653,555) per year.”<\/p>\n You must also show that you have:<\/p>\n Other requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n The other major requirement required of analysts is that they are able to speak, read and understand English.<\/p>\n The level of English required of you differs based on your degree level, explained Dunn.<\/p>\n “If you are going to be studying at degree level or above, you will need to have an English level equivalent to Common European Framework for languages (CEFR) level B2, as well as your SELT from an approved provider,” he said.<\/p>\n There is also an immigration healthcare surcharge<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0which will grant you access to UK\u2019s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.<\/p>\n Emigrating<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re not quite ready to leave the UK once you\u2019ve completed your degree, you have the option to live, work and naturalise in the UK after you graduate, said Dunn.<\/p>\n “You can do this by applying for a\u00a0Tier 2 (general) work permit.\u00a0In order to apply for this visa, you will need to receive a job offer from a UK-based company.”<\/p>\n However, as a UK graduate it\u2019s much easier to find a job in the UK, said Dunn.<\/p>\n You will need to obtain 70 points in order to be eligible for this visa. Below is a breakdown of the required points:<\/p>\n “If you meet all of the requirements and your application is done correctly, you should receive your visa within eight weeks of your application,” said Dunn.<\/p>\n “The major benefit of switching is that your potential employer will be much more willing to hire someone who graduated in the UK than an employee who graduated outside the UK,” he said.<\/p>\n “This is because employers are exempt from having to search for a local candidate for a position that is being filled by a UK university graduate, regardless of that graduate\u2019s nationality. Employers are also exempt from paying the Immigration Skills Charge when they hire a UK university graduate.<\/p>\n “This means that it will be much easier for you find work in the UK, as your employer will be able to save valuable time and money employing you as opposed to an international graduate.”<\/p>\n The Tier 2 visa is valid for five years and you are allowed to bring dependents with you on this visa. After you\u2019ve been in the UK for five years, you can apply for\u00a0indefinite leave to remain\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>a<\/strong>nd ultimately naturalise and become a British citizen.<\/p>\n\n
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