Postgraduate study in the UK is a popular option, particularly for students who have completed their first degree here and have found it an enjoyable and successful experience.

Permission

If you are a non-EEA student wishing to stay longer than the period given by the Immigration Office in order to undertake further study, you must apply to the Home Office to extend your 'leave to remain' in the UK.

In order to stay longer you must be able to provide the following information:

• evidence of having being accepted on a course;
• evidence of having sufficient funds to be able to complete the course.

This should be done no earlier than 4 - 6 weeks before your current leave to remain expires. Forms, advice and guidance can be obtained from the International Students' Adviser at the Welfare Service, First floor, Percy Gee Building.

Finding a course

• The British Council Education UK's website has an online postgraduate course database. There is also general information about studying in the UK and funding.
• The Prospects website has a section on further study for international students.

Fees and costs

Course fees

Universities in the UK are free to set their own levels of course fees, and the amounts charged to international students from outside the EU may vary considerably between institutions.

Remember that course fees are annual and will increase each year (subject to annual inflation). Therefore if your course is longer than a year the fees will increase each year.

Living expenses

You will need to consider the additional costs of your living expenses. The British Council suggests £600 per month to live (outside London) and £770 within London. This assumes you are living alone (not with family) and takes into account basic accommodation, food and clothing. You will also need to take into consideration the fact that terms are longer for postgraduate study and you may need to purchase expensive books and equipment.

Tuition fees at the University of Leicester

For details of postgraduate tuition fees for courses at the University of Leicester please visit the International Office website. 

Funding

Funding for postgraduate study is a key factor determining whether or not a student can stay on for further study.

Competition for awards is fierce and it is important to remember that even if you have undertaken undergraduate study in the UK and are planning to carry on at a postgraduate level, you do not qualify for funding on the same basis as a UK or EU student.

Some students fund themselves entirely from a combination of private savings, loans or family support. Scholarships are usually given from the home government or the British Council in the home country.

However, there are several other scholarships and awards available for international students undertaking postgraduate study. Funding is often awarded to students according to factors such as their country of origin and subject of study so students need to research the options available carefully.

General sources of funding

• The British Council website has a searchable database of sources of funding for international students.

University of Leicester

• To find out about scholarships administered through the University of Leicester visit the International Office website (www.le.ac.uk/international) and click on the 'Scholarships' section.

Other universities

• If you are interested in studying at another University, you should check their website or contact them to see if they have any scholarships that you are eligible to apply for.

ORSAS

• You may be eligible to apply for the Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme (www.orsas.ac.uk)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarships and Fellowships

• You may be eligible to apply for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarships and Fellowships (www.fco.gov.uk), which include the Chevening and Marshalls scholarships and the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships.

Careers and Further Study for International Students

The AGCAS booklet 'Careers and Further Study for International Students' has information on sources of funding for postgraduate study. Pick up a copy of this booklet from the Careers Service.

Remember: Even if you are able to obtain a scholarship, you still need to be sure that it is enough to meet all of your costs.

Comparability of international qualifications

The UK National Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) provides information and advice on the authenticity and comparability of international qualifications, courses and even institutions. It is a valuable resource for international students needing to compare their qualifications when making applications for study. They provide an advice line for simple queries from students - Tel: 0870 9904088.

You may also want to visit the UCAS website (www.ucas.com) for comparability of international qualifications. There is a searchable database of countries.

Further information

For more information please visit our resources section on further study for all students.