USA - Higher Education

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
The vast expanse of USA is divided into seven regions through which are spread out almost 3300 higher education institutions generally termed as `college' or `university'. These colleges/universities offer almost 500 different fields of study, providing international applicants with a variety of options and opportunities for education. There are 1,200 community and junior colleges, and 1,800 colleges and universities. The variety includes public colleges and universities, private institutions, liberal arts college, specialized institutions, men’s' colleges, women’s' colleges, military colleges, etc. Federal academies provide free education to a select group of qualified students. Colleges vary in size; some are large while others are quite small. In some colleges an applicant may find students from many different States, while in others the student community may belong to a particular State. In terms of costs the total cost for tuition, room, board and fees in a college may be $10,000 per annum while in other colleges cost is much more. The most competitive colleges may even cost more than $30,000 per annum. Besides costs there are colleges in USA which cater to the special needs of students, e.g., colleges catering to the needs of learning disabled students providing special facilities. Institutions with these diverse characteristics have been attracting students from across the globe.
The liberal arts colleges, also called liberal arts and science colleges, provide academic studies of subjects in the Humanities (Languages, Literature, Philosophy, Arts), the Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Political Science) and the Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry). Institutes of technology offer higher education in specialized science and technology subjects. Some universities are considered most reputable as they form an Ivy League. Considered to be highly selective, these institutes are renowned the world over for their educational programs.
There are several types of institutions imparting higher education

Universities
Universities comprise of undergraduate colleges and graduate or professional schools. They are located on a large campus with colleges and schools spread out on the campus. Generally each college/school has all facilities for day-to-day functioning.
They are specialized institutions imparting professional education and training in science and engineering along with basic science, social sciences and even humanities courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. There are also technical schools imparting 2-year training for Para professional occupations. They do not grant degrees.

4-year colleges and 2-year community colleges
There are 4-year colleges offering bachelor's degree programs and community colleges which offer 2-year courses after class 12. These are cheaper in costs. Courses offered in community colleges are of 3 months to 2 years duration. 3 months courses are certificate courses while 2 years courses are associate degrees in technical and Para professional trades, e.g., data processing, auto mechanics, electrical and electronics, etc. The 2 years courses at community colleges are also preparatory courses for transfer to 4 years degree colleges, i.e., the degrees awarded by community colleges are either `terminal' or `transfer'. Terminal associate degrees prepare students for employment in technical and Para professional fields and are similar to vocational courses in India. Transfer associate degrees allow students to study for 2 years at a community college or junior college and then transfer to a degree course in a 4 years college where they receive a bachelor's degree.

Professional training schools
Professional courses in medicine, law, dentistry, veterinary schools are of 3 to 4 years duration. Only undergraduates can seek admission to these courses. Limited openings are offered for residency training to foreign medical graduates.

Short-term study programs - Courses and seminars of a few days to a years duration are conducted by community colleges, technical schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and research centres. Application procedures to these are much simpler than that followed for college and university programs.

ACCREDITION
Before seeking admission to any educational institution in USA a foreign student should determine whether the institution is currently accredited. Accredition is a certificate given by an accrediting association after the institution has been judged to meet established standards.
This is a periodic assessment carried out not by the government but by committees of education and other private organizations. Institutions are visited by committees deputed by one of the 6 regional accrediting bodies. The regional accrediting bodies are:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North West Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

These accrediting associations are recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council on Postsecondary Accredition (COPA).
In the absence of a Ministry of Education responsible for regulation of educational institutions, institutions are self-regulatory, i.e., they have institutional and professional accredition. While institutional accredition is granted by regional accrediting bodies, professional accredition exists only in programs which concern occupational competence. Professional accredition is granted to a program only after institutional accredition has been granted to the school conducting the program. Professional accredition is of particular importance in fields such as business, engineering, medicine and law.
The advantage of studying in an accredited institution is that you would be in a more secure position as an applicant to a graduate school. Most accredited graduate schools prefer to select students from accredited undergraduate schools. Secondly, if you wish to change college midway, your credits would easily get transferred from one college to the other. Most accredited institutions offer financial aid, fellowships and grants. Even on return to India only accredited degrees and diplomas are viewed favorably.

RANKING OF UNIVERSITIES
Some directories publish ranking of colleges and universities in terms of competitiveness. This is based on the ratio of the number of students who apply to the number admitted. Such rankings are useful because they give the applicant an idea of the chance of admission. There is, however, no official ranking of colleges and universities in USA. Some rankings are based on opinion surveys of professionals in the field or on Federal Governments' allocation of funds for research grants. For an international applicant these may be rough indicators about the criteria for admission but it is only the application process that would give a true picture of what the chances are for entering a college. However, when a school is ranked high, it must not be presumed that it is the best option for every applicant. A student's academic and professional ambitions as well as financial resources, schools location and size need to be considered to decide which the best choice is.

INTER-SCHOOL TRANSFERS
US higher educational institutions have the unique characteristic of allowing transfer from one course to another, from one campus to another and even one university to another. Students transfer from 2-year colleges to universities or even midway during graduation. Some universities even consider Indian degrees for allocating credits for courses covered at an Indian university. While choosing a university it may be worthwhile scrutinizing the transfer policies - what has been the average GPA, the acceptance rate, the year when transfer has been readily accepted, can your course credits be transferred, etc.

USA - The Education System

EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE Education in the United States of America is different in form and content from what we have in India.

School education
School education in USA is for 12 years. American children begin schooling at the age of three or four years and till the age of five years most children attend kindergarten. Elementary school begins at the age of 6 years. Schools follow two patterns : (a) elementary grades go upto class four followed by middle school for 3 years and then comes senior school from grade 9 to 12, (b) in another system elementary grades extend upto grade 6 followed by a combined Junior and Senior High School, i.e., from grade 7 to grade 12. With a secondary school (`high school') diploma or certificate, a student can enter college, university, vocational (job training) school, secretarial school and other professional schools. Some secondary level programs of other countries are recognized as being higher than USA secondary program.
Schools in USA are managed both privately and by the State; in fact the public school system is run by the State Government which controls almost 80% of the country's elementary and high schools. The rest are private schools run by religious organizations or private groups. Public schools in USA are supported mainly by taxation. Private schools get their operating funds chiefly from tuition and contribution of private citizens.

Higher education
Undergraduate Education - Bachelor's degree in USA usually takes 4 years of study. There are Community/junior colleges or technical/vocational training institutions that grant a diploma or certificate which can not be equated with college degrees. Community and junior colleges offer academic and non academic subjects in 2-year programs granting associate degrees in Science or Art. The non academic associate degrees are for immediate employment and can not be transferred as a credit for a 4-year college degree course, where as academic transfer associate degree programs do allow students to transfer to degree courses at a university.

Graduate Education takes 2 years and requires 16 years of education for entry.

University and colleges - University education begins at 18 years after secondary education for undergraduate study. In higher education universities have autonomy to design their programs, curriculum and standards for admission. There is no `national university' or federal education ministry. Legal authority for the governance of most USA higher educational institutions rests with a Board of trustees who are honorary appointees. They generally delegate the day-to-day management to the administrative staff and faculty particularly for curriculum development, instruction and research. Every college or university - whether in a large city or in a smaller community - has a campus on a land which it owns. On this campus are located libraries, classrooms, laboratories, administrative and service buildings, hostels with dormitories, apartments, canteens and staff quarters. Facilities for sports and games, entertainment, e.g., club houses, theatre, student centre, etc. There is generally also an infirmary or hospital and a bookstore along with other special facilities a campus may provide.
A unique characteristic of a USA university campus is that it is a physically and socially unified community within a larger community. This has had a profound influence on the development of an individual's personality. Campus living encourages a close association among the students and the faculty. Many students find this association informal, friendly and supportive.
Generally the administrative organization of any university depends upon the number and size of schools or colleges on a campus. Many universities offer programs of professional preparation and hence have separate schools or colleges such as college of engineering, school of law, school of medicine. Each school has a chief executive officer known as `Dean'. Schools have departments and administrative sub-divisions, e.g., department of computer engineering, department of mathematics, economics and the like. Many universities have a general program called `liberal' program which is a separate school and has departments of subjects such as philosophy, mathematics, history, psychology, etc. The executive officer of each department is addressed as `chairperson' or `head'.

Objectives of higher education - The special objectives which higher education institutions hope to achieve are theoretically and even practically similar to ours in India. They aim to equip students with the necessary skills to take their places in a highly demanding, complex and multifaceted society. The courses have been designed for developing critical and practical skills for being useful contributors to society. They believe in placing greater emphasis on experiential learning through observation and measurement. Hence any student who plans to study in USA must be sure not to expect a directive `spoon feeding' approach in teaching but an approach which demands active participation and a self-steering attitude.

Academic year - The academic year is usually divided into two semesters: Fall is the August beginning semester and spring is the January beginning semester. All universities accept students in the fall semester. Only a few admit foreign students in the spring or January session.
The academic year is roughly 32 weeks long and sessions may begin from last week of August or during September. Each session is divided into academic terms or semesters. A two semester calendar seems to be the most popular option, each semester being of 16 weeks duration. The quarter system has 3 terms in an academic year each of about 10 weeks duration. There is a rare chance for a university to offer a trimester calendar for undergraduate study. In this system the whole calendar year is divided into three equal terms of 12 weeks duration. A few holiday periods range from one week to a month. Most universities have summer programs which last for the vacation period of 6-10 weeks. Many foreign students use this vacation time for planned study to complete a four year course in 3 years.

UK- Application Procedure to Higher Education Institutions in UK

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

DEGREE COURSES:

Application for admission to full-time and sandwich first degree courses, diploma of higher education (Dip HE) and higher national diploma (HND) courses at UK universities and most colleges of higher education should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), P.O. Box 67, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 3SF.

The UCAS is the central agency which acts on behalf of all UK universities and most colleges for higher education for processing of applications for entry to their first degree, diploma in higher education, higher national diplomas and certain university diploma courses. This centralized system attempts to make the process as fair as possible.

The UCAS form is available from 1st September each year and is generally made available at all British Council offices in the country.

Application schedule for international students

May - September - You should try and find out all you can about the universities and courses you are keen to apply to.

September - October - 1st September UCAS begins receiving applications. 15th October is applications deadline.

1st September - 15th January - Oxford/Cambridge application should be made.

November - December - UCAS member universities begin interviews. Last date for UCAS application is 15th December.

January - March - Art and Design Applications (ADAR). Last date being 31st March.

April - ADAR institutions begin interviews for first choice offers. Second choice interviews are in 3rd week of May.

May - UCAS acceptance deadline is 15th May for first choice institutions

June - ADAR placements

August - September - Clearing process begins from UCAS

Filling the form

In the UCAS form there is a section headed `Personal Statement'. This is for you to say why you are applying and to support your application you must give evidence of relevant interests or work experience. Put down anything you have achieved: Duke of Edinburgh Awards, sports certificates, participation certificates and awards acquired in curricular activities.

The cost for applying is £ 5 for a single choice and £ 15 for up to six choices.(subject to revision)

Referee's report or recommendation

Your `referee' (teacher, principal, and counselor) should fill in the recommendation page of the form. They should describe your academic achievements and your potential (including their assessment of what grades you will achieve), what type of student you are (how motivated and interested you are) and how you cope with organizing your work. This report is confidential. If you have experienced any particular health or personal problems which are known to the school, these may be mentioned here if your referee thinks they have affected (or are likely to affect) your exam performances at school.

The form must reach the UCAS office between 1st September and 15th December in the year preceding the proposed year of entry. UCAS forwards applications to universities/colleges who consider it at their discretion. The UCAS process is:

• The receipt in the UCAS office of completed application forms (applicants are asked on the form to name up to 6 courses to which they wish to apply) ;
• Transmission by the office of a copy of each application form to those institutions named on it by the applicant ;
• Communication to the applicant, by the office, of decision made by each university/college on his/her application ;
• A Clearing Scheme which enables applicants whose original applications were unsuccessful to be considered by other institutions with vacant places.
• The British system requires everyone to apply one year in advance of entry. UCAS allows an applicant to fill in only one form each year.

Application acceptance

Universities usually give an unconditional offer to those who satisfy entry requirements by their existing qualifications. UCAS institution sends acceptance or rejection directly to the applicant. Conditional offers are made when A grade level have to be considered. After receiving all replies a student has the option to keep one as firm offer and the other as a standby. Grades at your exam decide whether you will go to the college of your first choice. The responses must reach UCAS by mid May after decisions from all universities have been received.

On failing to fulfill conditional requirements for admission:

Conditional offers are made by Universities which define the Grades you need to achieve for getting a final offer; these are generally in relevant subjects at the `A' level. If you fall short of the desired grades for your first and second choice colleges you may take the `clearing option' through which UCAS places students in vacant places. Direct contact with the universities also helps since many universities accept students even after the term has begun.

The clearing process

Clearing is like a waiting place for applicants who fail to receive offers or who do not get the right grades. The clearing house has all remaining vacancies in institutions and hence it helps to place unplaced applicants into a vacant position.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSE (ELC)

Some ELC can be started at any time of the year whereas others have fixed admission schedules. Students must apply directly to the school.

BOARDING SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Most schools begin in September. Some admit students even a year in advance. Application can be made through British Council Libraries.

CAREER BASED COURSES

Students must apply directly to the institution offering these courses. There is no application deadline usually but students must keep ample time for making arrangements for travel & stay.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR SPECIAL COURSES:

Art and design courses

There are 2 types of institutions providing art and design degrees - the conventional universities and the studio based courses.UCAS is responsible for helping applicants to some design degrees while ADAR makes admissions to studio based courses in England, Wales and Ireland.

Address for contact:

Art and Design Registry at Penn House, 9 Broad Street, Hereford HRG 4 9AP,

Merger of UCAS and ADAR - Application for art and design courses from 1997 are submitted in 2 ways, 1st option: For some courses (given in UCAS handbook) 6 choices can be given and the form submitted by 15th December. Applications are sent to all 6 institutions. 2nd option: you may enter 4 choices send in your application by March. The order of preference has to be given on a separate form so that your application is considered in that order.

Fine art courses in the portfolio submission scheme - Since 1995 four separate portfolio submission schemes are in operation. These are listed below:

Central portfolio submission scheme - University of Wales, University of Edinburgh, Reading offer honors degree courses in Fine Art, and have a central scheme for the submission of portfolios during January. The scheme is administered by the University of Reading. A separate registration fee is payable for this service. Applicants who include on their application form a course in Fine Art at one or more of the above universities get details about the submission of portfolios.

For the Bachelor of Fine Art course at the Ruskin School, Oxford, applicants are to submit an Oxford application card by 15th October and a portfolio of artwork by 15th November. Portfolios are returned to applicants in time for the Central Portfolio submission administered by University of Reading, and the State Portfolio Examination.

Details may be obtained from:
Oxford Colleges Admissions Office, Wellington Square, Oxford OXI 2JD.

The Slade School of Fine Art, University College, London conducts an independent portfolio examination, in mid-January. A separate fee is payable for the examination. Applicants who include the Slade on their application form receive details of the scheme.

Goldsmiths' College, University of London assesses applicants through 12 slides showing examples of their work.

In order to be certain of receiving detailed instructions in time to meet the portfolio submission deadlines, application forms which include courses in Fine Art within the central portfolio submission scheme and the Slade Portfolio examination, should reach UCAS well before 15th December.

Each centre (Reading University, the Ruskin School, the Slade School, and Goldsmiths’ College) clears any doubts about the scheme, not UCAS.

Teacher's training courses

For B.Ed courses application must be made through UCAS at

Fulton House, Jessop Avenue, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL 50 34H

In Ireland the Department of Education is responsible for the teachers training program. Applications may be procured from -

Department of Education in Northern Ireland, Rethgael House, Balloo Road, Bangor, Co Dawn BT 19 7, Northern Ireland

For post graduation, the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) and the Indian Human Resource Ministry, coordinate the application process.

For Special Education address enquires to:

Information Section, Teacher's Training Agency, Portland House, Stag Place, London SW/E 5TT.

Nursing/Social work

To work as a nurse in UK a nursing license issued by UKCC is required. This is the regulatory body in UK. A qualified nurse from overseas works on annual contracts initially. Information about Indo-UK Nurses Association (INKUNA) is available on Website: www.indouknurses.org.

Nurses Central Clearing House (NCCH), PO Box 346, Bristol BS 99 7FB handles applications for individual nursing institutions in England. This organization keeps information about all current and proposed courses. UCAS also handles diploma and degree courses in nursing.

In Scotland the application must be sent to NBS Centralized application to:

Nurse Training Clearing House (CATCH) Post Box 21, Edinburgh, EH2 1NT.

For postgraduate courses in social work applications must be sent to (SWAS):

Social Work Admission System, Fulton House, Jessop Avenue, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL 50 3SF. Undergraduate placements are monitored by UCAS.

Applying to Cambridge and Oxford

Many applicants to Oxford and Cambridge Universities have been admitted on the basis of special entrance examinations organized by the colleges, but increasing discontentment with this system which is thought to discriminate against the maintained schools is leading both universities towards the use of 'A' grades together with interviews as the main method of selection.

The rules for Oxford and Cambridge applications differ from UCAS in the following ways:

Unlike UCAS the closing date for Oxford and Cambridge is 15th October

Oxford has an application card which must reach its office by that date

Cambridge preliminary application form should be sent to the Cambridge Intercollegiate office and to UCAS

Address for reference is as follows:

University of Cambridge Intercollegiate Application Office, Kellett Lodge, Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB 2 1QJ.

Oxford application too must go through UCAS and to Oxford Colleges Admissions Office

Address for reference is as follows:

Oxford College Admissions Office, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD.

Cambridge conducts interviews in September and December. In September interviews are held for those who are school leavers. Responses are sent out to reach the applicant by end of October/ January. Cambridge colleges often give conditional offer to those who are awaiting `A' level results.

Oxford admits students who have not yet taken (A) examinations, either by interview and conditional offer (mode N for post A level students) or by entrance examination (mode E for pre A level students). Cambridge, however, since 1987, has made use, for some candidates, of a new sixth-term examination (`STEP') as an adjunct to (A) examination.

Currently Oxford has stopped the separate entry exam.

Mode N has no written exam but has the scheme offering conditional offer. A level applicant gets conditional placements based on these grades.

Applicants cannot apply to Cambridge and Oxford in the same year except for those who are applying for `Organ award' at both these universities.

For Scotland universities applications must go through UCAS. The degree courses are of 4-year duration like in other university systems throughout the world. The first year is the foundation year for students from many faculties.

APPLICATION FOR POSTGRADUATE COURSES

Postgraduate courses in the UK are perhaps one of the best in the world. There are generally more applications than vacancies. The very best places have a high demand and get filled up very quickly. An international applicant will take roughly a year and a half to complete all formalities.Applications is received between November and March. You have to apply directly to the university and not through UCAS as for first degrees. There is no central clearing house for postgraduate courses. Application to the university may be addressed to the Central postgraduate admissions department or to the international department for overseas applicants.

International applicants are assessed on the basis of their application form, references and academic record. Universities welcome work experience. Both part time and full time work experience are considered when granting admission. University admissions office would like to assess your motivation. You may be asked to write why do you want to pursue the course or what do you expect after the course. Genuine interest in the program offered by the university brings a favorable response.

UK - Admission Requirements and English Proficiency Test for entry into Higher Education Institutions

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST:


EVALUATION OF INDIAN EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION FOR ENTRY TO HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES:

The evaluation in Britain as given by the National Academic Recognition Centre is as follows:

Secondary school certificates awarded on completion of standard X

Matriculation Certificate, Secondary School Certificate, All India Secondary School Certificate, Indian Certificate of Secondary Education are generally considered to be below GCSE standard.

Higher secondary school certificates awarded on completion of standards XI or XII

Indian School Certificate (ISC), Intermediate Certificate, Higher School Certificate (HSC), Higher Secondary Certificate, All India Senior School Certificate if awarded at Standard XI, may be considered to approach GCSE standard. If awarded at Standard XII, is considered comparable to GCSE standard (grades A, B and C) on a subject-for-subject basis. Students with excellent results in the standard XII examinations of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and the Indian Council School Examinations (ICSE), and other State Boards are considered for admission to undergraduate courses in all universities except Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College and London School of Economics. A good aggregate at CBSE is above 75% aggregate.

Higher education

Bachelor of Arts/Science/Commerce may be considered to satisfy the general entrance requirements of British higher education institutions.

Bachelor degree (when awarded from a central university or a university with departments recognized as centers of advanced study) and Bachelor of Science/Engineering/Technology degrees are generally considered comparable to British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree. Exceptionally bright students with very high grades may be considered for admission to postgraduate study.

Bachelor of Science/Engineering/Technology (when awarded from an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) or the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) is generally considered comparable to British Bachelor (Honors) degree standard.

Master of Arts/Science/Commerce is generally considered comparable to British (Ordinary) degree standard. Students with very high grades may be considered for admission to postgraduate study.

Master degree when awarded from a central university and from the Universities of Mumbai, Chennai and Osmania and Master of Science/Engineering /Technology are generally considered comparable to British Bachelor (Honors) degree standard.

Master of Technology/Science (Engineering) when awarded from an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore or a university with departments recognized as Centers of Advanced Study are generally considered comparable to British Master degree standard.


GCE and GCSE FOR STUDENTS OUTSIDE BRITAIN

Overseas students wishing to take GCE (or GCSE) examinations can study in their own country and take the examinations in an overseas centre nominated by the concerned university board The GCSE examination offered in schools in Britain is generally not available overseas because of its emphasis on practical work and continuous assessment. The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate has developed an International GCSE (IGCSE) which is available in a growing number of centers overseas. The examination boards are also continuing to offer GCE O-level for students overseas. GCE O-level and IGCSE are recognized worldwide.

GCE and IGCSE examinations in India

The British Council Division (BCD) of the British High Commission in India provides facilities to take GCE examinations of the University of London Examinations and Assessment Council (ULEAC), twice a year in January and June, at its four regional centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. In certain circumstances arrangements are made for students to take the examinations for the GCE Boards of other universities also. These are:

• Associated Examining Board, Stag Hill House, Guilford, Surrey, GV2 5XJ
• Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations, Ewart Place, Summer town Oxford OX 2782
• Cambridge University Local Examination Syndicate, Hills Road Cambridge CBI 2EU.

The British Council Division does not provide tuition for the examinations. The following are a few guidelines for candidates intending to study for GCE examinations in India.

Government of India permission - Indian nationals can take the examinations only on receipt of written permission from the Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development. Application for permission should be addressed to:

The Under Secretary, Ministry of Human Resource Development, (Department of Education), U-3 Section, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi - 110 001

Such permission is normally granted to the following:

• Candidates whose mother or father (or both) is a foreign national
• Candidates whose parents are in diplomatic service, or in any other business or service that involves living abroad for considerable periods of time at a stretc
• Candidates who have received part of their education abroad and find it difficult to switch over to courses available in India
• Candidates who wish to go to Britain for a course which is not available in India

Government of India permission is necessary only for Indian residents in India.

Subjects - It is not possible for British Council offices to conduct examinations in all O and A-level subjects. Students should therefore enquire from the respective centers to find out if the subjects they wish to take are offered, particularly if subjects involve practical examinations.

Examination fees - Two types of examination fees are payable:

• University fees, to be paid in pounds sterling by banker's draft drawn on a London bank
• Local fees, to be paid in rupees by banker's draft.

Details of fees can be obtained from the British Council offices.

Regulations and syllabuses - Copies of the "Regulations and Syllabuses" can be obtained from the University of London School Examinations Board, Publications Department, 50 Gordon Square, London WCI OPJ. Copies are also available for consultation in the British Council Libraries. Photocopies of relevant sections of the syllabuses can be made.

Entry Form - Entry forms and instructions for January examinations are generally available from British Council offices in early August of the preceding year. For June examinations they are available by the end of November of the preceding year. The completed entry form should be returned by the first week of September for January examinations and the last week of December for June examinations. Entry forms and detailed instructions can be obtained by writing directly to the British Council Division offices.

Coaching - The British Council Division does not provide coaching for GCE examinations. A number of schools, including those listed below; currently prepare students for these examinations.

• The British School [IGCSE and A-Level],Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110 021
• Calcutta International School,18 Lee Road, Calcutta - 700 020
• Woodstock School(O and A-Levels), Mussorie - 248 179, UP
• Hebron School ;Washington Hall, Ootacamund - 642 001[run courses for GCSE with 3 British examining boards but not the University of London]
• Mussoorie International School; Mussorie - 248179, UP.[IGCSE and A-Level]
• New Era School, Panchgani - 421 805; Maharashtra [O-Level]

The Council for the Accreditation of Correspondence Colleges lists six accredited colleges that offer the GCE `A' level courses through correspondence. When corresponding with these colleges the candidate is advised to specify the examination board, e.g., University of London Examinations and Assessment Council

• The Civil Service Correspondence School, Ware, Herts SG12 9
• Henley College Home study Unit
• Henley College Coventry, Henley Road, Bell Green, Coventry CV2 IED
• Mercers College, Ware, Herts SG12 9B
• National Extension College, 18 Brook-lands Avenue, Cambridge CB2 2H
• The Open Learning Centre, 24 King Street, Carmarthen, DYFED SA31 1B
• The Rapid Results College,Tuition House, 27/37 St George's Road, London SW19 4DS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Universities and Colleges in UK are independent institutions which do not depend on the Government for entry regulations. Each is free to decide which overseas qualification it would recognize. The National Academic Recognition Centre at Manchester has worked out equivalence's for the purpose of setting guidelines. There is, however, no automatic equivalence between British and Indian or other qualifications but they generally refer to established equivalence standards.

Students from India will find that their school leaving certificates are regarded as the approximate equivalent of GCSE's and that they may be required to take the `A' level exams, if their AISSCE aggregate is less than 75%, to be able to apply to most British institutions.



English language courses

Entry is flexible and offered on the basis of previous ability.

Boarding schools and colleges

Independent schools admit students at the ages of 7, 11, 13, or 16. For entry at 11 or 13 years students have to take the Common Entrance Examination. Schools admitting students for 'A' levels may take a Maths and English Test (for international students)

Career based courses

GNVG courses and vocational 'A' levels require 4-5 GCSE. HND requires 'A' levels or equivalent qualification (see next section) work experience/drawing portfolio may be required for practical courses.

Degree courses

3 'A' levels

Entry requirements for undergraduate courses

Students in UK are admitted to universities on the basis of their GCSE and GCE grades. They have to meet the general entrance requirements, i.e., pass grades in 5 GCSE subjects with two at least at A. Pass in 4 and `A' in 3 are also accepted. Very often pass in English, Maths/Science is expected. Many universities find 3 A passes acceptable. Since 1989 all universities consider 2 AS subjects as equivalent to one A subject.

In terms of course requirements specific subjects are desirable. For subjects such as education, politics and social studies and law AS levels are required as course requirements. While AS levels may not fulfill course requirements for medicine, mathematics etc., other acceptable qualifications are the International Baccalaureate which some international schools offer in India.

International Baccalaureate, an alternative to `A' levels, is a 2-year course. It covers a wider range of subjects than `A' levels. Study of 6 subjects including 2 languages (native and second language) is required.


Address for reference:

International Baccalaureate office, University of London, Institute of Education 18 Wabtern Square, London - WCIH ONS.

In UK, Business and Technology Education awards, higher national certificate (HNC) and higher national diplomas are also accepted by universities. In Britain, however, possessing recognized qualifications does not ensure a place in a higher education institution. Institutions desire specific grades. In fact by this rigid process British institutions ensure a high success rate in their courses. Recently, however, British universities and higher education colleges have displayed a more flexible attitude in considering equivalent non- standard and overseas qualification of applicants to UK degree courses. An outstanding All India Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (AISSCE) record of CBSE may be considered as equivalent to `A' levels for entry to university courses. For BTEC (HND and HNC) generally All India Senior Secondary Certificate Exam (AISSCE) results are acceptable for entry.

For students pursuing ISC the general requirements are: 5 subject passes (2 GCE A-levels and 3 GCSE at grade C minimum) or 4 subject passes (3 GCE A-levels and 1 GCSE at grade C minimum) or

Equivalent Indian qualifications: The most comprehensive picture to entry requirements is supplied by UCAS official guide. The only authoritative statement of entry requirements is the formal offer from the university.

Entry criteria for various subjects of study - Entry criteria are influenced by supply and demand for places. Over the years there has been variation in demands for certain courses, e.g., computer studies, communication and media studies seem to have grown in demand. When demand grows for a particular course it is but obvious that entry becomes competitive. Many institutions prefer to take in BTEC national diploma or International Baccalaureate students.

Universities are looking for people who fit into the demands of higher education. By inviting applications from students across the globe they aim to select students who can benefit from higher education.

Universities expect specific grades or courses for specific subjects, e.g., maths at the A level is required for all engineering courses. For Business and Finance, Maths and English are considered. For language course A-level in the specific language is required. Medicine, veterinary and dental science requires science courses at A-levels. Physical sciences require mathematics and the subject you are applying for. Entry requirements for humanities vary from subject to subject. For economics you may require Maths at A-level while for history it would be A-level in history. For psychology and philosophy, maths and English at the O-level may be needed. Architecture entrants need to have studied Maths at A-level. (UCAS Handbook has latest details in terms of entry requirements.)

Postgraduate program

Undergraduate degree in the relevant subject. Conversion to another area is possible by doing a subject conversion course.

For PhD in Philosophy - PG in Philosophy in Britain is required.

TESTS OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY:

Most institutions in UK do not accept an international student without evidence of proficiency in the English language. Without fluency in the English language a student may not be able to cope in a British setting. However, there is no uniformity in the qualification and grades universities might be looking for.

British Council students’ services division guides students for proficiency tests. Many overseas students with inadequate preparation in the English Language fail in their first year examination and have to repeat the year.

English as a foreign language (EFL)

Cambridge EFL examinations are run by the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES). The range of Cambridge EFL examinations include specialist exams in Business English, English for Academic Purposes, test for young learners and a suite of certificates and diplomas for language teachers. The examination covers skills like - Listening, speaking, reading & writing.

International English language testing system (IELTS)

The IELTS test is the usual means by which the British Council and even the International Development Program of Australian Universities and Colleges measure the language skills of students from overseas who need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. Its purpose is to find out if your proficiency in English will meet the demands of a course where the teaching is done which is entirely in English.

The test covers the language skills needed for courses of study and uses the kinds of text and tasks you may find on a course in Britain. It is not, however, a test of knowledge of any particular subject which you intend to study.

The test is made up of four subtests taken in the following order:

1. Listening (30 minutes)
2. Reading (60 minutes)
3. Writing (60 minutes)
4. Speaking (10-15 minutes)

The listening subtest is general and the reading and writing subtests test skills in particular areas suited to the chosen course of study. The speaking subtest is also general and is recorded on cassettes. Two modules are available and the module closest to your own subject will be given to you.

Modules - IELTS modules are as follows:

Academic reading and writing - This test helps to assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on academic modules.

General training - reading and writing - This is not designed to test the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposes. It is suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries to complete their secondary education or to undertake work experience or training programs not at degree level. For the test a fees of over Rs. 3500 has to be paid.

Specimen material packs are available at British Council offices which include a book on How to Prepare for IELTS.

Repeating the IELTS - Students cannot retake the test until three months after their first sitting. They have to produce their previous test report form for details to be checked.

Information about IELTS Testing can be procured from,

IELTS Administrator,

British Deputy High Commission,

British Council Division.

AGE REQUIREMENTS:

There are 2 categories of students accepted in UK. 17-18 years old and `Mature students' who are of 19-25 year old.

`Mature students' - A student who has completed conventional school/college education and seeks admission to a UK university at the age of 21 years or more is a mature student. He can follow the normal application process. Mature students are also those who do not possess standard entry requirements but have alternative qualification/work experience.

UK - Higher Education

HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

It is necessary for an Indian applicant to understand the distinction between the various types of institutions existing in the United Kingdom for post-school education.

Universities

Britain has 95 universities. Universities in the UK are autonomous (self-governing) and have been incorporated as such by the British Parliament. Each university provides courses for all the major professions. Universities in Britain are located in diverse settings, e.g., in large cities, in smaller towns or in the country side. Besides the location, universities vary in size from a thousand students to 10,000 students. Manchester universities are really large. Leeds and London Universities are in city centers while Nottingham University is in a suburb. There are universities on the coasts such as Aberdeen University, in towns and those which have a country campus such as the University of Keele.

Colleges and institutes of higher education (CIHE)

CIHE in UK offer a variety of courses leading to degree level and professional qualifications. The courses are either full time or part time. Their certificates or diplomas are validated by external bodies, councils and professional organizations. These institutions are not as large as universities and hence a closer personal contact is fostered between students and tutors. The colleges of higher education must not be confused with colleges that are part of universities such as Oxford or London. Higher education colleges offer degrees or specialized professional qualifications such as in teaching, physiotherapy, art, music, agriculture, etc. These colleges award their own degree or alternatively are affiliates of universities.

Colleges of further education

Further education implies post-secondary education pursued at institutions other than universities. There are almost 600 colleges of further education funded by Further Education Council. Further education is also offered at independent and private colleges of varying sizes, e.g., there are colleges which have over 20,000 students while others have just 200 students. Further education colleges form a link between schools and university. The courses are offered by schools at secondary level (GCSE/GCE - A levels) or higher diploma courses offered by universities. Some further education institutions allow for transfer to or the first year of university or higher diploma courses after one year intensive access or bridging course.

Colleges of further education offer training at many levels:

• The pre-vocational and vocational courses
• Access to higher education courses (bridging and foundation courses of 1 year duration)
• Specialized courses for craftsmen and technicians
• Professional courses (secretarial/business courses, etc.)

Graduate level courses

Further education institutions also offer general education courses that allow people without formal qualifications to enter further education at the most elementary level and eventually get the highest qualification available.

Hence the choice is between an academic, vocational or intermediary option. The academic route leads to university degrees, vocational route to skilled training and the intermediary route to a mix of academic and vocational training allowing entry to both academic/vocational options.

Colleges of education:

These are teacher training colleges.

Colleges of art and design:

Art and Design courses at all levels are conducted at these colleges.

Private colleges (Accredited):

While most primary and secondary schools are managed privately in the higher education sector there are several accredited institutions offering correspondence and regular courses which are privately managed.

ACCREDITION:

Accrediting organizations lay down standards for private colleges. They inspect and assess them against standard criteria. Many private colleges which have got accreditation offer national qualifications such as of Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) and City and Guild of London Institute (CGLI) which are widely accepted by employers and the academic bodies. The recognition of their courses is monitored by the Department of Education in Britain.

Independent Further Education Colleges are accredited by the British Accreditation Council.

Professional accreditation

Most professional courses are accredited by professional organizations in the UK. They review course content and training standards from time to time and conduct professional qualifying examinations.

Accrediting organizations in Britain

There are several accrediting bodies the major ones being the Council for the Accreditation of Correspondence Colleges, the British Association Council for Independent Further and Higher Education (BACIFHE) or (BAC), British Council English Language Schools Recognition Scheme.

These professional organizations also provide accreditation of courses; these are for different subjects. Those seeking admission in a private college may verify its course validity from the professional body.

QUALITY ASSURANCE:

The UK government and higher education institutions are partners in monitoring quality of higher education. There is a council which monitors quality and ensures that laid down requirements are adhered to. Colleges of further education are inspected regularly. Since course participants have to take exams set by independent organizations, these bodies also give a constant feedback about the quality of teaching thereby maintaining excellence. Such a system helps to maintain a uniformly high system of education in all institutions.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

The learning process demands maximum participation from students. Students are generally expected to spend many hours on self-study after guidelines are given through lectures.

Teaching methods:

Lectures, tutorials, seminars and practicals in different combinations are used by most institutions for teaching. The group size varies. Generally a very large group may have 150 to 200 students. Lectures may be for 4 hours a week and up to 15 hours a week. Often notes or summary may be given as handouts. However, emphasis is on `reading' rather than on directive teaching. Most tutors concentrate on research work at the postgraduate level.

EVALUATION SYSTEM: Marking system

Students get a degree in first, second or third class or just `pass'. `Honors' degrees. The class you would pass determines to a large extent whether you would be admitted to a Master's program.

New Zealand - Higher Education

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

In New Zealand in the higher education sector there are universities, colleges of education, polytechnics, private institutions and private training establishments.

There are 8 universities and nearly 40 institutes of technology, colleges of education, and private tertiary education providers. These are located all over the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

New Zealand bases its education programs and degrees on the British system. Indian qualifications are well recognized for entry into New Zealand institutions. Students are taught in English, in an English speaking environment and earn qualifications that are internationally recognized. State of the art study facilities, safe, conducive environment, pastoral care and excellent student support systems are available to all students.

The courses are in effect Government guaranteed. The New Zealand education system is 'seamless' and has flexible entry levels. Qualifications are designed to allow students to enter and exit at different levels appropriate to their academic level and English language ability. They can enter straight after higher secondary school or at post graduate level. Qualifications range from post graduate and undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and National Certificates at both introductory and advanced levels. Doctoral studies are available at universities.

All New Zealand institutions work closely and have articulation agreements in place. Therefore cross-crediting between institutions is possible.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

New Zealand Ministry of Education has introduced a new mandatory Code of Practice for all New Zealand education providers and institutions that become signatories to the Code of Practice are allowed to enroll international students or continue existing enrolments.

All New Zealand education programs offered to international students are approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), a New Zealand government organization responsible for quality control.

Universities

Universities offer standard degree programs in academic and professional studies. University education was established in New Zealand in 1870 and has a similar tradition like the British University system. There are eight state-funded universities in New Zealand, all of them internationally respected for their academic and research performance. In addition to a centrally coordinated system of quality assurance audits at both institution and program level, each university undertakes internal quality checks.

Some of the universities are almost a century old, the oldest being University of Otago. The universities are predominantly government funded national institutions offering undergraduate, graduate degree, diploma and certificate courses. All New Zealand universities offer a broad range of subjects in Arts, Commerce and Science. Each has developed its own specialist subjects such as Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Science, Computer Studies, Agriculture and Environmental Studies.

The central coordinating body of the New Zealand universities is the Vice Chancellor's Committee with its office in Wellington. The committee involves itself in formulating, promoting and coordinating inter-university policies for which they meet on a regular basis. The Vice Chancellor of each university is an active member of this committee.

Academic year - In New Zealand the academic year begins in March. Each year has either three terms or 2 semesters. The 1st term extends from March to May, the 2nd from June to August and the 3rd from September to November. The semesters are from March to June and July to November. Summer in New Zealand is from December to February. The long vacation is from November to February. Mid- semester or term breaks are for 2-3 weeks. During the vacation there are short courses which the universities conduct for those who wish to enrich their coursework or improve on their performance. Research work continues even during the breaks.

Universities now offer an increasing number of summer schools.

Status of degrees from New Zealand - It has been seen in the past few years that graduates from New ZealandUK, USA and Canada. Even in job positions New Zealand universities are accepted readily in postgraduate courses in graduates and postgraduates compare well with their counterparts from other countries.

How is quality of education assured - Unlike the US universities which have to seek accredition, the university programs in New Zealand are monitored and overseen by New Zealand Vice Chancellors' committee. They scrutinize the program to check if it follows the laid down norms. The Qualifications Authority checks that appropriate criteria are being followed while approving new programs.

Colleges of education

New Zealand colleges of education offer courses for training of teachers for primary and secondary schools, as well as for early childhood education schools and special educators. Continuing or in-service education is part of their on-going training programs.

There are six institutions of which five receive their funds from the state and are autonomous while one institute is affiliated to the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Professional accredition - While the colleges are autonomous, the activities, programs and all aspects of the programs offered are under the Supervision of the New Zealand Council of Teacher Education (NZCTE). The council has been constituted of the Chairpersons of the governing body of each college of education and the principal of each college. The Council promotes excellence in various programs of teacher education and also formulates the national policy on educational issues. It has also been delegated by New Zealand Qualification Authority to accredit member institutions to offer approved teacher education and other courses. From these colleges of Teacher education NZCTE sponsors teachers through exchange programs to some leading countries.

Addresses for reference:

Massey University College of Education, Leon Wickham,Community Relations Officer, Centennial Drive,Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North,New Zealand

The International Manager, Christchurch College of Education, PO Box 31065

Christchurch, 8030, New Zealand

Selection Coordinator, Dunedin College of Education, Private Bag, 1912 Dunedin 9020, New Zealand

University of Waikato, School of Education, The International Centre, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand

Association of Colleges of Education in New Zealand (ACENZ), PO Box 10298

Wellington, New Zealand

Polytechnics

Polytechnics or, in some cases, institutes of technology, form the New Zealand polytechnic system. These institutions are state funded and provide education and training at many levels, from introductory studies to full degree programs.

There are 24 polytechnics & institute of technology in New Zealand located in rural as well as urban settings. The Polytechnics offer many programs which are short duration as well as full degree programs in the following disciplines: Science, Business Studies, Arts, Health Care Training, Architecture, Trades, Languages and Social Science. A combination of academic and vocational courses is offered at polytechnics, funded by the government, which also has linkages with industry and business organizations.

All polytechnics are members of an Association of Polytechnics formed by principal members of each polytechnic. This council or association monitors all curriculum development programs and communicates with sister organizations. Most universities have agreements which recognize the successful completion of a course of study at a New Zealand polytechnic or institute of technology as an entrance qualification. Some students are able to enter a university course of study with credit towards their chosen degree program.

Private tertiary institutes

There is an increasing number of private tertiary institutes and training establishments in New Zealand. These providers offer a wide range of courses including English language study options. International students often enroll in these courses either to improve their English language prior to commencing university study or to pass examinations required for university entrance.

The degrees offered by private tertiary institutions have received their accredition (recognition) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority which, as mentioned earlier, is a government agency with responsibilities for setting and reviewing education qualification standards. It offers tertiary courses as an alternative to state funded education in New Zealand. Private tertiary institutions grant degrees from the NZPTIC or New Zealand Private Tertiary Institutes Council. The NZPTIC acts as a link between the government and industry.

Addresses for reference:

Design & Art College of New Zealand Ltd.,Jo Winfield, Registrar, 116 Worcester Street, PO Box 539, Christchurch, New Zealand

Communications Manager, Auckland Institute of Studies at St. Helens,

PO Box 2995,Western Springs Auckland 1050, New Zealand

Faith Bible College, The Registrar, Private Bag, Tauranga, New Zealand

Whitecliffe College of Art & Design, PO Box 8192,Symonds Street, Auckland,New Zealand