USA - Cost , Financial Aid & Visa

COST, FINANCIAL AID AND VISA

COST OF STUDYING

Fees
Application fee - Cost of application fee may range from $30 to $80 for each institution. This fee is generally not refunded.

Test fees - Academic standardized tests and English proficiency tests cost from $80 to $120 and travel to test centres is additional.You can find the full list of fees on the College Board website for SAT Reasoning & Subject Tests.

The cost of studying varies from one institution to the other and so does the cost of living and housing.
Cost of study includes tuition costs, fees for university services, books and study materials. Tuition may range from $15,000 - $45,000. Community colleges and technical training institutes are cheaper than other universities. Universities services fee may fall between $150 to $650. Laboratory charges, where incurred, are additional. Books and study materials may cost $600 or more.

FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid is help for meeting costs for education i.e., tuition, living etc. as well as for personal requirements. Those keen on availing financial aid must indicate this when they apply for admission. Applying for admission is not the same as applying for financial aid. There are forms called financial aid forms which have to be filled up and submitted separately to the institution and the State. Generally there are separate forms for scholarships and grants. The college financial aid office gives instructions about these.

Who are likely to get financial aid:
Scholarship at the undergraduate level is both limited and very competitive. Study of Music and Athletics could be exceptions. However, students with a brilliant academic or co curricular profile too stand very good chance of netting the award.
The most eligible students must have good academic focus, brilliant SAT score (1400 or more), and TOEFL score of 600 to apply to schools with demanding admission standards. Their personal statement should bear adequate proof of their maturity in decision making.
Application for financial assistance does not prejudice admission to a school.

Scholarship for sports people, performing artists
Sports persons may study in schools where there exists a team in their sport or performing art. Scholarship applications to these schools must be supported by reference letters and certificates of performance.

Low cost colleges
If you have a limited budget you may apply to low cost colleges.

SOURCES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
International students may seek financial aid from the following sources:

• USA colleges and universities
• USA foundations and private bodies
• USA Government and binational agencies
• International funding organizations
• Own government or private organization, banks
• Universities/Colleges - Financial assistance for undergraduates comes in the form of: Scholarships, Grants, Tuition waivers (full or partial), Part time job on campus.

For graduates financial assistance is given through grants of teaching/research assistantship.
Scholarships are disbursed when an applicant displays brilliant academic credentials, promise and talent, and a perfect match for the position. Grants are need-based while tuition waivers are decided on need and merit. Loans are given in emergency situations when a student runs out of funds and deserves to stay on in USA for studies.
Some institutions provide assistance to international students by allowing them to work on campus for upto 15 hours a week so that they can get some of their fees waived off. Students cannot seek employment out of campus. Graduates are granted financial assistance through teaching or research assistantship. Teaching assistantship involves lecturing, grading papers, overseeing class work while research assistants help on research projects. The amount varies from a fraction of the cost to full costs.

USA government and binational agencies
USA Government in association with the Indian government or Indo-American Joint Commissions offers some scholarships. An example is the Fulbright Scholarship which is an exchange program for graduate, doctoral or professional experience. Fulbright scholarships are awarded to approximately 4,700 graduate students worldwide each year. Applicants are required to take the TOEFL and GRE or GMAT exams. Professional education, such as medical studies, is not covered. Fulbright students are required to be on J-1 visas for the duration of their sponsorship. For information about applying to the Fulbright Program, contact the US embassy or consulate, Fulbright Commission office, or educational advising center. The US Information Agency maintains information about studying in the US, the Fulbright program, and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, in the Educational and Cultural Exchange section of their website, including Fulbright Commission contact information for most countries. For more information write to:

United States Information Agency, Office of Public Liaison, 301 4th Street, SW, Room 602, Washington, DC 20547, or send email to inquiry@usia.gov.

There is an agency for international development which sponsors education and training in areas of development - The Institute of International Education offers government/privately sponsored scholarships. These scholarships are advertised and selections are made through competitions. You could also write to the:

Agency for International Development, Office of International Training, Washington, DC 20523 or from Federal Student Aid Information Centre PO Box 84, Washington DC 200044-0084

International organizations
Professional bodies, organizations for the promotion of international understanding or societies for research and study of specific subjects offer scholarships. Direct applications are invited. UN organization calls for nominations through the Indian government. There are other organizations too which ask the local government to nominate candidates for study abroad.
Some international organizations offer funding for graduate students to study in the US. These include the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), AMIDEAST, the International Maritime Organization, the International Telecommunications Union, the League of Red Cross Societies, the Soros Foundation, the World Health Organization, and the World Council of Churches. These awards are extremely competitive.

Indian government/Private scholarships
Charitable foundations, business houses, banks, Indian universities are increasingly sponsoring students for study abroad, e.g., the Inlak scholarship, is such an example. These are advertised in leading newspapers.

Aid from private US organizations and sponsors
There is very little financial aid for international students available from private sources, such as foundations and individual sponsors.
To discover what is available, search some of the free scholarship and fellowship databases listed on the FinAid site. The FastWeb database, in particular, has good coverage of the awards available for international students. See also the list of scholarship and fellowship databases. (Be aware that fee-based scholarship matching services often do not have any listings of awards for international students. Most awards listed in these databases are restricted to US citizens and permanent residents. The databases may claim otherwise, but that's often because they find it easy to exploit international students. Don't waste your money.

Assistance from your family
According to NAFSA (Association of International Educators); more than two-thirds of international students in the US finance their education using their own resources and the resources of their family. You are most likely going to have to rely on your own assets, your parent's money, and contributions from relatives.

APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
The request for financial aid has to be made by filling up the required forms. Applicants for federal student aid have to fill the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). College and private scholarship programs need the Financial Aid Form (FAF) to be completed for disbursement of the student aid funds (non-federal). Some colleges and private scholarship programs have their own forms which too have to be completed. In all these forms information has to be provided about you, your family and financial resources.
Graduate students can get more aid from the department by presenting some proof which demonstrates outstanding capabilities often displayed through published work. Part time work experience and letters of reference giving evidence of your capability will get you assistantships.
People applying for offbeat subjects have better chances of getting financial assistance.

Financial assistance for graduate studies
Graduate studies in USA find a more liberal approach in terms of grant in financial aid. Such assistance is given by offering teaching and research assistantships to applicants for graduate courses. Awards may, however, be partial or full. Need, academic record and potential for achievement in the chosen field of study are key factors. Standard admission test scores like GRE/GMAT/TOEFL are required from applicants as well as the grades of the first degree. Sometimes awards are granted only in the second year. Awards available to graduate applicants are as follows:

Fellowships - Fellowships are granted to students of almost all departments. Fellowship stipends vary with the type of award.
University Fellowships provide for tuition fee waivers or offer an assistantship along with a fellowship stipend. Departments award fellowships on the basis of academic merit normally after the first year of study.

Assistantships - Teaching, research and laboratory assistantships carry a salary for half the academic year. Tuition fee is exempted for assistantship appointees from as little as $500 to as much as $18000 or more for one academic year. While applying for assistantship position, it is advisable to emphasize previous research or teaching experience. Since there are many qualified applicants it may be useful to project your experience. This is in fact the most common type of financial assistance at the graduate level. Cash awards in exchange of services related to education (20 hours per week) are disbursed. The following types of assistantships are available:

Teaching assistantships - These are available in the 1st year of graduate study particularly in departments where a very large number of undergraduates are enrolled. The work teaching assistants do are (a) supervise undergraduate laboratory work, (b) teach small classes, (c) lead discussion groups. These activities should take up 20 hours of work in a week. The requirements for getting a teaching assistantship are a TSE score and some experience.

Research assistantships - Research work for 20 hours a week is expected from research assistants. Institutions conducting research work in your area of study and interest would be the best to be approached. If you apply to institutions whose research funding matches your interests you will be offered a position particularly if you have some research experience.

Administrative assistantships - Working in an administrative office for 20 hours a week is what an administrative assistant does, e.g., in the international student advising section. These are granted by the graduate admissions office. For any of these positions an international applicant competes with US applicants. Financial need but primarily academic merit and previous experience are the main criteria. Each award is renewed on an annual basis and depends largely on performance.
If you do not get any assistantship before you leave for the US, you can still have to catch one once you get there or at least at the beginning of the next semester.

Current trends in graduate financial aid
Though amount of aid may have increased but the costs too have risen sharply. In the last few years there has been some increase in financial aid. Most allocations have been made for physical and biological sciences and few for social science and other professional schools. Most financial assistance is disbursed for doctoral work.
You must write to the department directly as funds vary each year from one department to the other. When in a given year assistance is not available you may reapply in the following year.

Guidelines for international graduate applicants - The applicants while applying for financial aid should keep in mind the following tips:

• Applications must be clear and neatly presented with all documents well on time.
• Good letters of recommendation highlighting professional/academic promise and genuine interest are valuable.
• Apply to some famous departments but have other choices too. International applicant may get better financial assistance from a lesser prominent institution than from one of the most competitive.
• Merit based awards are given on academic merit.
• Financial assistance is never given to support family or dependents.

When should you apply?

For most types of aid, you should start the application process in late winter or early spring preceding the fall term for which you are requesting help. Generally the financial aid form must go four weeks before the earliest deadline. Some private scholarships have earlier deadlines than colleges and government programs. It is unwise to wait until you have found out whether you are admitted to a college before you apply for financial assistance. This is so because colleges inform applicants about financial aid before expecting any response to their offer of admission. If you have expressed need for financial aid, the colleges would just inform you about what you could get. Secondly financial aid and grants are disbursed soon after offers have been made.

Financial certification
Since financial assistance is not available to all international students it is obligatory for applicants to provide financial certification. This is a guarantee that a student can pay for his study in USA. It is a guarantee from the person who is going to take responsibility for the expenses. This is a finance resources certification. Other financial documents required by universities are a bank statements or a letter from the sponsoring agency or a copy of the award assigned to the applicant by the university department.

VISA
Many students find the process for getting a visa quite exasperating. The regulations governing the entrance of all international students are structured and are implemented firmly with an I-20 form issued by a university a student visa F-1 or M-1 category is issued. F-1 is for a full time study while M-1 is granted to students enrolled with technical schools where they need 6 months practical training. M-1 visa cannot be changed to F-1 visa. F-1 visa allows a student to stay for one year after completing studies for practical training. With an IAP-66 a J-1 exchange visitor’s visa is granted to those who go for training, teaching, consultation or research.
The visa officer at the consulate will check all your documents and your passport and would assess whether you are likely to return after studies are over. If convinced for the same, visa will be granted and your passport stamped.

The F-1 student visa
The F-1 student visa can be applied for with the presentation of Form I-20 which is a certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant F-1 student status. The F-1 or I-20, however, does not give guarantee that a visa will be granted!! The I-20 form will require endorsement by you for statements such as given below:

• Your purpose is to temporarily remain in USA for a full course of study at the university specified in I-20 form
• You will not be working or engage in business without being granted permission from immigration and naturalization service
• You are capable of financing your study and stay

The F-1 visa on the passport will indicate the college which has issued the I-20.

J-1 exchange visitor visa
1AP-66 is a certificate of eligibility for exchange visitor J-1 Status.
1AP-66 is issued for programs approved by the USA Information Agency and sponsored by a private organization or government agency. For a J-1 visa you have to agree to remain in the USA for the duration of the course you have been granted admission. You would have to limit your activities to those pertaining to the program given in the Form 1AP-66. The financial support has to be assumed and USA Immigration and Naturalization Service have to be informed if there is a change in the sponsor or in the exchange visitor program.

UK - Educational Routes to Popular Courses

Indian students generally intend to pursue an academic stream, i.e., a degree course of 3 to 4 years duration in a foreign country. The aim is to continue and complete a postgraduate qualification and then return to India to take up a job. Many do, however, wish to stay on and work.

There are Foundation and Bridge courses which you could take before entering the university. These courses intend to `bridge the gap' between Indian education and British education.

After a degree or a postgraduate degree students register with professional organizations to become members. This assures them a status of professional competence

Studying Accountancy

In UK specialist professional bodies impart training and award qualifications in Accountancy. These qualifications are generally equivalent to under graduation.

Following are five major professional organizations in the area of Accountancy:

• Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, 29 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3EE
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, 63 Portland Place, London W1N 4A
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting, 3 Robert Street, London WC2N 6BH
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Chartered Accountants Halls, PO Box 433, Moorgate Place, London EC2 2BJ
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, 27 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1LA

Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) - The ACCA conducts the professional exams in 3 stages - Foundation, certificate and professional. Minimum eligibility is 2 A-levels and 3 GSCE in 5 separate subjects including English and Maths. Students who have work experience and are graduates may be exempted from the foundation exam. Partial waivers from the professional level are given to those who have done a degree or HND/HNC in Accounting. For membership of ACCA three to five years of experience is required. ACCA offers distance learning courses also. ACCA has examination centers in almost 100 countries.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) - The CIMA course has 4 stages of exams and practical training for membership. Applicants to the course require two A-levels and three GCSEs including English and Maths. Some exemption may be granted to those who have a BTEC (see BTEC in earlier sections) or higher national diploma or Degree in a relevant subject.

Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA) - CIPFA course is relevant for those keen on working for Public Bodies in UK. The course consists of three professional examinations for which the minimum entry requirements are 2 A-levels, 3 GCSE including Maths and English. Graduates are exempt from the foundation course if they have studied related subjects.

Association of International Accountants (AIA) - This has several branches in the world. In Asia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore have branches; AIA curriculum can be oriented to local requirements. The exam can be taken after study course for which eligibility is 2A levels. 3 GCSE passes including English and Maths or graduation from any discipline which may permit some course exemptions. AIA qualification is granted after 3 years work experience.

For information write to:

Association of International Accountants, South Bank building, Kingsway, Team Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne NE II OJS

Study of Maths, Business, Legal and Social Studies will also help in gaining exemption from part of the professional training.

Studying business studies

A degree in Business Studies is offered by several universities and colleges in UK. The subject includes study of economics, accounting and finance management, marketing, statistics, human resources, and law. Last year of the degree is normally spent in specialization in a branch of business management. Special feature of degree courses in UK is that it offers specialized degrees and even joint degrees. You could, e.g., do a specialized degree in strategic marketing or a joint degree in business studies and computer science.

Business studies in a degree course are offered as a sandwich course of 4 years duration or a non-sandwich course which takes 3 years.

Postgraduate courses - Postgraduate studies can be done in areas such as in management, finance, marketing, information systems, tourism management, human resource management, industrial relations etc. Course choices are diplomas, certificates or masters and last one to two years. The entry requirement is a degree/BTEC or a higher national diploma.

For MBA courses, experience and GMAT scores are considered for entry.

Professional membership - In Britain membership of professional bodies is sought for better employment prospects. In the area of Business Studies some of the professional qualifications of relevance are given by:

• City and Guilds, National Examination Board for Supervisory Management, 76 Portland Place, London, W1N 4AA
• Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, 16 Park Crescent, London, W1N 4AH
• Chartered Institute of Marketing, Moor Hall, Cookham, Maidenhead, Berkshire 8L6 9QH
• Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC), Central House, Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0HH
• Institute of Management, Management House, Catt Ingham Road, Carby, Northamptanshire, NN 171 TT
• London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examination Board (LCCIEB), Marlowe House, Station House, Sidcup, Kent DA 15 7BJ
• National Council for Vocational Qualification (NCVQ), 222 Eusten Road, London NW1 2BZ

NCVQ provides a national framework for vocational qualifications. The standards of this are laid down on the basis of the skills required in employment. Qualifications are structured by City and Guilds, and BTEC.

Studying management

In the UK, as in most parts of the world MBA or a postgraduate course in management is very popular. Most universities have a business school which conducts the MBA course as well as short management programs. In Britain private management colleges also offer short term courses as well as postgraduate courses in affiliation with universities. These MBA courses are designed to give practical inputs to managers along with academic skills. The standards as required in the job market are explored and then laid down as set standards in courses for potential managers. At the undergraduate level there are only management related courses available such as business studies. If you have studied Economics and Maths at school you certainly have better chances of entering an undergraduate course. Institutions have different entry requirements and generally 2 or 3 A-levels are required. Maths is certainly a valuable subject for someone who wishes to pursue studies in management, science and operational research. Postgraduate courses in management are of nine months duration followed by 3 months of project work. M.Sc or MA in Management offers specialization in project management, marketing, tourism, entrepreneurship, industrial relations, information systems, etc. MBA is offered as full time/part time course as well as through distance learning. In the UK most universities give favorable consideration to applicants with work experience.

Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) scores are valid for admission to most MBA courses. Students with an undergraduate degree and no work experience must opt for a diploma in management studies and then apply for a master's degree course.

Addresses for reference for applicants to MBA, MA, MS courses in Management

• Association of Business Schools, 344-354 Greys Inn Road, London WC1X 8BPX
• Institute of Management Services, 1 Cecil Court London Road, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 6DD
• Institute of Administrative, Management, 40 Chatsworth Parade Pitts Wood Orpington, Kent BR5 1RW, Web site : www.educationuk.org
• Business and Technology Education, Council Central House, Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0HH
• Institute of Management Specialists, Alexander House, 58 Clarendar Avenue, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 45A

Studying art and design

The study of art and design incorporates a wide number of fields of study. Painting, fine art, printmaking, lithography, sculpture, film, photography, cinematography, performance and computer aided design.

Types of courses - Entry to an undergraduate course is usually after a foundation course of one year duration followed by 3 or 4-year degree courses. Art education follows 2 major patterns in UK. One is related to enhancing and exploring individual creativity while the other is more technical (applied) and oriented to the industry. There are courses in graphic design, e.g., which teach techniques for print making (typography, illustration) and design for film and television including computer graphics. Industrial design, i.e., designing of products, furniture, ceramics, plastics, interiors form part of three dimensional design.

There are courses in photography, textiles, fashion, audio-visual design and multidisciplinary courses in which the study of design and other subjects is integrated. At the postgraduate level art and design courses can be pursued at the higher degree level (through research work), diploma or certificate level.

Art Teachers certificate/diploma/courses are to train those holding a B Ed degree for teaching art subjects in schools. Indian applicants for Art Teachers Certificate (ATC), Art Teachers Diploma (ATD) or for Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) must apply to the art and design colleges.



Professional designers may seek membership of professional organisations in the UK, e.g., the Chartered Society of Designers. For membership portfolio has to be submitted and membership examination has to be cleared. The address for correspondence is as follows:

• Chartered Society of Designers, 29 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3EG
• Art and Design Admission Registry, Penn House, 9 Broad Street, Hereford HR4 9AP
• Chartered Society of Designers, 29 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3EG
• National Society for Education in Art and Design, The Gate house, Corsham Court, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0PZ
• National Association of Fine Art Education, Department of Art, Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, International House, Lancaster Street, Birmingham B4 7AT

Studying architecture

The study of architecture normally takes seven years in UK. A full time course is offered at schools of architecture in universities and other institutes of higher education. There are 2 professional bodies which regulate the course structure -

• The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), 66 Portland Place, London W1N 4AD.
• Architects Registration Council of the United Kingdom (ARCUK) 73 Hallam Street, London W1N 6EE.

The study of Architecture can be done in 3 stages. The first stage leads to an honors degree and lasts for 3 years. This is followed by a year of practical experience with an Architectural firm. The second stage of the training extends for 2 years. After completion of both these stages student can register with RIBA. The third stage is the Professional Practice Examination taken during the second stage of practical training. On completion of the seven-year period students can register as architects with the Architects Registration Council of UK and become members of professional bodies. For entry essential subjects are English, Maths and Science at the GCE `A' level or class XII level.

Studying tourism

Tourism courses can be studied through many types of courses: college awards, vocational qualifications, first degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

The GNVQs and NVQs are vocational courses in the travel industry. They are available for all types of jobs in the travel sector. The NVQ can be taken after registering with one of the professional bodies. Generally students are admitted to these courses after secondary education.

BTEC course in business studies covers travel and tourism also. British Travel Agents Association is a government authorized body for a career in travel. They run travel agents certificate course at 2 levels one for travel agents and the other for travel consultants. The Travel Training Company runs the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), Air Travel courses which deal with all aspects of air travel. IATA membership can be acquired on gaining the required training points.

Undergraduate courses are of 3 years duration. Sandwich courses need an additional year of work experience.

Relevant addresses are as follows:

The Travel Training Company, the Cornerstone, The Broadway, Woking, Surrey GU21 5(offers travel tourism courses through distance education.)

International Air Transport Association, Agency Services Office, Imperial House, 15-19 Kingsway, London WC2B 6UN

Studying hotel management

Hotel and Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) is a professional body which validates hotel management qualification. It admits members as Licentiate or Corporate Members.

HCIMA recognizes a 2-year certificate course and a diploma course of 3 years duration. Licentiate members of HCIMA are certificate holders. Corporate members are those with managerial experience. First degree courses are for 3 or 4 years and these provide exemption from the Hotel and Catering International Management Association's membership examinations. Postgraduate courses are of one year duration. Research degrees take longer. Information about HCIMA membership may be asked from:

Hotel Management Association, 191 Trinity Road, London SW17 7HN

Studying engineering

Engineering qualifications like most other qualifications can be studied at several levels. There exists the craft level, technician’s level, and the advanced technician level and degree courses accredited by the Engineering Council. There are exams conducted by the Engineering Council which provide an alternative route to technical personnel to get a degree. It is particularly meant for those who have not got a professional engineers status.

Those who register with the Engineering Council after acquiring a graduate/postgraduate qualification do not need it to practice engineering but only to establish there competence as an engineer in the international job market. The various branches of engineering civil, electrical and electronics, mechanical all follow the same training pattern. At the bottom of the rung is the crafts level which is training through jobs in the industry, qualifications being given by training boards. Next are the engineering technicians who take the BTEC national diploma or higher national diploma.

First degree courses are 3-year full time courses or 4-year sandwich courses leading to a Bachelor of Engineering. The Masters in Engineering takes another year. PhD or M.Phil studies are longer.

As in most other careers engineers too register with professional bodies concerned with their area of work and get the status of chartered engineers.

Here is a list of some professional bodies in various branches of engineering:

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1 Birdcage Walk, London 8W1H 9J
• Institution of Mechanical Incorporated Engineers, 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JN
• The Engineering Council, 10 Malt avers Street, London WC2R 3ER
• The Engineering Council, Examination Department, Essex House, 12-13 Essex Street, London WC2R 3EG
• Engineering Careers Information Service, 41 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts WD1 1HS
• Institution of Electronics and Electrical Incorporated Engineers, Savoy Hill, Savoy Hill House, London WC2R 0BS
• Institution of Electrical Engineers, Savoy Place, London, WC2R 0BL
• Institution of Lighting Engineers, Lennox House, 9 Law ford Road, Rugby CV21 2DZ
• Institution of Electrical Engineers, Education and Liaison Service, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2AY
• Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, Delta House, 222 Balham High Road, London SW12 9BS
• Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers, 20 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2DR
• Institution of Civil Engineers, 1 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AA
• The Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, 26 Market Street, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 1PF

Studying medicine

Postgraduate medical studies in the United Kingdom (UK) require taking Professional and Linguistics Assessments Board (PLAB). The PLAB test is designed to assess both knowledge and skills, and ability to work safely as a senior house officer in a British hospital. The test can be taken in two parts. Part one is held at centers in the UK and in certain other countries. It consists of a single computer markable paper to a standard set using the 'Angoff method'. Part two can only be taken in the United Kingdom. If consists of a 14-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). This tests both clinical and communication skills. Entry to second part requires passing the first part. The second part must be taken within two years of having passed the first. Results are either 'pass' or 'fail'. The costs for part one is £ 145 and for part two is £ 430. In India the British Council Division administers the test in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi.

Registration is generally in September for the test usually held in November.

Addresses for Contact:

Chennai
British Council Divisioin, 737 Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002,
nirupa.Femandez@in.britishcounsil.org

Mumbai
Mittal Tower 'C' Wing, 2nd Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021, vivek.singh@in.britishcouncil.org

New Delhi
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi - 110001

UK - Costs, Financial Aid and Visa for Studying in UK

COSTS

The major areas of expenditure for international students are tuition and living costs. Since costs have to be borne for 3-4 years, you should have a clear idea of expenditure involved and resources. It is not very common in the UK to find students who can work their way through college. Immigration rules do not permit students to take a job. A code 2 stamp on the passport on entry to Britain is needed along with a work permit from the Department of Employment for any non-European national to find work in Britain.

Cost of studying

Universities/institutions vary largely in tuition fees. International students in any institution are required to pay full fees. Updated information on the fee amount can only be obtained from the institution you wish to join. Higher education institutions charge tuition fees at different rates to home and overseas students. Home students pay a lower scale compared to the full fees charged to overseas students.

Since 1995 there ceases to be any guidelines or recommendations for fee scales for overseas students. Institutions are free to set their own fees and as such there is great disparity.

English Language Courses - the range could be £100 per week to £300 for small group tuition. Academic English study may cost £100-£200 (free for students enrolled in other courses).

Boarding schools and colleges - £3,000 - £7,000 per term and £1,500 to £4,000 per term for day students

Career based courses - £3,300 to £4,150 per annum.

Subject-wise undergraduate tuition costs - Arts and social science courses is £6,250 - £7,500 for science and engineering £6,500 - £9,700 and for Medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses £14,900 - £18,000, for BTEC £5,500.

Postgraduate courses - Arts/Social Science subjects cost £6,750 -£8,200 while engineering and science courses cost £6,500 to £9500. Medicine and clinical postgraduate courses cost £9500-£17,500; MBA £7,500 an £11,500 to £20,000 in high profile business schools

Living Costs

£7,200 to £10,000 is needed for an estimated stay of one year towards accommodation, electricity, food, daily travel, books and equipment. (All amounts indicated are liable to increase with economic inflation.).

An additional £1,000 may be required for paying for rent deposit, temporary or transit accommodation, initial books and equipment, clothing, etc.

Studying and living in Britain is costly for most Indian students. Generally an Indian student seeks financial assistance (full or partial) to meet the cost of study and stay.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

Most scholarships in the UK are for international students doing postgraduate studies. These are either government sponsored or are offered by individual institutions. Application for awards needs to be made at least a year in advance. Institutions normally give full or partial scholarships covering fees, airfares, living costs or just tuition fee or perhaps just a part of the fee. Governments to government scholarships are more likely to be full, covering fees, fares and living costs.

Income can be supplemented in a number of ways only if your entry condition does not prohibit you from working. Postgraduate scholars are allowed to work as lab demonstrators without a work permit if the work does not exceed 6 hours a week.

Sources of financial assistance

At the undergraduate level there is very limited financial assistance. Scholarships are usually for one and three years and cover the cost of travel, tuition fees and living expenses. There may be an additional allowance for books or clothes. Ministry of Human Resource Development has information on this.

Overseas students may be eligible for financial help from their own governments, international agencies or sometimes from the UK government. Some universities offer grants and awards. Various other trusts, cultural agencies or charitable societies may also be able to help. It has been divided subject-wise to facilitate the applicant. Entries in each column are based upon information available from British Council publications and other relevant sources. The entries, however, particularly concerning the value of the award is likely to be revised from time to time. It is advisable that the applicant gets relevant details from the address mentioned before making a formal request.

Commonwealth scholarships - These are for citizens of Commonwealth countries or British dependent territories who are under 25 and permanently residing within those areas. They are for postgraduate study or research so applicants normally hold a university degree or equivalent qualification.

Awards last from one to three years and usually cover the cost of travel, tuition fees and living expenses. In certain cases there are additional allowances for books or clothes. In certain circumstances allowances may be paid towards the cost of maintaining a student's spouse. The scholarships are advertised and you should apply to the Commonwealth Scholarship Agency which is usually the Ministry of Education.

British Council Fellowships - These awards are for postgraduate study or research. British Council Directors in our country may decide in what subject areas they wish to offer their awards, and are responsible for selecting the candidates.

Awards range from short attachments to PhD research. Benefits may vary from small grants up to fully-funded awards which cover fees, living expenses and international travel.

For further information, you should apply to the British Council Office

British Chevening Scholarships and Awards Scheme - British Chevening program of scholarships offers approximately 2300 scholarships for PG studies research.

The scholarships are offered for 1 year Masters Courses and for specialized courses up to 6 months.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers annually a number of awards at postgraduate level. The principal aim of the scheme is to bring to the UK present and future leaders, decision-makers and opinion-formers. The scheme also aims to attract particularly able students from countries with whom the UK's economic relations are expected to develop. The awards are normally for formal courses at postgraduate level in most subject fields and preference is given to postgraduates or those applicants already established in a career. Applications should be made to the British Embassy or High Commission.

Overseas research student awards scheme - These are awarded on a competitive basis to postgraduate students of outstanding merit and research potential from all overseas countries that would normally be charged `overseas' students fees. To be eligible you must be registered as a full-time postgraduate research student at a British higher education institution. Academic merit and research potential are the criteria governing selection.

They are awarded initially for one year but are renewable for a second and third year subject to satisfactory progress. These awards make up the difference between `home' (British) and 'overseas' students fees. Application form is available through the British higher education institution which has accepted, or provisionally accepted you.

International agencies and organizations - Award schemes are also funded in some countries by international agencies and organizations such as UNESCO or the Commission of the European Communities. For information on these you should apply at the offices of these bodies in India or through Ministry of Human Resource Development.

DfiD Shared Scholarship (DfiDSSS) - There is a scheme called DfiDSS this scheme is jointly funded by the Department for International Development and certain British higher education institution. Students with high academic merit in developing countries, who could benefit from higher education, are helped. These awards are generally given for taught postgraduate courses or for undergraduate courses in subjects which are not available in the applicants’ country. The purpose of this scheme is to assist academically able students from developing commonwealth countries who would benefit from higher education in Britain to the developmental advantage of their home countries, who could not for financial reasons study in UK.

Address for contact:

Association of Commonwealth Universities, John Foster House, 36 Gordam Square, London, WC1H 0PF

IMMIGRATION RULES

After securing a place in a British university or college international students must ensure that they fulfill immigration regulations. Immigration regulations must be complied with and this must be checked before making travel arrangements or even paying the tuition fee. Immigration regulations do require of you to give evidence that -

• You have gained admission to a recognized course of study in a genuine university or college;
• That you will be occupied in full time study which implies at least 15 hours per week of organized daytime study;
• That you have adequate prequalification to enter the course;
• That you intend to go back to your country on completion of your studies.

Visa requirements

For getting a visa you need to get an entry clearance for which you have to apply. If you travel to Britain without an entry clearance and are refused entry at the immigration counter you have to return to your country and then appeal for a review. If, however, you have an entry clearance and you are refused entry as your documents are incomplete you can get temporary admission and make an appeal there itself against the decision. You can, however, avoid most potential problems by being meticulous in procuring and presenting all documents. An application in advance for entry clearance helps to avoid any delays at Immigration Control. You should be ready with the following documents at Immigration Control:

• An original letter of acceptance onto a course (no photocopies are accepted)
• Certificates of all your academic credentials
• Bank statement, letter showing scholarship award, proof of sponsorship if you are not supporting yourself (original documents are accepted)
• Passport and visa, letter of consent or entry certificate

Some students prefer to visit a few colleges before really making a final choice as to where they will study. If you wish to look around at a few different colleges before making your final decision, then you must not try to travel to Britain on a tourist visa if your real intention is to study. Explain your intentions to the entry clearance officer who will give you permission to enter and stay for a short period of time (generally about 2 months). After making up your mind you can apply for extension of your stay.

If an entry clearance is refused you will be given reasons for the same. An appeal for reconsideration can be made within three months. If you are refused entry into Britain and you had the entry clearance be sure that you cannot be removed from Britain. You can appeal and while you are waiting to be heard you can stay. You may contact the following offices while making an appeal.

• United Kingdom, Immigrants Advisory Council (UKIAS), Tel.: (01)2299268
• United Kingdom Council for Overseas Student Affairs (UKCOSA), The Council for International Education, 9-17, St. Albans Place, London, NI ON Tel 44 1712263762

Contact your college to inform them and seek guidance.

Permission to remain in Britain

On arriving in the UK your passport will be stamped. The stamp will give three pieces of information:

• Details of your permitted length of stay
• Employment restrictions
• It will show whether you need to register with the police

For those who intend to stay for less than six months, this may not be necessary.

Extension of stay - Most students are granted stay for one year and many students do need an extension. Permission for extension must be requested before the expiry of the current permission. Details of where to apply can be procured from the immigration office. Immigration offices are in Belfast, Glasgow, Harwich, Liverpool, Norwich and Southampton.

Alternatively, you may file an application in writing to the Home Office in Croyden, enclosing your passport, a letter from your college stating that you are still enrolled on your course, a bank statement that you have sufficient funds at the following address:

Home Office Public Enquiry Office, Lunar House, Wellesley Road, Croydan, Surrey CR9 2BY

Many students have to leave UK for a holiday during the course. Students who wish to travel outside the UK must do so within the granted period of stay. Multiple/double entry visas must be procured beforehand by those who anticipate travelling to and from Britain.

Re-entry to UK is refused without a valid visa. If you encounter difficulties with immigration regulations during your stay in Britain, the following people can help: the College advisor or Indian High Commission or the UK Council for Overseas Student Affairs 9-17 St. Albans Place, London N1 0NX or UK Immigrants Advisory Service at Central Office, 190 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YB. Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants; 115, Old Street, London EC1.

Addresses for reference are as follows:

Passport office, Clive House, 70 Petty France, London SW1H 9HD, Tel.: (01)271 8560

Passport office, 3 Northgate, 96 Milton Street, Cowcaddens, Glasgow, Tel.: (041)3320271

Passport office, 5th Floor, India Buildings, Water Street, Liverpool L2 0QZ, Tel.: (051)237 3010

Passport office, Olympic House, Upper Rock Street, Newport, Gwent, Wales, Tel.: (0633)56292

Passport office, 55 Westfield Road, Peterborough, PE3 6TG,Tel.: (0722)895 555

Passport office, 49-53 High Street, Belfast BT1 2QS,Tel.: (0232)232371

Australia - Cost, Financial Aid and Visa

COST, FINANCIAL AID AND VISA
COST OF STUDYING
Tuition cost in Australia may be somewhat similar to costs in other countries but the cost of living is comparatively cheaper.
Secondary school tuition A$5,000 - A$10,000 p. a. (Board costs extra)
English Courses A$7,000 - 10,000 p.a.
TAFE courses a$8,000 - 10,000 p.a.
Degree courses a$12,000 - 17,000 p.a.
Masters courses a$12,000 - 20,000 p.a.
Laboratory based degree courses in Science and Engineering up to a$20,000 per year
Foundation Studies a$ 1000 for Academic prep course, a$ 12,000 and more for universities entrance diplomas
Additional charges of between a$100 - a$250 a year cover student association, library and sports facility costs. A single student requires about a$10,000 - a$ 12,000 a year for living expenses.
Temporary working arrangements for courses lasting 6 months are liable to taxation for earnings of over a$5,800. Permission to gain employment depends on the type of visa issued and covers a maximum of 20 hours a week during the course/full-time during vacation. It should not be used as a means of financing studies in Australia.

FINANCIAL AID
Majority of international students have to finance their study in Australia. Scholarships and grants for study exist but are limited and are awarded according to specific selection criteria. Many scholarships are available at postgraduate level while at undergraduate level there is limited financial assistance available for overseas students.

Postgraduate scholarships
Australia has a number of research centres jointly funded by the Government and industry. There are research programs at many universities. Postgraduate students come from around the world to participate in these programs. A limited number of scholarships are made available. Australian universities advise postgraduate scholars on how to apply.
Australian International Development Assistance Bureau (AIDAB) - AIDAB, a part of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, administers overseas aid program. This overseas aid is used for bilateral assistance in developmental projects in Third World countries, e.g., for disaster relief, food, etc. It is also used with multi-lateral agencies, e.g., the UN, etc. AIDAB sponsors students from developing countries for study in Australia. From an approximate allocation of $100 million a large amount is used for South East Asian countries. Awardees study at universities and TAFE colleges more commonly to study for postgraduate degrees. Short duration training, attachment to industry, government departments or professional visits are also sponsored.
Australian Development Scholarship (ADS) - The two main scholarship schemes for international students- ASTAS and ADCOS have been replaced in 1997 by the Australian Development Scholarships (ADS).

ADS awards are instituted either by a Government and Public Sector partnership or through open selection of direct applicants. The selection is made jointly by Australian Aid and the local authorities and is evenly disbursed to male and female applicants.
All Australian universities, technical training institutions provide the ADS award facility. Australian Aid administers the award on the basis of course preference given by the applicants.
ADS award includes the following areas: Airfare costs, tuition fees, health insurance and maintenance allowance. ADS is admissible to students travelling to Australia for a language, technical, graduate or postgraduate course.
For this scholarship selection is based on academic merit. Information and application forms are obtainable from Australian Education Centres and Diplomatic Missions.

Postgraduate Research Scholarship Scheme for Overseas Students -The purpose of the overseas postgraduate research scholarship (OPRS) scheme (sponsored by Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs) is to attract top quality overseas postgraduate students to areas of research in higher education institutions and to support Australia’s research effort.
The program offers the opportunity to obtain a postgraduate qualification and to gain experience with leading Australian researchers. The scholarships are available for either PhD or Masters Level; for example: overseas students who undertake quality research (fundamental or applied) in areas of research or specialization in individual institutions. These areas are ones in which the institution has particular expertise, has concentrated its research resources and has attracted grants from outside sources. If successful you become a member of a research team working under the direction of senior researchers.
A very large number of scholarships are available for postgraduate study.

Eligibility - Citizen of any overseas country (except New Zealand), commencing full-time study for a higher degree by research in an Australian higher education institution is eligible.
There are no age restrictions. You will not be considered eligible if you are -

• An overseas student who has already obtained a PhD degree or equivalent;
• An overseas student who has already obtained a Masters degree by research and who seeks to undertake another Master degree by research;
• An overseas student who has commenced PhD study prior to 1st January of the year for which the scholarship is to be awarded;
• An overseas student who wishes to pursue a Masters degree by research under the scholarship and has commenced Masters by Research study prior to 1st January of the year for which the scholarship is to be awarded, or
• An overseas student who is currently studying or has recently studied on a scholarship sponsored by the Australian Agency for International Development (Aus AID). Aus AID scholarships require that students and their dependents leave Australia on completion of the course for which the Aus AID funding has been provided, and must not return to Australia within 2-years under concessional or family categories. It is not expected that former Aus AID students who return on other grounds will receive further Australian Government funding within the 2-year period.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and research capacity.
The scholarship covers tuition fees allocated by the institution and payable for each year of the course. The scholarship is normally for three years for students enrolled in PhD degree programs and two years for students enrolled in Masters Degree programs by research. Extensions may be granted in certain circumstances.
Holders of overseas PG research scholarship (OPGRS) and their dependants may be given basic health cover.
The scholarship does not provide financial support for the cost of English language testing, bridging programs or English language programs, nor does it provide a living allowance or allowances covering other expenses.
You cannot receive concurrent assistance from an OPGRS and from other Australian Government scholarship programs or under programs to which the Australian Government makes a substantial financial contribution (such as the Fulbright Program). However, you may obtain additional support to cover living expenses from private sources or from higher education institutions' scholarship programs.

Application procedure - When seeking enrolment at a higher education institution, you should indicate your interest in applying for an OPRS. The institution will then provide the appropriate application form. You must apply direct to the institutions.

The closing date for applications is set by institutions. Most institutions have a closing date in September or October, but some may require you to apply earlier.
You will be advised of the outcome of your application by late December.



Participating institutions - Given below are the participating institutions:

New South Wales
Charles Stuart University, Macquarie University, Southern Cross University, University of New England, University of New South Wales, University of Newcastle, University of Sydney, University of Technology, Sydney, University of Western Sydney, University of Wollongong

Victoria
Deakin University, La Trobe University, Monash University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, University of Ballarat, University of Melbourne, Victoria University of Technology

Queensland
Bond University, Central Queensland University, Griffith University, James Cook University of North Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, University of Southern Queensland

Western Australia
Curtin University of Technology, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, University of Western Australia

South Australia
Flinders University, University of Adelaide, University of South Australia

Tasmania
Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania

Northern Territory
Northern Territory University

Australian Capital Territory
Australian National University, University of Canberra

Other
Australian Catholic University

United Nations aid agencies and multinational aid organizations- A number of organizations such as the World Health Organization, Save the Children Fund, Commonwealth Fellowship and Training Program, Rotary International, the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, the Winrock Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations Development Program and various home Governments have sponsored students to study in Australia in the past.
Scholarship holders may be nominated by their home Government or may submit a direct application that is supported by their home Government. The Manager of the Fellowships
Program at these organizations may be contacted for information regarding the nomination procedures for the various awards.

Exchange programs
Australian institutions encourage overseas students through exchange or partially subsidized student Program. In many instances, Australian universities have negotiated formal exchange agreements with institutions abroad, particularly when there are close similarities with courses offered for the mutual benefit of the students at each institution.
Under this exchange scheme, international students can be enrolled in their home institution while undertaking studies in Australia. No fee is charged by the Australian host institution and a part of all of the overseas student's studies in Australia is credited to his or her course in the home country.
Students coming to Australia under an exchange agreement generally stay only one semester or one year. To subsidize their living costs while in Australia, exchange students are granted equal work rights.
Students interested in exploring exchange Program with an Australian institution should consult the Dean of their university.

EMPLOYMENT:
Australian law permits overseas students to work upto 20 hours a week when classes are on, during vacations they can work full time. A student can earn up to $200 every week for meeting living costs.

STUDY VISA
Gazetted and non-Gazetted countries
Australian Government has classified countries giving them gazetted and non-gazetted recognition. Gazetted countries ensure that there is no overstay or non-compliance with entry conditions. As India is a non-gazetted country, Indian students may apply for a Students Temporary Visa before confirming enrolment at the chosen institution, or paying tuition fees or even obtaining an AA form. Government sponsored students and secondary exchange students are exempted from this process. They must enroll in a course, obtain AA form and then apply for Visa.
Students may, before submitting visa fees which is non-refundable, assess their eligibility using the self-assessment guide obtainable from the Australian High Commission.

Student visa
For study visa student should present the AA Form to the Embassy or Consulate and fill the student visa application form. The student will then be issued with a Student Temporary Visa. The visa application process requires a medical examination and medical insurance.
It is a normal requirement that some portion of a student's fees be paid in advance to the enrolling institution. As a general rule, however, the first semester's fees should be paid on receipt of the visa. Visa is granted:

• To only a genuine student, abiding by visa conditions and intending to depart on completion of course;
• On acceptance for a registered course or part of a registered course on a full-time basis;
• On evidence of arrangements made in Australia for health insurance and adequate financial support;
• When for any dependents of school age the applicant must have made adequate arrangements for education and has obtained an acceptance advice form (AA).

Exchange Students - Senior Secondary
Students in a secondary exchange Program must apply for a Student (Temporary) Visa. Successful applicants will receive an Acceptance Advice instead of an AA Form for Secondary Exchange Students (AASES) from the State/Territory education authorities.