Frequently asked questions

For nearly 30 years, Inova Education has been a trusted partner in international study for Latin American students.

Our experienced team, based in Latin American and the UK, provides comprehensive, tailored guidance for those seeking to study in the United Kingdom or Netherlands. From initial counseling, application and visa support through our Latin America team, to on-the-ground assistance from our UK office, we ensure a smooth and succesful journey.

While you have the option to apply independently, navigating the complexities of studying abroad is our expertise. Partnering with Inova Education will unlock a range of advantages and benefits:

Tailored Course and University Selection
Our expert team will help you identify the ideal course and university, aligning with your personal, career and financial requirements.

Personalized Study Advisor
You’ll benefit from a dedicated Study Advisor, guiding you through every step of the process. We have a very international team, most with international study or work experience, providing invaluable support.

Efficient Application Management
We simplify the application process, review your documents, help with translations, and submit your applications to our university partners. You only need to complete one application with us, rather than managing multiple submissions to individual universities.

Comprehensive Visa Support
We assist you throughout the student visa application process, preparing you well in advance, checking your documents and carefully guiding you through every step of the process ensuring your student visa will be approved.

Events, Webinars and Presentations
Access a wealth of information through our diverse schedule of online events and webinars, covering everything from university presentations  to career counseling, and finance and scholarship webinars to visa support.

Please have a look here for a full overview of how we help Latin American students.

Do you need a license to act as an education agent?

We do not need a license to do the work we do. In the UK and LATAM there is no such requirement within our sector.

Do you need accreditation to act as an education agent?

Inova Education is fully compliant with, and endorses the, British Council UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF).

Jointly led by the British Council, the British Universities’ International Liaison Association (BUILA), UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and Universities UK International (UUKI), the AQF has been put in place as a result of extensive work with students, education providers, education advisers and agents. It’s designed to enhance the partnership between the education sector, agents and counselors and to recognise and share best practice.*

We demonstrate our committment to upholding high standards, as set out in the AQF in the following manner:

1. Inova Education is registered in the British Council Database of Certified Agents and Counsellors
   All our team members are British Council certified counsellors. You can verify our certification in the British Council Database of Certified Agents and Counsellors here. Please search for Inova Education under the Find a Certified Agent section. For further guidance on identifying a high-quality agent, please refer to the British Council’s recommendations here.
2. Continous Training and Development
   We are dedicated to the continous training and development of our team. Our staff actively participate in ongoing internal training and take part in training programmes offered by, and visits to, our university partners. Additionally, aside from British Council certification, we also take part in the British Council UK Education Champions Mentoring Programme.
3. We adhere to the National Code of Ethical Practice for Education Agents
   The National Code outlines standards, expectations, and best practices for the sector. Inova Education and our team have committed to the code, ensuring we meet, or are working towards meeting, the five key standards outlined in the framework.
4. Confidentiality and Data Protection
   At Inova Education we prioritise your privacy. We uphold strict confidentiality in compliance with the UK Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, EU GDPR, and are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO.)

* Source: British Council/BUILA

Yes we do. Inova Education is officially and contractually appointed by all the universities we represent, enabling us to assist students throughout Latin America.

Universities in the UK and Netherlands welcome students from diverse backgrounds. Recognizing that international students often request localized support it is simply not feasible for universities to establish offices in every country which is why they partner with established student support organizations like Inova Education.  We believe in maintaining an open and honest relationship with you, which includes being transparent about how our services are funded and we may receive a commission when a student enrols in one of our partner universities. Please rest assured that this does not affect the transparancy and quality of the services we provide. Ultimately, you are in charge as it are your needs and preferences that are the starting point of our guidance and assistance, so you steer the direction of the process. If we have options that align with your goals and aspirations, that’s great. However, if we don’t, there are numerous other avenues available for you to explore and pursue your studies abroad. We dedicate significant time and resources to provide personalized, in-depth guidance to each student.

What if I’m interested in a university that you don’t represent?

We don’t just limit our support to students interested in our university partners. If you are interested in applying to a university that we don’t officially represent we will still be more than happy to help you, albeit for a fee. Regardless of the university you apply for, you will receive the same level of support and services as students applying to our partner universities.

Our priority is to help you invest in your future by ensuring that you receive the best possible advice and support tailored to your unique goals and aspirations. Our aim is to help you navigate your educational journey with confidence, making informed decisions every step of the way.

Inova Education offers free general counseling and student support services to all Latin American students, granting access to our comprehensive support, information, and webinars.

Starting in 2025 we will introduce a small fee for students who decide to commence the application process with our assistance. With this, you’ll receive personalized support, including a dedicated Study Advisor who will guide you through all application steps, we will process your applications and manage follow-ups. You’ll also gain access to our wide range of support, including visa, travel, finance, and other relevant sessions and webinars to prepare for your overseas studies.

Furthermore, we provide various personal training opportunities, both free and paid, at different levels:

• Level 1: Free general counseling and student support services, granting access to our general support, information, and webinars.
• Level 2: All Level 1 services plus access to a dedicated personal Study Advisor to assist with document checking, preparation and application processing.
• Level 3: All Level 1 and 2 services + access to 3 specialist personal and career mentoring and coaching training sessions.
• Level 4: All Level 1 and 2 services + access to 5 specialist personal and career mentoring and coaching training sessions.
  All training will be delivered by our colleagues from the Inova Education & Training UK office.

It’s important to note that certain costs may be associated with various aspects of the process, such as document translation fees (payable to the translation company you use), university application fees (applicable to some UK and Dutch universities), visa application fees payable to the respective immigration authorities, and medical care expenses while studying abroad. These costs are separate from our services.

Students will be provided with full details when they apply to one of our university partners.

If you are interested in our services and would like our support to find a suitable course, the next step is to contact us, get to know our team and explore how our services can support you.

Applying to a university abroad can feel overwhelming and we understand that even reaching out for help can be a hurdle. That’s where Inova Education comes in! Based on your situation, we’ll recommend the best level of support to guide you through the process.

Unsure about our role, or those of educational consultants, in general?
Use these helpful guidelines from BUILA* as a starting point, and then reach out to us for a friendly chat. We’re here to make your educational journey smoother.

BUILA (British Universities’ International Liaison Association)

United Kingdom

• Most courses start in September each year with some offering a second intake in January.
• There is no fixed application deadline for foundation, pre-masters, graduate diploma and postgraduate courses. You can apply as long as there are places available but it is important to allow sufficient time for your application and visa processing.
• The application process for undergraduate Bachelors courses is a bit different though. Many undergraduate applicants need to use the centralized UK admissions system known as UCAS, which typically closes a couple of months before the course start date and for some courses even up to a year in advance (Medicine and Dentistry). Inova Education will assist you with your undergraduate applications.
• You can apply for a study place at a UK university even if you are waiting for your final examination results, or still need to take an English language proficiency exam. Universities can issue conditional offers, allowing you to secure a study place whilst giving you time to work towards meeting specific conditions, such as achieving a minimum score on an English language exam or securing a specific score in your final exams.
• You can apply for a study place usually no more than one year in advance of the actual start date of the course. For example, if you plan to begin your studies in September 2025 you can apply from September 2024 onwards.

Due to the high volume of applications received from international students, we advice students to submit their application as early as possible. This ensures you secure your place well in advance and allows sufficient time to work towards achieving all other objectives such as arranging financing, securing accommodation, make travel arrangements, etc.

Netherlands

• In the Netherlands, the majority of courses also commence in September, with some offering a second, January, intake.
• Dutch universities have a much stricter application deadline, usually around May each year with scholarship deadlines several months  prior to that.

Please bear in mind that places can fill rather quickly, depending on the popularity of the course you apply for. You also need to give yourself enough time to make all necessary arrangements in preparation for your studies overseas. Therefore we advise you to start the application procedure as soon as possible, ideally about 6 – 8 months in advance of your study start date in order to avoid disappointment. However, we regularly find ourselves helping students that secure a place in as little as 2 months.

If you have specific queries about any of the universities we represent, their courses, or the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a coversation with one of our team members. You can complete our contact form here.

Please also have a look at our online Postgraduate Master’s course database.

You can also follow us on Facebook to learn about all the events we organise.

There are various ways to fund your studies. From scholarships and loans to private funding, we’ll make sure you are provided information that may help you finance your studies.

University scholarships

Many universities offer some type of (partial) scholarships to international students, which can be either automatic or competitive. Scholarship opportunities change from year to year, so it’s advisable to check our country pages by selecting the Your Country drop-down at the top of our page.

Scholarships in the UK typically range from partial scholarships or bursaries, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. Some universities may even provide more substantial scholarship amounts. It’s worth noting that UK courses are generally shorter in duration compared to similar programs in Latin America or the United States, which can make the overall tuition fees more affordable, particularly when compared to the US and Canada. Keep in mind that to apply for scholarships, you typically need to secure a confirmed study offer from a university first.

Chevening

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office administers the prestigious British Chevening Programme anually.

The Chevening Programme offers full scholarships to exceptional non-British students, enabling them to pursue their studies at a UK university. Applicants working with Inova Education will receive comprehensive information about the Chevening Programme, and you will have the opportunity to attend informative presentations as well.

Chevening website

Study Loans

As an international student it is not possible to secure study loans from banks in the UK or  Netherlands when you are a foreign national who does not work or live in those countries. Therefore study loans can only be secured from a study loan organisation in your home country.

Mexican students, especially those studying at Postgraduate level, may find there are various opportunities available for scholarships or study loans (creditos) through organisations such as CONACyT, FIDERH or FUNED (Mexico), Programa de 100 Becas de estudio para la Soberanía Científica y Tecnólogica (Bolivia) or Don Carlos Antonio Lopez (Paraguay). If you’d like to receive some more information about these scholarship and student loan schemes available please contact us.

Other national scholarship or study loan organisations

Latin American students, especially those studying at Postgraduate level, may find there are various opportunities available for scholarships or study loans (creditos) through a wide range of organisation. Here is an overview of some well-established programmes that may be of interest to you. Also mentioned are the current application rounds and deadlines.

For more information please check our dedicated Country pages on the Inova Education website, or contact us.

To study in the UK and Netherlands you need to be able to read, write and speak English very well. You’ll need to prove your competency by taking a recognised and approved English language test such as the Cambridge Advanced, Cambridge Proficiency, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or Pearson PTE*.

• What English test scores are required by universities?

The level of English required depends on the university where you will be studying and the level and difficulty of the programme you apply for. For instance, an English Literature programme may require a higher score than a Fine Art programme. Most universities ask for a 6.5 in the IELTS Academic exam overall and may have specific requirements in each component of the IELTS test depending on the programme.

• What English test scores are required by Pathway/Foundation colleges?

Students that have to study a Foundation, Pre-Masters or Graduate Diploma course are often required to obtain an IELTS score (or equivalent) of at least 4.5 or 5.0
This will often secure students a place on a 3-term foundation programme. A higher IELTS score (5.0 or 5.5) would mean that students can start on a shorter, fast-track, 2-term foundation programme.

• How long is my English language exam certificate valid for?

The IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are valid for 2 years. As long as your certificate is still valid on the date you apply for your visa you can use that certificate for your UK Study visa application.

If you have an offer from a university but your English language certificate has expired before you apply for your visa you have to re-take a recognised English language exam before you apply for your visa.

• Where can I take the various English language tests?

Tests are offered across LATAM on a regular basis.

• IELTS test centres and test dates

To find out more about IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI test centres and test dates in your country please click here.

An IELTS Academic exam will cost anywhere between USD215-310 depending on the location and the IELTS Academic for UKVI will cost around USD280-300**.

• TOEFL iBT test centres and test dates

To find out more about the TOEFL iBT test centres and test dates in your country please click here.

For more information about Secure English Language Tests accepted by the UKVI please click here.

*Pearson PTE Academic is not accepted by all universities.
**Prices correct Aug 2023

You can apply for a study place even if you’re still awaiting your final exam results or still have to take an English language exam. Universities in the UK and Netherlands can make conditional offers, allowing you to secure a place while you work towards meeting the entry requirements.

Undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees vary widely, depending on what university you study at, ranging from £15,000 to £35,000 per year (USD 19,000 – 43,000*). This does not include potential discounts or scholarships. You’ll also need to budget for living expenses, which can range from £11,000 to £15,000 annually (USD 13,500 – 18,500*), depending on your location and lifestyle.

To secure a study visa, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and livings costs for your first year of studies. We can assist you in exploring potential scholarships, bursaries and loans.

The British and Dutch immigration rules state that you need to have the following amounts available for living expenses**:

• £1,483 per month for study in London (for at least a mimimum of 9 months)
• £1,136 per month for study outside London (for at least a minimum of 9 months)
• €1,217.96 per month for study in the Netherlands (for at least a minimum of 12 months)

If you bring dependants to the UK (only for PhD students) you are required to have £845 per month extra for each dependant for courses in London or £680 for courses outside London (for at least a minimum of 9 months).

*January 2025 exchange rates
**These figures are subject to change and were last updated on 21 January 2025

Yes we can.

It is important that your translations meet the university application requirements as well as future visa application requirements. Unfortunately in our experience a lot of students apply with translations that cannot be used for visa purposes, wasting money in the process as you will have to translate documents twice. We want to avoid this inconvenience and that’s why Inova Education has, for many years, partnered with Seven Seas Translations and our students benefit from their prompt, professional and certified, UKVI compliant translation work.

Our students benefit from:

• A high quality professional and personalised service from expert Spanish to English translators
• University and UKVI visa and immigration regulation compliant translations, so you won’t have to do them twice
• Special reduced prices for all Inova Education students
• A very quick turnaround.
• You will receive your translations electronically as a high-resolution PDF. If required, hard copies can be couriered anywhere in Latin America (against an additional fee)

If you’d like to receive a competitive quote please do so online here.

Before submitting a translations request to our partner please ensure that your Inova Education advisor has confirmed confirmed your Spanish language documents meet the university admission and visa requirements to avoid you wasting money on translations which cannot be used.

Non-EU passport holders that want to study a pre-university, undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK or Netherlands, will need to apply for a study visa.

United Kingdom

Applying for a study visa in the UK follows specific steps and requirements:

1. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): To begin the visa application process, students must first receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their UK host university. This CAS is only issued after securing an unconditional offer from a recognized educational institution, as recognized by the UK Visas and Immigration office (UKVI).
2. Financial Proof: Applicants are required to provide evidence of having sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses in the UK.
3. English Language Proficiency: Meeting the minimum English language requirements set by the UKVI and the university is essential so you will need to secure an official English proficiency exam.
4. Application Process: You will apply for your study visa directly with the UKVI, with help of a local visa application centre.
5. Visa Application Fee: The cost of applying for a UK study visa is £490 (or approximately $600*). This fee is a standard charge, set by the British Government and is payable directly to the UKVI.

The Netherlands

The visa application process for students planning to study in the Netherlands is similar to that of the UK:

1. Academic and Language Requirements: Like in the UK, students must provide evidence that they meet the academic and English language requirements specified by the IND (Immigratie-en Naturalisatiedienst).
2. Financial Proof: Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have secured sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
   Note that in some cases students may be required to pay their tuition fees in full upfront and transfer living expenses to the university before the visa process begins!
3. Application Process: Dutch universities typically apply for the study visa on behalf of the student although students will have to visit the local embassy as part of the process.
4. Visa Application Fee: The cost of applying for a Dutch study visa is EUR 228 (or approximately $235*). This fee is a standard charge set by the Dutch Government and is payable to the IND.

Inova Education will verify if you need a visa, what type of visa and, in most cases, will provide help and support to guide you through every step of the visa application process. Note that we are study visa experts and have a 100% student visa success rate!

To receive more information about the visa application process, or to request our help with your application, please contact us.

Student Route specifics (UK-only)

• You can apply for your Student Route visa up to 6 months before the start of your course. For those applying for visa renewals from within the UK it is 3 months.
• If you have been studying in the UK on a Student Route visa all international students are eligible to apply for a further work visa under the Graduate Route. You can apply for this visa from within the UK. Students that successfully complete an undergraduate Bachelor’s or Master’s course can apply for a 2 year extension and those that have completed their PhD studies successfully can apply for a 3 year extension.
• If you are a PhD student you can bring dependants and they can also apply for the Graduate Route visa. If this applies to you, and you apply for your Graduate Route visa, you will not be required to demonstrate ability to financially support yourself.
• For more information about the Graduate Route please see the Can I work in the UK after graduation (Graduate Route) section.
• Students at degree level, or above, will no longer be required to submit academic qualification documents when applying for a visa. This assessment is done beforehand by the university sponsor.

*January 2025 exchange rates
**These figures are subject to change and were last updated on 21 January 2025

We specialize in study visas and have a successful track record of assisting international students with their study visa application since their introduction. Licensing is not a prerequisite for our line of work and not required by our university partners, nor required under the British Council UK Agent Quality Framework. Licensing will necessitate training in various visa categories, extending way beyond our specific expertise, making it costly and unnecessary.

We have dedicated staff focused on visa applications who receive continuous training, both internally, through our university partners and other UK organizations such as UKCISA and the British Council that keep us informed about changes to the immigration rules that affect students.

There are exceptions of course. Do to our experience we do regularly get complicated visa cases referred to us independently or by our university partners. In such instances we may seek advice from licensed immigration solicitors to support our cases, after consultation with the student.

As experts in study visas, we are committed to guiding you through the entire student visa application process. We recognize the vital importance of offering accurate and straightforward advice. Providing incorrect immigration guidance can have serious consequences. Therefore, we strongly advise against relying on unverified information from online forums and encourage you to consult Inova Education.

We have extensive knowledge and experience and are fully equipped to navigate students through the process effectively. Your peace of mind and a successful visa application are our top priorities, and we take pride in maintaining a 100% success rate for study visas since their introduction.

The Student Route visa is the name given to the visa international students have to apply for.

The Graduate Immigration Route is the name of a programme that offers all international students the opportunity to apply for a 2 or 3 year work visa.

For more information please see our FAQ ‘Can I work in the UK after graduation?‘

The UK will see the current Travel Vignettes and Biometric Residence Permits replaced for digital immigration permission, or eVisas.

Starting on 06 August 2024, all existing holders of a BRP will have to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa at www.gov.uk/evisa.

You can create a UKVI account now to obtain the new eVisas now and do not have to wait for an invitation from the Home Office to do so.

What do I need to create a UKVI eVisa account?

• your BRP number/visa application number (also known as a GWF or UAN number)
• an identity document (passport/BRP)
• Email address and mobile phone number (this does not need to be a UK mobile number but you must be able to receive messages from the UKVI using this number such as two-factor authentication codes)
• Access to a smart phone (if you do not have a smart phone you can use a friend/family member’s)
• Access to the ID check app

The UKVI has published a video explaining how to create an account.

Students from Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, as well as those (dual) nationals applying under their EU, EEA, Swiss, Canadian or United States passport, benefit from a simplified student visa application process as they are allowed to submit fewer documents with their visa application.

The differentiation arrangements apply for PBS Student Route and PBS Child Student Route visa applications.

Students that qualify under the Differential Evidence arrangements will still have to meet the immigration documentary requirements, like any other visa applicant, but they do not have to submit the following documents with their visa application:

• Documents showing your previous academic qualifications, such as diplomas or transcripts of results
• Documents showing you meet the finance/maintenance requirements incl evidence of relationship to a parent or legal guardian providing financial sponsorship
• English language test certificates or documents
• Evidence of academic progression (successful completion of a previous course in the UK, on a Tier 4 visa)

Students will have to apply for entry clearance from the country where they are living (country of residence) and ensure they apply with their main nationality being from one of the above mentioned countries.

Dependant family members will also benefit from the scheme provided they apply for their visa at the same time as the main applicant, apply for entry clearance in their country of nationality and hold the same nationality as the main applicant.

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is a requirement for non UK or EU students that apply for postgraduate study in certain subjects. Students that require ATAS clearance will usually be notified about this on the offer letter that they receive from the university they applied to. However, if students are not sure if their course requires ATAS clearance they should check directly with the university they’ve applied to.

• Students need to apply for an ATAS certificate, and obtain ATAS clearance, BEFORE they apply for a study visa. Without ATAS clearance your visa application will not be successful.
• Students can start the ATAS application with either a conditional or unconditional offer.
• If students hold more than one offer for a programme that requires ATAS clearance they need to apply for separate ATAS clearance certificates for each university and programme of study.
• Obtaining an ATAS clearance certificate does not guarantee students a visa or extension of stay.
• Students can apply for an ATAS certificate up to 6 months in advance of the beginning of their course.
• Applying for an ATAS certificate can be done online and the application is free.
• The FCO aims to process all ATAS applications within 20 working days although this time may increase during busy periods.

For more information on ATAS please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

You may bring your dependants to the UK if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You study a full-time, research-based higher degree (Research Masters), PhD, or other doctoral qualification lasting nine months or more, or
• You receive a scholarship or sponsorship from the UK or your national government, and your course is full-time and at least six months long.

Therefore, students on undergraduate course or non-research based postgraduate Master’s courses are not eligible to bring dependants.

Dependant Visa Requirements:
If you qualify to bring dependants, each dependant will require their own visa. You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support them during your stay.

Inova Education Support:
Inova Education offers general guidance on dependant visa applications. We will provide a webinar and clear guidelines to assist you in preparing your applications. However, please note that we do not review individual documents or help processing dependant visa applications.

Student accommodation ranges from university owned halls of residence, which may have restaurants, to self-catered private sector halls of residence and private apartments and student houses.

Most of the UK universities we work with guarantee international students a room provided they apply by a strict deadline.

Students that don’t want to live in accommodation provided by the university will have to look for a student room in a private sector student halls of residence or students houses. There are many private student accommodation agencies located in or around campus all over the UK who will help you look for a room that meets your requirements and budgets. Most universities themselves have accommodation offices on campus helping students look for rooms in the private sector.

Note that in the Netherlands most universities have a very limited number of rooms available to international students and you have to apply by very very early deadlines.

Inova Education staff will advise you on what options are available when you book a course through us and how to apply for student accommodation.

United Kingdom

All students, and their family members, applying for a Student Visa, are required to make a contribution to the UK’s National Health Service. This payment is called the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and will ensure you have full access to medical care during your stay in the UK.

This means that there is no need to take out additional private medical insurance, other than travel and medical insurance covering your trip to and from the UK or trips outside the UK.

The Immigration Health Surcharge is £776 per year and half that amount (£388) if your visa duration includes part of a year that is less than 6 months. So for a Master’s students (who gets issued a one year visa + 4 additional months) the charge will be £1,164.

You pay the IHS charge at the same time you apply for your study visa.

If you are on a course of less than 6 months you do not pay the IHS but instead have to take out private medical insurance. Students that come to the UK to study on a governmental Chevening scholarship do not have to pay the IHS charge.

Netherlands

The standard health insurance charge for international students going to the Netherlands (unless they have a EU passport) is EUR680 (USD705) per year.

*January 2025 exchange rates
**These figures are subject to change and were last updated on 21 January 2025

Students from certain countries need to have a tuberculosis (TB) test if they are coming to study in the UK for more than 6 months. If you take the TB test you will be receiving a certificate that is valid for 6 months. You need to be tested at a Home Office approved clinic. The certificate needs to be submitted with your visa application and cannot be more than 6 months old by the time you submit your visa application.

Residents from the following Central and South American countries need a TB certificate.

Bolivia
Ecuador
Guatemala
Guyana
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname (get tested in Guyana)

For more info please visit the Tuberculosis Tests for Visa Applicants page on the Home Office website.

United Kingdom

If you have a study visa and as long as your course lasts for longer than six months and is an undergraduate or postgraduate course, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.

Students that undertake foundation level courses are not allowed to work during their initial course with the exception of those students studying at so called ‘integrated colleges.’ Students that undertake courses that last less than 6 months are not entitled to work during their studies.

Most universities recommend working for no more than 12 hours a week.

Whatever your plans, make sure you’re never depending on employment to pay for your studies. To get a study visa and gain entry clearance to the UK you must be able to prove you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and living expenses for at least the first year of your studies.

When considering the option of looking for employment during your studies you have to bear in mind that your main aim is to study and complete your course successfully. We know from experience that many international students often do not have enough time to work next to their studies as courses in the UK are shorter in duration and thus can be more intensive. Most universities recommend that students do not work for more than 12 hours per week as otherwise your studies will suffer.

In accordance with European employment law employers have to pay you a minimum wage depending on your age.

You do not require official permission to work up to the permitted hours, provided you are not engaging in business, self employment or the provision of services as a sports person or entertainer. You can also undertake work placements which are part of your course or undertake internship placements with an employer whilst studying in the UK.

Whatever your plans, please ensure that you never depend on income received through work to pay for your studies. In order to obtain a study visa and gain entry clearance to the UK you must be able to prove you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and living expenses for at least the first year of your studies.

The Netherlands

Non-EU students are allowed to work up to a maximum of 16 hours or full-time during the months of June, July and August provided they find an employer that is willing to apply for a work visa for you.

United Kingdom

Yes, international students who successfully complete their studies and apply for the Graduate Route visa will be able to stay in the UK to work, or look for work, for a period of either 2 or 3 years.

The Graduate (Immigration) Route is a work-visa that allows Undergraduate and Master’s degree students to stay for an additional two years, whilst PhD students will be able to stay for a further three years.

The Graduate Immigration Route will be open to all international students:

• who currently have a valid Student Route visa, and
• whose current visa expires after 01 July 2021, and
• who have successfully completed a UK degree at undergraduate Bachelor’s, postgraduate Master’s or postgraduate PhD (Doctorate) level in its entirety. The start date of your course is not relevant as long as you have obtained your qualification during your current Student permission and the qualification is the same one for which your CAS was issued, and
• who have fully studied their course in the UK. If a course is less than 12 months the full course must have been fully studied in the UK. If the course is longer than at least 12 months must have been studied in the UK *, and
• have a qualification that has been awarded by a HE provider listed as a Student Sponsor with a track record.

Important

• You can only apply for the Graduate Route online whilst you are physically in the UK. You cannot apply for the Graduate Route from overseas.
• Like any other visa, you will have to pay the relevant visa application fee and pay your standard Immigration Health Surcharge to have access to medical care whilst you’re in the UK. If you pay the IHS you do not require further private medical insurance.
• There is no need to provide evidence of funds available showing you meet the maintenance requirements. You also do not have to submit an English language or other educational certificate, as these requirements will be met by successfully completing a degree at a UK university.
• If you have a government scholarship (either the UK or your home government) you need the sponsoring body’s  permission to apply for the Graduate Route.
• Student can, following completion of their Graduate Route visa, apply to switch into further Skilled Worker routes provided they meet the requirements of these routes.
• You cannot study whilst you have a Graduate Route (work) visa as it is a work visa. The exception to this is if you engage in online, recreational, evening study, or study at a college or university that is not on the Sponsor Register.
• After you’ve completed your Graduate Route you can switch back to a Student Route visa for further higher level study (provided it is at a higher level)

Can my dependants apply for the Graduate Route?

PhD students can bring dependants. Provided your dependants have a dependant’s visa, and they are already in the UK with you as a dependant, and provided they also apply from within the UK, they are also eligible for a Graduate Route visa.

The Netherlands

Yes, international students who successfully complete their studies and apply for a Residence Permit for the Orientation Year will be able to stay in the Netherlands to work, or look for work, for a period of 1 year.

Important

• You can apply for the Residence Permit for the Orientation Year straight after you successfully complete your studies, or within 3 years after graduation.
• Like any other visa, you will have to pay the relevant visa application fee.
• You can apply from within the Netherlands before the expiratoin date of your current student residence permit or from overseas for up to 3 years after graduating.
• There is no need to provide evidence of funds available showing you meet the maintenance requirements. You also do not have to submit an English language or other educational certificate, as these requirements will be met by successfully completing a degree at a Dutch university.
• You will have to provide private health insurance until you find work. Once you secure a job during the orientation year you will pay Public Health Insurance with the most basic rate being about EUR120 per month.

Inova Education is committed to providing ongoing support to our applicants. Our UK-based team provides ongoing support even after you behing your studies in the UK or the Netherlands.

While universities offer excellent and comprehensive student support services, we’re here for independent guidance and to answer your questions, offering an extra layer of support.

The United Kingdom and Netherlands have a temperate climate. Summers are mild, averaging 16-20 degrees Celsius, reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius during heatwaves. Winters are generally mild and wet, with temperatures between 3-8 degrees Celsius, occasionally dropping below freezing during the day and night. You can expect occasional snow, especially in Scotland and Northern England.

If you are coming from a warmer climate, winter will feel chilly, but during the spring and summer you will enjoy pleasant temperatures and long daylight hours.