How will I support myself when I’m learning English

If you already have enough money to support yourself while studying in the UK, then you can skip this next section. But if you are like many students, you will need to give some thought to where you will get enough money to pay for you education as well as take care of yourself and your family if they are coming with you. It is not a good idea to leave your country to study in the UK without first knowing that you have enough money. Remember that one of the requirements of the Tier 4 point system is having enough to cover your expenses 

Scholarships and grant money - Start with the Education ministry or department in your own country first. They may have some information about scholarships or grants that may be available to you, including money from religious or charitable organisations The British government and other UK groups have made some scholarship and grant money available, but getting it won’t be easy. there is a good deal of competition for these funds, and any application you make will have to be timely and properly written, Be aware that most grand giving groups only give a relatively small amount of money to those applicants that qualify, so it probably won’t be enough by itself to cover any courses. Your chances may be somewhat better if you are from a Commonwealth country, or are (or the child of) an EU national, since there may be specific monies available to apply for. The school you are applying to may also have some scholarship money available, and you can inquire about it when you make your application.

If you are from a developing country, that may help you qualify for scholarship money, or if you are academically very strong, there may also be money available if your university participates in the DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme. Read more about Scholarships and grants at : www.studyoverseas.com and click the links to United Kingdom, UK Scholarships and Funding, British Council.org, and the links to Funding your Studies, UKinternationalstudent.com under international financial aid for UK as well as the websites of any school or university you are applying to.

Loans for education studies The current credit crunch has closed up many sources of loans, and most international students planning to study in the UK will do better looking for grants and scholarships. However, if you are from the US planning to study English in the UK, International Student Loan.com has information about the Study Abroad, Stafford and the Foreign Enrolled Loan programs.

Working - Another useful website for international students is the UK Council for International Student Affairs (www.ukcisa.org.uk) which has among other things, an extensive section on working while you are leaning English (or an other subject) in the UK. The requirements now in force are those set in place on 31 March, 2009. In general, you can work up to 20 hours per week in term-time, if your passport sticker or identity card says you have permission. In some cases, you may be able to work more if it is part of the course of study you are taking. Also, you will generally have to be able to show that you can pay for your education even without working, however is some instances you can use work funds to support yourself if your school provides a letter saying that they are providing the work for you, and how much you will be making. There is also information on this web site about working in the UK after you complete your education.

In conclusion, studying English in the UK is a worthwhile pursuit, which will certainly have a positive effect on your future. However, it will require a great deal of planning, and careful research. There are many useful websites that have good information. Consider all your options, talk to people who have done it, and then work hard to make your dream of learning English come true.