'Is an MBA from the UK recognised in India?'

Have you gained admission into a UK university but unsure of how to go about applying for a UK study visa?

If you complete a degree in the UK, are you eligible for a work visa?

Can you re-apply for a visa if your previous application was rejected?

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To answer these and many other questions related to UK study and study visas, Lai-Ming Sui, student team leader, Visa Services, British Deputy High Commission, Chennai, hosted a chat with Get Ahead readers on June 23.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's part I of the unedited transcript:

Lai-Ming Siu says, Hello, My name is Lai-Ming Siu. I am the Entry Clearance Officer. With me today are Jim Robson and Chris Perry, two of my colleagues. We would like to welcome you to this webchat and thank you for taking part. I hope this will help you with any visa questions you have.

nicc asked, hi, if i have been denied a study visa on grounds that i do not hv enuff financial backing, can i re-apply? what is the procedure?

Chris Perry answers, Hi nicc, thanks for your question. You can reapply any time using the same procedure. Just make sure that you have addressed the points that were mentioned in your notice of refusal. hope this helps, Chris

sam asked, wat are the documents i will need to submit when applying to a uk univ? do i need financial proofs too?

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Hi Sam, thank you for your question. There are different things you will need to show to gain admission to a UK university and for a UK visa. For your UK visa application, you will need to show you have enough funds to pay for your tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses for your entire course. There are various ways you can show this and it will depend on your individual circumstances. I hope this helps. Thanks for your question, Lai

student 1 asked, i have done my B.Tech, PGDMM and Executive program in business management. I have 6 yrs of work experience, of which 3 yrs is in a managerial role. I think I should do one more post graduation in business management(since my earlier qualifications are only diplomas). I need to know which college can offer a high valued course, and where can i get scholorships/loans/grants. I also need to know how to secure a good job, and how many years I can stay back in UK for doing a job.

Jim answers, Hi student 1. try the website www.educationuk-in.org . This is a complete website for Indian students with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. Scholarships are dealt with on www.britishcouncil.org/India-scholarships.htm. A comprehensive information source for international students on scholarships and fellowships for study in the UK.There are several schemes for working after graduation such as Tier one of the Points based system for post Study, which replaces the international Graduate Scheme and fresh talent, the Scottish scheme. Try www.workingintheuk.gov.uk for all the information you need. good luck with this.

Sneha asked, I'm planning to do a mamgement course MBA or MSc. Please let me know which one in better. If i do MSc, then can i get a good job. Please help me out....

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Sneha, thanks for your question. They are both post graduate study programmes and both are very good. It will largely depend on the type of course you wish to study. For more information, you can seek guidance from the British Council. A useful website is: Education in the UK -- www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. I hope this helps you. Thanks, Lai

venkat asked, hi i am planning to do MBA from Cambridge University. So, i have the following doubts: 1) How many years work permit, will be given after the 1 year of MBA education? 6) Basically how many years of prior work exp will the counsilate people will be looking for MBA? Regards, Venkatz.

Jim answers, Hi Venkat From 30/6/08 you can apply, once you have obtained your degree, for Post Study under the Points Based scehme, which would allow you to work in the Uk for 2 years. However mainstream work permits, which currently have to be applied for by an employer on your behalf, are valid for various period up to 5 years. Hope this helps.

venkatz asked, hi i am planning to do MBA from Cambridge University. So, i have the following doubts: 1) is tofel score required, apart from GMAT even though i am from an english medium education since my childhood? 2) is it true that all MBAs from UK are 1 year programs only? 3) What are the documents i need to take to the UK counsilate at time of visa interview? 4) How much minimum liquid asserts i need to show, for 30000 pounds, fee? 5) How many years work permit, will be given after the 1 year of MBA education? 6) Basically how many years work exp will the counsilate people will be looking for MBA? Regards, Venkatz.

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Venkatz, thanks for your question. For all enquires about admission to the MBA course, you will need to ask Cambridge University. MBAs vary in length, some are one year and others can be up to two years. It will depend on the UK insitution and how the course is structured. The documents you will need to show will cover the following areas: your admission to a UK institution, your English ability, your/your sponsor's finances, your previous education or work experience. For funding, you will need to show that you have enough funding to meet the costs of your tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. If you successfully complete your MBA then there may be Post-study work programmes that you can take part in, you may be able to switch from a student to work permit visa - it all depends on what your circumstances are at that time.

For MBAs it is not neccessary to have previous work experience anymore. For more information on Post study programmes: The current post study programmes, International Graduate Scheme and Fresh Talent will be replaced by the post-study work (PBS Tier 1). The Post-study work programme (PBS Tier 1) will be launched on June 30, 2008. For more information on this new programme, please refer to: https://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/pointsbasedsystem/ (Information of change) and https://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/temporaryarrangements/internationalgradssciencegrads/ (Notification of the old system stopping on the 30th of June). I hope this helps you. Best wishes, Lai

Sarin asked, Hello What are the pre-requisites for applying into a good university and what all the documents that are required and what are the job opportunities after that?

Jim answers, Hi Sarin. Your question is a broad one and you might perhpas start by looking at some of the websites the UK provides such as www.educationuk-in.org . This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. Log on to https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa and www.vfs-uk-in.com to get a general idea of the kinds of documents that will help the Entry Clearance Officer to check that your application meets the Immigration Rules. www.workingintheuk.gov.uk provides information about the various working schemes available for international students after completion of their course. I hope this helps you Jim

ajay asked, Hello How are UK universities recognised in other counties? What is the average course duration?

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Ajay, thanks for taking part in this webchat. If you need help selection a course and college, a good place to start will be the British Council, as they give very comprehensive guidance. For more info: Education in the UK -- www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. I hope this helps you, thanks for your question, Lai

meg asked, hi, i want to take up architecture? wat are the best colls in UK to apply for a post-grad course?

Jim answers, Hi Meg I am not an expert in architecture and would advise you to try a website such as www.educationuk-in.org to get some ideas. The british council can give you further advice. Good luck with your seach. Jim

Nits asked, I have 3 yrs exp in Telecom field. Is there any good post graduation course like MBA in Telecom Mgmt in any UK univ.?

Chris Perry answers, Thanks for your question. The British Council is the best place to start your search; they hold prospectus' for many UK universities and colleges. You could also try contacting the universities/colleges directly online. The link for the British Council is: www.britishcouncil.org I hope this helps, Chris

pinku asked, I have a 5Year work exp I will be going to work in UK on my compaines WP but I want to pursue my Masters in UK is there anyway I could do it ???

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Pinku, thanks for your question. If you are going to the UK on a Work Permit, then you can study as well, but bear in mind that you must fulfil the requirements of your Work Permit, so you may only be able to study part time. I hope this helps you and good luck. Lai

Sneha asked, I'm planning to do a management course MBA or MSc. Please let me know which one in better. If i do MSc, then can i get a good job. Please help me out....

Jim answers, Hi Sneha This is a difficult question and you had best ask the British Council for advice; it probably depends on what field of work you wish to get into. Try www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. Jim

Nits asked, Please tell me few good universities for MBA based on the placements they offer after the course.

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Nits, thanks for your question. You will need to do some reasearch to find the right course for you. Look carefully and see if the course contents suits you and gives you what you want from a course. For more information and to help you start searching: Education in the UK -- www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. I hope this helps you. Thanks, Lai

Nits asked, Is MBA from UK universities recognised & valued in India?

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Hi Nits, thanks for your question. You probably know that many UK qualifications are recognised all over the world and are held in high regarded in terms of quality. When you are chosing your course and university, look and see how well validated the course is - if you are not sure, then ask the university to explain it to you. I hope this helps you, thanks, Lai

Namita asked, I have completed my BBA from Champlain College in USA and have one year of work experience. How much more experience do i require to get into a good college for my MBA. What exams/tests do I need before applying to UK?

Chris Perry answers, Hi Namita, thanks for your question. it sounds as though you already have the qualification and experience to apply for the MBA at a UK institution. As you have studied in the USA, I believe your English will be good enough and the BBA will be recognised too. All you need to do is pick your school of choice and apply. Good luck! Hopr this helps, Chris

Nits asked, Can you tell the approximate expenses for an MBA course including living expenses in UK?

Jim answers, Hi Nits An MBA course cost will vary enormously depending upon the college you choose, check the British Council for this information. However I can tell you that in London it will cost you about GBP 7500 whereas in the rest of th Uk it will cost about GBP6000 for a year for your accommodatiohn and living expenses without taking account of fees. Jim

raj asked, Hi, I am planning to do MBA,however i have a degree which was a single sitting degree,i mean clear all the exams in 1 year.I have a work experience of 10 yrs.Would i be able to enroll myself to a university in UK for an MBA.What would be the course fee approximately

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Raj, thanks for your enquiry. The cost of an MBA course will vary from one UK institution to another, so you will have to ask the UK institutions you are interested in and they will give you the costs. You also have to bear in mind that additional costs for accommodation and living expenses as well. I hope this helps. Lai

jitu asked, Can u tell me which colleges offer graduation and masters degrees in Environment Science.?

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Jitu, Thanks for your question. There will be a wide number of colleges and universities that will offer graduate and post graduate degree level courses in Environment Science. It's up to you to do some research and find a suitable course for you. A good starting point will be: Education in the UK -- www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. I hope this helps you, good luck! Lai

Kirthi asked, I am in grade 12, completing next year. Wish to do undergraduation in life sciences specializing in biotech. Can U tell me admission criteria, costs and Univ. in this area?

Chris Perry answers, Hi Kirthi, thanks for your question. You could do some research into the course you wish to follow at The British Council. Admission criteria are set by the universities/colleges themselves and you would have to contact them directly to find out what they are. Also, costs will depend on what course you decide to follow, which university/college offers it and where in the UK they are based as living costs vary from city to city. I hope this helps, Chris

Nits asked, Few universities dont require GMAT for admissions. Only IELTS is enough.Are these institutes recognised?

Jim answers, hello again Nits You need to check the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) website: www.dfes.gov.uk to ensure that the college you are interested in is a recognised provider (ie named on that list) , otherwise we will not be able to give you a student visa. Jim

Sneha asked, Thanks for your answer. I just wanted to know what are the carrer prospectus after doing an Msc when compared to MBA? Please help me...

Jim answers, hello again Sneha that is impossible to answer without knowing what career you polan to go into; however the british Council are the best people to ask on this. thanks Jim

Nits asked, I have 3 yrs exp in Telecom field. Is there any good post graduation course like MBA in Telecom Mgmt in any UK univ.? How are the job prospects after the course?

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Nits, thanks for another question. There may well be specialised MBA programmes that are 'tailor made' to suit your career aspirations. It's up to you to do some research and look for a course that might be suitable to you. There are opportunities to work after completing studies in the UK but there are certain qualifying criteria for that. For more information about finding the right course: Education in the UK -- www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences.

And for more information about post study work programmes: The current post study programmes, International Graduate Scheme and Fresh Talent will be replaced by the post-study work (PBS Tier 1). The Post-study work programme (PBS Tier 1) will be launched on 30th June 2008. For more information on this new programme, please refer to: https://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/pointsbasedsystem/ (Information of change) and https://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/temporaryarrangements/internationalgradssciencegrads/ (Notification of the old system stopping on the 30th of June). I hope this helps. Good luck, Lai

pinkujee asked, Mam Which university are good for Masters in Finance

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Pinkujee, Thanks for your question. There will be various UK universities that offer MA Finance based courses. You will need to find out for yourself which course is right for you. So you can start your search at: Education in the UK -- www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. I hope this helps and good luck. Lai

danish asked, Can you tell the approximate expenses for an MBA course including living expenses in UK

Chris Perry answers, Hi danish, thanks for your question. Costs vary form city to city and between the different education providers. As a rough estimate for living costs and accommodation you would be looking at about GBP 7,500 PER ACADEMIC YEAR for schools inside London and about GBP 6,000 for schools outside of London. I hope this helps, Chris

Cameron asked, I plan to do my MSc. Pharmaceutical Analysis programme at University of Strathclyde. I'm relying on a full education loan. Few of my friends had told me that i need to produce a copy of the property document which i have used for the loan. Is that fine that i enclose the document in the local language attested by the bank official or do i need to get it translated. The translationitself will cost me another INR 2500. Your reply.

Jim answers, Hi Cameron I am afraid that if you submit a document that is not translated into English we are unable to take that document into consideration. You should prefereably show evidnce of the ownership of the property used to secure a loan msuch as an encumbrance certificate. Jim

ashish asked, i am doing b.d.s from pune and wish to do post graduation in dentistry from abroad.What are the decent colleges for this abroad looking at the financial aspect also.Is the m.d.s course from u.k. recognised by d.c.i??

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Ashish, thanks for your question. There will be a number of dentistry schools that you can choose from. Some will even specialise in certain aspects of dentistry. It's up to you to find out which one is right for you. You can start by looking at: Education in the UK -- www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences. Thanks, Lai

sivakumar asked, my daughter has just passed out her 10th standard with good marks ,she has started preparing for IIT-JEE Exams. but i would wish her to persue her education in UK. can you advice me the procedure

Jim answers, Hi Sivakumar You should probably start by checking the websites available such as www.educationuk-in.org This is a complete website for Indian students -- with searchable course databases, UK institution profiles and information on visa procedures, scholarships and alumni experiences.good luck with this. Jim

rakesh asked, Hi,I am Abt to complete my Chartered Accountancy from India & wanted to pursue ACCA from UK,will it create any problem for me obtaining a UK student visa when ihad already earned a Chartered Accountant degree from india,ICAI?

Lai-Ming Siu answers, Dear Rakesh, Thanks for your question. Well done on completing your CA studies. If you are now looking to study ACCA, it will be seen as an additional qualification,so you will need to explain to the visa officer why you now want to study another professional accountancy course. I hope this helps, Lai

sri asked, I completed my BE in Electronics.Now Iam intrested 2 do MS ,But my problem s I have problem with english. So can i manage my english at there. Pls reply 2 my qestion

Chris Perry answers, Hi sri, It is important that you have a good level of English before applying to study in the UK. We recommend that you have an IELTS of 5.5 or better, or a similar qualification such as TOEFL. Some schools require a higher IELTS so you should check their admission requirements. Hope this helps, Chris

Part II: All about Trusted Partners and admissions