How to pursue a career in UK law as an international student

• Experts from leading UK university share advice for Canadian students hoping to pursue a legal education in the UK
• French translation also attached if needed 

Recent enrolment figures from The University of Law (ULaw) in the UK have shown a 38% year-over-year increase in the number of international students coming to the University to study law in the UK. What’s more, online search data reflects a 56% year-over-year increase among Canadians for UK degrees, indicating an increased appetite for studying in the UK.

With these figures in mind, Aruna Verma, Programme Director at The University of Law, the UK’s leading specialist provider of legal education, shares her top five tips for international students wishing to pursue a degree in UK law.

 1.    Find your community

Moving to another country can be an incredibly daunting experience. Search for online communities to join or get in touch with your prospective university to find out more about their established support networks. These communities will help you to connect with others studying in the same field as you—and who may even end up as your classmates.

 2.    Familiarize yourself with the details

Depending on what country you are coming from, there are various checks and processes that need to happen to secure a seat in a UK law program. Be sure to do your research up front, as this will make the application process easier. For a good starting point, check out the international advice section on our website, where we break down these steps by country.

 3.    Understand your visa

Incoming students who are non-EEA or Swiss nationals need to apply to the UK Home Office for a visa permitting you to study in the UK. In most cases, you will need a Tier 4 Student visa, which requires sponsorship from an educational institution. The University of Law is a Tier A sponsor approved by the Home Office and is therefore fully authorized by the UK government to sponsor international students for a Tier 4 Student visa under the points‑based system.

 4.    Plan out your finances

Be sure to plan for costs such as rent, course materials and day-to-day bills. Don’t forget to set aside part of your budget for socializing so you can spend your free time during your initial weeks getting to know your classmates and spending time together outside of class. There will be a variety of resources available to support you depending on your circumstances—make sure you familiarize yourself with these ahead of time so you’re all set for arriving in the UK and starting your first semester.

 5.    Get in touch with your university for advice

Few resources are as well placed to offer advice as the student support teams at your chosen university. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support with any questions you may have. There can certainly be many administrative hurdles to overcome when planning to study abroad in the UK, but there is plenty of support on hand to help you prepare for the next steps in advancing your education.

To learn more about studying at The University of Law as an international student, please visit: https://www.law.ac.uk/students/international/.

ENDS

For more information, please contact [email protected].