Pre-departure Briefing for UK-bound students 

The Pre-departure Briefing is an annual event organised by British Council in order to provide essential information to all students who have received an offer from a UK institution for further studies. This year's event took place at Raffles City Convention Centre on 12 August 2023.   

Representatives from British Council, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the United Kingdom-Singapore Students' Council (UKSSC), Singapore Global Network (SGN), Marsh, HSBC and Vita Student joined us to share useful information on:  

  • preparation for travel, including finances, banking, insurance and accommodation matters 
  • the visa application process  
  • what to expect when you arrive in the UK 
  • life as a student in the UK 
  • connecting with fellow Singaporeans in the UK, on and off campus.

This year, we also had key partners in attendance to talk about their scholarships and career offers, including representatives from: 

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Public Service Commission
Updates on UK student visas:  
Find the latest updates on visa decision waiting times on this GOV.UK page.
Also find additional content on the Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application page. 
Visa processing times could change on a weekly basis, so please keep checking these pages. 
A warm welcome is waiting for you in the UK
We want you to feel welcome and at ease when you arrive in the UK, and would like to reassure all international students that UK universities are looking forward to welcoming you. 
  1. The NHS 
    The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems offering safe and modern treatment, and is available to all international students. As part of your student visa application, you will be paying for the Immigration Health Surcharge, which will give you access to NHS services without further charges (subject to a few exceptions). Find out more about this here. 
  2. UK Border Control
    Ensure that you are aware of the latest border regulations that have been put in place by the UK government when you make your departure plans. Find out more about arrival procedures here.
  3. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
    For more information on the visa application process and the Graduate route for post-study work, visit GOV.UK.
  4. The United Kingdom-Singapore Students' Council (UKSSC)
    The United Kingdom-Singapore Students' Council (UKSSC) is a non-profit, student-led organisation which represents the interests of Singaporean students studying in UK universities. To keep yourself up-to-date with upcoming news and events, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages (@TheUKSSC) or visit their website here.
  5. The Singapore Global Network (SGN)
    The Singapore Global Network is passionate about building connections with and creating opportunities for Singaporeans all over the world. As a community, SGN aims to grow Singapore’s overseas networks by building meaningful and lasting relationships with family and friends across the globe. For more information, visit their website.

Marsh StudySecure: Protection for your journey to excellence
Protect yourself when you leave home to study in the UK with Marsh StudySecure, a customised insurance solution developed to protect you over and above the UK's NHS benefits. Marsh StudySecure features 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance, medical expenses, travel inconvenience cover and optional Covid-19 cover.

Vita Student - more than just a room
Vita Student is a high-end student accommodation provider, located in 18 cities across the UK. With modern design, luxury hardware and attentive services, Vita offers international students the perfect British living experience while studying in the UK. The hotel-style service includes free weekday breakfast, round-the-clock coffee and tea, monthly cleaning, cultural experiences, skills development and other daily activities to create a sense of belonging in the community of residents. Vita is also the only accommodation provider in the UK to offer a Career Hub development platform to help residents achieve their future ambitions. 

HSBC
Moving to the UK for your studies? Bank like a local wherever life takes you
Starting a new chapter of your life in the UK doesn’t have to be daunting. With HSBC partnering you on your new journey, you can rest assured that you will experience an ease of access to your funds between your Singapore and UK accounts. 

Singapore Airlines 
With Singapore Airlines’ Student privileges, travel smart and enjoy exclusive perks on your academic journey. Bring along everything you will miss from home with additional checked baggage allowance. Enjoy the flexibility of changing travel plans once without additional fees, complimentary for KrisFlyer members with verified student status. Start your journey here now!

Scholarships and career opportunities

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

Ministry of Home Affairs
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) consists of MHA Headquarters, seven Home Team departments and three statutory boards, and is known collectively as the Home Team. They work closely with the community to keep Singapore safe and secure.

Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is the parent ministry of the Singapore Armed Forces and is responsible for overseeing the national defence needs of Singapore. 

Public Service Commission 
The Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarships attract and nurture talents with leadership potential for the Public Service in Singapore.

External links

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