The Pre-departure Briefing is an annual event organised by the British Council in order to provide essential information to all students who have received an offer from UK institutions for further studies.  

Representatives from the British Council, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the UK Singapore Students' Council (UKSSC), Singapore Global Network (SGN) and HSBC shared information on:  

  • preparation for travel, including finances, bank accounts and insurance 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

Here is a letter from Michelle Donelan MP, Minister of State for Universities, UK

TWO exciting updates for you:
  • Covid-19 vaccine for international students: The Covid-19 vaccine is available to international students in the UK. Anybody aged 18 or over in the UK is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. Visit the GOV.UK website for all the latest information.
  • The Graduate Route: The UK government has announced that international students will be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route (two year post-study visa) if they arrive in the UK by 27 September 2021. The latest guidance is also on the Study UK website.

Live Webinar: Pre-departure Briefing for UK-bound students 
Date: Friday 16 July 2021
If you missed this session, you can still receive a pre-departure pack by writing to ukstudy@britishcouncil.org.sg.

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 NHS (National Health Service) 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. This 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 Covid-19 measures that have been put in place by the UK government, when you make your departure plans. Find out more about arrival procedures and Covid-19 tests here.

See also

HSBC's products and services
Banking is an important aspect of your overseas education. Your preparation can be hassle-free with the right support. With HSBC’s global network and connectivity, you will enjoy a comprehensive suite of banking facilities and benefits. For instance, you can bank internationally anytime, anywhere with $0 fee in 10 currencies with our Everyday Global Account and a suite of FX services. And with HSBC Premier Family, you can share your Premier benefits with your family. 
Contact HSBC today at sapsgh@hsbc.com.sg or call Lee Guan Chung at +65 96437945.

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 UK's NHS benefits.
Marsh StudySecure features 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance, medical expenses, travel inconvenience cover and optional COVID-19 cover.
For more information, download the Marsh StudySecure information here or visit their website. 

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Applying for your UK Visa is easy and flexible.
For more information on the visa application process and the Graduate route for post-study work, visit GOV.UK.

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. 
Find contact details of UK university student societies and organisations as well as tips and advice from Singaporeans who studied in the UK in The UKSSC Pre-Departure 2021 booklet here. 
To keep yourself up-to-date with upcoming news and events, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages (@TheUKSSC)  or visit their website here.

The Singapore Global Network (SGN)
The Singapore Global Network is passionate about building connections and creating opportunities. As a community, SGN aims to grow Singapore’s overseas networks by building meaningful and lasting relationships with our family and friends across the globe.
For more information, visit their website.

Study UK: Prepare to Study and Live in the UK 
Free online course by British Council

Watch this trailer. You can also find out what you will learn in week 1, week 2, week 3 and week 4 of the course.

Join this free online course which will give you all the information you will need to study and thrive in the UK.

You’ll become familiar with how higher education courses are structured and gain a clear understanding of what to expect while in the UK. Start straight away and learn at your own pace.

Sign up now!
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