When Deepak Musunuru walked into our office on MG Road, Kanuru, he had just finished his final semester at KL University, Vaddeswaram. He had a decent academic record, no IELTS score yet, and a clear goal — a design or media programme in the UK. Fourteen months later, he was holding his UK Student Visa and boarding a flight to London.
This is his story — and a practical guide for every student from KL University, VIT-AP, or any Vijayawada-area college who’s thinking about the same path.
The Starting Point — KL University to UK
Deepak graduated from KL University (Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation), Vaddeswaram — one of the most recognised private universities near Vijayawada, known for engineering and technology programmes. Like many KLU graduates, Deepak was weighing two options: a job in Hyderabad or a Master’s abroad.
The UK won for three reasons: one-year Master’s programmes (shorter than USA’s two years), post-study work rights of two years, and the quality of creative and media programmes at universities like Ravensbourne, UAL, and Falmouth.
His target: Ravensbourne University London — a specialist university in Greenwich focused on digital media, design, and broadcasting.
Step 1 — IELTS Preparation in Vijayawada
The first thing we told Deepak: without an IELTS score, nothing else moves. Ravensbourne required a minimum of 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5.
Deepak joined our IELTS coaching batch in Vijayawada — attending classes three evenings a week while working on his portfolio simultaneously. He attempted IELTS after six weeks of preparation and scored 6.5 overall — comfortably above the university’s requirement.
For KLU graduates targeting UK universities, most programmes require between 6.0 and 6.5. Top-20 Russell Group universities ask for 6.5–7.0. Deepak’s target was realistic, and the score he achieved opened the door to multiple options.
Step 2 — University Shortlisting and Application
We shortlisted three universities based on Deepak’s profile — his academic background, portfolio, and budget:
- Ravensbourne University London — first choice, strong industry links in media and digital design
- Middlesex University London — backup, broader programme options
- Coventry University — second backup, strong international student community
Ravensbourne responded within three weeks with a conditional offer, asking for final transcripts and a portfolio submission. Deepak received his unconditional offer letter shortly after — the first major milestone.
Step 3 — Education Loan
Ravensbourne’s tuition was approximately £14,500 per year. With living costs in London, the total budget was around ₹35–38 lakhs for one year.
Deepak’s family approached multiple lenders. We guided them through the education loan process — comparing SBI, HDFC Credila, and Avanse. They ultimately secured a loan through HDFC Credila, using the family property in Vijayawada as collateral.
The loan sanction letter was in hand within three weeks — a document that would also be critical for the visa application.
Step 4 — UK Student Visa Application
Once the offer letter was confirmed, Ravensbourne issued Deepak’s CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) — the unique reference number required for the UK Student Route visa application.
Key documents assembled for the visa:
- CAS from Ravensbourne
- Financial evidence — ₹10.7 lakh in account for 28 consecutive days (covering first year fees + 9 months living costs)
- IELTS scorecard
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate
- TB test certificate from an approved clinic in Vijayawada
- Loan sanction letter
- Passport (valid beyond course end date)
The visa was applied for online. Deepak’s appointment at the VFS Global centre in Hyderabad was straightforward — no interview required for UK Student Route visas (unlike the US F1). The visa arrived in 18 working days.
Timeline — KLU Graduation to UK Landing
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| First consultation at Study2Migrate, Vijayawada | Month 1 |
| IELTS coaching begins | Month 1 |
| IELTS exam — 6.5 overall | Month 2 |
| University applications submitted | Month 3 |
| Conditional offer from Ravensbourne | Month 3 |
| Unconditional offer received | Month 4 |
| Education loan sanctioned | Month 4 |
| CAS issued by Ravensbourne | Month 5 |
| UK Student Visa applied | Month 5 |
| Visa approved | Month 6 |
| Departed Vijayawada for London | Month 6 |
Six months from first consultation to departure. For a KLU graduate with no prior study abroad experience, this is a realistic timeline for the September intake — provided IELTS preparation starts immediately.
What Made the Difference
Deepak’s case had no unusual complications — average academic profile, no prior work experience, first-generation study abroad. What made it work:
- He started early — didn’t wait for results to begin IELTS prep
- He was realistic about university choice — Ravensbourne was a strong fit for his profile, not a reach
- His family moved quickly on the loan — delays here are the most common reason students miss intakes
For KLU Students Planning to Study in the UK
If you’re currently at KL University or have recently graduated, here’s what you need to know:
- Your KLU degree is well-recognised by UK universities — especially in engineering, technology, and business
- Most UK Master’s programmes require IELTS 6.0–6.5. Start preparing 3–4 months before your planned application date
- September is the primary intake. Applications should be submitted between January and April for September entry
- Budget: ₹28–45 lakhs total depending on university location (London vs other cities)
We have helped multiple KLU graduates secure placements in UK universities. If you’re planning your own journey, come speak to us at our Vijayawada office — the consultation is completely free.
You can also read our complete guide on studying in the UK from Vijayawada or find out about our IELTS coaching batches currently running at MG Road, Kanuru.
More Student Stories from Vijayawada
Deepak’s journey is one of many. Here are other students from the region who made it abroad through Study2Migrate:
- Pranitha Kolli — VRSEC to Webster University USA 🇺🇸 — From final year engineering to F1 visa in 8 months
- Niharika Mannepalli — MIC College Kanchikacherla to University of Central Missouri 🇺🇸 — How a student from a smaller college cracked the USA
- Sai Sreenivas — GDVEC Gudlavalleru to Gannon University Pennsylvania 🇺🇸 — Krishna district to the USA in 7 months
Also read: Complete guide to studying in UK from Vijayawada · IELTS Coaching in Vijayawada