The United Kingdom is renowned for its quality of education. Many universities established in the 12th century have become leaders within the education world. There is a long history of providing quality education and pioneered the education culture.
If you intend to study in the UK, you are in for a unique experience. Whether it be the hustle of London or weather you are looking for the charming countryside of West England, you will fall in love with the UK and its people.
With a long history of educational culture, there is no wonder that it has one of the biggest international student populations in the world.
Whatever it be your interests, there’s a huge range of clubs and societies, as well as a diverse social life to offer.
Plenty of course choices:
Choose from around 50,000 courses, in more than 25 subject areas.
UK courses are usually shorter than most countries, helping you to reduce overall accommodation costs and tuition fees.
It can be possible to work while you study also.
Plenty of course choices:
Stick around till the end to find out everything you need to know as an international student planning for higher education in the UK.
Why should international students’ study in the UK?
Here are reasons why you should study in the United Kingdom:
- 1/5th of the best universities around the world are in the UK.
- The University of Oxford, The University of Cambridge, and other universities in the world who have been pioneering education to students for centuries. These universities normally appear in the QS World University Rankings list. One-fifth of the top 50 universities in the QS World University rankings are in the UK.
Here are some of the best universities in the UK:
- University of Oxford (Ranked 5th by QS)
- University of Cambridge (Ranked 6th by QS)
- Imperial College London (Ranked 8th by QS)
- UCL (Ranked 10th by QS)
- University of Edinburgh (Ranked 18th by QS)
Students have a choice to study from a large range of courses in different courses ranging from physics to fashion. Professors that teach in UK universities are some of the bests in the world.
The British Education system is one of the best educational systems in the world by academics and Global companies as well.
Half a million International Students
The UK has seen a surge in the international student population over recent years. There were around 485,645 international students in the UK in 2019. With at least half a million international students, you won’t not be alone in your journey.
Many international students from diverse cultures are studying in different parts of the country which is why you can be studying with like-minded people from different cultures and backgrounds. This will allow you to explore much beyond just books in the classroom.
Diverse Culture and rich history
The United Kingdom is one of the oldest nations in the world. Students from different kinds of cultures will make it a unique experience. The people are warm and welcoming so you will feel right at home. Many student communities provide a homely environment for their new students.
Attractive employment opportunities
Career is an important part of education, and we know it. As an international student from international, you tend to work to support your studies unless your parents can fully fund your education and your stay. The UK has a minimum wage policy so no matter what you do for work; you will earn a minimum of £118.00 (excluding tax) per week to help fund with your studies and living costs.
A little extra cash always comes in handy at any time. UK government allows international students to work for up to 20 hours per week.
Graduate employability score of Universities in the UK:
- Universities: Graduate employability Score
- University of Cambridge: 67.7
- University of Oxford: 66.7
- Imperial College of London: 64.6
- University College of London: 65.6
- University of Manchester: 65.3
- University of Bristol: 64.8
The UK is one of the cheapest among the Top 3 big student destinations.
Among Australia, the USA, and the UK which are the countries with the highest number of international students, the UK is the cheapest in terms of their tuition fees. The average tuition fee is £10,000 which is £2,000 less than that of the US and £3,000 less than Australia on an average.
In addition to that, the financial documentation that you need to show the UK government while applying for your student visa is less as well.
Free health care for international students
If you intend to study in the UK for more than 6 months, the National Health Service will provide you with healthcare for free. In case of any health emergency, you don’t have to worry about finance.
Although healthcare is free of charge, the medicines are not free. NHS has also set a maximum amount for medicine that students must pay. You don’t have to pay more than £8.60 for any medicine no matter how expensive it is.
Degrees are shorter in the UK
You might be familiar that in international, more than 90% of undergraduates are 4 years or longer. However, that is not the case in the UK. Most undergraduate degrees in the UK are 3 years or longer. Master’s degrees are shorter as well with 1 year being the average time to finish a master’s degree.
Two-year degrees are also popular in the UK. Shorter degrees have advantages also. You will save on your tuition fees and living expenses as well.
Scholarships in the UK
The United Kingdom has one of the best higher education systems in the world. There are financial aids that are available to ease the financial burden for international students. So, if you have good grades and think you deserve to study in the UK with a scholarship, look into these scholarships provided by the UK government.
Chevening Scholarship: This scholarship is provided to students with extraordinary academic achievements and leadership skills. The recipients of the scholarships are selected by the British Embassies all around the world. The recipients will receive financial aid to study for a one-year master’s degree at any leading UK university of their choice. More than 1500 students have received this scholarship around the world each year.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: This is a highly reputed scholarship. The acceptance rate is less than 5% which makes this scholarship highly competitive. The recipient gets €31000 per year for two years.
Commonwealth Split-site PhD. Scholarships: This is a full funding scholarship given to international students by the government of the UK. The tuition fee of the recipient are covered, and they are given allowances and air travel expenses.
Ministry of Défense Competition for High-Resolution Imaging: This is a partial funding scholarship for international students. The award is £500,000. It is taken at various institutions around the globe.
IPBA Scholarship: It is a partial funding international scholarship. that is offered by the Inter-Pacific Bar Association. Citizens of Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Mongolia, Bangladesh, and the Pacific Islands are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Rhodes Trust Scholarships: This prestigious scholarship is provided by the University of Oxford. The value of this award is the full tuition fee and allowance of £15,900. 95 of these awards are offered to students from around 64 countries.
University of Bradford Global Development Scholarships: The recipients of this scholarship can get their full tuition fees paid and receive an allowance for accommodation. Students with their financial hardships from the developing country are offered this financial aid. This is available for students intending to enrol in a master’s degree expect MBA at the University of Bradford.
University of London Varadi Distance Learning Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to the applicants with outstanding academic results and amazing leadership abilities. The full tuition fee of studying at the University of London will be covered. Students from anywhere in the world can apply for this scholarship.
International Excellence Scholarship in the UK: This scholarship is offered by the University of Roehampton to international students. This award is worth up to £4000 per year. Students with great results in postgraduate and bachelors can get this scholarship.
How long can a student study in the UK?
There is a maximum time limit (‘cap’) on a studying with a Tier 4 visa. Before they issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, a Tier 4 sponsor will need to check that your application will not take you over the maximum time allowed. The Home Office will not grant further leave to someone whose current Tier 4 application means they will exceed these time limits unless there are “compelling and compassionate circumstances”, such as injury or disability.
- Students below Degree level can study for a maximum of 2 years
- Student at a degree level and above can study for a maximum of 5 years (excluding some engineering and medical courses)
You can arrive in the UK before your course start:
Up to 1 week before if your course lasts 6 months or less
Up to 1 month before if your course lasts more then6 month all document in English and original
After study in the UK
Graduate Route: After completed study at undergraduate level 6 above can apply.
Tier 2 work Visa: Secure a graduate-level job, within four months of completing your course, which pays £20000 or more to stay for a further 3 years with the option to extend
Doctorate Extension Scheme: Allows completing student to stay for 12 months to gain work experience or set up as an entrepreneur
Start-up/innovator: If you have a business idea an endorsement you could switch to the start-up route.