United Kingdom
Apr 15, 2024
Study in United Kingdom
Study in United Kingdom
Home of Bowie, Shakespeare, and (The) Queen
The UK has a leading position in higher education, innovation, and scientific research, which attracts international students from all over the world to pursue their studies here. Its academic brilliance is not the only thing bringing international students to UK premises.
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Erudera’s Complete Guide to Studying in UK as an International Student
The United Kingdom is one of the world’s best countries for producing qualitative scientific research. This excellence is also reflected in other academic sectors, especially in the quality of graduates UK universities create. Thousands of international students head towards UK universities each year, wishing to be part of an education that sets forward their careers.
Culture thrives in the UK, and there are numerous opportunities to advance academically and practice the language. The UK has a rich history, exciting heritage, and it is also one of the most diverse countries in the world. The higher education system is world-renowned, people are friendly, and the cost of living is affordable, making the UK an ideal place to study abroad.
Facts
The University of Oxford in the UK is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096.
Did you know that the British drink around 100 million cups of tea each day, which means about 36 billion per year?
Reasons to Study in The UK
Excellent Academia
The UK has been renowned for its quality of education for centuries now, with its universities ranking among top global universities. Eighteen UK universities have been ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings for 2021, with four of them ranking in the top ten! These world-leading universities offer the knowledge necessary for a better future.
Work Opportunities
This country offers numerous work opportunities for international students, especially once the new Graduate Route, which allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years and look for employment, is released in 2021. Students may also have the option of relocating to the UK permanently if they find employment related to their study field. This should be among the top reasons to study in the UK for international students.
Cultural Exchange
In a country where 485,645 international students gather to pursue their qualifications, cultural exchange is inevitable. Students learn more about different cultures, customs, and traditions, which allows them to become knowledgeable individuals. Learning about other cultures is one of the most incredible things about studying abroad.
Global Connections
Among the reasons to study in the UK is also the opportunity to create as many global connections as possible. Unless you are staying in your room all day, you will definitely create numerous new connections around the world. You will make new friends, new potential business partners, or even potential employers. The UK offers all these and more.
Worldwide Recognition
Having your qualifications recognized worldwide is among the top reasons to study in the UK for international students. This is the simplest way to create a global career and enter the global labor market. British qualifications are recognized and highly valued by employers around the world. UK universities offer cutting-edge education, using some of the world’s latest technologies across their degree programs.
Popular UK Universities
Best Schools in United Kingdom
UK Higher Education System
The higher education system in the United Kingdom is recognized worldwide for its outstanding command of academia. Higher education in the UK comprises 143 universities, where competition is usually quite intense. Undergraduate courses typically take three years to finish in England, while in Scotland, an undergraduate program will typically take four years to complete.
Numerous universities in the UK offer what is known as “sandwich courses,” including 4-year undergraduate programs, with one year in the workplace (usually in the 3rd year). Postgraduate programs in the UK offer a wide range of options to choose from, with master’s programs typically taking 1-2 years to complete and Ph.D. programs taking three years.
Requirements
Prospective applicants are expected to meet certain requirements to be eligible to study in the UK. Among the main requirements to study in the UK for international students is providing proof of financial stability. International students should prove they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses in the UK, an average of £12,000 or $15,000 per year, excluding tuition fees.
International students are also required to meet all the admission requirements in the higher education institution they want to study, including proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS test). The visa application process is also part of the requirements, and it should be done as soon as the student receives their letter of admission to a UK university.
Fees and Costs
Tuition fees and costs in the UK for international students depend on certain factors such as the student’s country of origin, city of residence in the UK, and university and degree program. International students from non-EU countries of origin must pay higher tuition fees than home students. The same will apply to EU students as well, once Brexit takes full effect.
Excluding tuition fees, international students will need approximately £12,000/$15,000 per year to live comfortably in the UK. Tuition fees for international students in the UK are around £14,096 ($18,227) per year for classroom-based courses. Fees for laboratory and clinical programs are typically higher, while master’s programs can go up to £18,914 ($24,458) per year. However, many students opt for scholarships, which are plentiful in the UK.
How to Apply
International students are required to apply to study in the UK through the University and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). This platform processes all applications for university admission in the UK. Through UCAS, you can select up to five universities to apply to, and an identical application will be sent to each of these universities via the platform.
Typically, students are expected to research the test scores and specific requirements of the university they wish to attend; and provide all necessary documentation to UCAS, including a personal statement, a reference letter, and the paid fee to UCAS. The process should not be challenging, but students should be careful and apply on time.
Accommodation in UK
Rent is one of the main expenses for international students in the UK, and prices can vary depending on the location. Accommodation in the UK for international students includes student halls of residence and rented apartments (or flatshares). Student halls of residence are often the most convenient form of accommodation in terms of affordability, but they are highly competitive.
International students also tend to choose rented accommodation or simply rent a room in a shared apartment. This form of accommodation allows students to share the monthly cost of rent and utilities with other students and, this way, pay less for accommodation in the UK. Rent in London, especially in the city center, is usually more expensive than in other British cities.
Studying in UK Advice and Tips
Welcoming more than 500,000 international students each year, the United Kingdom is a leading destination for international students. There are many things that make English higher education great, starting from its quality that distinguishes among countries in the world to its top-notch universities that provide students with numerous career opportunities for the future.
The application process to each university or each country takes students quite a bit of time. Especially to international students who most probably have a number of additional documents to prepare and submit. The application process becomes even harder if your study abroad destination is the United Kingdom. Universities in the UK are some of the most competitive, and that is why students should start preparing their applications as early as possible.
The United Kingdom is known for hosting a large number of international students, and it is also known for having universities that provide education that ranks among the best education in the world. Making the decision to study in the UK comes with a set of responsibilities, one of which is tuition fees and costs.
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UK Higher Education News
