A leading study destination, the UK offers research-backed specializations across diverse areas, including science, engineering, art, design, law, finance, and business management. Every year, the UK attracts almost 6,00,000 international students to a range of programs extending from English language courses to PhDs. The education system in the UK is well recognized as it offers students the freedom to combine their courses from diverse areas of study. The student can choose to modify their degree program as per their interest. But are these reasons sufficient to study in the UK?
If you are an international student planning to pursue your education in the UK, then this article is for you.
Why study in the UK?
Why is the UK considered better than other countries for international students?
The QS Best Student Cities 2023 ranking included 15 cities in the United Kingdom. This clearly signifies the importance of the UK’s education among global students. Besides, the UK is home to 164+ universities, colleges, and B-schools. Out of the 1300 universities, 89 UK universities ranked in the QS World University Ranking 2023 list.
The universities in the UK not only offer amazing courses, campus life, quality of education, and scholarship options, but they also facilitate part-time job facilities, global job opportunities, and more. Let’s explore the perks UK universities offer and the advantages of studying in the UK.
From the world-class universities to the vibrant, diverse culture and pleasant atmosphere, there are plenty of benefits of studying in the UK for Indian students.
Here are the top reasons for studying in the UK for international students:
World-Class Education System in the UK
When deciding on a study abroad destination, the first thing that comes to mind is – the quality of education. The UK houses some of the most prestigious universities globally, like the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and the University of Cambridge, to name a few. The universities are recognized for their academic excellence. As per the QS World University Ranking 2023, the UK houses 89 of the Top 1300 universities worldwide. A major advantage of studying in the UK for students is the flexibility offered to them when it comes to choosing their educational curriculum. Universities in the UK permit students to build their courses based on the subjects they are passionate about.
Networking Opportunities and Career Advancement
The New Graduate Route that started on 1st July 2021 in the UK enables international students to stay back in the UK after completing their program. International students are authorized to stay in the UK for a duration of 2 years and search for jobs after graduation. For Ph.D. degree holders, the extension is of 3 years. Students wanting to take advantage of the Graduate Route need to apply for a new visa application and pay a visa fee of ₹65,162 along with the Immigration Health Surcharge of ₹58,087 annually.
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Still, wondering why to choose the UK as your study abroad destination? Well, let us help you out. One of the main reasons why students opt for the UK, other than academia, is to experience its rich cultural diversity. The UK is considered a great place for students to get to know and meet people from diverse cultures. This country offers a rich mix of distinct languages, cuisines, world-famous festivals, and much more.
Affordability
Another prominent advantage of studying in the UK is affordable education. This is because it takes less time to attain a degree in the UK compared to other countries. This helps in cutting down the education and living costs for the students.
In the UK, it takes only three years to complete an undergraduate degree program and one year for a postgraduate degree. In other countries, it takes no less than four years for an undergraduate degree and around 2 to 3 years for a postgraduate one.
Excellent Language Skills
Every employer today is looking to hire people with a good grip on English. There is no better way for students to develop their language skills than to learn in their country of origin. In the UK, students can develop their English language skills. This also assists them in enhancing their employment possibilities globally.
Free Health Care Insurance
One of the important benefits of pursuing a degree in the UK is that International students are also eligible to avail of the healthcare/insurance provided by the UK government through NHS (National Health Services). International students are eligible to obtain free medical treatment while studying in the UK. However, to be entitled to these benefits, the students must pay an additional Immigration Health Surcharge and their student visa fee.
UK universities require entrance tests to filter out candidate applications – English language proficiency.
Previous work experiences strengthen the possibility of getting admitted
Interviews are held.
It is always advisable to connect with the chosen university directly to get more specific details.
What makes the UK the Best Study Abroad Destination?
A significant reason for pursuing higher education is that universities in the UK offer students global exposure and many new experiences. The quality of academic teaching in the UK is at its best, making it significantly easier for students to gain global opportunities to learn and grow. The duration of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the UK is shorter when compared with other countries leading to lower costs.
Students choose the UK as their study destination because getting admitted to UK universities is relatively simple, and the universities are renowned for their high academic standards.
Also, the UK is one of the countries that authorize students to work after completion of their program by offering a work permit visa as per the new law. Staying and working in the country after graduation is often the main goal for most students, which is possible in the UK.
Now that we have explored different reasons highlighting why the UK is a top study-abroad destination, it is time to move ahead and take a step forward toward fulfilling your dream of studying abroad. As an international student, it is now time to choose among the top UK universities that offer a course you wish to specialize in. However, once you decide on the university, many steps are involved in this study abroad journey, such as selecting the right course, filling out your visa application, applying for loans or scholarships, finding accommodation, etc. Get in touch with counselors at MastersBuddy to find answers to all your queries.
Dhruvin Jain
Dhruvin Jain is the co-founder of MastersBuddy, a tech-first platform that has helped over 2500 students find and apply to top master’s programs globally. He is a master’s graduate from IE Business School, and is passionate about education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
