Overview
From academic excellence, and graduate employment to cross-cultural learning, the United Kingdom is considered among the best study destinations across the world. According to HESA statistics, a total of 485,645 international students were studying in higher education institutions in the UK in 2018/19, up from 458,490 in 2017/18. After China, India has been the second top country of origin with over 26,000 enrollments.
The country has over 390 universities and colleges, offering 50,000+ programs in a vast array of subject areas, of which the most sought-after fields include engineering and technology, law, medicine, social science, and media and communication. The QS World University Rankings 2021 have also named 84 UK universities from the UK out of more than 1,000 universities from all around the globe. Also, among the 120 universities highlighted in the QS Best Student Cities 2019, 14 are from the UK with London at the #1 world ranking, followed by Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, and Coventry.
A fantastic student experience centered on a great range of languages, cultures, and beliefs is guaranteed for those who move to the UK. In addition to beautiful countryside, a robust performing arts legacy, fashion, and sport, it also allows students to immerse themselves in its modern culture at celebrated festivals and holidays around the world. Not to mention the enormous variety of food the nation offers.
Furthermore, the UK serves as a gateway to Europe from where it is possible to book a direct flight to numerous cities including Pisa, Genoa, Rome, and Venice. It also takes great pleasure in having one of the top healthcare systems in the world, a fantastic transportation system, and low crime rates. Additionally, the nation is well renowned for embracing international students with open arms thanks to the assistance of international student clubs.
Why Study in the UK
The UK education system offers flexibility, allowing select classes that fit their lifestyle and professional goals. As tens of thousands of foreign students seek higher education in the UK, you will have the opportunity to interact with individuals from other origins, learn about their histories, and develop fresh perspectives. The advantages of attending university in the UK are numerous. Certain of them are
Cost-Effective and World-Class Education: Academic excellence offered by UK universities has a long-standing reputation that can be traced back to the 11th century. Even today, there are over 160 universities and institutions in the country, of which 84 are featured in the 2021 QS World University Rankings. Degrees from these universities are valued across the world, which works best in the future, no matter which industry or location.
International students in the UK enjoy financial benefits and given that the duration of a UK degree is less compared to other countries, studying in the country in any way becomes affordable. Besides that, the country is well known for offering numerous scholarships, grants, and bursaries to students from outside the UK.
Great Work Opportunities: In the UK, international students are permitted to work full-time outside of classes and part-time during classes for up to 20 hours a week. They could also complete a work placement as part of their curriculum or sign up for an internship, both of which are great ways to learn new skills, make money while they're still in school, and get ready for the working world.
The UK government has recently announced a post-study visa or Graduate Route, allowing international students graduating in Summer 2021 to stay and work in the UK for the next two years.
A Welcoming Student Community: According to the QS Best Student Cities, 14 of UK cities are featured in the top 120, making it one of the top student destinations in the world. Whether it is Oxford or Edinburgh, each city in the UK guarantees a wholesome and vibrant student community.
Being the second most popular destination for international students, the UK is a multicultural country where university campuses value diversity and different food, traditions and cultures, and interests. This further leads to unique and new student experiences almost every day.
Affordable Cost of Living: Although this is primarily dependent on the location and the area one will be shifting to, in general, the UK boasts decent living standards at affordable prices. Cities such as London, Brighton, and Oxford could be a little pricey, but affordable cities such as Aberdeen, Newcastle, and Manchester offer high quality of education and lifestyle.
Healthcare in the UK is usually free of charge for international students and they can also make the most of student discounts offered on travel, shopping, and food to save money.
Gateway to Explore All of the UK: An international student, if chooses to study in the UK, may easily travel to other parts of the UK and explore its rich culture and history. From landscapes, inclusive culture, great food, festivals, sporting events, castles, and palaces, students will be able to see more of the UK.
