Benefits of studying in the UK
Students from all over the world have long been drawn to the UK to study there. And for a number of good reasons and benefits.
The UK is known for its world-class education, diversity, and vibrant student cities, making it an ideal place to study abroad.
In recent years, the UK has also announced more incentives to attract international students, such as visa changes and friendlier immigration policies.
A total of 600,000 international students are expected to be recruited per year by 2030.
In 2019/2020, international university students made up 22% of the student body!
So why should you consider studying in the UK? In this article, we explore all the benefits of studying in the UK and how their Universities can help you prepare for the future.
1. Great Britain is home to the best universities
British universities are among the most respected in the world.
In fact, according to the 2021 QS World University Rankings, eight UK universities are among the top 50 universities in the world.
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- University of Edinburgh
- King’s College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science
British universities are renowned for their capabilities in research and development, medicine, arts and humanities and there are over 100 universities to choose from.
To see which UK universities are excelling in their respective field of study, the QS World University Ranking also breaks down universities by subject.
2. Quality Education
Many countries are happy to follow the UK education system as its quality is considered to be the best in the world.
UK universities are regularly inspected by the QAA to assess teaching, learning and research standards and ensure benchmarks are being met.
The Indian education system is also based on that of the United Kingdom.
3. It’s incredibly diverse
Fourteen percent of Britain’s population was foreign-born, or around 9.5 million people.
This means that international students moving to the UK have the opportunity to experience many different cultures and make friends with people from all over the world.
This is especially true if you move to London, where 35% of the population was born outside the UK.
Also, you can likely stay in touch with your own culture by attending community events or visiting restaurants that serve food at home, which can help with homesickness and culture shock.
4. There is support for international students
There is plenty of support for international students in the UK.
This can be done online, through your university, or through your local government.
For example, each university has set up an office to take care of the needs of international students and answer questions about tuition fees, accommodation, tutoring, etc.
You can also contact this office before applying to a university.
The UK International Student Affairs Council, an advisory body for international students, also has lots of great information for international students on their website, including resources on mental health, housing, working, and immigration.
They also have a hotline that you can call if you have any questions. Learn more here.
5. Studying in the UK will improve your English skills
What better place to practice your English than England, where the language originated?
Studying in the UK gives you the opportunity to hear many different British accents including English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh which can sound different in different regions.
Because Britain is so diverse, you’ll also be exposed to different accents of English from around the world, giving you a real-life listening experience you might not have had at home.
6. There are job opportunities after graduation
Last March, the government announced it would soon be submitting applications for the postgraduate program, a move that should attract more students to study in the UK.
From July, international bachelor and master students can apply for a further 2 years after graduation, international doctoral students can stay for 3 years.
This makes it easier for new professionals to settle in the UK and start their careers.
There are also plenty of career opportunities, especially if you have a job on the UK shortage list.
There is a shortage of nurses, pharmacists, teachers, engineers, and more in the UK and the government is actively recruiting for these positions from abroad.
7. It’s a great place to live
So what’s it like living in the UK? Very good according to the OECD Better Living Index.
Brits rated their overall life satisfaction at 6.8 out of 10 (higher than the OECD average).
The UK also excels in areas such as employment, education and skills, and social connections – all things that can be important for international students.
8. unique culture
The unparalleled cultural diversity of life in the UK gives you the opportunity to experience a multicultural environment, meet other international students and develop a range of desirable skills needed to be part of today’s global workforce.
9. Work during your studies and work permit after your studies
Alongside your studies, you can work part-time, as an intern or intern, and develop valuable skills that will enrich your resume.
Your university can help you to find a place on the course.
In addition, you can now stay in the UK for 2 years after graduation under the new Graduate Immigration Route.
10. Strong research infrastructure
30% of UK university research is classified as “world-leading” and 46% as “internationally excellent” according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
11. Number of courses to be studied
There are several course options for students of all academic levels.
British universities offer courses in everything from humanities to engineering and from computer science to social studies.
Every international student will find the discipline or major in which they want to pursue a career.
This is one of the reasons international students choose the UK as their study-abroad destination.
12. Study in the UK without IELTS
Did you know that international students can study in the UK without submitting their IELTS results?
If students meet certain criteria, universities can waive the IELTS requirements.
To do this, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- The language of instruction in the previous training was English.
- If you scored more than 75% in English in grades 10 and 12, universities may consider this proof of English proficiency.
Some of the universities that accept students in some of the courses without IELTS requirements are:
- University of Bedfordshire
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- University of Bangor
- University of Law
- University of Chester
- Coventry University
- London Metropolitan University
- Middlesex University
- Teesside university
13. UK Health Services for International Students
International students in the UK are entitled to free medical care when enrolled in a full-time course.
The National Health Plan offers free or subsidized treatment for periods of one semester or more.
Your spouse/partner and/or dependent children are also free of charge if they live with you during your studies.
Your institution may also have a special health policy for students.
14. Finally, you will have a lot of fun
From London to Glasgow, Manchester, and Nottingham, the UK is home to a number of great student cities for international students to explore.
You can enjoy British pub culture at university student parties or visit world-class art galleries and museums in your new city.
You will have the opportunity to visit centuries-old castles and explore picturesque landscapes, cliffs, and villages.
Above all, you will meet friends from all over the world and enjoy all that Great Britain has to offer with them.
Now we hope you know the answer to the benefits of studying in the UK. Start preparing your college application. Know the requirements for studying in the UK and collect all the necessary documents. Apply and move..!!!
Frequently Asked Questions on Studying in the UK
What bank balance is required for a UK student visa?
Students must provide a 28-day bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover at least 9 months of living expenses and any remaining tuition fees.
If your university is outside of Greater London, consider at least £1,265 per month as living expenses.
The maximum amount for living expenses is £11,385.
For example:
If you are studying in a one-year Master’s program, your tuition fee is £14,500 and you have paid your £4,000 deposit plus a further £2,000 for your fees.
You must provide proof of £8,500 (£14,500 – £4,000 – £2,000) for your study expenses and £11,385.00 (£1,265 × 9 months) for your living expenses.
The total amount of support payable is £19,885.00 (£8,500 + £11,385).
This amount must not be undercut during the 28 days, not even for 1 day, otherwise, it will not meet the requirements of the home office and your application will be rejected.
Your bank statement must not be older than 31 days from the date you submitted your student visa application. This is the date you pay the visa fee online.
How much does it cost to study in the UK?
Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are typically between £10,000 and £15,000.
You can also pay around 65% of the fee before you receive your visa and the rest after you arrive in the UK within a certain timeframe.
The cost of living ranges from £400 to £900 per month depending on the location chosen.
What are the requirements to study in the UK?
Currently, a student can be admitted if they meet one of the following criteria:
- MOI
- 65+ points or equivalent in the final high school English language exams
- IELTS
Even the UK allows a gap of up to 10 years for each Master’s program. For more information on the requirements for studying in the UK, watch the video below:
Can I study in the UK without an IELTS?
A student can be admitted to any UK university on the basis of high school English qualifications. Some universities also allow applications based on the MOI.
Do students tend to work part-time during their studies?
Yes. Many students at UK universities have part-time jobs, usually in hospitality, as tutors, or for their student union.
If you are international there may be restrictions on the total number of hours you can work.
Your passport should have a label with the exact number (usually 10 or 20 hours).
Your university can also give you guidance on the maximum number of hours you should work to ensure you have enough time for your studies.
What is student accommodation like in the UK?
Finding student accommodation abroad before you arrive can seem like a long road.
To help you, many UK universities have their own on-campus halls of residence for first-year students only.
These rooms are generally good value for money, with easy access to all the facilities you may need and opportunities to mingle with other students.
Some dorms even offer private bathrooms and/or shared sex, but at higher prices.
Private student residences, managed by independent companies, offer similar accommodations to students who cannot find room in their university’s student residences.
Do I get homework like in high school?
Yes absolutely. You’ll get classes and projects, but unlike high school, no one will be there to hold your hand or flag you if you don’t turn in your homework on time.
One of the biggest challenges of college life is finding the rigor and motivation to meet deadlines, which is very difficult when you’re constantly bombarded with distractions.
Can I get language support if I’m still working on improving my English?
Yes. If you would like to improve your language skills after meeting the minimum university requirements in English, it is usually possible to secure a place on the course.
Your university should have a language support center to help you improve your writing, speaking, and listening skills.
There may also be opportunities to work in other languages that you would like to learn.
What happens during Freshman Week?
In the UK, the term “freshest” refers to a new PhD student. Freshman Week takes place earlier in the year to welcome the new wave of e-students.
This includes mixers, trade shows, concerts, comedy nights, and all sorts of campus activities.
To prepare, here are seven things that are sure to happen during Freshman Week.
What happens if I fail a test or grade?
If you fail within a year, you can retake your exams, with your grades capped at 40% (i.e. a third-grade degree).
If you fail again, you usually have to repeat the whole year, give up or think about changing subjects.
Failing the individual course would likely only hurt your GPA, although in some cases you might be able to resubmit it.
Remember that you should always be able to get guidance and counseling from a student advisor. n
How many lessons per week should I schedule?
Most full-time undergraduate courses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are spread over three years (four if you are pursuing an undergraduate degree).
In Scotland, the standard is four years. You can expect between 15 and 25 hours of classes per week, although the exact number varies widely by specialty and institution.
Can I get support for my disability or dyslexia?
Yes. UK universities offer support for students with disabilities, such as appropriate accommodation, professional tutors, and trained learning support coordinators to help you get the most out of your studies.
British universities also offer materials in Braille and other formats, giving students with disabilities extra time to complete their courses and exams.