International students have been drawn to the UK for years, and this can be attributed to many reasons. From its cultural diversity to it’s to its scenic beauty and historic universities, the UK makes a perfect study destination for international students. Here are 10 reasons why students consider study in the UK –
- Acclaimed universities and internationally accepted degrees-
- UK is a popular destination among international students, particularly Indians
- World University ranking tables display the consistency of UK universities; 4 of UK’s universities occupy ranks in the top 10, globally
- The education system of the UK is among the oldest in the world
- Centuries-old reputation coupled with modern technological adaptations has made ranking tables fond of UK’s universities
- According to the QS World University Rankings 2020, a fifth of the world’s top universities are in the UK
- Graduates from UK universities are highly employable. Employers and institutions around the world recognize and hold UK degrees in high academic regard
- Education quality –
- With a reputation of having the best universities, comes the mammoth task of maintaining their reputation; and that is excellently managed by professional bodies in the UK
- UK’s education imparting bodies, teaching methods, and research at UK universities are continually assessed and graded to meet benchmarks set by designated organizations
- Not only do universities scrutinize themselves to meet the expected quality, but are also, subjected to independent audits carried out by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)
- It most cases these professional bodies offer institutions curricular guidance and review the performance on individual departments
- Array of courses –
- The portfolio of the degrees offered across the universities of the UK is pretty impressive
- There are over 30,000+ courses offered across universities in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Whales
- Shorter courses – better ROI –
- Full-time degrees in the UK are completed in 3 years, while master degrees can be completed in 1 year
- Similar programs in other countries are completed over 4 years and 2 years, respectively
- An Indian student will be able to graduate sooner; this translates to saving expenses on accommodation, tuition fee, amongst others
- Unique pedagogy –
- The education system in the UK is designed to be interactive
- Teaching faculty encourage students to participate in class by fostering interactions between pupils. Lectures promote interactive methods of learning thereby increasing the interaction between students and themselves
- Students have the liberty to combine different subjects into a single course
- Students can leverage the support of English language programs, offered to aid them with language skills necessary to grasp faster, and successfully complete their course
- Research infrastructure-
- The period of 2008-09 to 2012-13 saw 95,184 successful research doctoral degrees awarded across institution in the UK
- Research Excellence Framework (REF) classified the research conducted by the over 150 universities and colleges in the UK – 30 % of the research as ‘world leading’, and 46% to be ‘internationally excellent’
- The UK with 0.9% of the world population contributes – 6.4% of global journal articles, 11.6% of citations and 15.9% of the world’s most highly-cited articles.
- Work while studying in the UK –
- As an International student and a Tier 4 (general) visa holder, an Indian student is permitted to seek part-time employment
- Some universities in the UK couple internships are a part of their course structures
- Taking up a part-time job, internship, volunteering can add valuable experience to a student’s CV
- For assistance with placements, a student may approach their universities placement cell
- The Graduate Immigration Route (GIR)
- The government of UK introduced the GIR in 2019. According to the announcement, a graduate student can extend their stay in the UK for a period of 2 years after completing their education.
- During the 2 years, a student can be employed with any job (any sector and level), whilst looking for employment in their field of interest.
- The period of 2 years in not extendable.
- After being employed at a desired job, the student may apply for a work permit in order to extend their stay.
- International students that graduated after 2021 will be eligible for GIR
- GIR requires an immigration application, a visa fee, and an immigration health surcharge
- Health benefits –
- As an International student studying in the UK, medical treatment is free under the National Health Service (NHS).
- Once a student pays the NHS surcharge, he/she has an access to facilities such as cost free doctor visits, emergency medical treatment, mental health care – depression, anxiety, traumas, and more.
- Dental appointments, prescription medicines, and ophthalmic visits are not covered under the NHS.
- If accompanied – spouse or dependent children will receive treatment under the NSH
- Scholarships –
- The UK offers a wide range of scholarships to Indian students to study in the UK.
- Bursaries, grants, and other forms of financial assistance are offered to international students deciding to pursue study in the UK
In addition to the stated reasons, streets of the UK brim with culture. As an Indian student in the UK for the first time – it is not uncommon to see Indians walking the streets, Indian restaurants, shops, and more.
Moreover, students from 180+ countries study in the UK. Indians form the second largest student representation in the UK. Studying in the UK brings an experience of culture, friendship, world-view, and discovery.
Need more reasons to study in the UK? Attend Envision Overseas – UK fair.
Register Now!!