Education Costs are Lower
The cost of education for an international student in the UK can be lower compared to the USA and other countries. Some courses in the USA can be $25,000 plus a year in tuition alone. Tuition for the majority of UK higher education institutions is in the region of £6,000 to £7,000 a year - considerably less!
You can also save a lot of money because your degree will generally take less time to complete in the UK than in other countries. Although four-year programs are increasing in popularity, most degree programs in the UK require a three-year course and a master’s program is typically between one and two years. When you consider the shorter timeframe, the cost will be much lower if you only have to plan for three years instead of four or even five as in many other countries.
Although international students can manage their affairs so that their UK education is affordable, UK policymakers are taking note of an alarming trend in the cost of education for non-EU students. With exchange rates climbing, life in the UK can be quite expensive generally. In addition, unlike in many other EU countries, non-EU students are charged higher rates in the UK than students from EU countries. One recent study from the Higher Education Policy Institute warned that the UK must act to contain and reduce tuition and costs to stay competitive in the hunt for international students. At InternationalStudent.com, we are always cheered when policy-makers take note of the increasing costs of international education. As global competition for international students heats up, we’ll be watching for the UK to act aggressively to keep the UK a primary destination for international students.
Growing Destination
International students have always been an important presence in the UK, and the numbers have been growing steadily. With over 330,000 international students during the 2005/2006 school year, the UK is the second most popular destination for international students, behind the US. The UK has worked hard to capitalize on the growing demand for English-language instruction and the post-9/11 visa hurdles in the US. The top ten countries sending students to the UK are:
- China 50,755
- India 19,205
- Greece 17,675
- Republic of Ireland 16,790
- USA 14,755
- Germany 13,265
- France 12,455
- Malaysia 11,450
- Nigeria 9,605
- Hong Kong 9,445
For more demographic and statistical information about international students in the UK, visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Broaden your horizons
Britain is a multicultural country with plenty to see and do. You'll meet students from all over the world and experience many different cultures. You'll have plenty of free time to socialise with your new friends and to explore the country. It will be an enriching and rewarding experience that will change your life. This gives one a firsthand insight into diverse cultures and attitudes which could be great well working in a diverse setup.
Improve your English skills
Studying in the UK will give you the opportunity to improve or perfect your English language skills. English is the International Language of business, science and technology, and by studying in the UK you will be able to immerse yourself in the language, giving you the English skills you need for any future career.
Work Opportunities
An international student in the UK is typically allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during school term, and up to full-time when school is out of term. Of course, you should always check with your international advisor at your school before starting any work - you do not want to be in violation of your visa, and rules change all the time. Also, it is not always easy to find a job, so relying on work income to fund your education is not a good idea. Unless you have employment set up through your school before you arrive, you should plan to fund the entire first year of your studies without any employment income. Please visit our Visa and Immigration pages for more details on working in the UK as an international student.
The experience of living in the UK
The UK is a multi-cultural and multi-faith country. It offers both strong tradition and a diverse culture to any international student choosing to study here. It's a cosmopolitan society, and is home to over a quarter of a million international students at any one time. There is plenty to get involved in once you are here, from weekends away in Stratford upon Avon or London, to attending football matches and going to the theatre or cinema with friends. For more ideas on what the UK has to offer, see the Visit Britain website.
Gateway to Europe
With the addition of the Channel Tunnel and low cost airlines such as EasyJet and Ryan Air, Europe is easier to access from the UK than ever. You can reach most areas of Europe from the UK within a few hours by train or direct flight. For example, if you are studying in London or Manchester and you want a weekend away in Italy, you can fly Ryan Air direct to Rome, Milan, Pisa, Genoa, Venice or several other cities in Italy. The direct flight would take around two hours and cost anywhere from 30 to 100 pounds, depending on when you travel and when you book. Visit our Getting Around section for more UK travel information.
The reputation of a British education is world-renowned
The degrees and qualifications from UK higher education institutions are known around the world as high quality and world class. Britain has some of the most famous universities in the world, including Cambridge University and University of Oxford. Educational institutions across the country have earned a well-deserved reputation for high levels of quality and high standards of teaching.
The quality of UK education is recognised across the world by employers, universities and governments, which make it an attractive destination for international students. Studying for a degree in the UK also gives students the opportunity to develop important transferable skills. Students are encouraged to ask questions, to discuss their own ideas and to analyse them which are all skills that are useful in future careers. For more information on quality assurance please visit the Quality Assurance Agency website. By studying in the UK, you'll be part of that educational heritage which can be the added advantage when looking for work in the future.
Scholarships/ Loans
Financing an international education is always difficult. The best approach includes lots of preparation, careful analysis of your budget, and hard work in researching and applying for scholarships. There are a variety of scholarships and loans available to students who wish to study in the UK. Please visit our Financing/ Scholarships section for more detailed information, and also check out the following resources:
• UK Scholarship Search
• UK Loans for US Citizens
• Education UK Scholarship Database
Financial benefits
The UK also has a subsidised health service called the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS provides free and subsidised treatment for UK residents. As a student, you, your spouse and any children who accompany you to the UK as your dependants are entitled to free NHS treatment as long as you are enrolled at the University of Warwick for more than 6 months. You will also be entitled to free and subsidised treatment if you are a national or resident of an EEA country.
Why Choose a British Education?
There are many reasons why thousands of students each year choose to come to England to study. Here are just a few:
Improve your career prospects
British qualifications are respected and recognised around the world. Study in the UK and you'll gain valuable experience of speaking English in its native country and demonstrate to future employers your independence and personal drive. Of course, you'll also be gaining the skills, qualifications and experience you need to succeed in your chosen career. |
Why study in the UK