5 Reasons to Study in the U.K.

Image source: Mark Fosh

The United Kingdom (U.K.) is the top overseas study destination for students from the UAE. Thirty-five percent of all UAE students who study abroad, choose to study in the U.K. It is estimated that the island nation will attract 126,000 international students over the next decade.

Before we dive into the advantages of studying in the U.K., it’s important to understand a bit about the country. The U.K is a political union of four countries – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It also includes overseas territories such as Bermuda and Gibraltar. The U.K. is a major political and economic power, with or out without its inclusion in the European Union. The country is a hub for world-class companies in the financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, petrochemicals, IT, and pharmaceutical sectors.  The U.K. economy is the fifth largest in the world and the second largest in Europe. It is also a member of the elite G8 group of nations.

Why Study in the U.K?

Here are five reasons why most international students prefer to study in the U.K.

1. Worldwide recognition of U.K. universities and academic qualifications

Apart from the socio-economic factors, the U.K.’s attraction as a study destination is driven by the presence of historical academic institutions such as Oxford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Cambridge, with traditions of excellence spreading back several centuries. Even the newer universities and colleges in the U.K. have carried forward the tradition of delivering a rich academic experience for international students.

Four of the top six universities in the world are in the UK. As per the British Council, the U.K. undertakes 5 percent of the world’s scientific research and produces 14 percent of the world’s most frequently cited papers.

Universities and colleges in the U.K. are known globally for their academic specialisation programs, top-notch infrastructure and faculty. The study flexible schedule and part-time job opportunities is also an attraction for international students.

2. Significantly lower education costs than the U.S.

Globally the U.K. is the second most popular country for international students, with the U.S. being the top preference. But the per year cost of most graduate and undergraduate courses in the U.K. is significantly lower than in the U.S.

The average yearly cost for a graduate program in the U.K is $11000 to $40000, compared to $19000 to $27000 in the U.S. The student living costs are similar between the two countries, which means that overall it is cheaper to study in the U.K. than the U.S.

Also, most graduate degrees in the U.K. are three years, and post graduate programs are one or two years. In contrast, an undergraduate degree in the U.S. will most likely take you four years, and a master’s degree can take two to three years. Because you get the same qualification faster in the U.K., your cost of acquiring an international degree is lower.

Incidentally, international students in the U.K. can work twenty hours a week when school is in session, and full-time when school is out of term. However, jobs aren’t always easy to come by so you must plan to fund your first year of study in the U.K. without any employment income.

3. Ease of adjusting to life as a student in the U.K.

U.K. Universities have been attracting international students for generations, which means that they are well versed with the challenges facing foreign students. Most universities have an international student society to help students coming to the U.K for the first time.  Once you have been admitted to a U.K. college or university, you will receive support services such as airport pick-up on arrival and arrangement for accommodation.

4. A unique living experience

The former British Empire had colonial territories in every part of the globe, including Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. Although the days of British imperial rule are long gone, what is left in the U.K is a vibrant multi-cultural society with people from all over the world calling the U.K home. London is the financial capital of the world and has a large expat population. Your experience as a student will be richer because you will be able to interact with so many different people.

You will enjoy exploring the picturesque countryside of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you choose to study in the U.K., you must also get a chance to try varied cuisine, travel to famous festivals, attend international sporting championships, and visit famous landmarks such as Windsor Castle, London Bridge, and the Stonehenge.

5. A gateway to Europe

Staying in the U.K. gives you easy access to the rest of Europe. You can reach mainland Europe within a day via the English Channel Tunnel. You could also use low-cost airlines such as EasyJet and Ryan Air to travel to neighbouring countries over weekends and long breaks. However, before travelling to the rest of Europe, ensure that you have all the required paperwork in place.

The U.K. offers international students a world-class educational system along with a chance to explore the rest of Europe, and experience a truly multi-cultural, historical, and modern society. If you want to study abroad, the universities and colleges of U.K should be your top choice.