Students have to make a difficult decision in choosing a country and university for higher education because there are hundreds of options, and each university and country has its own pros and cons. However, the UK is miles ahead in the competition because of several factors, such as being the home of top-ranking universities like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London, having the best standard of education, short course duration, rich history and diversity, helpful support for international students, high employability, and many more.
Table of Contents
Why Choose UK for Higher Studies? Why not Other Countries?
Here, we will comprehensively explore why the UK is the best choice for international students seeking a higher education destination. Our goal is to empower students with the knowledge they need to choose UK universities as their next educational goal confidently. Join us on this journey to discover why the UK is the ideal destination for higher studies.
Top-Rated Universities
The United Kingdom is home to numerous top-ranked world universities such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, King’s College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and many more.
These universities consistently rank among the top fifty universities globally yearly, according to QS World University Ranking and THE World University Ranking. When you decide to study in the UK, you can choose these universities to receive your education from some of the best universities in the whole world.
These historic universities have built a long reputation for producing scholars. Numerous Nobel Prize winners, scientists, entrepreneurs, economists, and statesmen have graduated from these educational institutions. You can add yourself to the long list of accomplished individuals with a degree from the top-ranked universities in the UK.
Quality of Education
The UK’s higher education institutions must maintain strict standards set by the government. This ensures all students receive the best available teaching, support, and resources. All universities use innovative teaching techniques to create independent thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-motivation among the students.
Students access cutting-edge technologies from state-of-the-art laboratories during their education. Universities also use interactive screens and online learning to ensure the learning process is not boring. The universities also lead world-class research, producing over 14 percent of the world’s most highly cited scientific research.
Overall, all UK universities try their utmost to provide the best education they can to the students to enable them to lead world-class research. Education also focuses on practicality and research to create highly employable professionals. In other words, students can expect a complete and world-class education after gaining admission to a UK university.
Shorter Duration of Courses
Most undergraduate courses in the UK require three years to complete, while other countries require students to study for at least four years or more. Shorter courses mean students can graduate earlier after spending less on tuition fees and living expenses. Universities also offer one-year master’s degrees for postgraduate students.
Students studying in UK universities graduate earlier but do not lag when completing their education because instructors teach all courses within the time frame. This helps students to graduate early and start their careers before students from other universities in other countries.
Cultural Diversity
The UK is a true melting pot of cultures, boasting one of the most diverse populations in the world. With approximately fourteen percent of its residents born abroad, the country mixes people from all races and nationalities.
For international students, higher education abroad is their first time experiencing other cultures and customs. If they choose the UK for higher education, they immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of cultures, all in one place and simultaneously. This unique opportunity sparks their curiosity and eagerness to explore.
Since the UK is so culturally diverse, migrants from almost all countries live there. This means that no matter what country a student comes from, he/she can communicate with people from their native countries to get rid of the homesick feeling. Especially for those who struggle to assimilate with a foreign population, this remedy helps homesickness and culture shock.
Support for International Students
International students receive massive support not just from the university but also from the UK government. Each university has an office that helps international students address their issues, such as tuition, housing, academic support, etc. You can contact this office even before you apply to the university.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs is a comprehensive advisory body dedicated to supporting international students. They offer a wide range of services, including mental health support, housing assistance, work opportunities, and immigration advice. This comprehensive support system reassures international students and helps them feel confident during their stay in the UK.
Relatively Low Expenses
Although the UK is not a cheap place to live in, considering the overall cost of obtaining an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, it is relatively more affordable than most other countries for international students. Tuition fees, housing, living expenses, transportation, and other costs are higher in other countries such as the USA, Australia, or Canada.
The UK attracts international students because the country offers affordable tuition fees, housing, healthcare, and public transportation. Students receive almost the same benefits as citizens living in the country, which helps them reduce their overall living expenses. This is why the UK attracts international students from all across the world.
Rich History and Culture
The UK is home to some of the most historic universities in the world, and it has a rich history and culture. Some universities are hundreds of years old and have witnessed hundreds of years of European history and heritage. These universities have led many technological, political, economic, and cultural changes in the last few centuries.
Students get an exclusive chance to attend classes where historical figures once sat down to receive their education. UK universities serve as a melting pot for various cultures as international students from all over the world come to receive education. Students get a unique chance to take part in this cultural experience during their stay in the UK.
Employability
UK university graduates are among the most employable in the world, and employers often offer them jobs before they complete their studies. The universities lead globally in various fields such as business, medicine, research, law, politics, economics, etc. Institutions worldwide highly seek their prestigious qualifications, which demonstrates the quality of education these universities provide.
UK universities also maintain strong links with all industries, from science to the arts to management. International students will gain the exclusive privilege to network with professionals from their field of study to make lasting connections and gain an edge over the competition. This unique opportunity will provide students with clear and distinct career advantages, motivating them to excel in their professional careers.
Scholarships and Funding
Although tuition and living costs can be quite expensive for students studying in the UK, the government and universities provide various types of scholarships and financial aid to help international students. Scholarships include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and GREAT Scholarships. The UK government offers these, but universities also offer other university-specific scholarships.
The government provides scholarships to cover tuition fees, housing, living expenses, travel expenses, etc. The universities also offer up to £8,000 in scholarships to make the educational journey more bearable for students. The UK offers more scholarships than any other country, which makes it an attractive destination for meritorious students who struggle financially to fund their academic journey.
Variety of Courses
UK universities offer a variety of courses in all disciplines, including science, arts, and business. Students have a variety of courses to choose from when deciding which major they want to pursue for a career. Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are available in law, engineering, medicine, computer science, architecture, accounting, economics, and biological science.
Students can choose from many courses when completing their undergraduate or postgraduate degree at any UK university. This variety is unique to UK universities, as other countries are well-known for individual courses or majors. Therefore, UK universities score ahead of other universities in the variety of courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is the UK Better Than Other Countries for Study?
Numerous reasons show why the UK is better than other countries for higher study, such as the quality of education, shorter duration of courses, rich history, cultural diversity, utmost support for international students, relatively low expenses, employability of the students after graduation, available scholarships and funding, and variety of courses.
What Are the Requirements to Study in the UK?
The requirements to study in any UK university depend on the eligibility criteria set by that individual university, but some of the most common requirements include a valid passport, academic transcripts, ID documents, English proficiency certificate, letter of recommendation, references, CAS deposit, student visa, and financial statements. Ask your counselor for advice regarding all the necessary documents to apply for higher education in the UK.
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a UK Student Visa?
The required bank balance for a UK student visa is £1,334 per month for inside London and £1,023 per month for outside London. Students must show this bank balance in their accounts through bank statements before applying for a student visa.
Can I Study in the UK Without IELTS?
Yes, you can study in the UK without IELTS, but you will need to prove your English proficiency through alternative means such as MOI certificate, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc. Most UK universities require IELTS, the most accepted English language proficiency certificate.
Why Is Studying in the UK Better Than the US?
Some of the key reasons why studying in the UK is better than studying in the US are lower tuition fees, shorter program durations, cultural diversity, employment opportunities, and attractive government scholarships.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom is an attractive destination for higher education, offering a unique blend of cultural diversity, academic excellence, and extensive support for international students. Students can obtain a world-class education from top-ranked world universities while saving time and cost. Choosing the UK for higher studies opens doors to exceptional learning opportunities and paves the way for a bright future.