Why Is The UK Favourite Destination For International Students?

According to the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency’s latest figures (2019), there are a total of 485,645 international students pursuing a degree in the UK. The number has surged from previous year’s (2018) figure of 485,645 students.

The Government of UK has granted Sponsored Study (Tier 4) visas to 276,899 students in the year ending September 2019, which is an increase of 16% from last year’s figures and highest since 2011.

The host country is a big consideration for every international student when looking at the options for higher education abroad. Not only will it determine the value of the degree you earn, but it will also play an important role in defining your future career choices.

And this very fact is so pronounced that the UK makes part of almost every international student’s top three choices list.

The UK is indeed an epitome of academic success and has grown steadily in popularity with international students, having thousands of enthusiastic students opting to pursue their degree at one of the best universities in the UK.

Also, Post Brexit, there are predictions that the drop in the value of the pound (£) may result in the reduction of course fees at UK universities.

So, if you are looking to apply for an Undergraduate, Postgraduate, or Research Program in the United Kingdom (UK), you have come to the right place. This article will enlighten you about the facts that make the UK as one of the top choices for international students.

1. Internationally Recognized Universities & Qualifications

The UK is the most preferred destination for higher education, students from around the world and, according to the World University Rankings, is home to 3 of the top 10 universities in the world. Besides, Universities, employers, and government bodies globally accept a degree you receive from a UK university.

Top Universities in the UK and Some Interesting Facts

The top 5 universities of UK as of 2019/2020 are as under:

1. Oxford University – Two Indian Prime Ministers, Indira Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh, are Oxford graduates.
2. Cambridge University – Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first PM, and Amartya Sen, a famous economist & Nobel laureate, are both graduates of Trinity College which is part of Cambridge University.
3. Imperial College, London – This college is renowned for its Science Education. It has produced many Nobel Laureates including Sir Alexander Fleming, the inventor of penicillin.
4. University College London (UCL) – This famous institution is alma mater of the Indian Nation’s Father – Mahatma Gandhi, who studied law here.
5. University of Edinburgh

Note: The results of the 2016 QS Graduate Employability Rankings also indicate a high employability quotient for top UK university graduates such as Cambridge (ranked 4th) and Oxford (ranked 6th.)

2. Quality Education

Owing to its long-standing tradition of providing quality education, the UK has maintained its position as a popular destination amongst international students. In order to ensure that the benchmarks for quality of education are met, official organizations regularly assess and rate the teaching and research standards at UK universities and colleges.

Although UK institutes are responsible for ensuring the standard and quality of the various programs themselves, the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) for higher education conducts independent audits. Additionally, professional bodies may direct the curriculum and perform evaluations of individual departments within an institution. Universities in Scotland can undergo reviews by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education.

3. Opportunities offered by the UK Education System

• Wide Choice of Study Programs

One of the prime benefits of studying in the UK is the range of study programs that are offered. You can opt from more than 150,000 programs/courses that various universities and colleges in the UK offer. You can contact the institute directly to order prospectuses.

• Duration of Degree Program

A shorter length of UK courses helps to lower the cost of tuition and lodging. If you’re planning to undertake an MS in the UK, you may find that the one-year period is of significant advantage in terms of reducing the cost of education and living. Alternatively, you can apply for a master’s program in tandem with a PhD, which will save you an additional year.

• Selection of Subjects and Language Skills

The UK education system offers the opportunity to integrate various subjects into one study course. Besides, almost all institutions provide English language support to help international students acquire the critical language skills needed to complete their degree successfully.

• Student Counselors and Advisors

The UK education system encourages a close interaction between the teachers and students which helps in studies a great deal. Also, many colleges provide counsellors and advisors to help international students with information and support that enable them to get a grasp of the education system or any part of the course.

4. Strong Research Infrastructure

As a research student, while assessing the benefits of studying in the UK, it will be fascinating for you to know that the UK accounts for 6.4 percent of global newspaper articles, 11.6 percent of references/citations and 15.9 percent of the most highly cited articles in the world, even though it comprises just 0.9 percent of the total world population.

The latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), which monitors the quality of research carried out by 154 renowned Universities and colleges in the UK, classified 30% of the research as’ world-leading’ and 46% as’ internationally excellent.’

From 2008 to 2013, an impressive 95,184 doctoral research degrees have been awarded by the UK. The fields of health & medical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, industry and humanities are of great importance to UK research

5. Work while you Study

Most international students in the UK are acquiring work experience, along with their study and research.

A part-time job, internship or placement during holidays and volunteering are effective ways to accentuate your candidature on your resume.

For some universities, a work placement is a part of the study course, and the university or college may assist with the placement.

6. Work permit after Completion of Study

There have been some changes in the UK since November 2015 regarding the post-study work visa. According to the new law, if you hold a job offer with an annual salary of at least 20,800 pounds (Rs. 18.3 lakh), you can stay in the UK after completing your graduation.

And the best thing; there is no limit on the number of international students who can stay in the UK after completion of their course.

However, to be able to work in the UK, you are required to switch over to a Tier 2 General Visa from your Tier 4 Visa after completing your studies.

Depending on your post-study employment status, you can opt-out from the following:

Tier 2 (General) Visa – Open to recent graduates holding the UK recognized Bachelor, Masters or PhD degree with a job offer from a licensed employer paying at least £ 20,800 annually in salary.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa – Open to students in the process of developing a world-class creative concept and being sponsored/funded by their University.

7. Scholarship and Financial Support

International students who are concerned about expensive tuition fees do not need to lose sleep either, because there are many scholarships that you can apply for to support your study and the cost of living, especially at postgraduate and research level.

Image by Nick Youngson

However, you will be required to gain acceptance to the course of study before you become eligible to apply for UK scholarships offered by the universities.

8. Health Benefits

International students in the UK are entitled by the National Health Service (NHS) to receive free medical treatment if they are enrolled in a full-time course.

You will also be exempted from payment of medical expenses of your spouse/partner and/or dependent children residing with you during your study abroad program. Your University or College may have an exclusive health policy for the students.

9. Cross-cultural Experience

Last year there were 436,585 international students from 180 + countries studying in the UK, of whom Indian students were the second largest group (18,320).

Studying in the UK is an opportunity to experience a multicultural environment, meet with new people and international fellow students from around the world, and discover new places.

You benefit from developing a range of skills required to be part of the global workforce of today.

The Bottom-line

Education in the UK is and would remain one of the top choices for international students for a significant period of time. The quality of education, exposure and experience you get at an English college / University is like none other.

However, the benefits mentioned above are facts elaborated to help you choose for yourself, which should primarily be based on your personal preferences. As a rule of thumb, remember that ‘Best is what suits you the most.’