Why is UK the Best Destination for International Students?

April 18, 2022

According to the latest numbers from the UK's Higher Education Statistics Agency, there are more than 485,645 overseas students seeking degrees in the UK. The number increased significantly from the previous years and will go far more in the coming years.

When considering higher education alternatives overseas, the host country is a major concern for all international students. It will not only decide the worth of the degree you acquire, but it will also play a key role in determining your future employment options.

And because of this, the United Kingdom is one of practically every international student's top three choices when they think about studying abroad.

The United Kingdom is an academic success story that has progressively increased in popularity among international students, with hundreds of eager students choosing to pursue their degrees at one of the country's top colleges. There are many benefits of studying in the UK.

There are also expectations that, following Brexit, the fall in the value of the pound (£) will result in a reduction in tuition costs at UK universities.

So, if you are looking to apply for an Undergraduate, Postgraduate, or Research Program in the UK, you have come to the right place. Discover why the UK is one of the top choices for international students by reading this article.

What are the Universities & Qualifications That Are Internationally Recognized in UK?

The UK is the most popular destination for international students seeking higher education, and it is home to three of the top ten universities in the world, according to the World University Rankings. 

Furthermore, universities, corporations, and government agencies all around the world recognize a degree earned at a UK university.

The five top universities in the UK are:

  1. Oxford University 

  2. Cambridge University 

  3. Imperial College London 

  4. University College London (UCL)

  5. University of Edinburgh

Education of High Quality

The UK has retained its status as a popular destination for overseas students due to its long history of providing high-quality education. 

Official organizations analyze and rate the teaching and research standards of UK universities and colleges on a regular basis to guarantee that educational benchmarks are reached.

Although UK institutes are responsible for assuring the standard and quality of their programs, independent audits are conducted by the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) for higher education. Professional bodies may also direct curricula and conduct reviews of particular departments within a university. 

Scotland's universities can be inspected by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education. The variety of study options available in the UK is one of the most appealing aspects of studying there. You can choose from over 150,000 programs/courses offered by universities and colleges across the United Kingdom. Prospectuses can be ordered directly from the institute.

What are the Opportunities Offered by the UK Education System?

The UK Education System offers many opportunities like:

A Wide Range of Study Programs

The variety of study options available in the UK is one of the most appealing aspects of studying there. You can choose from over 150,000 programs/courses offered by universities and colleges across the UK for every student who goes there using a student visa. Prospectuses can be ordered directly from the institute.

The Length of the Degree Program

The cost of tuition and lodging in the United Kingdom is reduced when courses are shorter. If you're going to study for an MS in the UK, you might find that the one-year duration saves you money on tuition and living expenses. Alternatively, you can apply for a master's program while also pursuing a Ph.D., saving you a year.

Subjects Chosen & Language Skills Honed

The UK education system allows students to combine multiple disciplines into a single study course. Furthermore, almost all institutions provide English language assistance to assist international students in acquiring the crucial language abilities required to effectively complete their degree.

Student Advisors & Counselors

The education system in the UK fosters close engagement between teachers and pupils, which greatly aids academic performance. 

Many colleges also have counselors and advisors who may provide information and support to overseas students so that they can understand the educational system or any portion of the course.

Infrastructure for Research Excellence

While weighing the advantages of studying in the UK as a research student, you'll be surprised to learn that the UK accounts for 6.4 percent of global newspaper articles, 11.6 percent of references/citations, and 15.9 percent of the world's most highly cited articles, despite accounting for only 0.9 percent of the global population.

The current Research Excellence Framework (REF), which assesses the quality of research conducted by 154 prestigious UK universities and colleges, rated 30% of research as "world-leading" and 46% as "internationally good."

The United Kingdom awarded 95,184 doctoral research degrees between 2008 and 2013. The branches of health and medical sciences, biological sciences, and social sciences are all examples of this.

Financial Assistance & Scholarships

International students who are concerned about high tuition fees need not worry because there are numerous scholarships available to help fund their studies and living expenses, particularly at the postgraduate and research levels. 

However, you must be accepted into the program of study before applying for university scholarships in the United Kingdom.

Health Benefit

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

During your study abroad program, you will also be free from paying for the medical expenditures of your spouse/partner and/or dependent children who live with you. Your university or college may feature a student-only health insurance plan.

Cross-cultural Knowledge

Last year, 436,585 international students from 180 nations studied in the United Kingdom.

Studying in the UK allows you to immerse yourself in a cosmopolitan atmosphere, meet new people and foreign classmates from all over the world, and travel to new locations. You gain access to a variety of skills necessary to succeed in today's global workforce.

These are some of the things you should know about studying in the United Kingdom.

  1. Over 50,000 undergraduate-level higher education programs are offered by over 395 universities and colleges across the UK.

  2. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the application system for higher education in the United Kingdom.

  3. Applying for different courses and to different universities has varied deadlines – read up on the important dates and deadlines for the courses you're interested in.

  4. Tuition rates vary depending on the university or institution you attend and the course you enroll in. You could be eligible for financial aid or a scholarship to help pay for your education. EU students, on the other hand, are not charged tuition in Scotland.

  5. Depending on where you study, the amount of money you'll need to cover living expenses will vary. The cost of living in London and other large cities is generally higher.

  6. Many international students must apply for a visa to study in the United Kingdom, and there are work permit limits as well as English language requirements.

  7. Universities inform all applicants about the English proficiency required for their courses. If English is not your first language, most course providers will require you to demonstrate English proficiency or take an approved English language test.

  8. The majority of first-year students live in university halls of residence (university housing), but there are numerous other options.

In conclusion

For a long time, education in the United Kingdom has been and will continue to be one of the top choices for international students. An English college or university offers a unique combination of education, exposure, and experience.

The benefits listed above, on the other hand, are information provided to assist you in making your own decision, which should primarily be based on your particular tastes. Remember the rule of thumb: 'Best is what suits you the most.'