The UK has a long-storied tradition in excellent higher education. Since around a quarter of UK universities are among the most reputed and highest ranking in the world, the United Kingdom manages to attract nearly half a million international students each year.
By coming to the UK, you’ll not only achieve world-class education, you’ll also get to know more about the unique British culture and perfect your English language and skills. One of the most cosmopolitan places on earth, you’ll meet all kinds of people and have an enriching study experience!
The moment you will step into a UK university campus, you will feel you have entered a fairy tale. The UK campuses are mesmerizing and the student facilities are outstanding. All the modern and unique features of British universities enable you to engage in ground-breaking research and experience top quality teaching and learning. And these are only some of the reasons why you should study in the UK.
Within many study degrees, you will have the option to take up a work placement. This will give you the chance to acquire valuable practical knowledge, as well as the on-the-job training in your area of study.
Universities in the United Kingdom are renowned for high graduate employability, international orientation (international students and staff ratio), and student satisfaction.
Programme formats range from short courses, certificates, and diplomas, to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. British study programmes are known for great flexibility. Students may also select career centred study programmes. Intensive academic programmes are also available for students who want fewer years of study. Some graduate degree programs are less than a year long.
Here are some of the most popular study options in the UK
The United Kingdom has over 50 student cities, so you have a very large array of study options to choose from. In the big UK cities, you can enjoy a vibrant and rich social life, where you can visit museums, attend music concerts and plenty of other artistic events, including fashion shows.
Check out some of the student cities in the UK and learn more about what it is like to study there:
Throughout the UK, you can enrol in universities, university colleges, or business schools.
A university college is an institution that usually does not have full or independent university status. Generally, it is part of a larger university. Most university colleges only offer around 1,000 places for students to enrol in.
British universities are also divided according to the year they have been founded, as follows:
When applying for a Bachelor’s degree in the UK, use the UCAS application website (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Apply to up to five courses, at the same or different universities in the UK;
If you want to apply to a Master’s or PhD degree, you can apply directly to your chosen university. For most universities, you can send your application anytime throughout the year, but some degree courses have their own deadlines. Always check the application deadline!
Take Preparation Courses: These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes. Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course: If you’re attending a degree programme in the UK, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
There are over 30,000 English-taught programmes in the UK, for both undergraduate and graduate level.
Universities in the United Kingdom will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. All British universities accept these official English exams:
British education offers students the freedom to explore new ideas and creativity. Students are encouraged to pursue individual research work but are also expected to take part in group activities demanding peer interaction. Teachers often engage students in classroom discussions, debates and quizzes, creating an open study environment that builds student confidence and nurtures critical and creative thinking.
Courses are skill oriented and career focused, keeping up to date with current industry demands.
Average Master’s degree tuition fees in the United Kingdom range from 6,000 - 10,000 GBP per year. However, for some specialised degrees, such as Medicine, Law or Business, you should expect higher tuition fees.
If you are an EU/EEA student, you will be charged the same tuition as UK students, while the average tuition fees charged to non-EU students range at 17,500 GBP/year.
Student accommodation ranges from 500 – 1,200 GBP per month, or even higher if you choose to live in a big city like London. Living outside the city centre will generally cost you around 600 GBP/month, while for the same price, you can stay with a host family, allowing you to have half of your board covered.
All foreign students have free access to healthcare services provided by NHS (National Health Service), including for surgeries. However, you may need to pay for dental and optical treatment as well as medicine prescribed by the doctor.
If you come from an EU/EEA country, you should get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before coming to the UK to make sure you can access the NHS services for free.
Students who plan to live and study in the UK less than 6 months, will need to arrange a private medical insurance.
Eating out, particularly in restaurants from big UK cities is usually quite expensive. You can get cheaper meals in canteens and restaurants from residence halls or pubs, where you would pay between 5 and 12 GBP.
Buying food from the supermarket is always an option and on average, your food bills would amount to 145-260 GBP/month.
The United Kingdom is probably one of the most cosmopolitan countries in Europe, joining people from all over the world in one truly multicultural society. More than 400,000 international students visit the UK every year.
British universities provide a broad range of internationally-recognised study programmes, preparing students for future careers in major international companies. The United Kingdom is also home to some of the best research facilities in the world.
The UK has one of the most developed countries worldwide, with many important sectors that positively impact the country’s economy, such as aerospace, pharmacy, oil and gas production, services, tourism, and education.
The famous UK rainy weather is not a very pleasant feature, but at least, you won’t experience harsh winters or very hot summers either.
Iconic places to visitThe UK is home to 28 cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Furthermore, several museums and art galleries constantly present world-famous exhibitions. Check out the most visited attractions in the UK: