Why choose the UK?
Increasing numbers of
international students, from over 180 different countries, are choosing to
study towards a higher education course in the UK. Some of the reasons students
choose to study here are listed below:
A good international reputation
The quality of UK
education is recognised all over the world by employers, universities and
governments, making it a popular destination for international students. UK
higher education is well-respected for the standard of its research and
teaching.
A good quality of education
UK universities are
monitored closely to ensure that they uphold the high standards of teaching,
learning and research set by the government. The Quality Assurance Agency for
Higher Education (QAA) is the key body charged with maintaining these
standards..
A wide range of courses
UK universities and
colleges offer a wide range of higher education courses. Whatever your career
goals or interests might be, there will a higher education course for you.
An interesting place to live
The UK is full of
diverse cultures and people and this is what attracts many students to come
here from other countries.
From cosmopolitan
cities to smaller towns and villages, the UK is a place of contrasts - a place
where historical buildings mix with the latest contemporary architecture.
By coming to the UK
to study you are likely to develop good language skills. English is arguably
the most important language in today's global business world. Studying in the
UK will develop your language skills each day, when chatting to friends, in
seminars and lectures and out and about.
Most UK universities
offer language support to international students too.
Financial benefits
Undergraduate and
postgraduate courses in the UK are generally shorter than in other countries which
can help to keep the cost of tuition fees and living expenses down. Most
undergraduate courses take three years to complete, although in Scotland it
would be typically four years, and postgraduate courses can be from one year
upwards.
International students
typically are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and
full time during holidays. If you are from an EU country, there will be even
more flexibility. As well as being a good way to help you fund your studies,
working in the UK provides a great opportunity to improve your language skills
and gain useful experience. Some courses offer sandwich work placements or
internships to help you put your studies into practice as well as earning money.
You will want to know
more about the cost of living in the UK, and other information about settling
in. Make sure you have a good look at all the helpful sections at the
information provided by the British Council, both on their website and through
the local office in your own country.