Why choose UK for study?
Study in UK
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, attracting students from all over the globe. There are several reasons why the UK stands out as a top choice for higher education:
World-Renowned Universities and Quality Education: The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. These institutions consistently rank among the top in global university rankings, making a UK degree highly respected worldwide. British universities have a long history of providing quality education, and their degrees are recognized and valued by employers, organizations, and governments across the globe.
Diverse Range of Programs: The UK offers a wide variety of courses and programs, allowing students to choose subjects that best suit their interests and career aspirations. Whether you are interested in engineering, business, arts, sciences, law, or any other field, you will find numerous specialized programs. The flexibility of combining different fields into one degree program also allows students to tailor their education to meet their needs.
Quality Teaching and Research Opportunities: British education focuses on helping students develop critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. The teaching methods involve interactive classes, group discussions, and project-based learning. The UK is also known for its research excellence. Universities invest significantly in research, allowing students to work alongside experts in their fields, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries. Studying in such an environment helps you acquire the skills required to excel in today’s competitive job market.
Shorter Duration of Courses: One of the unique advantages of studying in the UK is the shorter duration of degree programs. In the UK, an undergraduate degree typically takes three years to complete, while a postgraduate degree usually takes one year. This is significantly shorter compared to many other countries, such as the United States, where undergraduate programs generally take four years, and postgraduate degrees can take two years or more. The shorter duration of courses reduces the overall cost of education, including tuition fees and living expenses, making it a cost-effective option for many students.
Multicultural Environment: The UK is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world coming to study and work there. This diverse environment helps international students feel at home while experiencing a wide range of cultures. Studying in such an atmosphere provides an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, learn about different cultures, and build lifelong friendships. It also helps students become more adaptable, open-minded, and better equipped for working in multicultural workplaces.
Vibrant Student Life and Rich Cultural Experience: Studying in the UK is not just about academics; it is also about experiencing the vibrant student life. British universities have active student unions that organize numerous activities, events, and clubs that students can join. There are opportunities for students to participate in sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities. Additionally, the UK is known for its rich culture and history. Students can explore historical landmarks, castles, museums, theaters, and galleries. Cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Liverpool offer a mix of history, culture, and modern entertainment.
Career Opportunities and Post-Study Work Visa: The UK offers excellent career opportunities for international students. British universities maintain close ties with industries, offering students access to internships, placements, and work experience opportunities. The knowledge and skills acquired during studies make students attractive candidates for employers. Moreover, the UK government offers a Graduate Route visa that allows international students to stay and work in the UK for two years (three years for Ph.D. graduates) after completing their degree. This gives students a chance to gain valuable work experience in their field of study.
English Language Advantage: Studying in the UK provides an opportunity for international students to enhance their English language skills, which is highly beneficial in today’s global job market. The ability to communicate effectively in English is a valuable asset that increases employability. While studying in the UK, students immerse themselves in the language, which helps improve fluency and proficiency.
Financial Support and Scholarships: The UK government and many universities offer a wide range of scholarships and financial support to international students. These scholarships help ease the financial burden of studying abroad and make higher education in the UK more accessible.
Scholarships in the UK
The UK offers a variety of scholarships to support international students and make education more accessible. Scholarships can be either fully funded or partially funded, depending on the nature of the award and the institution offering it. Here are some notable scholarship programs available for international students:
Chevening Scholarships: Chevening Scholarships are one of the most prestigious scholarship programs funded by the UK government. They are awarded to outstanding students from around the world for one-year master’s degrees in any subject at any UK university. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances. Chevening Scholarships are highly competitive, and applicants must demonstrate strong leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to returning to their home country to make a positive impact.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth countries to help them pursue master’s or Ph.D. programs in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and other UK agencies. They aim to support talented students who could not afford to study in the UK without financial assistance. Commonwealth Scholarships cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend for living expenses.
GREAT Scholarships: GREAT Scholarships are offered by the British Council in collaboration with UK universities. These scholarships are available to students from various countries, including China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and others. GREAT Scholarships cover a wide range of subjects and provide partial funding, typically around £10,000, towards tuition fees. Each participating university has its criteria for selection, and applicants must meet the specific requirements of the scholarship and the university.
University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities in the UK offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships can be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific fields of study. For example, the University of Oxford offers the Clarendon Scholarship, which provides full tuition and living expenses to outstanding students, while the University of Cambridge offers the Gates Cambridge Scholarship for international postgraduate students. Other universities, such as Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), and the University of Edinburgh, also provide scholarships for international students.
British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM: The British Council offers scholarships specifically for women from specific countries who are interested in studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) subjects at the postgraduate level in the UK. These scholarships cover tuition fees, travel expenses, visa costs, and a monthly stipend. They aim to support women who are passionate about STEM subjects and who wish to make a positive impact in their home countries after completing their studies.
Scotland Saltire Scholarships: Scotland Saltire Scholarships are offered by the Scottish Government in partnership with Scottish universities. They are available to students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA who wish to pursue a master’s degree in Scotland. The scholarship provides financial assistance of £8,000 towards tuition fees. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in studying in Scotland, a commitment to leading change, and the potential to become future leaders in their field.
Euraxess UK: Euraxess UK provides funding opportunities for researchers at all career stages. It is run by the British Council and aims to support international researchers who wish to work in the UK. Euraxess UK offers information on available funding, including grants, fellowships, and scholarships for Ph.D. and postdoctoral research.
Other Financial Support: In addition to scholarships, many universities offer bursaries and grants to support international students. Bursaries are often awarded based on financial need, while grants may be awarded for specific achievements or activities. Some universities also offer discounts on tuition fees for early payment or family scholarships for students who have family members studying at the same institution.
To apply for scholarships in the UK, students typically need to demonstrate academic excellence, meet the eligibility criteria, and submit an application that includes academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency. Applying for scholarships requires careful planning, as deadlines can be several months before the start of the academic year.
TOP UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY
| University Name | University Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Birkbeck, University of London | Public Research University | Bloomsbury, Central London |
| Bradford University | Public Research University | Yorkshire, England |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University UWIC | Public University | City of Cardiff |
| Cranfield University | Public University | Cranfield |
| Exeter University | Public Research University | Exeter, England |
| Heriot Watt University | Public Research University | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Istituto Marangoni | Private University | Edinburgh |
| Keele University | Public Research University | Keele |
| Kingston University | Public Research University | Kingston, Thames |
| Leeds Beckett University | Public University | Leeds, West Yorkshire |
| London South Bank University | Public University | London, England |
| Middlesex University | Public University | London, England |
| Newcastle University | Public Research University | Newcastle, England |
| Oxford Brookes University | Public University | Oxford, England |
| Queen Mary University London | Public Research University | London, England |
| Queen’s University Belfast | Public Research University | Belfast |
| Robert Gordon University (RGU) | Public University | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Teesside University | Public University | Middlesbrough, England |
| University of Bolton | Public University | Bolton, England |
| University of Brighton | Public University | Brighton, England |
| University of Chester | Public University | Chester, England |
| University of East London | Public University | London, England |
| University of Lincoln | Public Research University | Lincoln, England |
| University of Plymouth | Public Research University | Plymouth, England |
| University of Reading | Public University | Reading, England |
| University of Roehampton | Public University | London, England |
| University of South Wales | Public University | Caerleon, Wales |
| University of Sunderland | Public Research University | Sunderland |
| University of Sussex | Public Research University | Brighton, England |
| University of West London | Public University | London, England |
