United Kingdom—Country of Different Cultures

The UK has grown to become one of the top destinations to study around the world. With traditions of excellence dating back hundreds of years, high class institutions at every corner and much more flexibility than many other countries, the United Kingdom has much to offer international students that other English-speaking countries cannot offer.

But what makes the United Kingdom stand out? Why should you come to the UK as a destination to further your international education?

International students have always been an important presence in the UK, and the numbers have been growing steadily.

With over 330,000 international students during the 2009/2010 school year, the UK is the second most popular destination for international students, behind the US. The UK has worked hard to capitalize on the growing demand for English-language instruction and the post-9/11 visa hurdles in the US. The top ten countries sending students to the UK are:

1. China 50,755
2. India 19,205
3. Greece 17,675
4. Republic of Ireland 16,790
5. USA 14,755
6. Germany 13,265
7. France 12,455
8. Malaysia 11,450
9. Nigeria 9,605
10. Hong Kong 9,445

Education Costs are Lower

The cost of education for an international student in the UK can be lower compared to the USA and other countries. Some courses in the USA can be $25,000 plus a year in tuition alone.

Tution for the majority of UK higher education institutions is in the region of £6,000 to £7,000 a year - considerably less!

You can also save a lot of money because your degree will generally take less time to complete in the UK than in other countries.

Although four-year programs are increasing in popularity, most degree programs in the UK require a three-year course and a masters program is typically between one and two years.When you consider the shorter timeframe, the cost will be much lower if you only have to plan for three years instead of four or even five as in many other countries.

Education in United Kingdom:

Second to none, the education system in UK boasts of iconic universities like Oxford & Cambridge, Middlesex University, West London College, Anglia Ruskin University and offers courses in varied disciplines. With high standard training, cutting-edge infrastructure and facilities, students are extended internationally recognized degrees in disciplines of their choice. Besides, colleges set in old, imperial castles with plush green surroundings, add to the whole experience of studying in UK.

Scholarship and bursaries schemes are being offered to attract overseas students to study in UK.

Popular courses:

Business programs, Computers, Engineering, IT, design and technology, archaeological sciences, management, international studies, performing arts etc.

Benefits of studying here:

Work permit options:

International students are allowed to work part-time (for not more than 20 hours per week) during term and full time during vacations.The International Graduate Scheme (IGS) has been replaced by the Tier 1-Graduate Students-Post Study Work Scheme. As per this scheme non-European students can remain in the country for two years after graduation for work. The permit is given according to a point-based system.

Gateway to Europe
With the addition of the Channel Tunnel and low cost airlines such as EasyJet and Ryan Air, Europe is easier to access from the UK than ever. You can reach most areas of Europe from the UK within a few hours by train or direct flight. For example, if you are studying in London or Manchester and you want a weekend away in Italy, you can fly Ryan Air direct to Rome, Milan, Pisa, Genoa, Venice or several other cities in Italy. The direct flight would take around two hours and cost anywhere from 30 to 100 pounds, depending on when you travel and when you book.

Financial Aid for the UK

The most common questions international students ask revolve around the need for financial aid of some form. The questions that arise include things like:

1. Where do I look for scholarships?
2. Can I find scholarships to study abroad?
3. Are loans available?
4. What expenses will I have to pay?

Of course, this is just a brief sample of some of the questions we get on a daily basis, but this section is designed to answer those questions and help you look for financial aid and have a better understanding of what funds are required to study in the UK.

Like nearly all other countries around the world, if you wish to study in the UK you will need to show proof of financial support whilst you are there - that is so the UK government does not have to pay or support you whilst you are studying in the UK.

So, how much will you need to study in the UK is probably the first main question you will have - and the answer is not simple. If you have read our other study advice pages for the UK you will have noticed that the UK, though a small country, is quiet diverse. You will see large variations between the south and London compared to the north of the country and this means that the south can be a lot more expensive, especially London, than other parts of the country.

There are a few golden rules you need to follow when looking at money matters and financial aid and that is:

1. Gather as much literature as possible.
   You will want to obtain as much information about the University and the surrounding area as possible. Most universities will be glad to mail you information so ask them, and then try and contact the local information center for that city or area. By gathering all this information you will get more of an idea of the cost of things like accommodations and what is available in that area.


2. Ask/ speak to other students
   Speak to as many students as possible, those that are already studying at that university and those generally in the UK - they will be able to give you first-hand cost experiences. Our message boards are a good place to start for this.


3. Do your research
   Information and advice is not going to fall into your lap - take time, research on the internet, read information that is mailed to you. It’s the best and only way to get the information you need!

Hopefully this will start you off on the right foot, and with the help of these financial aid pages you should be well on your way to learning more about finances for the UK.

After Graduation

After you have graduated in the UK you have several options open to you and choosing the right path is not always an easy thing to do. The most common course for most international students is to either return home, or look for work in the UK.
But, you have many options and you should explore each one to work out which is the best route for you.

The main options for students after they graduate from studying in the UK are:

Graduate School
For some students with the studying "bug", you may want to further your education and this is most typically done at graduate school to study for your MBA, Ph.D. or other postgraduate course.

Job Search
Looking for work is one popular options, especially for international students as some may have large debts and will want to pay them back. Whether you return home or try and stay in the UK you will need some assistance to get that killer job!

Returning Home
If you decide to return home there are going to be many hurdles you will face, especially if you come from a country that is very different to the UK. Learn how to cope with "reverse culture shock" and other things that will come in your path when you return home.

Job Search

As an international student looking for a job, you will have to make sure you are in compliance with the Home Office in terms of your visa. You will need to make sure you know all about the requirements before you begin looking for a job.

To get more information about your visa and how this will work please either contact your international advisors at university, or visit the UK Visa's website for more information.

Once you know all the information, you will be able to start looking for a job, and the InternationalStudent.com Job Centre has all the information you will need to help you find a job. But remember the 7 golden rules of job hunting:

1. Research the employer thoroughly, either via their website or calling their offices to get some more information sent out to you. Do searches online to see if you can find any articles or other information about the company online. The more you research the company, the better chance you will have at an interview.
2. Understand your personal qualities such as your strengths and weaknesses. If you can make a list of these, you will be able to draw on them in an interview.
3. Wherever possible, mail your resume to the company unless it specifically asks for you to submit it via email. This shows you have put in more effort and allows you to be more creative in terms of presentation.
4. Always follow-up with companies when you have sent in your resume for a job. After 1 or 2 weeks, call them to make sure they have received your resume.
5. When you get to an interview, always practice as much as possible. There are many good websites where you can practice mock questions. This along with your research of the company should give you a good chance.
6. If not given, always ask for a written job description and company prospectus or profile.
7. At the interview, always wear a business suit, keep your general appearance neat and tidy and remain confident with eye contact and strong, firm answers.