The first consideration when thinking about studying is the subject area you wish to study. Usually that’s the easy part, but deciding where you should study can be difficult and confusing, especially if you intend to study abroad.
In this article we will give you 10 reasons why studying in the UK is the perfect choice.
1. Renowned and Well-Respected Universities
UK universities are regularly featured in ranking league tables such as The Times’ Higher Education Rankings and the QS World Rankings. Many UK universities are featured in the rankings, with at least a third of the top 10 comprising of UK universities. Often the University of Cambridge, which is one of the oldest and most respected UK universities, holds the top spot.
2. Internationally Recognised Courses & Qualifications
The courses and the qualifications offered in the UK are internationally recognised and highly regarded by employers around the world. A qualification from a well-respected UK university is likely to give you the edge when pursuing employment opportunities in the future.
Recent changes to student visas mean that only recognised universities that offer quality courses are able to enrol international students. This ensures that you will receive the best education for your tuition fee.
3. Large Student Population
The UK has a large international student population, increasing year on year. 2009/2010 saw the number increase by 10% to 405,810. For postgraduate courses, international students make up the majority percentage.
With almost half a million international students you are certain to be studying with like-minded people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
4. Culturally Diverse
The United Kingdom is a friendly and tolerant place rich with diverse cultures. There are many international communities, especially in big cities, which provide a familiar and homely environment for inhabitants, offering both new experiences and the ability to share culture with the rest of the UK.
No matter what your culture or religion you will receive a friendly reception. Not only that but the UK also caters for your religious requirements, such as places of worship, and often provides translated documentation should you require it.
5. Opportunities to Work
The UK student visa allows you to work for up to 20 hours per week, thus giving you the opportunity to earn some much needed funds to help with your study and living costs.
The UK operates a minimum wage, which depending on your age means you are guaranteed a minimum hourly rate for your work. If you are over 21 that is £6.08 per hour, meaning you can earn at minimum £121.60 per week, before any deductions such as tax.
6. An Historic Land
The United Kingdom is steeped in history and makes for an extremely interesting place to live and study. With its many historic buildings, like castles, and historic towns there is always plenty to see and do.
7. Gateway to Europe
Thanks to the UK’s transport links with the rest of Europe you can be in Paris in less than two and a half hours by Eurostar.
8. Cheapest of the Big 3 Destinations
Out of the ‘big 3’ destinations (Australia, the USA, the UK) the UK is the cheapest. Tuition fees in the UK are substantially cheaper than in the USA and Australia, from £10,000+ compared to £12,000+ for the US, and £13,000+ for Australia.
More importantly, the financial proof requirement for a UK visa is less. This is the amount of money you are required to prove you have available in order to qualify for a student visa. In the UK this is £16,000+ compared to £18,000+ for the US and £25,000+ for Australia.
9. Free Healthcare for the Duration of Your Study
If you are studying in the UK for more than 6 months you are entitled to full NHS healthcare coverage. This means that, should you require emergency healthcare, you do not have to worry about any financial implications.
Healthcare in the UK includes anything from consultations with a GP (General Practitioner), family planning, to major surgery. Most universities have an on campus doctors’ surgery.
10. Olympic Hosts
In 2012 the United Kingdom will host the Olympic Games. This has resulted in large investment and regeneration and development of many major areas of London. The presence of the Olympics also means that there are many job opportunities for the lead-up to and duration of the event.
If you have applied to study in the UK in 2012 you should expect the Olympic Games to have a major impact on the UK. The United Kingdom will be very much in the international spotlight.
If you need any more reasons to study in the UK you will find StudyLink’s UK Universities & Studying in the UK guide very helpful. If you can think of any other reasons why the UK is the perfect place to study be sure to leave a comment below.
Sources:
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/about/statistics_he.php
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/TheNationalMinimumWage/DG_10027201
http://blog.studylink.com/2011/05/10-common-student-visa-questions/
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