TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE UK AS YOUR STUDY DESTINATION

Why Choose UK for Studying Abroad?

Many students are willing to pursue their education in the United Kingdom. However, they get confused with other options and wonder why they should choose the UK to study. The United Kingdom is one of the countries that house some of the best universities in the world.
Some colleges and universities even date back to the 12th or 13th centuries, and being an alumnus of those colleges is a matter of pride. Therefore, with such a legacy, the UK has become a benchmark for education for students. The host country is a big consideration for every international student when looking at the options for higher education abroad. Not only will it determine the value of the degree you earn, but it will also play an important role in defining your future career choices.

Reasons Why Studying in the UK is so Popular

The UK is considered one of the top countries for pursuing higher education. Here are some of the most important points that make studying in the UK a viable option.

1. Academic excellence
   According to the recent World University Rankings, out of ten top universities in the world, four of them are in the UK. These universities include the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Along with providing quality education, the universities also focus on the faculty members who are among the world’s best. Although the UK has just 0.9% of the global population, the country produces 15.2% of the most highly cited researchers in the world, according to Elsevier, which is a global analytics company.
2. It is global and welcoming
   We all love a place where we feel welcomed, isn’t it? One of the major benefits of studying in the UK is that international students feel welcomed. From historic destinations to theatre, music, and arts, students can find a lot of options of their interest. As a student, you can very easily become a part of the vibrant culture of the country, and the universities make sure that the students feel comfortable and settle in the new environment. As per the findings of the iGO, around 86% of students who have completed their education from the universities in the UK have felt welcomed in the country.
3. You can start working after graduation
   One of the advantages of studying in the UK is that you can start working for an extra two years after completing your graduation. This is possible because of the new post-study work visa which has recently been announced by the UK Govt. The eligible students can look for work in the fields they are interested in right after their graduation. This means you do not have to move to a different country right after graduating and can find a suitable job in the UK itself.
4. A major benefit of studying in the UK – Financial support
   Next time you wonder why the UK is the best for study, consider the financial support. Living in the UK is not that simple since almost everything is expensive, especially if you are going from a country like India. However, one of the benefits of studying in the UK is that the colleges and universities offer scholarships which make the experience for the students much more affordable and financially stress-free. In 2018-19, 480 scholarships were offered to the Indian students by the UK government and the British Council.                
5. Why study in the UK? – Employment 
   One of the major reasons why students opt for foreign universities is the job opportunities. And the UK colleges and universities are just the right choices for this reason. As per the reports from iGO, 82% of the Indian students who completed their graduation from UK colleges and universities are highly satisfied with their careers.  
6. Students can continue their studies
   Once you have completed your undergraduate course in the UK, you can pursue further education in the country. The education system in the UK promotes a close working relationship between the students and the faculty members. The universities in the UK maintain a dedicated support team set up that helps in providing information as well as advice on careers, visas, and well-being so that the students can be helped throughout their education.

Key points about studying and working in the UK

• Globally Recognized Universities
• Good Quality Education
• Great Opportunities will be offered owing to Brexit
• Strong infrastructure for Research
• No language barrier as compared to other EU countries
• Brexit will open doors to lot of international students especially Indians
• Brexit might result in reduction of tuition fees
• UK Point Based Immigration System will be applicable from 1 January, 2020
• To be eligible to live and work in the UK, a minimum of 70 points will be required
• Post Brexit, a reduction in the general salary threshold from £30,000 to £25,600 has been recommended by Migration Advisory Committee for experienced workers
• General salary threshold for new entrants has gone down from £20,800 to £17,920
• As per the new system in UK, both EU and non-EU citizens, will need to demonstrate that they have a job offer from a valid sponsor
• The UK government is planning to abolish the cap on the number of Tier 2 holders, which will in turn result in irrelevancy of the Shortage Occupation List
• Points will be awarded based on the following characteristics:
• Qualifications
• English language proficiency
• Age
• Ability to work in a priority sector

Choose United Kingdom (UK) – A great place to study and work

The UK’s reputation for excellence in higher education is based on its excellent academic institutions, world-class research, and outstanding teaching. Students who study in the UK benefit from these factors, along with a strong sense of community and a welcoming environment.

In addition to being a great place to study, the UK offers many opportunities for those interested in working after graduation. There are plenty of jobs available for graduates, including careers in medicine, law, business, finance, science, technology, engineering, and much more.

Studying abroad UK gives students the opportunity to explore cultures outside of their own, while gaining knowledge and skills that will make them successful in whatever career path they choose.

FAQs about Studying in the UK

1. Why should I choose the UK for my higher education?
   • The UK is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, offering academic excellence and a strong focus on research. It provides a welcoming environment for international students.
2. What are the job prospects for international students in the UK?
   • International students in the UK can work for an additional two years after completing their graduation, thanks to the post-study work visa. This allows them to gain valuable work experience in the UK.
3. Are there financial support options for students studying in the UK?
   • Yes, UK colleges and universities offer scholarships, making education more affordable for international students. In the past, the UK government and British Council have offered scholarships to Indian students.
4. Can I continue my studies in the UK after completing my undergraduate degree?
   • Yes, you can pursue further education in the UK after completing your undergraduate degree. The UK education system encourages close student-faculty relationships and provides support for career guidance and well-being.
5. What are the key points to consider about studying and working in the UK?
   • The UK has globally recognized universities, quality education, post-study work opportunities, strong research infrastructure, no language barrier, and the recent changes in immigration policies offer favorable conditions for international students.
6. How do the new immigration policies in the UK affect international students?
   • The UK has introduced a points-based immigration system that considers qualifications, English language proficiency, age, and ability to work in priority sectors. There have been reductions in salary thresholds and caps on Tier 2 holders, making it more accessible for international students to live and work in the UK.

Akshay Bhandari
Sr. Counselor and Trainer

Imperial Overseas Education Consultants