Students prefer United Kingdom for pursuing higher studies

United Kingdom (UK) is one of the highly preferred and popular destinations across the world for pursuing higher education. With the introduction of two-year work permit for all the International students, over 5 lakh international students enrolling each year and the volume is expected to explode extensively.

Ranking second among the international student's choices to pursue their career (after USA), UK remains the leading destination for higher studies. The UK universities are among the best in the world, and consistently perform well in world rankings. Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Warwick have dominated the QS ranking list. They also have a reputation of world-class research and employability, with top companies recruiting.

Students get the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge, critical thinking, and experiences required to drive their career in the right direction. High quality postgraduate opportunities are also available in majority of the UK universities, with some universities offering sponsorship to extend Tier 4 visas.

Why choose higher education in the UK?

Pursuing education in university in the UK is a great way to expand your knowledge, meet new people, experience a new culture, and enjoy new experiences. You get plenty of support at the university, and a chance to experience a great lifestyle. Whatever your interests, there's a huge range of clubs and societies, as well as a diverse social life to avail from.

How are you at an added advantage?

1. Renowned and Well-Respected Universities - The 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 an 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 enroll international students. This ensures that you receive the best education for your tuition fee.

3. Large Student Population - The UK has a large international student population, increasing year after year with number increasing by 10% and reaching 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. 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 the minimum guaranteed wage is £6.08 per hour, meaning you can earn at minimum £121.60 per week, before any deductions such as tax.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 2 years Stay Visa after Study - With the new rule changes in study visa, students can stay and work in the UK for 2 years after completion of their course. These would help students gain practical international work experience and opportunity to work in world renowned organizations and companies based in the UK.

(The author is Product Head , International Education, Pratham Education)