Know why Indian students love studying in the UK!
The United Kingdom (UK) is home to some of the world’s oldest universities and colleges having their roots in the 12th and 13th centuries. Coming from such a strong legacy, education in the UK has become a benchmark for other countries.
Top reasons why studying in the UK is so popular with Indian students:
1. Academic excellence
Universities in the UK have the best academic standards in the world. Four out of the top 10 universities in the world are from the UK (QS World Ranking 2023) .When studying in the UK, you will find that practical and utility-based knowledge is preferred over textbook learning. This will enable you to acquire critical thinking, analytical skills, and creative ability in your chosen discipline.
2. Quality of education
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is an independent body in the UK that regularly assesses the education standards of all universities and colleges in the country. Besides checking their performances through audits and subject reviews, it helps identify the best education practices and sends feedback for improvisation. The UK higher education funding bodies also examine these research standards and publish their findings at regular intervals. This ensures all students have access to the best quality of learning, research and teaching irrespective of the course they choose to pursue.
According to the QS University Rankings, 2023. These four out of the top ten institutions in the world are based in the UK.
Universities | QS world university ranking 2023 |
University of Cambridge | 2 |
University of Oxford | 4 |
University College London (UCL) | 8 |
Imperial College London | 6 |
3. Shorter duration of courses
Courses in the UK education system are shorter and more intensive than in many other countries, which means you’ll graduate sooner without compromising on quality. While you can complete an undergraduate program in three years, you’ll be able to finish a graduate program or post-graduation in the UK in just one year. This not only saves your time but also a chunk of money spent on tuition fees and living costs.
4. Work while you learn
To manage your everyday living expenses along with your studies, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during term time. You can even work full-time during your semester break. This will help you pay for your bills as well as gain industry experience in your field of study as well.
Read more about employment prospects in the UK for Indian students
5. Explore Europe while studying
The UK is well connected to major European countries like France, Netherlands, and Belgium, being the closest at distances ranging from 300 – 1,000 miles. With the airport being functional 24 hours a, you can explore differently.
6. Health benefits for students
As an international student, you will have access to free medical treatment while studying in the UK through the National Health Service (NHS). To avail this benefit, you will have to pay a small International Health Surcharge (IHS). Your IDP expert can advise you about this detail.
7. Cultural diversity
In the UK about 14% of the population is from abroad. International students who relocate to the UK have the chance to experience other cultures as well. This is one of the main advantages that leads students to decide to study in the UK.
Getting in touch with people from different cultures and learning about them fascinates international students. Knowing different cultures does not mean that you will lose touch with your own. Additionally, you will be able to maintain strong ties to your own culture by meeting new people and making new friends. You can go to neighbourhood gatherings and socialise with others from a similar cultural background as the UK is so kind and hospitable, it's extremely unlike that you will ever miss home.
8. Professional opportunities
Any course or degree from a university in the UK will give your resume more value. Universities in the UK use a combination of theoretical and practical teaching methods. The combination of your education, experience, and exposure to the business world gives you a competitive edge that demonstrates your ability to function in any setting anywhere in the globe.
Employers in your native country already know that you have thrived in a vibrant cultural environment and value hard work if you come home with an international degree or stay in the UK itself. As a result, you become more appealing and can bypass the line. If you choose to work somewhere else, your degree already shows that you have the skills to adapt to a different culture and way of life.
The UK is also favoured because of its superior career prospects, educational system, and skill set. Therefore, to extend your stay in the UK, students search for post-study work opportunities.
Here is the salary data for popular jobs in the UK:
Job titles | Range | Average |
Software engineer | £32k - £76k | £51,361 |
Executive assistance | £25k - £51k | £40,880 |
Marketing manager | £28k - £57k | £39,748 |
Operational manager | £26k - £69k | £39,437 |
Graphic designer | £21k - £37k | £27,100 |
Software developer | £27k - £67k | £51,361 |
Project manager | £30k - £74k | £44,759 |
*According to PayScale.com, 2023
9. Support for international students
Many organisations in the UK include many helpful assistances like - a pre-arrival support manual that outlines the medical insurance possibilities, lodging choices, living expenditure budgeting techniques, and other essential information for settling in. Universities in the UK also provide various orientations and programmes for the assistance of international students. These might include academic assistance, cultural festivities, and helpful and instructive workshops. They occasionally also assist with finding housing for students and job or internship opportunities. The majority of universities and colleges have student organisations that assist students in juggling their extracurricular activities with their academic obligations. Some colleges also have a specific organisation for international students to provide unbiased assistance to students from different nations.
For instance, Oxford University has a Newcomers' Club that provides a shared setting for all just-arrived students to connect, talk, and even go on city tours together.
10. Accommodation cost
Living costs have a significant role in the overall price of studying in the UK from India or other overseas cities. Housing, meals, commuting, household bills, shopping, and other leisure activities are all included in the cost of living. It takes around £1,100 to £1,300 to be spent on living expenses each month on average in the UK.
Similar to tuition costs at UK colleges, living costs might change based on your lifestyle, housing preferences, etc. For instance, rent is more expensive in cities like Brighton or London than it is in Manchester or Aberdeen.
11. Rich history and culture
The United Kingdom (UK) is known for its rich history, culture, and diversity and is one of the most sought-after places in the world to study, work, and travel. Few places remark as rich in culture in the UK. It is an intriguing location to explore with a population of various ethnicities and a lengthy and interesting history.
A benefit of studying in the UK is getting to know its towns, cities, and villages. Each city, no matter how big or tiny, old, or new, is distinctive in its way. Even though many UK cities are popular with students, some undoubtedly stand out. To satiate your wanderlust, you can schedule some hangout time with your friends for your semester break or the weekend.
Fun facts about the United Kingdom
1 | London has the largest library in the world. |
2 | The first billionaire author is from the UK– JK Rowling. |
3 | The Queen does not have a passport. |
4 | Over 11.5 billion sandwiches are consumed by the British every year. |
5 | Being dead in the Houses of Parliament is illegal in England. |
6 | Love Chicken tikka? So do the British – it has been voted as the country’s national dish by its citizens. |
7 | Buckingham Palace has its police station. |
8 | The UK houses over 100 universities. |
9 | What’s life without tea? The British consume 165 million cups of tea every day. |
10 | Over 300 other languages are spoken in London. |
Encouragement to research and explore study options in the UK
Before making a choice, it is always a good idea to do extensive research and consider all of your study alternatives in the UK. Numerous internationally famous universities in the UK provide a variety of programmes and high-quality education. When selecting a programme and institution, it's crucial to consider aspects like academic fit, location, cost, and post-study options.
It is always better to start by looking into the UK institutions and programmes and selecting ones that suit your interests and professional aspirations. Additionally, you also get financial aid or scholarship options for studying in the UK.
Still not convinced if the UK is the right study destination for you? Our expert outlines 6 amazing reasons why you should study in the UK.
Study in the UK Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Why is the UK better than other countries for study?
Ans. The UK is considered to be one of the best places to study for a variety of reasons. Some of these included:
Quality of education
Variety of institutions and programmes
Cultural diversity
Strong support for international students
Post-study work opportunities
Q. What are the requirements to study in the UK?
Ans. To study in the UK as an international student, you will need to meet the following requirements:
English language proficiency test like IELTS.
Financial support
Admission requirements
Visa
Health care insurance
Letter of recommendation (LOR)
Statement of purpose (SOP)
Q. Which are the top UK universities?
Ans. The UK is home to many world-renowned universities that offer a wide range of programmes and high-quality education. Some of the top universities in the UK include:
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
University College London (UCL
University of Edinburgh
University of Warwick
King's College London
University of Bristol
To know more about studying in the UK, get in touch with our experts at IDP, who will help you with all your queries, and will assist you in every way possible
