7 Best Reasons to Study in the UK
If you’re looking to study abroad, the UK is one of the most popular international study destinations in the world. Featuring world-class education providers, a great employment market and amazing travel opportunities, it’s no wonder why international students from around the globe choose to study in the UK.
Read on to discover our top seven best reasons to study abroad in the UK.
1. World-renowned education providers
The UK houses many of the world’s best educational institutions. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, an impressive 17 UK universities are in the top 200 globally, with the following even making the top 10 in the world:
Similarly, 28 UK universities were ranked in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. The University of Oxford and Imperial College London also fell in the world’s top 10 universities in these rankings, claiming the #1 and #10 spots, respectively.
2. Fast-track your future
If you choose to study in the UK, you’ll be able to gain a world-class education quicker than in many other countries.
Many undergraduate programs only take three years of full-time study to complete instead of four. This is an efficient way to gain your undergraduate degree so you can enter the job market or a postgraduate qualification more quickly.
Certain courses take even less time to complete; these are known as accelerated undergraduate courses and typically take one to two years to complete. UK universities use the following terms to describe the different levels of higher education they offer:
Level 4 or Certificate (C) – one year of undergraduate study
Level 5 or Intermediate (I) – two years of study
Level 6 or Honours (H) – three or four years of study.
If you choose to pursue postgraduate study in the UK (e.g., a master’s degree), you’ll typically only need to study for one year to complete your course. This means you can achieve your academic goals quicker, while also saving money on course-related expenses like tuition.
3. Improve your English
The primary language of the UK is English, which makes it a great place to learn and perfect your English language skills. English is the most common language of employment in the world, making it a crucial addition to your skill set. The stronger your English language skills, the more employable you will be.
Living in the UK and communicating with native English speakers every day will also help you develop English language skills beyond writing assignments or sitting tests. You’ll get to apply your skills in areas such as interviewing, active listening, creativity and originality - all of which will help prepare you for a successful global career.
4. Rich employment opportunities
Another great reason to study in the UK is the high number of jobs available for students, with many major organisations headquartered in the UK. Some popular examples include Gymshark, Skyscanner, Unilever (responsible for brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Dove), Vodafone, along with many others. With such a breadth of opportunity, it’s easy for international students to work while they study to gain valuable work experience before graduation (and earn money!).
On a student visa in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week if you’re studying full-time. You can work many kinds of jobs, from hospitality to office support to retail. By gaining practical experience in the British workforce, you’ll expand your professional network and become more employable post-graduation.
5. Long-term stay options
After completing your studies, you may decide you want to stay and work in the UK. Thanks to recent visa changes, it’s easier than ever to find employment opportunities for postgraduate students in the UK.
The Graduate Route refers to a new rule for the UK post-study visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for two years after completing your undergraduate degree. It doesn’t require sponsorship, which means you don’t need a job offer or funding to obtain the visa.
6. A diverse international student community
The UK is a wonderful place for international students because it is incredibly multicultural. Most institutions have a prominent cohort of international students. That means you’ll have no trouble making friends from all over the world - and maybe even your own country! Having people around you who understand your situation and experiences will help you feel more comfortable in your home away from home.
7. Travel destinations
Living in the UK will also give you access to some of the world’s most exciting and beautiful travel destinations and attractions.
Visit London, England’s capital, to find iconic attractions like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London and take a ride on the London Eye. Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, houses historical sites such as the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, as well as the world’s best Fringe Festival.
The UK is also home to many natural wonders, such as towering limestone cliffs in Yorkshire, the windswept and rugged Isle of Skye and the beautiful Lake District.
Learn more about the amazing benefits of studying in the UK via our upcoming webinar on 29 November 2022, China: 7:00pm CST | Vietnam 6:00pm ICT | India 4:30pm IST | Nepal 4:55am NPT.
Author: Sarah Pearce
