Studying abroad is becoming more and more popular in the last few decades, as students discover the multitude of benefits it offers. International students get access to prestigious institutes, top class facilities, highly trained faculty as well as a variety of courses and programmes to choose from. Furthermore, they get to learn essential life skills like self-reliance, social skills, tolerance, respect, acceptance and responsibility as they become independent and learn to take charge of their own lives. Certain countries have emerged as top destinations for international students to complete their higher education in, due to a number of factors. One such popular destination is the UK, which offers students not only a high-quality education, but also a high standard of living, a multicultural environment and potential for an international career. These are some of the most important benefits of studying in the UK:
Highly ranked universities
One of the most obvious and important benefits of studying in the UK is that it is home to numerous extremely high ranking and prestigious universities. The UK has always been seen as a formidable force in overseas education and the state of the art facilities and highly trained faculty of UK universities are second to none. Many universities such as the University of Oxford, Cambridge University, London School of Economics, University College of London, University of Edinburgh, etc. are institutes that have a history going back centuries. International students are able to access the best intellectual minds in their field of interest through such universities and thus give themselves a head-start in the eyes of any potential employer.
Globally recognised degrees
The UK is an international hub for education and is a very popular destination for students of all disciplines. It is home to numerous prestigious universities, as mentioned earlier, and all these universities offer degrees that are internationally recognised. This means that any student who completes their education, at any level, in the UK, can work globally using the degree they receive. In fact, many international organisations prefer international students who have been educated in the UK and thus these students actually get a competitive advantage in the job market.
Financial aid
Studying abroad can be a big financial burden for a lot of students due to the high tuition fees as well as cost of living in foreign cities. However, the UK has a plethora of scholarships and financial aid programs that are meant for international students who wish to study there. A lot of government funded, merit-based programs cover all tuition fees, along with international airfare as well as personal expenses such as rent and more. Similarly, certain universities in the UK also have merit and need based scholarships which include tuition fee reductions, accommodation discounts as well as full scholarships when needed. Applying for such programs can make study in the UK extremely affordable and not cause much financial strife.
Multicultural environment
The UK is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse places globally. It is a melting pot of nationalities and ethnicities, as a result of the wide-spread immigration that takes place to the UK from various parts of the world. This means that most universities in the UK are home to a similar vibrant, multicultural and multi-ethnic population where students from all types of backgrounds are encouraged to share their ideas and thoughts with each other. Universities in the UK welcome international students and are very conducive to tolerance, acceptance and unity. Students also get to participate in various clubs and societies where they learn about different cultures, their languages, their practises, etc.
Lucrative careers
The UK not only offers a high quality education to international students, but also opens the door to lucrative post-study options for all. Undergraduates can choose to study further and complete their Master’s degrees or take up an internship or job, as per their interests. As per Visa regulations, after completing the Master’s degree, students can stay back and work for up to 2 years, after which they can apply for a work visa to stay back for more time. The UK also offers the chance for settling down abroad, since after working for 5 years in the country, students can choose to apply for permanent residency and immigrate there. Thus, students can avail not only an international career but also the possibility of settling down abroad.