study abroad

Why is it worth to get higher education in Great Britain?

In 2017, the United Kingdom was the second most popular OECD country (after the USA) among foreign students getting a master's or doctor’s degrees (15%).

More than 75% of research projects of British universities top global rankings or have sound international standing.

The satisfaction level of students studying at British universities remains high from year to year, and 84% of students in 2018 say they are satisfied with their educational process.

In addition, recent figures show that more than 90% of graduates worked or continued their studies for six months after graduation. The number of foreign students in postgraduate courses was the highest for engineering and technological degrees, business and administration, IT.

You can join more than 300,000 international students from non-EU countries who have been already studying at one of the UK universities. Enjoy life in London, the financial and cultural center of the world, or in any other city, increase your employment prospects with an internationally recognized diploma of a British university.

Infographics

Quick FACTS

• UK population - 66 529 528 (May 2018)
• Compulsory education - 11 years (aged from 5 to 16)
• International student center - Great Britain is the second most popular OECD country for foreign students studying for a master's degree or doctoral programs after the USA (2017)
• Education with honours - three out of top 10 universities in the world are located in the UK (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019)
• Academic excellence - More than 70 Nobel Prize winners studied or worked at British universities
• Fall in love with London – London has become the best student city in the world (QS Best Student Cities index 2018)

2.32 million students were studying at British higher education institutions in 2016-17.

The higher education in Great Britain and specifics of education for foreign students

UK higher education offers a wide range of programs and qualifications, such as first degrees, higher national diplomas and foundation degrees. Higher education includes any qualification at Level 4 and above. For example, a BA or BSc (Hons) is a Level 6 qualification.

British universities and colleges are diverse, multicultural, creative, and welcoming. They offer the highest quality of education and great career opportunities, as well as the chance to improve your English proficiency. More than 430 000 international students from more than 180 countries of the world study here annually.

The higher education system in the UK implies different rules for British, European and other foreign students. We will talk about some of the similarities and differences below.

Getting the bachelor’s degree

We will help you to choose the suitable program from among 50,000 courses at 400 universities and colleges. The application and enrollment process includes the following steps.

Master’s programs and postgraduate studies

Postgraduate studies may focus on academic research or professional development.

• The master's degree includes some academic research, but the main focus is on lectures and seminars. Full-time courses usually take one year, and part-time courses usually take two years.
• Studying at PhD program you will learn different methods of academic analysis before conducting your own research project. Academic courses usually last 18 months full time, but can take up to three years.

In the UK, the majority of postgraduate students study part-time; the full-time education market mainly consists of foreign students.

International students having a Tier 4 student visa can only study full-time courses.

Full-time study

Full-time courses allow you to get a qualification in the shortest possible time.

• Usually, training starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. every weekday. It is supported by extensive self-education.

Part-time study

If you need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you are not eligible for part-time programs.

• Part-time training would allow you to balance study with work or private life.
• Your study hours and education time can be very flexible.
• Part-time classes are well suited for those who want to change his/her career path or acquire new skills while continuing to work.
• Part-time programs may not give you full immersion into the atmosphere of the university.

Study grants

Some universities offer scholarships for international students to fund studies and research projects.

We will help you to find various sources of funding for postgraduate education, including state scholarships and private study grants.

UK university admission requirements

A bachelor's degree in the subject you want to study is not a necessary prerequisite.

Universities sometimes accept industry experience as a qualification criterion.

We will help you to check requirements for admission to the programs and courses of interest to you, as well as assess your chances of admission.

Can you speak, listen, read and write fluently in English? We will help you to get and prove the required level of English competence for studying in the UK.

Visas

As a foreign student applying for study in the UK, you will need a Tier 4 student visa (according to information for 2019). After you are admitted to the program and the university sends you an official invitation, we will help you to apply and get a student visa.

Accommodation and language courses at the universities

Some universities have special housing or campus for international students.

Moreover the university may have language courses to facilitate your adaptation. We will help you with applying for such courses at the chosen university.

Funds management and budgeting

You should take into account such costs as tuition fees, training materials, rent, utility bills, food and drink, clothing, transportation, and telephone/ internet expenses. We will help you to plan your budget.