6 Reasons UK Students Choose to Study in the US

The number of British students applying to US universities has risen a lot in recent years. According to the Fulbright Commission, almost 11,000 British students were studying at US universities in the past academic year. That means an increase of 21% in the past 10 years.

In part, this increase can be attributed to US universities’ efforts to attract UK students, and their engagement through university fairs and tours. But UK students are also becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of studying abroad, and the particular appeal of studying in the US. Some of the reasons for this are explored below.

1. Rising costs of study in the UK

It seems likely that UK students’ growing interest in studying abroad has been partly influenced by the hike in UK tuition fees. Fees of up to £9,000 a year were introduced for the first time in 2012, a significant increase in the costs of study which has clearly led to more UK students considering other options.

While studying in the US may not be the cheapest alternative, the higher costs of studying in the UK do make it an increasingly comparable option, especially when financial aid is factored in. In addition, depending on where you study in the US, living expenses could be lower than back at home.

2. Cultural enhancement and diversity

Studying in the US is definitely an exciting prospect. There is no doubt that studying abroad is an experience that will open your mind and help you understand the world from a different perspective. If cultural enhancement and diversity are what you’re looking for, then studying in the US will provide plenty of both. Many UK students are well aware that the experience will internationalize their CVs and make them more valuable candidates in the eyes of future employers.

3. Numerous scholarship opportunities

Many international students are able to access financial aid while studying in the US, which is a big relief for those concerned about the costs of tuition fees, accommodation and flights. US financial aid is available through merit-based and need-based scholarships. Need-based aid is based on an assessment of the student’s financial circumstances, while merit-based aid considers academic grades, athletic performance, involvement in organizations and other outstanding talents.

In addition, five of the leading US universities offer need-blind admission for all students, regardless of nationality, which means all of those offered a place are guaranteed sufficient funding to enable them to attend.

4. The US student lifestyle

Every young person in the world has probably dreamed at least once about living the American campus lifestyle. For some UK students, this is one of the key motivations for choosing to study in the US. If you want to spend your college years in a vibrant environment, characterized by diversity, novelty and the chance to join all kinds of sports teams and students clubs based on your passions, then you can’t go wrong if you apply to a US university.

5. Leading academic institutions

Of course, it’s not all about the parties and sororities. The United States’ appeal as a study destination is also largely based on its very strong education system, including many of the world’s best-known universities. In the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, half of the world’s top 20 universities are located on US soil. And this is just the tip of the iceberg – the US has a huge number of prestigious universities to choose from. Graduating from an internationally respected US university can open many doors, prompting employers to consider you as a valuable candidate.

6. Academic flexibility

If you want to explore a range of academic interests before choosing a specialization, then choosing to study at a US university could work well for you. Besides the fact that the US is home to more than 4,500 universities, you will soon discover that the US education system offers impressive flexibility in terms of courses offered and opportunities to select from a wide variety of topics.

Courses are usually offered multiple times each year, so it’s your choice when to start a topic. Even more, you have the flexibility to complete the academic year at your own pace, which can be slower or faster than others.

These are just a few of the reasons why the US attracts so many UK students every year. If you want to learn more about US universities, register for your free place at the next #StudyinUSA Virtual Fair.