7 top reasons to study in the UK

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Did you know that the United Kingdom welcomed more than 500,000 international students in 2019? TopUniversities spoke to three international students to find out what makes the UK one of the most popular study destinations in the world.

University of Glasgow – Gilbert Scott Building. Image credit: University of Glasgow

If you’re dreaming of studying at a university with a great academic reputation and value for money, then look no further: the UK’s long-standing reputation for academic excellence dates back to the 11th century, and its universities continue to raise the bar in the world of academia.

There are more than 160 universities and higher education institutions in the UK – 84 of which are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2021.

Many master’s degrees in the UK take just one year to complete compared to other countries. This means you can graduate sooner which, in turn, helps you save money on tuition and accommodation. Tuition fees in the UK are also generally more affordable (depending on the degree programme) compared to other English-speaking study destinations such as Australia and the US. 

For many international students, scholarships are a gateway to pursue their degree in the UK. This was the case for Rodrigo, who is originally from Chile and was awarded a scholarship from the University of Sussex.

“I’ll always be grateful for this. Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to study in the UK,” said the MSc in Technology and Innovation Management graduate.

For PhD student Asrif, choosing to study in the UK was an easy decision after having already studied the MA in Social Innovation at Cambridge University and the MBA at Imperial College London.

“It began from wanting to experience a new environment,” he said. “I’m at my third UK university now, so I hope that illustrates how much I’m enjoying it.”

Due to COVID-19, Asrif is studying remotely in his home country of Malaysia for his doctorate in Business Administration at Durham University. Reflecting on his study experience so far, he tells us how the faculty have been “engaging and helpful”, as well as how “brilliant” his classmates have been. 

“I think it stems from us all being in the same situation of having to navigate our way through the pandemic. It’s a confusing time, but you adapt as you go along,” he said.

While COVID-19 has meant that universities have taken extra precautions to keep students safe, most UK universities are currently offering a mixture of online and in-person lectures, while others are still teaching completely online. This is subject to change depending on the government’s announcements, and more information can be found on the UK government’s website and university websites.

Image credit: British Council

“My degree was a game-changer. A UK degree definitely helps you to stand out,” said Rodrigo, who is now the Director of the Early Investment Division of the Entrepreneurship Department at the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO).

Similarly, Zumrud – who studied the MSc in Gender and International Relations at the University of Bristol – said her degree “defined the trajectory of my career”.

Since graduating, Zumrud’s career has seen her become the youngest senior lecturer in her home country of Azerbaijan, help produce an international documentary addressing women’s rights, publish several articles on diversity and inclusivity, and most recently, take up the role of Diversity and Inclusions Advisor at an independent research company which promotes positive change in the legal industry.

She has also recently launched her own social business and runs a social learning platform which encourages positive conversations surrounding gender norms.

The high standards and quality of UK universities means your degree will be held in high regard by employers, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market whether it’s in the UK or elsewhere.

International students who want to stay and work, or look for work in the UK after graduating can apply to do so through the new Graduate Route, which allows graduates to stay in the UK for two years (or three years for PhD students) to do just that.