STUDY UK The best

possible you,
GUIDE FOR made possible
PARENTS in the UK
CONTENTS
5. A safe and secure place to study
9. A global leader in education
12. A smart investment in a world class future
15. The best possible start to any new career
18. An affordable place to study
22. Financial help

1.
INTRODUCTION

2.
With so many exceptional degrees on
offer in the UK, it’s easy to see why we’re
the best possible place to study. But did
you know we’re also the best place for
international students to prepare for
their chosen career?

Students in the UK receive a world-class

education that’s respected by academics and
employers from every country. But we do
more than simply offer an exceptional level
of teaching. We also help our students to
develop their skills, with fully assessed and
professional work placements that can be
undertaken as part of a university degree.

This innovative style of education provides

a unique opportunity to apply their learning
in a real-world environment, build new skills
and really get ahead.

3.
It’s one of the reasons why UK graduates
are among the most employable in the
entire world.

And as our universities have excellent links

with all kinds of industries – from science
to engineering to management and more –
UK students are making professional
connections which open doors into any
future career.

Most importantly, these are exactly the

experiences and skills that employers look for.
And with a UK degree, international students
gain an edge over the competition – ready to
join the thousands of UK graduates who are
now earning more, and progressing further,
than their peers educated elsewhere.

4.
A SAFE AND
SECURE PLACE
TO STUDY

5.
‘It was a delight to be in the United Kingdom. advanced healthcare systems, providing
I wondered what life might be like so far away, comprehensive treatment for every need
but I felt very comfortable and at home.’ (and the Immigration Health Surcharge,
Andress Hamenda, MBA Global Business, paid for during the visa application
Coventry University. process, gives all international students
comprehensive access to this).
It’s reassuring to know that the UK is one
of the most trusted and popular study Our universities provide comprehensive
destinations in the world. In 2019-20, advice which starts before students travel
more than 500,000 chose to study here, to the UK, supports them upon arrival and
and we take their safety very seriously. continues throughout their entire degree.
Some universities even employ their own
Our country has low crime rates and a security teams, which patrol both university
trustworthy police force. And our National and residential buildings.
Health Service is one of the world’s most

6.
A place to be supported
Every UK university employs a pastoral team
that helps international students with any
problems or worries they may have.

This practical support is available whenever

it’s needed, and advice covers everything from
housing, financial and visa issues to educational
and emotional support. Staff will also be on hand
to help with any language problems they may
have, supporting them with both written and
spoken English.

All of which means our international students

feel safe, secure and supported while in the UK,
and ready to make the best of their time here.

7.
A place to be yourself
We are proud to be a progressive, multi-faith
society where many languages are spoken, and
where people from all backgrounds are welcome.
International cuisines and religious diets are fully
catered for here, and every faith is respected.

So it is no wonder that the overwhelming

majority of international students report
feeling happy and secure in the UK.

And alongside our diverse student population,

a quarter of the UK’s university staff are from
outside the UK. At each university in the UK,
there are also many societies and clubs to
practice traditions from home, explore new
interests and to make lasting friendships.

8.
A GLOBAL LEADER
IN EDUCATION

9.
‘The UK was always a country where I wanted
to study. It has definitely helped me in my
career, and UK degrees are highly respected
in my profession.’
Leonid Nichman, PhD Atmospheric Sciences,
the University of Manchester.

The UK is one of the world’s most innovative

countries and a dominant force in education.
Four of the ten best universities on the planet
are here, with a further 22 among the QS
top 200.1 And with thousands of international
students in the UK, they will get to learn
alongside hundreds of other cultures –
enriching their life, making new friendships,
and building lasting professional connections.

What’s more, our universities have one of the

most diverse subject offerings in the world,
giving international students the support and
space they need to be imaginative, ambitious
and to think differently while receiving a
prestigious and disciplined education that’s
built on the most solid of historical foundations.
1 https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2021

10.
And the UK is a global leader in some of
the most popular fields of study, including
business, medicine, law and engineering.
Specialist institutions which focus on these
subjects are considered the best in the entire
world, and the degrees they award are highly
sought after by employers.

But whatever their chosen field – from science

to business to the arts – a UK degree is a very
prestigious qualification. It will open doors
worldwide and give them the best possible
preparation for their career.

To find out more about why a UK degree is

so valued by international employers and
academics, visit study-uk.britishcouncil.org/
why-study/higher-standard-education

11.
A SMART
INVESTMENT IN
A WORLD-CLASS
FUTURE

12.
‘Every lecture offered something new and
insightful. I was constantly encouraged to
develop my own skills and understanding
and, every day I learned important skills
that I could apply in my future profession.’
Shravani Sharma, MS Urban Transport,
University of Glasgow.

Education is one of life’s most important investments,

and by choosing the UK for your child’s studies you’ll
be giving them a clear and distinct advantage as they
enter the world of work.

• International students who hold UK degrees

have a strong competitive edge. Because of our
prestigious qualifications they are sought out by
companies all over the world. And once employed
they are earning more and progressing further
than peers educated elsewhere.

• Our courses are designed to boost students’

critical thinking skills and expose them to new
technologies, emerging theories and diverse
opinions. This gives them the qualifications,
confidence and skills that will help them to
stand above their peers and make an
impression, anywhere in the world. 13.
• As we are home of the English language, as the US and Australia). This provides
the UK is the perfect place for students to excellent value for money, allowing them
improve their written and spoken skills – to begin their career sooner.
helping them to master the internationally-
recognised language of business. But the UK does more than just transform
their career prospects. Our impressive culture
• We have one of the world’s most diverse of innovation and invention teaches students
study offerings, transforming student’s to think creatively, to lead, and to apply
prospects with multi-disciplinary modern themselves with grace, determination and
insights that are in high demand with good humour.
employers from every country.
It’s a style of education which prepares them
• Our postgraduate courses maintain the UK’s for all aspects of modern life – and by
exceptional academic standards but can be choosing to study in the UK they can become
shorter than those in other countries (such the most employable, confident and best
possible version of themselves.

14.
THE BEST POSSIBLE
START TO ANY
NEW CAREER

15.
‘The UK gave me the best possible
foundation to begin building my career.’
Professor Natalia Kucirkova, BSc Psychology,
University of Bath and PhD, psychology, childhood
and new technologies, The Open University.

International students in the UK can now

gain even more of an advantage with our
brand new Graduate Route.

Students who successfully complete an

undergraduate or master’s degree at a
UK university can now benefit from two
years’ work experience in our country upon
graduation. For students who complete
a PhD, this period extends to three years.

16.
It gives students an opportunity to gain • Successful applicants will be available to stay
experience in their chosen career, building and work, or look for work, in the UK at any
their experience and connections in the UK skill level for a maximum period of two years
that will impress employers all over the world. if they have successfully completed
an undergraduate or master’s degree.
• The Graduate Route is available for students PhD graduates can stay for three years.
who have graduated or will graduate after
1 July 2021. • Graduates will be able to switch into skilled
work as soon as they have found a suitable job
• It is open to all international students who
hold a valid student visa at the time of • The route will require a new visa application,
application and who have successfully this includes the payment of a visa fee and
completed a degree - at undergraduate level an Immigration Health Surcharge
or above - at a Higher Education Provider
with a track record of compliance. For more details on the Graduate Route,
please visit study-uk.britishcouncil.org/
after-your-studies/post-study-work

17.
26.
AN AFFORDABLE
PLACE TO STUDY

18.
Fees
Course fees in the UK vary depending on the study
level and where in the country students are studying.

As a guide, international students can typically expect

to pay between £10,000 and £26,000 annually, and an
undergraduate degree course will usually last for three
years. Medical degrees may cost more than this, while
other courses will often cost less. For example, many
UK master’s degrees can be completed in one year,
meaning lower living costs and faster entry into
employment.

It’s always best to check course fees with the

university or college. Most often, this information
will be listed on their website.

19.
Living costs
Studying in the UK is good value for money, and
average living costs here are lower than in other
English speaking countries, including the USA
and Australia.

Students can expect to pay £800 - £1300 a

month to cover accommodation, bills, food
and other living costs which include:

• around £20-£30 for the weekly food shop

• from £30 a month for travel

• from £10 a month for a mobile phone

(cell phone) contract

• a
 round £2.44 for a cup of coffee from a
high street café

• around £40 a month for a gym membership

20.
These costs will differ depending on where
in the UK students choose to live, and how
much they want to spend. London and
other major cities are more expensive.

Which? University has a budget

calculator to help estimate the cost
of living in different areas of the UK.
Select the university or prospective
place to study to get an idea of all
costs, including accommodation and
bills to clothing, interests and hobbies:
www.which.co.uk/money/university-
and-student-finance/student-budget-
calculatorstudent discounts in many
shops, restaurants and businesses.
You can find out more about these
cards at www.totum.com and
www.isic.org/get-your-car

21.
FINANCIAL
HELP

22.
If you’d like your child to study in the UK but have
questions around how to finance their education,
there are plenty of support options available to you.

Financial assistance
• T
 he UK government offers a range of financial support
to international students and, to check eligibility, you
can visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs
(UKCISA) website at www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--
Advice/Fees-and-Money/Scholarships-and-funding-your-
studies

• M
 any UK universities offer their own financial assistance,
and you can visit their individual websites for more
information.

• Many UK universities also offer fully-funded

postgraduate studentships. You can find out more about
these from your chosen university’s website, or from
specialist sites such as Postgraduate Studentships
www.postgraduatestudentships.co.uk and Prospects
www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/funding-
postgraduate-study

23.
Scholarships
Scholarships could be a particularly helpful way of funding
their studies, and you won’t have to pay this money back.

• Global scholarships are available to students from

selected countries, such as Asia or those in the UK
Commonwealth. They’re awarded to help students
with English language skills, and to cover specific
fields of study such as mathematics, technology
or engineering.

• Country-specific scholarships are awarded for

postgraduate students, including for research fellows
and people undertaking doctoral qualifications.

• Chevening scholarships are awarded to mid-career

professionals who want to increase their knowledge
through short specialist courses, research, or
professional placements in the UK.

24.
• G
 REAT Scholarships offers scholarships from UK
universities across a variety of subjects. Each
scholarship is worth a minimum of £10,000 towards
tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate course.

• GREAT Scholarships for justice and law are for students

who want to study at a UK university for a one-year
postgraduate course. Students can apply for courses in a
range of justice and law related subjects, including human
rights, criminal justice and commercial law, at one of the
30 participating higher education institutions.

• Science and research funding scholarships are

awarded to students from every country, and who
are conducting postdoctoral research.

To find out about each of these opportunities and to

check eligibility, please visit study-uk.britishcouncil.org/
scholarships

25.