In today’s blog post we will examine why foreign students choose to study in the U.K as well as exploring the options that are available to international students looking to do so.
The United Kingdom has a long and established history of higher learning establishments. Indeed, within the top 5 oldest universities in continuous operation the U.K can boast of both Oxford (founded, depending on sources, between 1096-1197) and Cambridge (founded in 1209). If we look towards more modern times the United Kingdom’s educational presence on a world stage is as equally impressive as its past. According to The Times World University rankings, the U.K can be proud to have three out of the top 10 highest ranked universities in the World. You do not have to come to the U.K to study in a one of the top 5 universities however, as British universities are renound for producing a high calibre of graduates.
Where to study and why?
Whilst the capital city, London, is an obvious choice there exists a wealth of cultural and social events for students across the U.K. Throughtout the country there are many interesting and diverse cities each with their own unique offerings for potential students. Be they larger cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham or more quaint ones such as Canterbury or Exeter, the U.K has a large and varied range of potential locations. International student support on site is excellent and international students are encouraged to intergrate and mingle with their British counterparts. Socities and clubs offer students the chance to explore their interests and develop not only their academic skills but also their social skills. World class lecturers and facilities mean studying in the U.K prepares students with the necessary skills to succed in life.
Top 5 Nationalities
According to latest Home Office statistics, the top 5 nationalities for study related visas granted in the year ending June 2015 are as follows:
- China
- United States
- India
- Nigeria
- Malaysia
The Home Office goes on to say:
The top 5 nationalities accounted for over half (53%) of all study visas granted in the year ending June 2015, with the largest number going to Chinese nationals (68,294 or 32% of the total). There were higher numbers of study visas granted (excluding student visitors) for Chinese (+6,802; +11%) and Malaysian (+690; +7%) nationals, and fewer Bangladeshi (-1,671; -52%), Indian (-1,251; -10%) and Pakistani (-981; -21%) nationals.
What does this mean for the U.K?
Whilst Britain continues to attract top international student prospects from around the World, recent changes to the visa application process and options available to students for once they have graduated are being tightened. Since the scrapping of the Post Study Work visa in 2012 criticisms have been leveled at the government that, in effective, Britain is training graduates without receiving the benefits of intergrating them into the wider economy. However, supporters have backed the move claiming that it stablises the job market for U.K graduates. Whilst the government has been battling bogus colleges by removing their sponsorship licences, many feel that the government are placing unnecessary hurdles in place for would be students.
What do you think of our blog? Are you an international student in the U.K? Why did you choose to study here? Let us know by leaving your thoughts below.
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