The UK has grown to become one of the top destinations to study around the world. With traditions of excellence dating back hundreds of years, high class institutions at every corner and much more flexibility than many other countries, the United Kingdom has much to offer international students that other English-speaking countries cannot offer. But what makes the United Kingdom stand out? Why should you come to the UK as a destination to further your international education?

Growing Destination
International students have always been an important presence in the UK, and the numbers have been growing steadily. With over 330,000 international students during the 2005/2006 school year, the UK is the second most popular destination for international students, behind the US. The UK has worked hard to capitalize on the growing demand for English-language instruction and the post-9/11 visa hurdles in the US. The top ten countries sending students to the UK are:

China 50,755
India 19,205
Greece 17,675
Republic of Ireland 16,790
USA 14,755
Germany 13,265
France 12,455
Malaysia 11,450
Nigeria 9,605
Hong Kong 9,445

Study Advantages

Study Costs

Education in UK has lots of financial benefits: Professional degrees are offered at undergraduate levels There are many One-year Masters’ degrees including MBA Access to National Health Centre; which is free for students registered on courses of six months or longer Free school education for registered dependent children

UK Education System

The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts, primary education, secondary education, further education and higher education. Children in the UK have to legally attend primary and secondary education which runs from about 5 years old until the student is 16 years old.

Secondary Education

Secondary education in the UK normally starts for most students at the age of 11 years old. Though not common, in some parts of the UK there are middle schools which run up to 12 or 13 years old. For international students coming into the UK for secondary education, it is common to either enter at the age of 11 or wait until the age of 13 and have one year in the school before starting the two-year GCSE program which will run from 14 to 16 years old.

Further Education

When students reach the age of 16 and have completed their GCSE's they have a few options to choose from: Find work Academic Qualifications Vocational Qualifications If students opt for carrying on with their education this will take two forms, either by pursuing further academic qualifications or by following a more vocational pathway.

Higher Education

The UK has a vast variety of higher education opportunities to offer students with over 100 universities offering various degree programs for students from the UK and around the world. In the UK about one-third of all students go on to some form of higher education and this number is well over 50% for students from Scotland. This makes competition for places very fierce and so it is advised to apply early for courses.

After Graduation

After you have graduated in the UK you have several options open to you and choosing the right path is not always an easy thing to do. The most common course for most international students is to either return home, or look for work in the UK. But, you have many options and you should explore each one to work out which is the best route for you.

English Programs

English UK is the world’s leading language teaching association with more than 450 members �" all accredited by the British Council �" including private language schools, educational trusts and charities and language centers in further education colleges and universities.

Boarding Schools

The Boarding Schools’ Association is the United Kingdom Association serving and representing member boarding schools, training staff and promoting boarding education.

For more information, please contact one of our offices

Last Updated: 30 November 2009

PDF