10 Reasons Why Indian Students Prefer to Study Abroad in the UK

Thinking of studying in the UK?

Once the decision has been made to pursue further studies outside the Indian borders, the obvious question that follows is, where?

Though over the past decades, various countries have attracted scores of Indian students, UK has retained its position of prestige as a preferred destination.  So, what makes the UK so popular amongst the Indian Students?  

Let’s take an example of a shopping mall which wants to attract a different class of customers. One class of customer might focus just on the “best brand” irrespective of the costs, the second might be interested in quality products but at a bargain price and another might be looking for something which provides long-term benefit and flexibility of payment.  If the store wants to maximize footfall, it has to ensure that all of these diverse expectations are catered to.

This is exactly what the education system in the UK has managed to do. Whilst, earlier only the niche and crème de la crème of the Indian society could afford to study in the UK, things have now changed. Today education in the UK has become accessible to a much larger section of the society due to many factors and yet the “prestige” and “class” associated with attaining a degree in the UK has remained unchanged.

The UK has always been seen as the land of some of the greatest work in English literature as well as in the field of science. As a matter of fact, notable people Charles Darwin, Alan Turing, Isaac Newton and Alexander Graham were all products of British education. We also have examples of some great Indian leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and renowned economist, Amartya Sen, who have all pursued studies in the UK.

The UK Institutions like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have stood the test of time and have continued to inspire and challenge students to become outstanding individuals and responsible citizens, with their excellent courses. The UK Institutions like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have stood the test of time and have continued to inspire and challenge students to become outstanding individuals and responsible citizens, with their excellent courses.

Factors which make the UK a much sought after destination for the Indian students:

1. The brand value and quality of education:

The UK has some of the oldest institutions in the world, such as Oxford University and the University of Cambridge. These colleges are not only very elite but have a long-standing tradition of providing quality education. The learning experience that you will receive when you study in the UK will provide you with the skills you need. The system is designed in a way which encourages students to read, think independently, question and analyze what you read and learn. No wonder then that English scientists and institutions have won almost 100 Nobel Prizes. No small feat.

2. No language barrier:

Considering most of the Indian students are well conversant with English, it’s easy to settle in the system and not face any communication hurdles. The country is also the perfect place for students to become experts in English language skills which is of great importance in the international job arena. For the students wanting to pursue careers related to the English language, there can be no place better than UK and degree obtained here will hold great value globally.

3. Flexibility in courses:

The education system in the UK provides the freedom to combine different subjects into a single course of study and one can choose from over 150, 000 courses. UK degrees can be tailored to your interests and often include specialized modules. It’s easy to research the right course for you by visiting the UCAS website. Everyone who goes to UCAS.com has access to the Course Search database containing details of courses from archaeology to zoology.

4. Work while you study:

As an Indian student studying in the UK, it is possible that you might want to supplement your financial requirements by working while you study. In addition to this, working alongside your studies is an excellent way to gain experience and skills for your career. The eligibility to work and number of hours one can work would depend on your Visa. Further, a work placement is a part of the study course for some colleges, and your university or college may assist in providing placement.

5. Shorter Duration of Courses:

The shorter duration of courses in the UK helps reduce tuition and accommodation costs. The Master’s course in the UK is of one-year duration and one can even opt for a Master’s course in combination with PhD, which will save an additional year. This is a huge advantage both in terms of finances as well as reduced number of years before getting a job.

6. Scholarships and Online Help:

Indian students who’re worried about expensive tuition fee need not lose sleep either, for there are many scholarships that one can apply to, especially at postgraduate and research level, to support your study and cost of living costs. The UK has an excellent scholarship system which offers numerous scholarships specifically for Indian students. This helps scores of students fulfil their dream of studying in the UK. There are many Online websites who provide Assignment Help in UK. So you no need to worry about that.

7. Mecca for science students:

The UK’s reputation and legacy as a world centre for scientific research make it a magnet for some of the very best thinkers in the world. The country undertakes 5 percent of world’s scientific research and produces 14 percent of the world’s most frequently cited papers. Also, the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) which checks the quality of research conducted by more than 154 leading universities and colleges in the UK, classified 30% of the research as ‘world-leading’ and 46% as ‘internationally excellent. ‘As a research student evaluating the benefits of studying in UK, it will be interesting for one to note that the country puts across 6.4% of global journal articles, 11.6% of citations and 15.9% of the world’s most highly-cited articles, even though it constitutes just 0.9% of world’s total population.

8. Far yet familiar:

There were 4,36,585 international students from 180+ countries studying in the UK in 2016, out of which Indian students were the 2nd largest group (18,320). To have fellow Indians is certainly an advantage when so far away from home. At the same time, there are ample opportunities to experience a multicultural environment and interact with students from other parts of the world. Generations of international students have come to England for their educations, which means that English universities have decades of experience in working with international students. There can be no better way of learning about so many diverse cultures and traditions. The interactions certainly broaden the horizon and render the firsthand experience to have a global outlook.

9. Free Medical Coverage:

Indian students in the UK are eligible to receive free medical treatment by the National Health Service (NHS) if enrolled in a full-time course. One’s spouse/partner and/or dependent children will also be exempt from payment if they also reside in the UK during the course of the study programme.

10. High Employability:

Graduating from one of the institutes in the UK ensures high employability for the students. The QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2016 ranked Oxford at 6th and Cambridge at 4th position. 

In addition to all the aspects related to the courses, the feasibility and costs, there is one dimension which each student should consider while choosing the country and this is “the overall experience”. This includes the history of the country, the places to visit, the culture mix, the diversity, famous landmarks and unique experiences in terms of cuisine, art, people, sports or entertainment.   While in the UK, one can experience such varied cultures and landscapes, travelling to Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.  The public transport system makes it very simple to travel all across the UK at a nominal cost.  Each region has something exclusive to offer and the sights and the memories created will make the stay so much more special, forever etched in the walls of the college years.

Also, the experience will be instrumental in shaping one, both personally and professionally, with a much wider perspective, which is so crucial in making big in any field.

As William Shakespeare said, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”  There is no better place than the UK to discover yourself.