If you have been trying to apply for admission to study in the United kingdom with out much success, never worry! In today’s article, we shall talk about studying in the UK, benefits associated with studying in the united kingdom, tuition fees, top ranked universities with their current rankings, how to apply for admission, application deadlines etc.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly called the United Kingdom is a country situated in Western Europe. It includes the islands of Great Britain (comprised of most parts of the islands of England, Scotland and Wales), and Northern Island. With the English Channel to its south, the North Sea to its east and the Celtic Sea to its south-west, the United Kingdom is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and is therefore the 12th longest coastline in the world.
Its capital city is London, a global city populated by 10.3 million people. London is the fourth-largest city in Europe and the second-largest in the European Union.
Furthermore, the UK is 11th-largest sovereign state in Europe, 78 largest in the world and also the 21st-most populous country in the world. Its population is estimated to be over 65 million and stands as the fourth-most populated nation in the European Union.
Its leadership style is a constitutional monarchy of which Queen Elizabeth II has occupied since February 1952. Being a developed country, the United Kingdom has the fifth-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. Currently, its exit from the EU is being discussed after a national referendum in 2016 resulted in a vote to leave.
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WHY STUDY IN THE UK
The UK is fast becoming a popular study destination for international students. The fact that the United Kingdom’s education system equips students with academic and professional skills has encouraged international students to seek admission in the UK. Some other factors that prompt international students include;
- High quality education
Among the top ten universities in the world, four are in the UK. The quality standard of the education system is so high that a lot of countries have modeled theirs around the British system. The UK’s research system is world leading and recognized internationally that it has produced some world leaders who had a brazen impact on the world.
- Affordability
Education in the UK is cheaper compared to the quality of education in other countries. Also, large number of grants, scholarships and bursaries are offered by institutions to aid students, thereby reducing the cost.
- Part-time Work
International students are given the opportunity to take up part-time jobs. This helps to cover part of their expenses while gaining valuable exposure.
- The UK is an interesting place to live
Studying in the UK gives you a chance to meet with and learn from people from more than 150 nationalities.
- Work placements
For many courses, UK universities offer the option of a work placement. This gives the student a first-hand knowledge and proficiency in the area of study.
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SOME HIGH RANKING-INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR INDEX ON THE WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKING
- University of Oxford
Country Rank – 1
World Rank – 17
The University of Oxford was founded in 1906 in the large urban town of Oxford, South East England. It is officially recognized and accredited by the Privy Council and has an enrollment range of 25,000-30,000. Its admission policy is based on entrance examinations and past academic record and grades of students.
- University of Cambridge
Country Rank – 2
World Rank – 20
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is located in the urban town of Cambridge in the East of England. It has an enrollment range of 15,000-20,000 students and is recognized and accredited by the Privy Council, the body in charge of the UK’s education system. The institution has an admission policy that is based on entrance examinations and past academic record and grades of students and offers courses that lead to officially recognized education degrees.
- University College London
Country Rank – 3
World Rank – 45
Located in the London metropolis, the University College London (UCL) was established in 1826 and is officially recognized and accredited by the Privy Council. The UCL offers courses that lead to officially recognized higher degrees including bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in several areas of study and provides academic, non-academic and administrative services to students.
- The University of Edinburgh
Country Rank – 4
World Rank – 49
The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1582 as a non-profit institution in the urban city of Edinburgh, Scotland. It has an enrollment range of 25,000-30,000 students and is officially recognized and accredited by the Privy Council. International students are eligible to apply for admission into the university.
- The University of Manchester
Country Rank – 5
World Rank – 98
Founded in 2004, the University of Manchester has quickly stood out as a prestigious university. It is located in the city of Manchester and has an enrollment range of 35,000-40,000 students. This higher education institution is officially accredited and recognized by the Privy Council has a selective admission policy that is based on individual past academic grades and records. International students can apply for enrollment in the institution.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications can be done through UKuni, a free online platform specifically designed for international students or UCAS, (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). The UCAS system of application is recognized by a majority of universities. Another way is applying directly through the university’s website but only a small number of universities allow this option.
DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS
For 2018 entries,
Majority of courses have their deadline by January 15
Medicine, dentistry and veterinary have their deadlines by 15 October
Arts and design courses usually have their deadline by 15 January or March 24
However, these are UCAS application deadlines and some universities will allow international students apply after the deadlines.
Another option called UCAS clearing comes up after the deadlines every year. At this time, intending students have the opportunity to fill up remaining places in the universities.
It should be noted that these dates are subject to change every year, so it is advisable to keep in touch with the institution to know when any date is changed.
For an international student, who is not so sure on how to pay for studies, there is a wide range of loans to help with tuition and living costs
Conclusively, the UK is a great place to study.
