UK Study
Every year, we speak
to many of the hundreds of students who flock to the mega education’ events
held in Delhi and experience the continuing enthusiasm for studying at UK
universities. In 2016-17, the number of Indian university students studying abroad
in the UK increased to 16,550 -- ten percent more than the previous year. So,
what is UK’s secret?
Here is what makes UK a
sought-after study abroad destination for Indian students:
1. UK still seen as a GREAT’ destination
Harvard University
campus
Since 2012, the GREAT
Britain campaign’ has been promoting the UK as a welcoming country, which offers talented Indian students high-quality, flexible
courses including integrated work placements, networking opportunities and skills
development plus wonderful research opportunities.
The UK has now benefited from a downturn in the popularity of
the US due to the Trump administration’s negative stance towards visas.
We know access to visas which allow you to work for a period
after completing your studies are really important to Indian applicants. Essex
is part of a pilot offering post-study work visas so we’re delighted that the
UK government is proposing to extend this and we’re now calling for a two-year
post-study work visa.
2. Scholarships for talented students
There are many
scholarships you can avail to study abroad in the UK.
UK universities offer a wide range of scholarships and discounts
to study in UK. The programmes to look for include:
·
Chevening scholarships
·
UK STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
Scholarships (launched in December 2018, for female applicantsin STEM areas)
·
the Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
·
UK India Education Research Initiative (UKERI)
·
Newton-Bhabha Fund
·
the British Council’s GREAT Scholarships
Several smaller
academic excellence awards offer 20-50% fee
discounts.
Besides, universities are always happy to provide advice.
3. A return on investment
Indian applicants always want to discuss Return on Investment’,
especially if they are studying abroad in the UK.
We think it often takes three to four years
(on average) for a millennial to get started in their chosen careers and at
this point, graduates really reap the benefits of the international network and
experience provided by their UK degree.
4. Global reputation
India’s youth population is booming, but Indian institutions
cannot meet their demand. Studying abroad in the UK can offer bright students a
chance to study at universities with global reputations.
If you look at the Times Higher Education
World University Rankings, which assesses education and research, you’ll see
only one Indian university in the top 300.
In the UK, 11 universities are in the top 100, another 18 are in
the top 200, and 10 more including the University of Essex are in the top 300.
5. Less stressful to apply
It is much easier to
study abroad in the UK than in the US.
Admission processes at UK universities are equally rigorous
compared to other countries, but entry criteria are based on the applicant’s
overall profile.
The application
process to study abroad in the UK is much less stressful as unlike the United
States, UK universities don’t require exams like SAT and SAT subject tests
for admission to their undergraduate programmes and accept
Indian grading systems and boards like CBSE and ISC.
6. Language is no barrier
If you’re worried
about your English to study abroad in the UK, many UK universities
offer pathway courses to improve your language skills before progressing to an
undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
For example, the University of Essex International College at
our Colchester Campus offers a range of degree preparation courses.
7. Historic links are still valued
The Indian diaspora in the UK plays a massive role in
influencing application decisions for their family members in India. These
recommendations come from trusted family members, often based on personal experience,
and are really valued by applicants.
One should try to take time to talk to their family in detail
about their plans to study abroad in the UK.
The founding fathers of our nation Mahatma
Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were educated in the UK and many eminent leaders,
politicians, economists, authors and businessmen are UK alumni.
These inspirational examples provide powerful validation to
Indians aspiring to study in the UK.
- Article by Sandeep Sharma, Director-Student Recruitment and Partnerships South Asia, University of Essex (UoE)
Related Post
