study abroad in the UK
Changes to England's university admissions will see students applying for places after receiving their A-level results. Source: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP

Throngs of international students make their way to the UK’s shores each year in pursuit of quality education, and rightly so. Choosing to study abroad in the UK means following in the footsteps of thousands of others, the vast majority of which report they are satisfied with their learning experience and careers so far.

The UK is home to many of the world’s top universities, including the prestigious Russell Group institutions. Many degrees and qualifications are recognised worldwide.

Academics aside, it’s culturally diverse — in 2017/18, there were almost half a million international students studying in UK higher education institutions, accounting for 19.6 percent of the UK’s total student population.

In its cosmopolitan cities, you will find a plethora of food from different cultures or get a taste of home if you’re ever homesick.

Here’s a quick checklist of what you should know if you plan to study abroad in the UK:

How to apply

Have you finally decided which course you’d like to study? 

Student visa

Once you receive an offer from a UK university, you can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over.

Money

study abroad in the UK

Keep your finances in check. Source: John Thys/AFP

Some parts of the UK can be very expensive. It’s best to learn to manage your finances as best as you can. We have some tips on: 

English language

Is English your second language?

Health and insurance

study abroad in the UK

Be it a medical emergency or one that requires you to go back to your home country immediately, make sure you have the right insurance. Source: Rodrigo Buendia/AFP

Insurance will give you (and your family) peace of mind as you study abroad in the UK, in the event anything unforeseen were to occur. There are many types of insurance available.

Pathway programmes

Pathway programmes are designed to prepare students for their bachelor’s or master’s programmes abroad if they don’t meet certain requirements.

  • Find out more about pathway programmes here and here.
  • If you’re looking for a pathway programme that will help you secure a spot at your dream UK university, check this and this out.

Accommodation 

 study abroad in the UK

Should you stay on or off-campus? Source: Filippo Monteforte/AFP

Renting abroad is part of your exciting journey into adulthood as a student.

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