From choosing the right field of study to location and affordability, there are a number of key factors to think about before you make that big decision.
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, it’s no wonder so many people dream of doing it. Being in a different country helps you to learn new languages, get to know other cultures, make new friends, overcome the challenges of living in foreign city, and become a more global citizen. All these experiences will stand you in good stead when it comes to finding the kind of work that you want and developing a rewarding career.
IELTS is accepted by institutions in more than 140 countries, making it the ideal English language test for your application requirements in English speaking countries. Find more tips to help you navigate studying abroad below.
Choosing the right course
Start by looking at where your interests lie and identify what you are good at. It’s all about playing to your strengths. You will also need to be realistic and think about future job opportunities. A more general degree will allow you to keep your options open.
Specialised degrees offer the best opportunity when it comes to future career options. There is always a high demand for people in the healthcare sector as well as lawyers, architects, accountants, engineers, and cybersecurity specialists.
How do I choose where to study?
Once you have a good idea of what you’d like to study, choosing where to study abroad is your next big decision. Studying in the UK is a great choice for international students; from the fantastic student lifestyle to the country’s reputation around the world as a centre of academic excellence, this multicultural country has more than 150 universities, each offering a wide range of degrees in diverse subjects. Popular options for students who want to study medicine are the University of Cambridge, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Edinburgh, and Imperial College London.
Which university is right for me?
University websites offer an enormous amount of information, and you can request more detail on the course offerings. Use subject specific as well as national university rankings to help you identify which universities specialise in your chosen field of interest.
Read through the application requirements carefully and remember to book your IELTS test on time to meet the application deadline.
How do I get a UK student visa?
You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or over. You must also have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor, have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course, and speak, read, write and understand English. If you’re thinking of studying in the UK, you should take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test.
Can I afford the tuition fees?
International undergraduate tuition fees vary considerably, starting at around £10,000 and going up to £38,000 or more for medical degrees.
However, a big benefit of studying in the UK is that the country offers a range of scholarships to all kinds of students. Some universities have their own student loan schemes for talented students from international backgrounds. Contact the university you're interested in attending to ask if they run a student loan scheme, and what the eligibility requirements are.
What about the cost of living?
Living with flatmates is a great way of making friends and saving money. If you and your flatmates enjoy similar tastes in food, you could even agree to split the cost on a weekly shop. Most cities in the UK also offer significant student discounts that make money management a little simpler.
Also consider how much money you will need for travel on trains and buses, and what course extras you will be expected to pay for.
Flexible part-time job opportunities are easily available for international students studying in the UK. Jobs in events and hospitality, and working in bars, pubs and clubs bar work are among the best part-time jobs for students. Temp work in admin, sales, and customer service is another option, but you will have to be flexible when it comes to working hours.
As an international student, you will have access to free medical treatment through the National Health Service (NHS). All you have to do for this is pay a small amount when applying for your UK student visa.
Ready to start your journey?
IELTS is the world’s most trusted English test and is designed to help you study in the UK. Make your move and book your IELTS test with us today!