Capital: LONDON
Language - English, Welsh, Scottish form of Gaelic.
Official Currency - British Pound (GBP)

The UK is fast emerging as one of the most popular study destinations for education in the world. There are numerous factors, which prompt international students to pursue their education in the UK. UK education equips students with unparalleled academic and professional skills and augments their personal development with an unforgettable cultural experience. Wherever you choose to study in the UK, you will surely have an enriching and international experience, one that will remain etched in your memory forever and will arm you with a truly global perspective.

The British universities are owned and funded by the UK government and are subject to rigorous quality assurance audits periodically to standardize the quality of education across all institutions throughout the UK. This means that all aspects of education being offered by institutions in the UK, be they schools, further education or higher education or research institutions, will subscribe to a certain level of quality and standard as is closely assessed by the government.

All services such as facilities available to students, quality of teaching, research funds, infrastructure, accommodation services, student support and career services are monitored according to strict quantitative assessments. This means students can have confidence in the quality of delivery when they select to study in the UK.

Quality standards for UK institutions are among the best in the world. The British qualifications are recognized and respected throughout the world. They serve as a solid foundation for building future, boosting career and prospects for a higher salary. UK universities, colleges and schools will provide a vibrant, creative, stimulating and challenging environment that gives students a chance for personal growth and to develop their potential.

UK scientists and institutions have won ninety Nobel Prizes for their scientific achievements. The creative brains of UK- artists, fashion designers, film, television and leisure software designers - are regarded as among the best in the world.

Many students will select to study in the UK because of the international recognition held by UK qualifications. This is particularly important in an increasingly globalised world economy. Employers are looking for people with appropriate knowledge, professional skills and the willingness to learn. This is an essential part of the UK teaching and learning experience and is why the qualifications are well regarded around the world.

English language skills are also important for your future career prospects as English is accepted as being the language of business, science, IT and the internet around the world. Learning English in the UK allows you to immerse yourself in the language, to live and think in English.

There are three thousand educational institutions in the UK that offer thousands of courses at different levels of education, be it schools, colleges, further education, higher education or research institutions. Students have umpteen number of options to choose from. There is also great flexibility in the way in which a subject can be studied and it is often possible to incorporate different elements such as vocational, English language training, work placements into a specific programme of study. Conversion courses are very popular in the UK with international students as they allow students from a non related background to pursue their studies in a specific subject.

One of the biggest advantages of studying in the UK is that the option of combining work placements with academic study such as sandwich courses at the undergraduate level and work internships at the post graduate level. Having a work component weaved into the programme of study gives the students cutting edge knowledge and expertise as well as the hands on experience in your area of study, thereby strengthening chances of obtaining suitable employment later on.

Studying in the UK is often cheaper than in other countries due to the fact that the courses are shorter - the masters course generally are of 12 months duration as compared to 2 years in other countries and the bachelors programs are normally of 3 years duration as compared to 4 years in other countries.

Since the duration of the courses is shorter the living expenses also tend to be lower in comparison, as the duration of stay is reduced. This also means that students can enter the employment market sooner than their peers in other countries. At the same time, mid career professionals who have returned to university to study, spend comparatively less time away from their workplace and careers, thereby helping to prevent any major dent in their overall financial status and professional growth.

According to the Visa regulations, on a student visa of more that 6 months duration, you can work 20 hours a week part time and 40 hrs a week full time during vacations. The minimum wage regulation in the UK states that the minimum possible wage per hour for students working part time must be £4.50, and generally students get paid between £4 to £7 an hour depending on the nature of the job.

Although the students are allowed to work 20 hrs a week part time, they are strongly advised not to spend more that 8 to 10 hrs per week as courses in the UK are known for being very intensive.

Some universities offer students an opportunity to gain industry experience as part of the course. This is particularly true on undergraduate programmes and is normally for one year between the 2nd and 3rd year of a Bachelor degree programme. However some times is may be for a shorter period and it is also available on a small number of postgraduate degree programmes. Many of the placements provide students with a salary enabling them to earn money at the same time as studying.

UK offers invaluable multicultural experience for international students. Being an ethnically diverse and multi-faith country and a confluence of many cultures and communities, international students are able to adapt and assimilate admirably into the larger British culture. And this is a significant factor which ensures that all international students will we welcomed into a receptive and sensitive climate while in the UK. Today various integral aspects of international cultures and ethos are hugely popular in the UK as is clearly demonstrated by the overwhelming promotion of multi-culturalism through international cuisine, music and dress. This respect and acceptance makes the UK a perfect cultural climate to live in as an international student.