Some of the greatest brains in history have chosen to study in the UK. The UK is one of the best destinations for you to pursue your career dreams, as one in four world leaders attended university there. Some of the most esteemed and ancient universities in the world, like Oxford University and the University of Cambridge, were founded in the United Kingdom.
Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director Education India, British Council, discusses the reasons for Indian students choosing the UK as a destination to pursue their education needs, as well as popular courses and universities in the UK, with Sunil Dhawan, Financial Express Online.
With 133,237 study visas issued, or more than 25% of all visas, Indians maintained their position as the most common nationality in 2023—a 5% rise from the previous year. In what ways does this illustrate the UK’s appeal as a study-abroad destination for Indian students?
Renowned for its prestigious universities, vibrant culture, and diverse population, the UK is a coveted destination for international scholars and as the student visa data reveals, India accounts for one of the largest cohorts of international students in the UK. Here are some of the reasons why the UK stands out for Indian students seeking overseas education:
Academic Excellence: UK has many internationally recognized universities with high-quality education and faculty, modern pedagogy and teaching methodologies. UK universities have time and again, made it to the top of global rankings as they offer great learning experiences prioritizing comprehensive development and skills essential for global success and employability.
Cost of Education: Compared to other study abroad destinations, UK education is more appealing for Indian students with one-year master’s programmes on offer and numerous scholarship opportunities like British Council Women in STEM scholarships, Charles Wallace India Trust scholarships, GREAT scholarships, and Chevening scholarships. There are many more scholarships offered by universities.
Student-Friendly Policies: The India-UK agreement on mutual recognition of academic qualifications and the Graduate Route visa are enabling policies exemplifying UK’s support for international students.
Supportive Environment: UK universities foster a supportive community aiding students in their academic pursuits, personal growth, and successful integration into university life. National Health Service (NHS) provides excellent healthcare and on campus mental health support. In addition, many special interest group clubs allow an international student to pursue interests beyond academics.
What specific academic programmes or courses make the UK an attractive destination, compared to other countries, for Indian students?
The popular subjects at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels continue to be business and engineering, however, in the last few years, students are increasingly interested in subjects like Social Sciences, Law, Architecture, Building and Planning.
As per Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data for 2021-2022, the top 10 courses opted by Indian students in the UK include:
Business and management studies
Computing
Engineering and technology
Subjects allied to medicine
Social sciences
Architecture, building and planning
Design and creative and performing arts
Law
Biological and sport sciences
Psychology
In addition to these popular courses, we are seeing some emerging subject areas such as sports management, liberal arts and humanities.
How do UK universities fare in global rankings, such as QS and Higher Education rankings, and what advantages does this offer to students in terms of the quality of education?
The UK is home to some of the most coveted and top-ranking universities in the world that provide students with qualifications and degrees that greatly enhance their employability. QS World University Rankings 2024 places four UK universities in the top 10 globally, while Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 lists three UK universities among the top 10 worldwide.
Additionally, both rankings feature a notable presence of UK institutions in their top 200 lists, with 27 in QS World University Rankings 2024 and 25 in Times Higher Education 2024.
This academic excellence, coupled with expert faculty, networking opportunities and access to resources, contributes significantly to the quality of education students receive at these institutions, enhancing their career prospects.
What post-study work options or career prospects are available for Indian students after completing their education in the UK?
The institutions in the UK provide support to students to gain valuable professional experience through internships and placements. In fact, according to QS Graduate Employability Rankings, UK graduates are among the most employable in the world.
Furthermore, the Graduate Route and the Young Professional Scheme allow Indians to study or work and live in the UK for two years, and develop their professional skills, and this direct connection between academics and career growth has significantly increased consideration for the UK among Indian students.
