The United Kingdom (UK) stands as a global beacon for educational excellence across a spectrum of fields, encompassing engineering, science, art and design, business and management, law, and finance. What sets the UK’s education system apart is its remarkable flexibility, allowing students to blend diverse courses and subjects, crafting a personalized degree aligned with their interests and aspirations. Amidst this landscape, Indian students are increasingly drawn to the prospects of academic growth in the UK. However, students planning to embark on this journey should be attuned to recent legislative changes that could shape their experiences.
In an exclusive email exchange with Sunil Dhawan at Financialexpress Online, Saurabh Goel, the Co-founder and CEO of Amberstudent, delves into these developments, offering insights into their implications for students aspiring to pursue education in the UK.
One prominent trend surfaces—the substantial upsurge in Indian students selecting the UK as their higher education destination. Remarkably, a staggering count of 161,000 student visas had been granted by 2022, showcasing an impressive 330% escalation since 2019. This surge extends across various levels of education, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and master’s programs, with a 10-15% rise observed last year.
This influx is catalyzed by the UK’s rich diversity in educational offerings, emphasis on experiential learning, esteemed educators, and pioneering research avenues. Notably, the credibility of UK degrees is underscored by the presence of four UK universities ranked within the top ten globally according to the QS World Rankings 2023. The University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and UCL secured second, fourth, sixth, and eighth positions respectively.
The application season for international students pursuing various courses within the UK commences a year before the September entry. However, these timelines are institution-dependent, thus necessitating thorough review of individual institutions for specific deadlines. An early application is recommended, particularly for in-demand courses such as business analytics, data science, and computer science.
With the UK government moving to curtail applications for courses with poor employability outcomes, concerns are raised about its impact on Indian students. As elucidated by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the intent is to guide students towards making informed choices that align with promising career prospects. This strategy aims to enhance the value proposition of UK degrees, ensuring a more rewarding investment in education.
The introduction of a two-year post-study work visa in the UK significantly benefits Indian students, granting them the opportunity to remain and work in the UK post-graduation. This policy mirrors a shift towards bolstering the UK’s attractiveness within a competitive job market, especially amid current economic conditions. The prospect of leveraging newly-acquired skills for career advancement adds allure to this opportunity.
Regarding regulations pertaining to reduced enrollment restrictions for dependents of international students, details and implementation dates remain uncertain. The evolving situation necessitates ongoing monitoring for updates that will be relayed to students accordingly.
Accommodation poses a critical aspect of studying abroad. Diverse options, such as university halls of residence, private student accommodations, shared flats, and homestays, present various advantages. While university-owned halls offer proximity to campus and a lively community, private accommodations extend flexibility and amenities. Notably, only a quarter of students can be accommodated on-campus, necessitating proactive arrangements. Services like Amberstudent provide tailored solutions, offering pre-validated, student-friendly accommodations with support throughout the booking process.
In conclusion, pursuing studies in the UK in 2023 demands foresight, responsiveness to changing regulations, and prudent planning for accommodations. The UK’s enduring educational excellence continues to beckon students, promising holistic growth and exposure within a dynamic academic environment.
