Ten Reasons to Study in the UK Instead of USA (2024)

Regarding pursuing higher education abroad, the UK and USA are undoubtedly among the most sought-after destinations in the world due to factors such as quality of education and research, global exposure, infrastructure and facilities and campus life experiences. But when choosing between the two to study abroad, despite sharing the same language, there are several differences between the countries and their education systems that should be considered.

Read on to learn what factors make the UK a better destination to study abroad. Book a free consultation with SI-UK India today if you want to learn about UK university education.

Ten reasons why the UK is better than the USA for Higher Education

According to various international student data, the percentage of Indian students enrolled in UK universities is more than that of US universities. Find out why below!

1. Education System of the UK vs the US

Choosing the right country for education involves considering various factors, and the structure of the education system is a key element. A comparison between the United Kingdom and the United States reveals distinct differences that can influence the learning experience. Here's a breakdown to help prospective students in making an informed decision.

• Degree Duration: UK undergraduate programmes typically take three years, while US programmes commonly take four years.
• Specialisation: In the UK, students often specialise in their chosen subject, whereas the US emphasises general education before specialisation.
• Flexibility: UK programmes offer less room for elective courses, while the US provides more flexibility for students to explore a variety of subjects.
• Grading System: In the UK, the emphasis is on final exams, while the US employs continuous assessment methods, including assignments and exams throughout the term.
• Master's Programmes: Master's programmes in the UK are typically one year, compared to the often two-year duration in the US.

2. Post-study Work Opportunities

You get to stay and work in the US for a maximum of one year without a proper job offer after completing your degree, whereas in the UK, you can stay for two years with the new post-study work visa. This gives you a higher chance of recovering some of the education costs incurred and finding permanent employment in the UK.

3. Diverse Courses

Though the UK has fewer universities than the US, the variety of courses offered in the UK is huge, with unique courses like Applied Golf Management and Stand-Up Master’s Degree, among others.

4. Cost of Study

In the United States, tuition fees exhibit a broad spectrum, influenced by factors such as the type of university, programme of study, and location. Public universities are more budget-friendly, while private institutions often have a higher price tag.

US Tuition Fees

• Public universities (In-State) offer a range from $10,000 to $30,000 annually.
• Private universities can be more expensive, with fees spanning from $30,000 to $60,000 per academic year.
• Public universities (Out-of-State) often incur significantly higher fees than In-State options.

UK Tuition Fees

• Generally lower than the US, the UK adopts a tiered fee system.
• For international students pursuing undergraduate degrees, fees vary from £10,000 to £35,000 per academic year.
• Postgraduate tuition fees in the UK range from £10,000 to £50,000 per academic year.

The fees charged for the same class of universities are less in the UK than they are in the US. Also, as degrees in the UK are shorter, the overall costs and living expenses are logically lower.

5. Student Life

The UK offers a culturally diverse environment with more international students coming in than the US, thus providing more international exposure. The UK dorm life, sports and clubs, pub crawls, theatres and music festivals keep students entertained.

6. Cultural Experience

British life and culture are truly unlike any other, with its rich history and architecture, the famous countryside, raging pub culture, traditional English breakfast and the famous fish and chips. There’s the added advantage of easily exploring Europe during your stay.

7. UK Universities’ Rankings

The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities that rank higher than US institutions. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, four UK universities feature in the top 10, compared to four from the US. These universities are the University of Cambridge (2nd), the University of Oxford (3rd), Imperial College London (6th), and University College London (9th).

Overall University Rankings (2024)

The UK excels with four universities in the top 10, including the University of Cambridge (2nd), the University of Oxford (3rd), Imperial College London (6th), and University College London (9th).

Archaeology (2023)

The UK dominates the field, with the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and University College London claiming the top three spots.

Art & Design (2023)

UK leads the way, with the Royal College of Arts and the University of the Arts London securing the top two positions.

Classics & Ancient History (2023)

UK boasts three institutions in the top 10, including Oxford (2nd), Cambridge (3rd), and Durham (8th), surpassing the lone US representative.

Geography (2023)

UK universities dominate the top 10, with Oxford (1st), London School of Economics (2nd), Cambridge (3rd), and UCL (6th) outshining their US counterparts.

8. Living Expenses

In the US, living costs fluctuate based on the university's location, with major cities like New York City or San Francisco demanding higher expenses than smaller college towns. International students can expect to spend $10,000 to $15,000 annually. Living expenses vary by location in the UK but tend to be lower than in the US. On average, international students might spend around £10,000 to £12,000 per academic year, making the UK an economically attractive option.

9. High Percentage of Indian Nationals

For Indian students, the UK is a favourable choice. While Indian Americans constitute 1.35% of the vast U.S. population, the UK stands out, with 3.1% of England and Wales' inhabitants identifying as Indian in the 2021 Census. With a more significant presence and community in the UK, Indian students find a welcoming environment, fostering cultural connections and support.

10. Healthcare Coverage

In the UK, international students studying for six months or more enjoy free medical treatment through the National Health Service (NHS). However, certain universities may mandate private health insurance. In the US, international students typically spend between $1,500 to $2,500 annually on health insurance. It's a consideration worth weighing when planning overseas studies, ensuring access to healthcare aligns with individual preferences and university requirements.

Study in the UK

If you are considering enrolling in a course at a UK university and need guidance and assistance for the same, book afree consultation with SI-UK in your nearest city today.