UK vs USA: A Comparison for Indian Students to Study Abroad
UK vs USA: A Comparison for Indian Students to Study Abroad
Two different roads leading to a new lifestyle! Do you also want to study abroad but can’t decide whether to study in USA or to study in UK? Well, to help you make your mind, in this blog we are going to compare the two best countries in the world and which one Indian student pick when it comes to study abroad.
Imagine standing at a crossroad, on your left, there are cobblestoned streets leading to the rich history of London, UK. On the right side, the bustling avenues of New York City with modern architecture pulling you to go there. Now which one will you choose? It’s a tough call to make, right? Because where you should do depends on what excites you more. If you want to dive deep in the historic culture, then enjoy the British summers. However, if you want to experience something new and futuristic, then pack your bags to celebrate 4th of July with Americans.
Now, as education is a crucial aspect, and when you are aiming to get the best education in the world, then let’s help you decide which country is best for you.
Study in UK: A Complete Overview
Are you a fan of sports, literature, ancient architecture, old money, royal living, in short, a fan of a historic nation? If yes, then there is nothing better for you than to study in UK. What all the UK has to offer to Indian students when it comes to study abroad for Indian students, the entire list is below. So, let’s get to the point quickly.
Education System
The UK education system is something to look forward to. As an Indian student, all your life you have studied theoretically. But when you enrol in a UK university, you get the opportunity study in a structured and intensive education system. The UK education system emphasizes on research based learning and practical knowledge. The teaching method of British universities focuses on independent learning, research, and analytical thinking.
With the British education system, you get the chance to choose a subject and do your specialisation in it from the beginning. The British curriculum is set in a way that help students grasp in-depth knowledge in the course. The duration of a UG course in the UK is three years and for a master’s course, it is often one year.
Top Universities in UK:
- Abertay University
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Aston University
- Birmingham City University
- Buckinghamshire New University
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- Cardiff University
- Harper Adams University
- Lancaster University
- Middlesex University
- University of Oxford
- Imperial College London
- University of Cambridge
Cost of Education & Other Financial Aid
When it comes to studying abroad, many Indian students let go of this dream because it is an expensive experience. However, what if we tell you, you can accomplish your dream of studying abroad in the UK without spending much.
As per the UK education system, the degree duration for UG is three years and for PG it is mostly one year. With this, the cost of study remains limited. Besides this, there are several scholarships and grant options available for Indian (or international) students to avail. Here’s a quick glance on the cost of studying abroad in UK.
- Tuition fees: The tuition fees to study in UK for Indian students ranges between £10,000-£40,000 per year. However, the fees may vary on course, college, and duration.
- Living cost: While London is an expensive location, the overall costing of living in the UK may range between £10,000-£15,000 per year depending on where you choose to live.
- Financial aid: To help Indian students study in UK without worrying about financial constraints, there are several scholarships available. Indian students can apply for scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT Scholarships to afford their education abroad.
Job Opportunities & Post-study Permits
Before deciding to study abroad, it is crucial for you to understand what the return on investment is. As we know that study in UK experience is an expensive one, you would want to know how early you can cover the cost of your education and start earning better. So, here are the benefits of job opportunities and post-study work permits for Indian students.
- Part-time jobs: When you decide to study in UK, you get a chance to work part-time. This will help you earn along with studying and supporting your daily living expenses.
- Post-study work options: After graduating from a UK university, you will get a chance to stay in the country for up to 2 years and work in the field of your degree.
The best advantage of studying in the UK is after completing your degree and gaining work experience in your field of study, you can also get a chance of permanent residency.
Student Visa Process & Requirements
To study in the UK, you will need a student visa for UK. Here is the simplified process and requirements.
- Apply for Tier-4 student visa to study in UK. Submit the application online, pay £490 visa fee, and book a biometric appointment for visa interview.
- To apply for a student visa to study in UK, you must secure an admission in a UK university and have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter.
- You also need to provide financial proof showcasing you can afford your education abroad. With this, you also need to provide your English proficiency exam result like scores of IELTS or TOEFL.
- Submit all the required documents like the CAS, passport, financial proof, and English proficiency exam score.
Study in USA: In a Nutshell
Coming to our next country; the USA. The United States of America is the hub of practical education, futuristic courses, and world-class opportunities. Besides being the best study abroad destination for Indian students, the US is also known for its diverse culture. So, what are all the reasons for you to study in USA, let’s explore them.
Education System
The US education system is completely based on practical learning and flexible education. Unlike any other nation in the world, it is only the American universities or the US education system that give students the liberty to pick the courses they want to study. For instance, you are an Arts Major, but you also want to try your hands in the business field. So, the US universities give you the option of picking whatever courses you want and learn from the best professors in the world.
The duration of a UG course in the US is of four years and for PG courses, it is typically two years. But what is the best part about the US education system is that students get a chance to implement their classroom learnings in the real world through internships along with studies. The emphasis on practical learning and interdisciplinary studies gives students the opportunity to find what they really want to be in life through open forums.
Top Universities in USA:
- St.Catherine University
- Arkansas State University
- Austin College
- Belmont University
- Bradley University
- Central Michigan University
- Depaul University
- Fairfield University
- John Hopkins University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cost of Education & Other Financial Aid
When it is about studying in the USA, then obviously the cost of education is higher because of the premium learning. However, if you are an academic wonk, then you can secure an admission in the top ranked universities in the USA with ease. However, to give a gist of the cost of studying abroad in the USA for Indian students, below is the required detail.
- Tuition fees: Pursuing higher education in public universities in the USA can range between $20,000 – $40,000 per year. On the other hand, studying in private institutions in the US can charge $40,000 – $70,000.
- Living expenses: Although the cost of living in the US completely depends on the city you are living in and whether it is on campus or off campus. However, on an average, the cost of living in the US can cost between $10,000 – $18,000 per year.
- Financial aid: To help Indian students fund their abroad education, there are various financial aid options. From university specific grants to government offered scholarships Indian students can avail the best. Some of the scholarship options for Indian students are Fulbright and Tata Scholarships.
Job Opportunities & Post-study Permits
The USA provides the best job opportunities to Indian (or international) students. From internship options while studying to long-term job prospects in field like technology, business, and healthcare. The US government also allows international students to work under Optional Practical Training for one year and with STEM courses international students can work in the states for an additional two years.
However, one of the drawbacks of post-study work opportunities in the USA is H-1B visa. The H-1B visa is what international students need to work in the US after graduation. But to get the H-1B visa is a tough task as it requires certain criteria and skills to achieve.
Student Visa Process & Requirements
In order to study in USA, Indian students need a student visa. Here’s a simplified process and list of requirements for student visa in USA.
- Get admission acceptance letter from a SEVP-approved US university (SEVP stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Program) and receive the I-20 form from the institution.
- Pay the SEVIS fees (SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) of $350 and complete the DS-160 visa application form online.
- Then book two appointments; one for biometric, and the other for visa interview at the US embassy/consulate.
- At last, carry all the crucial documents like passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, financial documents, and academic records to your visa interview.
- To study abroad for Indian students the English proficiency exam record is crucial. So, take a proficiency exam like IELT or TOEFL to prove your English-language skills.
Settle the Debate of Studying Abroad with MetaApply
Deciding whether you want to study in UK or the USA is totally your call. Because it is like deciding between two blockbuster movies to watch over dinner. As both nations have their different benefits and drawbacks, where you want to study is totally your call. Look what you want to study, which college is offering great benefits for that course, what are the future aspects of that course, which country is providing a high-paying job, post-study work permit, or eventually, if you want to settle abroad, then where do you see yourself living.
After deciding what your future is going to look like, only then should you start filling out the college applications. However, if you are still confused about where you should study abroad, then connect with our experts. At MetaApply, we offer assistance to students at every step. We start with career counselling, going through all the study abroad steps, and finally helping you settle abroad in your dream country to study abroad without worrying about expenses or anything else.
So, if you are ready to settle the debate between study in UK vs study in USA, then contact our experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The USA offers diverse courses, work opportunities, flexible learning, and global networking opportunity. On the other hand, the UK offers shorter courses, cost-effective degrees, and easier post-study work visa. However, the choice of best country depends on every individual as every student have different interests, career goals, and budget.
A degree from both countries will give you global recognition and open the doors of job opportunities. However, the degrees offered by US universities have more extensive research, flexible learning, and strong prospect in the STEM fields. On the other hand, the UK degrees are shorter, cost-effective, and globally recognised. The choice depends on student’s interests, goals, and budget.
To study in UK exams like IELTS or TOEFL are required English-language skills, and GMAT/GRE for postgraduate degrees. On the other hand, to study in USA, Indian students need to take IELTS/TOEFL for English-language skills, SAT/ACT for undergraduate admissions, and GRE/GMAT for postgraduate admissions.
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