Top Reasons to Choose the UK for Your Studies Archives

NACAC Conference 2024: Insights for UK Students and Counselors

Posted on September 17, 2024September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

The UK Study Expert at the NACAC Conference 2024

Join Us at Booth 336 in Los Angeles!

We are thrilled to announce that The UK Study Expert will be attending the NACAC Conference in Los Angeles. Visit us at Booth 336 to meet representatives from some of the leading UK universities. Discover the unique opportunities these institutions offer, learn about admissions requirements, and get personalized advice from our experts.

Meet Our Partner Universities

Bournemouth University

Located on the south coast of England, Bournemouth University is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty less than two hours from central London by train. We are a green, safe and friendly town welcoming students from many countries. Famous for its seven-mile stretch of award-winning sandy beaches, the town is also a thriving hub for a number of industries including the creative, financial and tourism sectors.

US Entry Requirements:

High School Graduation Diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, plus at least one of the following:

SAT tests are accepted only on courses which does not list required or relevant subjects. Minimum combined score varies between 1200 and 1300, according to the course applied for.
ACT tests are accepted only on courses which does not list required or relevant subjects. Minimum combined score varies between 24 and 26, according to the course applied for.
Advanced Placement tests – AP tests are required on courses which list required or relevant subjects. You will need 2 or 3 tests and the required score per subject will range between 3 and 5, depending on the course applied for. Additional tests such as SAT or ACT will support your application.
Some courses will require an art portfolio and/or interview.

If you apply for a course which requires AP tests but are unable to take the tests, please contact the International Admissions Team on [email protected] to discuss your options.

US Contact:

Luciana Figueiredo

Email: [email protected]

BIMM University

BIMM is committed to providing the highest quality in creative arts education. Their lecturers are real industry experts, actively working in the creative arts alongside teaching at BIMM, and students have access to tools, tech and equipment used by the industry today. As a student at BIMM University, you will join a real community of creatives, with opportunities to collaborate across its disciplines both inside and outside of the classroom.

US Entry Requirements:

High School Diploma with 2.5-2.8+.
SAT, AP or ACT test scores can also be considered, but not required.
Most courses require a successful audition, interview or portfolio review.

US Contact:
Andrew (Andy) Moss

Email: [email protected]

University of Chester

Proudly welcoming over 14,000 students from 115 countries worldwide, The University of Chester provides a vibrant, diverse and safe home for students. The University is one of the oldest higher education providers in the United Kingdom having recently celebrated its 182nd year of teaching, starting off as a teacher training college back in 1839. The University now offers more than 200 single and combined honours programmes.

US Entry Requirements:

High School diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 2.8 and one of the following:

SAT overall score of 1100+
ACT overall score of 22+
2 AP’s in relevant subjects with grades 3 or above

Some courses may require additional criteria, please contact the International Centre for clarification.

Engineering courses require an additional mark of at least 55% in a Maths module.

US Contact:
Isabella Henney
Email: [email protected]

University of Greenwich

The University of Greenwich, London, is driven by a founding ethos of ‘no limits’. Our fundamental vision is to empower everyone to explore new possibilities, unbound by conventional wisdom and artificial boundaries. Voted by StudentCrowd as the Number 1 University in London and by WhatUni Student Choice as the Number 1 University in London for international students, the University of Greenwich is a lively and diverse community of people united by their passion for learning.

US Entry Requirements:

High School Diploma with a minimum GPA 3.2 or GED with a minimum grade of 175.

For students with a GPA 2.8 or GED of 165, you will also need ONE of the following:

ACT – Grade 22 or above
AP – Grade 3 or above in 2 advanced placement tests
SAT – 1050 in SAT with minimum of 500 in each section (Post-March 2016) or 1650 (pre-March 2016)

US Contact:
Adam Austin

Email: [email protected]

University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is a modern city centre university located in the South West of England, nestled between the beaches of Devon and Cornwall and picturesque Dartmoor.

Ranked as one of the UK’s top 10 modern universities, it is our aim to advance knowledge and transform lives. Plymouth is committed to investing in the future of its students, fueling their career development with degrees designed to unveil strengths, to tackle global challenges and make a positive difference to people’s lives.

US Entry Requirements:

Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in a US High School Graduation Diploma with a minimum of one of the following:

AP at grade 3, 4 or 5 (usually two or three subjects relevant to the course)
SAT 1050 or above
ACT 25 or above.

US Contact:
Andrew Rossiter

Email: [email protected]

Middlesex University

Middlesex University is a world-class centre for education, research and skills-based learning with a 130 year heritage. We offer a wide range of courses, taught by academics who are researchers or practitioners in their field and share their real life experience with their students.

Our state-of-the-art campus in Hendon, north London, is one of the biggest in the capital and means our students have everything they need in one place – including 24/7 support.

US Entry Requirements:

GPA Requirement

3.2+

Test optional / not required. Some programmes may require specific subject requirements, which can be met with 2 AP exams in the subject area. A minimum of 3-4 AP tests with Grades of 5 (with specific subjects). Expected to be taken alongside a relevant high school diploma.

2.8 – 3.1

SAT of 550 on each part, OR ACT composite score of 23, OR 2 AP exams with 3+

2.7 or below

Can be considered for a Foundation Year. Must provide SAT of 550 on each part, OR ACT composite score of 23, OR 2 AP exams with 3+

US Contact:
Gabriela Mendez Madera

Email: [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you at the conference and helping you explore the exciting opportunities available at these prestigious UK universities.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Booth 336 and take the first step towards an international education experience!

Study Arts in the UK: Affordable Degrees | UK Study Expert

Posted on February 27, 2023September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

Are you or your students interested in earning a degree in the arts? Last week, The UK Study Expert hosted a webinar along with 5 top UK arts universities discussing why earning your art degree in the UK compared to the US is a far better investment and choice. We discussed the UK’s growing economy, cost differences, graduate employability and more.

The following universities were represented:

Falmouth University

Goldsmiths University of London

Leeds Arts University

Arts University Bournemouth

Ravensbourne University

Below, we break down why studying arts in the UK as an American can provide many benefits:

1. Enhance your artistic skills and knowledge:

The UK is renowned for its arts education, and studying here can help you develop your artistic skills and knowledge. You can learn from renowned artists and scholars, participate in workshops, and gain hands-on experience through internships and other practical opportunities.

2. Three year bachelor’s degrees:

These represented arts universities are based in England, therefore, their degrees are only 3 years long. Students are able to specialize in their declared subject from day 1 and are not required to take any general education classes. This allows the student to save an additional year of expenses, advance their career quicker, and allows them to specialize in the subject they are most passionate in.

3. Affordable and competitive compared to US universities:

The average tuition to study at an US arts university can range from $40,000 to $55,000 per year. Studying in the UK is a fraction of the price. The average cost of tuition from the following represented universities is $21,000 per year, plus it is a three year bachelor’s degree, which saves a student an additional year of tuition and living expenses.

4. Expand your career prospects:

Studying arts in the UK can open up many career opportunities, both in the UK and around the world. The creative economy contributed £116 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy in 2019, greater than the aerospace, automotive, life sciences, oil, and gas sectors combined. Students who wish to stay in the UK after they graduate, can apply for the Graduate Route Visa, which allows students to work for up to two years after they graduate. Students have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, showcase your work in exhibitions, and gain exposure to different artistic fields and disciplines.

5. Exposure to different cultural perspectives:

Studying in the UK can provide you with a unique opportunity to experience a new culture and broaden your worldview. You will have the chance to interact with people from different backgrounds, learn about their perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of their values and traditions.

6. Study abroad experience:

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, and the UK offers an excellent opportunity for American students to live and study in a foreign country. You can improve your language skills, gain independence, and develop cultural competencies that can benefit you throughout your life.

Overall, studying arts in the UK as an American can provide a unique and rewarding experience that can help students grow both personally and professionally.

Are you interested in finding the right UK university match? Take our free UK University Quiz and discover your top 5 best UK university matches!

Affordable Degrees in the UK for Students | UK Study Expert

Posted on January 19, 2023September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

Many students and parents have the misconception that studying in the UK will be more expensive than staying in the US. They couldn’t be more wrong!

Studying in the UK ends up being the same cost, if not cheaper, than studying in the US. According to this recent article from Forbes, US university tuition and expenses are higher than almost every other country.

University Tuition and Living Costs in the UK vs. the US

Going to university in the UK is far more financially beneficial to go to university in the UK than in the US. The average tuition for a year of education in the UK can range from $12,000 – $31,000 for a year 3 bachelor’s degree, compared to the US, where the average tuition for one year is $25,707 (in-state tuition) and can go up to $54,501 (private universities).

As for Living expenses (accommodation + travel + food, etc.) can be anywhere from $11,000 to $18,000 per year (British Council, 2022).

Some students manage to do things even cheaper than that! It depends on your lifestyle, and if you’re living in student housing, or private housing, with or without flatmates.

Why are UK degrees generally cheaper? Let’s go over the reasons why, as well as the ways US students fund their UK studies.

UK Degrees are Shorter in Length

Students can complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degree in just 4 years – saving them 2 years of expensive tuition and living expenses.

Standard degrees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland universities are 3 years in length. Master’s degrees are completed in 1 year. PhD’s can range from 3 to 4 years.

Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule for specialty programs, but the lengths mentioned above are generally the case. Cutting out an extra year of study is undoubtedly going to save a student a lot of cash!

As for Scotland, bachelor’s degrees are 4 years in length. The price a student would pay studying in Scotland would be comparable to studying at an in-state university in the US, however, the experience couldn’t quite compare.

So, if you are looking to strategically save and earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degree, the UK is a highly attractive option. Earning both degrees in the US could take as long as 6 years or more. Can you imagine coming back to the US with a master’s degree, while your friends studying in the US have just completed or are trying to complete their bachelor’s degree?

? Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $27

Costs Vary by University and Location

There is a narrow range of tuition costs across the UK, thus, it’s pretty easy to apply to universities within your budget with a little research. Not surprisingly, universities outside of London will be cheaper than universities within London, especially when it comes to accommodation and living costs. Welsh universities end up being a steal, so don’t sleep on them!

Furthermore, if a university is really well known or very highly ranked, they may be more expensive than universities that are lesser known. Our search tool can help you discover universities that offer a good education, but aren’t as well known as some of the main contenders you’ve already heard of.

Using FAFSA to Fund Your UK Studies

Did you know that FAFSA will let you use your student loans for UK universities? The process works the same as the US: UK universities have FAFSA codes you can easily plug into the application.

Once you confirm an offer at a UK university, you’ll work with the finance team to complete the FAFSA process. It’s really that simple!

Scholarships are Available

UK universities open up scholarships to students in early spring. Scholarships typically range from £1,000 – £5,000 and are applied for after you send in your university application. Many students are able to win scholarships that help offset costs.

If you are looking for larger scholarships, check out our scholarships page to learn a variety of options.

Employment in the UK as a Student

Beyond loans and scholarships, you can actually work up to 20 hours in the UK while studying. Outside of term, students are able to work up to 40 hours a week. This is not a common practice in every country, so it’s a nice bonus that the UK offers students this option.

Application Fees are Cheap and/or Non Existent

One thing to note is that application fees are also very cheap in the UK. It’s roughly $30 to apply to up to 5 universities for bachelor’s programs, and generally free to apply to master’s and PhD programs (except for some specialty programs, like MBA’s). This makes it easy and cheap for a student to apply to UK programs.

Resources: Education Data Initiative

How The UK Study Expert Can Help You

Are you in the process of finding the right fit UK university? Check out our university search engine. Where you’ll be able to learn about UK universities and their entry requirements.

Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match.

Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs.

Need help figuring out your UCAS application? Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide!

Get the UCAS Guide for $27

About the Author:

Ashley Jeanson is an international education expert with over 9 years of experience in the field. She’s worked for a mixture of study abroad providers, universities in the US and the UK, and third-party providers, mostly specializing in helping American students attend UK universities. In her spare time, she travels the globe and is eternally in search of the best cup of coffee.

Graduate Route Visa: Work in the UK | The UK Study Expert

Posted on November 7, 2022September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

Have you ever wondered about staying and working after studying your degree in the UK?

On 1 July 2021, the UK Government launched a graduate visa route to allow international students on a student visa to remain living and working in the UK after they graduate. Graduates do not need to work in the field related to their degree, allowing for great flexibility for graduates to gain work experience. Students can apply after completing their undergraduate or graduate (postgraduate) degree and can work in the UK for up to two years.

Therefore, if you’re an international student studying in the UK and are hoping to stay in the UK longer to gain employment, this is your chance!

Graduate Route Visa – Application Process

You can only apply for the Graduate visa from inside the UK while your Tier 4/Student visa is still valid. We recommend contacting your university’s immigration officer before you graduate to prepare you for the process.

Once you have successfully completed your degree and your university has informed the Home Office, you will need to have successfully completed your current course/degree (i.e. been notified of your official award) and your university will need to have reported your successful completion to the Home Office before you can apply. Once your status is processed by your university, your university will update your immigration record.

The current graduate visa application fee is £715 + the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £624 per year you will be in the UK.

Once you’ve applied and provided all necessary documents, it can take up to 8 weeks to get a decision on your visa. You will be able to continue living in the UK under the conditions of your Tier 4/Student visa until an outcome is received. You cannot travel outside of the UK while your Graduate visa application is pending.

Here is the link where you can apply for the Graduate visa: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/apply

Here is the link to the documents you will need to apply: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/documents-youll-need-to-apply

After Getting Your Graduate Visa

After your Graduate visa is approved, you are free to search for work, work in most jobs, be self-employed, and travel in and out of the UK. As noted above, your Graduate visa will last for 2 years, but note that it cannot be extended. At this point, if you want to remain in the UK, you might be able to switch to another visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, or Tier 2 Visa (if a job will sponsor you).

Did you know that US visitors will need to apply for an ETA to visit the UK? Check out our article here.

Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs.

About the Author:

Guide: Are UK Universities Accredited? | The UK Study Expert

Posted on October 20, 2022September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

A question we get a lot from American students is if UK universities are accredited, which is really a fancy way of asking: are UK degrees viable and accepted in the United States?

You’ll be happy to know the answer is yes, with a few exceptions for specialty fields.

American students are most familiar with Regional Accreditation Organizations in the United States. Of course, UK universities are not accredited by these US organizations, but by their own accreditation system in the UK, called the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). According to QAA’s website and in their words, they are an “independent charity working to benefit students and higher education, and one of the world’s experts in quality assurance. We are trusted by higher education providers and regulatory bodies to maintain and enhance quality and standards. We work with governments, agencies and institutions globally to benefit UK higher education and its international reputation.”

Universities are also accredited through external examiners, who are drawn from a pool of academic staff from other institutions, as well as business and industry professionals. These examiners routinely assess the quality of a university’s education as compared with other universities, as well as observing assessment processes to make sure things are up to standard.

These rigorous accreditation practices make the UK one of the most trusted and accepted degrees around the globe. Because of this, the US recognizes UK degrees for both further education and employment in the US.

As always, there are some exceptions to the rule. For some specialty fields in the US, you may have to take extra exams or classes upon your return to practice in your field.

Here are examples of degrees where extra accreditation may be needed to use a UK degree in the USA:

Nursing
Teaching Credentials (may not transfer over depending on the state)
Medicine
Social Work
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
Law (may not be able to sit the bar exam depending on the state)
Architecture
Psychology at the PhD level (if you are wanting to become licensed as a therapist)

Disclaimer: We always recommend doing your own independent research and asking experts in your field about the transferability of UK degrees. State licensing and accreditation boards in the US are especially good sources to ask about this.

Please note that the majority of UK degrees will not need extra accreditation for use in the US. This includes humanities, science, mathematics, business, and a plethora of other degrees! When in doubt, The UK Study Expert can help point you in the right direction about which degrees may need more accreditation.

If you want to ensure that you are making the right decision in the application process, our advisors can support you throughout the process and help you get into your dream UK university!

About the Author:

Visiting Wales and Welsh Scholarships

Posted on October 12, 2022September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

This past month, I had the privilege and opportunity to attend the Welsh Counselor Tour hosted by Study in Wales. Roughly 30 US college counselors were invited to explore a variety of Welsh universities throughout Wales.

Study in Wales is the sector of Global Wales that champion’s the promotion of Welsh universities to international students and high school counselors. These organizations advocate the variety of Welsh universities and funding opportunities to students and counselors that may have never had the consideration or opportunity in the past.

During the Study in Wales tour, we were split into two groups to visit the following universities:

Aberystwyth University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, University of Wales Trinity St. David, Wrexham Glyndwr University, University of South Wales, Swansea University and Bangor University.

Not only did we tour the campuses, Study in Wales organized a special evening reception at the Royal Welsh College of Drama and Music and a Cultural Day to explore Wales and learn more about the Welsh language, culture and heritage. We stayed at the beautiful Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, and visited Harlech Castle, and Portmeirion where we had afternoon tea. Our guides, Robert Alexander and Emma Fuller, did a great job of organizing and answering our questions along the way.

Wales may be small, but they have a variety of university options and degrees that are for every type of student. The cost of living is an attractive feature along with funding opportunities that are offered. Major funding opportunities that Americans should keep their eye on are The Global Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, Global Wales Fulbright Scholarship, Global Wales Gilman Scholarship, and the Aberystwyth University Accommodation Award. In addition, Taith is a Welsh funding opportunity that could be beneficial for a variety of programmes and exchanges. It is not a scholarship but it can support funding for students interested in studying abroad, counselors, teachers, researchers, community colleges and universities.

The Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship programme offers scholarships worth up to £10,000 – to study a full-time masters programme in Wales. The scholarships are available to students from Vietnam, India, USA, Canada and countries of the European Union. This prestigious scheme is the first scholarship of its kind in Wales and is funded by the Global Wales Programme. The deadline is usually the end of May and to be awarded in September.

The Global Wales Fulbright Scholarship covers the first year of any master’s programme offered by a participating Welsh University. The Welsh Government, Global Wales partners, and the Welsh universities have partnered with the Fulbright Commission to provide one master’s degree scholarship to study at one of the participating Welsh Universities, in any field.

The Global Wales Gilman Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship programme for high-achieving students in the United States who wish to study in Wales. Award holders receive a study grant of up to $5,000 USD, to be used toward tuition, housing, travel, and related costs for up to one academic year. This award enables outstanding American students of limited financial means to study overseas for up to one academic year as part of their undergraduate studies. Interested students are welcome to contact their campus study abroad office or visit the Gilman Scholarship website. Application opens in August. The deadline runs until early October.

One scholarship that is very unique in the sector is the Aberystwyth University Accommodation Award. Aberystwyth University is offering undergraduate and graduate international students free housing on the several accommodation options to choose from. Free accommodation spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If there are no free spaces left, you will be sent an offer for a discounted rate in your other hall of choice.

Finally, I recommend counselors look into the Taith programme that Wales is running. Taith is an all-Wales international learning exchange programme with a £65 million investment by the Welsh Government. It is focused on promoting international exchanges to support Welsh learners broaden their horizons and instill confidence in their young learners.

Here are a few ideas on how US counselors or schools can take advantage of Taith’s funding:

High school, community college and university students could attend an international exchange semester in Wales. There is reciprocal funding available too! Staff who are chaperoning high school students are also eligible for funding.
Teachers and youth workers could teach or counsel Welsh students on academics or mental health support and vice versa.
Research exchange and university collaborations

These opportunities are great for supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students can be funded for as little as two weeks! Funding levels depend on the level of the partnership. To learn more about Taith, you can reach out to one of the team members on their website or you can email Rob from Study in Wales.

If none of these scholarships apply to you, don’t forget that all of these Welsh universities accept FAFSA. Students can apply and use federal funding to study in Wales to fund their degree.

Having studied and completed my Bachelor’s degree at Aberystwyth, I am very familiar with Wales, but attending this tour reignited the love I have for Wales while giving me a deeper understanding of the academics, heritage, and offerings.

If you are a student or counselor and are looking for more information about studying in Wales, I recommend connecting to Study in Wales to learn more. You can also check out more information on the universities and blogs on Wales on our website.

Degrees in Scotland

Posted on May 16, 2022September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

Have you ever wondered, what the differences are from Scottish degrees compared to English, Welsh and Northern Irish degrees? Ashley Warmington from University of Glasgow explains:

There are four nations within the UK; England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. The education system is mostly similar across the UK, but as students progress into high school, Scotland has a different degree structure than the rest of the UK.

Part of the appeal of earning a degree in the UK is the absence of general education or core curriculum requirements. Students apply directly to their major and study it from day one. This degree structure is fantastic for a student who knows what they want. But what about for those who don’t?

Scottish degrees are typically four years in length and are designed to offer breadth and depth in studies. In Scotland, students have a great deal of flexibility and choice in their first two years of study. While students will still study their chosen major right away, they will also study two or sometimes three subjects of their choosing from outside of their major. These are often referred to as Enhanced Study options.

Enhanced Study options are a great way for students to explore other interest areas or elevate their understanding of their major by engaging with other disciplines. Whether you want to heighten your employability by taking a language alongside your studies or maybe you want to take a subject you were torn between when you chose your major, you can use the subjects you study outside of your major to have a truly tailored degree experience. Another benefit of enhanced study options is that students can switch their major to any subject they have studied from year one. For instance, if you are an English Literature major you might like to study History and a Language alongside your major in first year. As you progress to second year maybe you’ve discovered you much prefer History – the Scottish degree structure allows you to change.

While this isn’t quite for the student who really has no idea what they want to specialize in, the Scottish degree does offer focused flexibility that allows for wiggle room as you grow and discover your academic interests during your studies. It is common for students in Scotland to drop or pick up a joint major, choose a minor in year 3 or change their degree altogether to a subject they have been studying since year one.

There are some restrictions when it comes to what you can study outside of your major. Firstly, you will need to meet the pre-requisites of any subject. Secondly, there can’t be any timetable clashes with your major. Lastly, some courses such as Medicine or other professional degrees might not have the same flexible options.

Overall, the Scottish degree structure is a fantastic springboard for students who want to have control over what they study and the flexibility to change specialisms.

Ashley Warmington is the Senior International Officer for western USA at the University of Glasgow. Ashley studied her undergraduate degree in Scotland and has worked in UK admissions since 2016. She is now based in Southern California, where she helps American students through the UK application process.

5 Things US Students Should Expect | The UK Study Expert

Posted on March 28, 2022September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

Not only is applying to university a big step but applying to a UK university is a larger one! You need to navigate the different admissions processes, obtain your visa and book a flight. Once you’ve hurdled all these steps and you’re done, what should you can you expect when you start this new, exciting life?

1. Flatmates vs. Roommates

Many UK universities offer students accommodation where they will have their own bedroom. This means you do not have to worry whether or not you will vibe well with a roommate. Some university accommodations will even have an en-suite option where you will get your own bathroom with toilet and shower! That being said, instead of roommates you will have flatmates. Each flat may be compromised of 5-7 other students that you will share a kitchen and possible sitting room with. Therefore, it is important to understand boundaries and not make too much noise in the hallways.

2. Three Year Degrees

Most UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) courses are very subject focused, meaning that if you are studying a history degree you won’t be expected to take any math classes. Due to the lack of general education requirements UK degrees are only three years, rather than the 4 years you may be familiar with in the USA. If you wish to take classes outside of your chosen major many universities will have classes open for the public that students can take for free or at a reduced rate.

3. Takeaway, Meal Plans, Kitchens and More

You may be used to the concept of meal plans as many US universities require first year students to take out a meal plan. While available, they are not as common at UK universities. This is due to students having access to a kitchen in their accommodation. This allows you to start cook your own meals at your own time. If you don’t want to cook, no problem! The UK has a variety of places to order delivery, or takeaway, as it’s referred to here. Most universities will also have a variety of cafes, food halls or more to help ease the rumble in your stomach.

4. No Grades for Attendance

Academics works a bit different in the UK than it does in the US. For one, there are less things that you will be graded over. In the US you might expect to have 10% of your grade for attendance, 20% for participation, 20% for homework, 50% for exams or tests. In the UK many courses, or modules, will only grade you on your submitted work or seated exams. So, if you have 2 essays and one exam, your essays may be worth 25% each and your exam for 50% of your grade! While daunting, many departments will help to prepare you for each of your assignments and you will receive a personal tutor, similar to a US advisor, who can help answer any questions you may have.

Another thing to prepare for is the grading scale. For an undergraduate course a failure is below 40% and below 50% for a postgraduate degree. You can then get an undergraduate degree that is labelled as a third-class degree (40-50%), 2.2 degree (50-60%), 2.1 degree (60-70%) or a first degree (anything over 70%).

5. Hundreds of Societies

Students in the UK are able to join a variety of societies that cater to their interests. This can range from sport societies, such as rugby, soccer and American football, to specific societies that relate to your course, hobbies, politics, beliefs and more! Most of these societies will allow you to go to the first meeting free of charge before you are expected to pay a smaller membership fee that goes to the students Union.

The students union is a common concept in the UK and is there to work or the student. They help to raise awareness of student issues at the university and work on improving student satisfaction. The students union will have a variety of student-elected full-time officers that serve as the student voice on campus. They may hold positions that focus on wellbeing, student opportunities, societies and more. The students union will also hold events on campus and hosts a variety of welcome activities during the first week of term to help introduce new students to student life.

Jackie Jarocki is a Regional Officer at Aberystwyth University. Jackie is a former international student from the USA who came to study in the UK in 2018 and never left! She has been working in the UK Higher Education in international student recruitment since 2019.

Student Support at UK Universities

Posted on March 21, 2022September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

Supporting our students in all areas of their life is one of the most important values to British universities and, as a result, we have plenty of options in place to make sure your time at university is as amazing as possible!

A lot of support actually starts before you even arrive in the UK. The universities you apply to will run pre-departure sessions, aimed at preparing you for both life and study in the UK, as well as more practical elements of moving across the pond. At University of Sussex, we run sessions covering Campus Life, Housing, Finance, Visa application, Life in the UK, and Moving to the UK in the months leading up to you leaving for university.

Academic support is obviously vital to you completing your degree successfully, and universities across the UK offer plenty of resources for you to maximize your learning potential. Most universities will allocate you an academic advisory, a member of teaching staff in your department who is there to help you out with any challenges you might be facing with your degree program. Also, don’t forget, all of your professors will have office hours to drop into and discuss content from each module you’re taking! We also run university-wide sessions on things like essay-writing, note-taking, and presentation skills- all things you’ll need throughout your degree.

If you are someone that might need extra support academically due to a disability, then universities have extra processes in place to support you. This can include working with you to provide an individual support plan, contact with our dedicated support workers, and working to support your academic life at a higher level, particularly with essays and exams.

Whilst the academic support we provide is essential, so is enhancing other areas of your life- after all, universities is a whole life experience! UK universities all have teams to help out with different issues you may run into in your day-to-day life. At Sussex, our student support options cover:

Student life: this can be pretty broad, covering anything from budgeting advice to homesickness to relationship advice
Mental health support: at Sussex, we offer free counseling to our students and can work with the on-campus doctors to support mental well-being
Residential life and housing: whether you’re living on or off campus
Careers and Employability: this is a service you can use throughout your degree and also 3-years post-graduation
International Student Support
Health
Religion and spirituality

Universities want you to have the best possible time, so these are all services we encourage you to reach out to if you feel you need it!

We also want our campus spaces to be a safe as possible. This will work differently depending on whether you’re at a campus or city-based university, but never doubt that there will be support available. At Sussex, we offer a 24/7 security team who patrol the campus, with security pick-up points across campus. We have a dedicated emergency line and phones across campus, and our Residential Life team are trained in crisis management.

There are also loads of other outlets for support at UK universities (sports clubs, societies, the Students’ Union, mentoring programs) but it’s safe to say that you’ll be well supported during your time at your chosen British university!

Kasia Symons is the International Officer for the Americas at University of Sussex.

Applying to UK Medical Degrees

Posted on February 17, 2022September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

What are the entry requirements to apply to medical school? How competitive is it for me as an American to apply? Will my UK medical degree transfer back to the US? What are some viable options if I can’t get into Medical School in the UK?

We address these questions and more as we help you understand what it means to study Medicine in the UK!

UK Medical Degrees

In the UK, it’s hard to believe, but British students can go directly into Medicine as an undergraduate. This often leads to a misconception in the US that the process will be quicker, cheaper, and perhaps easier to study a medical degree abroad. However, that is not accurate.

Medical programs are called the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB or MBBS). They have no general education or core curriculum requirements and are five years in length. This program is considered a combined Undergraduate and Graduate degree. The first two years are foundational and years 3-5 are hospital experience.

Students who complete the Medicine (MBChB or MBBS) program, must then complete an additional two years of professional training to practice in the UK. Therefore the length to start practicing is around 7 years.

Entry Requirements as an American

Medicine is one of the most competitive programs in the UK. Out of 130 universities, there are only 37 medical schools. The average UK student who is accepted into a Medical degree already has a strong knowledge and understanding of Math, English and Sciences with at least 3 to 5 A-Levels or Highers exams with scores of A’s. The equivalent of these exams in the US are AP exams with scores of 5’s.

In addition, most universities will also require you to take one admissions test: University Clinical Test (UCAT), Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) along with an interview.

Not only are the entry requirements quite high, but looking at it from an international standpoint, it becomes more competitive. Most universities accept only 10-15 international students per year. You’re not only competing against other Americans, but you’re also competing against other students from around the world.

The application deadline for all medical programs is October 15th.

Transferring your UK Medical Degree to the US

If a student wants to return to the US after graduating, there are going to be some extra steps. UK graduates with the MBChB or MBBS are generally exempt from having to attend medical school in the United States, but may need to complete a residency, in addition to passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to become a licensed doctor.

Either way, the process will be rigorous. It will take about 7-8 years to complete no matter which route you choose. So the decision should be less about saving time and more about what experience is going to be the best fit for you.

Other Medicine Pathways

If a student is looking to get the best of both worlds, a great option might be to complete a Bachelor of Science in the UK and apply to a medical school in the US.

The UK is a fantastic option for the student who knows what they want to study, as there are no general education or core curriculum requirements. You have the chance to study your major and related subjects from day one. Not to mention the transparent application process and reasonable tuition fees. One thing to keep in mind is that US medical schools could require specific general education courses. It’s important to do your research and check before applying.

If a full degree abroad isn’t the preference but a student has medical aspirations, studying abroad for a semester or a year might be a good choice. TheUniversity of Glasgow has a study abroad course called ‘Functional Anatomy’ that is exclusively available to visiting students. This was designed specifically for pre-med study abroad students by a professor who used to teach at a medical school in the U.S.

Once you research the process to find out if studying medicine overseas is truly what you want to pursue, you will have the fun task of finding the right schools to apply to. Some of the best medical schools in the world are in the United Kingdom.

Our University Partners and their Medical Schools

If you are interested in pursuing your full medical degree in the UK, below is a list of our university partners who offer Medicine. If you would like to connect with a university representative to learn more about their entry requirements and applying, we recommend filling in their university contact form. A university representative will contact you within 2-5 business days.

University of Glasgow

Leeds Beckett University

King’s College London

The University of Sheffield

University of Sussex

University of Bristol

University of Kent

University of Birmingham

University of Plymouth

Imperial College London

Newcastle University

University of Manchester

My First Semester Studying in the UK

Posted on February 2, 2022September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

So, you’ve packed, gotten your visa, and finally sorted your accommodation? It may feel like you’re ready to get on a plane and go, but right when you think you’re finally done with all the hard logistical stuff, you start to think about university and student life, but there is one thing that many people forgot to consider before heading abroad to study in a new country. No matter how crucial it seems, when caught up in the hustle and bustle of preparing to move, it’s easy to forget to even think about academic differences and challenges. I, for one, was fully unprepared for the hurdles I would face transitioning to school in the UK.

During my first week, I attended a lecture on writing where I was introduced to the UK grading system. The obvious difference was that there were no letters, only numbers, and they weren’t necessarily sorted by percentage. I was told that it was rare and near impossible to get a mark higher than 80, and that 70 and up was equivalent to an A in the US grading system. Truthfully, I didn’t understand it at all, so I assumed I would just pick it up as I went along.

Fast forward a month or so and I finally get my first mark back. And it’s a 63. Now, this is actually a pretty good mark for a first try, but my brain, fully acclimated to the US grading system, saw it as an automatic failure, and my first instinct was to cry, which I definitely did. However, after my moment of weakness I looked up a table comparing UK and US grades, something I recommend all international students do (for their corresponding country of course) BEFORE arriving in the UK, and I finally learned to understand the scoring system.

Once I got over the grade-translation obstacle, I noticed other academic differences between the US and UK, and a lot of them are actually amazing! One of the best things about studying in the UK is the freedom. I felt more grown up, and not just because I literally moved to another country and was now living alone and ultimately was forced to grow up, but also because I was finally able to study exactly what I wanted, when I wanted. The professors treated me like an equal rather than someone they were just employed to teach. The coursework I did outside of class was actually productive and left plenty of room for creative expression. I loved that it was not just busy work and I could write/read about absolutely anything I wanted, but most of all, I loved feeling like a real student, excited to learn and enjoying what I was studying.

The assignments I do for my classes in England are all about quality over quantity, which is something I wasn’t used to after being in the US school system. With only a couple big essays or projects per semester, it felt like I finally had TIME to fine-tune my assignments AND I even had extra time to read. (Granted, the workload may differ depending on your program of study, but for me, it worked out great)! The days of setting aside 3 hours for homework after school were over. No more coloring in maps of the world for geography, writing scientific reports for chemistry, and filling in equations for algebra.

The most incredible thing about studying at University of Sheffield specifically has most definitely been the global perspective it’s strengthened in me. Sheffield has a huge international student population, which is something that drew me to it in the first place. As a politics and philosophy student, speaking with my peers and hearing about their unique experiences has really aided my understanding of the subjects I study in my classes. I get to see first hand how cultural and personal upbringings can drastically impact individual opinions on the same issue. Having conversations in classes and seminars with my peers added a whole new dimension to my understanding of the wider world.

Ultimately, despite initial hurdles, studying in England has helped me grow as a person and learn as a citizen of the world. I feel better equipped to continue my academic career with newfound freedom and knowledge, which is something I always wanted. 🙂

Charlotte Flores is a current student at University of Sheffield originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico. She is currently studying BA Politics and Philosophy and plans to graduate in 2022.

Should You Consider a Foundation Year?

Posted on January 18, 2022September 9, 2026 by Jackie Christopher

Foundation years are something that are often overlooked in the UK university system, but provide benefits to certain students. There are typically two different types of foundation years in the UK.

The first is aimed at those who need some assistance with English before undertaking a full degree. This is called international foundation. We wouldn’t recommend this to US students since their first language is English. The second is a different type of foundation year, that students might take for a number of different reasons, and it is this one that would be most relevant to students from the US.

Foundation year is a preparatory pathway taken prior to starting a three-year degree in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They are in broad subject areas, which will allow you to progress into a more specialized area. For example, at University of Sussex, our foundation year in Business, Management and Economics will allow students to progress into any of our 3-year degrees in the University of Sussex Business School.

So why take a foundation year?

A foundation year can be taken for a number of different reasons. As you start to research English universities, you’ll see that undergraduate degrees are in specialized areas (and start in the subject from day 1; we don’t have general education classes in our system!). But you might not be ready to commit to something that early on, so a Foundation Year can provide you with an intro year in a broad subject area whilst you finalize your choice on the three-year degree.

Most English degree programs will have specific academic requirements that you need to meet to be granted a place. This may be AP test scores, SAT/ACT scores, GPA, and we do this to ensure that you’ll be able to manage the workload on your chosen degree. If your test scores aren’t quite matching up, you could also consider a foundation year. There will still be requirements to meet (again to ensure that you can work at the foundation year level which is higher than high school), but they tend to be lower than the requirements for the degree, and give you that chance to bridge the gap between high school and first year of university.

Think of it like a final year top-up or attending community college in the US: It’s a great option if your grades aren’t strong enough to get into the school of your choice and you want to improve your academic skills. The foundation year gives you that option but you won’t be taking general education classes. Instead, you will be developing your subject knowledge before starting your bachelor’s degree.

You may also want to consider a foundation year if you’re rethinking your educational path, or if you’re coming back to education after a little while out.

How can a foundation year benefit me?

Foundations years have the aim of preparing students to be successful in the full degree they progress into. Because of this, you will be learning material specifically aimed to preparing you for a certain subject area – when school may not have done for you! You’ll learn essential skills and knowledge, and be taught by members of your university’s faculty. In fact, you’ll be considered a full member of the university, and get access to all the support services, facilities, and student life experiences that English universities have to offer.

What happens next?

Once you have successfully completed your foundation year (each university will have a certain grade they need you to make), you can then progress into one of the 3-year degrees that is in your chosen pathway. For example, the Social Sciences foundation year can lead into degrees in Politics, Law, Sociology, International Relations, Criminology, Geography- just to name a few. At this point, you’ll join the first year of your chosen degree and complete it successfully! And we know that students who have done a foundation year do really well too! At University of Sussex, over 88% of foundation year students went on to achieve the top two grades in their full degree in 2021.

Kasia Symons is the International Officer for the Americas at University of Sussex.