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

Posted on 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 used to hearing colleges and universities described as accredited, but the UK system works a little differently. UK universities are not accredited by one single organization in the same way you might expect in the US. Instead, UK degrees must be awarded by universities or other institutions with official degree-awarding powers. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) also plays an important role in reviewing and supporting academic quality and standards across UK higher education.


Universities also use external examiners as part of their quality-assurance process, 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.


Can you bring a UK degree back to the US and use it? In many cases, yes. But there isn’t one US agency that automatically recognizes every degree earned overseas. If you’re applying to graduate school, the university decides whether to accept your qualification. For employment, it’s generally up to the employer, and either may ask for a credential evaluation showing how your UK degree compares with a US degree.


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 fields where you may need additional exams, coursework, credential evaluation or professional licensing before you can practice 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!

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

If you’re currently ripping your hair out over the sheer amount of confusion from the UK student visa application process, then you’ve come to the right place.

 

Here, we are going to break down and simplify the steps for applying for a UK Student Visa to study at UK universities. This article is specifically for US students applying for a UK Student visa. If you’re looking for the old Tier 4 (General) student visa, it was replaced in 2020. Any information you’re still seeing about Tier 4 online is probably outdated.

 

Let’s start with the basics. There are a few things you need to have before you begin the visa application process.

What Do You Need Before Applying for a UK Student Visa?

  1. You need an unconditional offer from a UK university that you’ve accepted. Your university may also have its own requirements before it issues your CAS, such as paying a tuition deposit, so check its requirements.
  2. You will also need to meet the financial requirements for your tuition and living costs. If you apply before November 30, 2026, the living-cost requirement is £1,529 per month for up to nine months if you’ll study in London or £1,171 per month outside London. For applications made on or after November 30, 2026, those amounts increase to £1,570 per month in London and £1,203 per month outside London. You’ll also need enough for your course fees for up to one academic year.

 

US nationals generally don’t have to submit financial evidence upfront with the application. You still have to meet the requirement, though, and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can ask you to provide proof. If they do, acceptable evidence can include your own savings, a parent’s savings, an eligible student loan or official financial sponsorship.

 

  1. Your CAS reference number. CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Your university gives you this reference number when it is ready to sponsor your Student visa application, and you’ll need to enter it on the application. You must apply for your visa within six months of receiving your CAS.
  2. A valid passport, of course! If your passport is close to expiring, you should consider renewing it before applying for the Student visa.

 

U.S. nationals generally don’t need to prove knowledge of English as part of the Student visa application process.

When Can You Apply for a UK Student Visa?

You can apply for your visa when you are within six months from your program’s start date. If you’re applying from the US, six months before the course begins is the earliest you can submit the application.

 

For example, if your program starts in September, the earliest you can apply is March. Once you are within the 6-month window, and you have your CAS and the other documents you need, you are all set to apply.

Where Do You Apply for a UK Student Visa?

The official site to apply for a UK Student Visa is on the UK government website, called gov.uk. Here is the link where you can apply for the visa.

How Much Does a UK Student Visa Cost?

As of 2026, it costs £558 to apply for a Student visa from outside of the UK.

 

In addition to the application fee, you must pay a health surcharge. This surcharge gives you access to the NHS while your visa is valid, although you may still have to pay for some services.. The current Immigration Health Surcharge for students is £776 per year. The exact total depends on how long your visa lasts, which can be slightly longer than the course itself.

 

You can check the current Immigration Health Surcharge rates on GOV.UK.

 

Because the health surcharge is based on the actual length of your visa rather than simply the length of your degree, it’s better to check the amount during your application instead of relying on a flat estimate.

 

For updated costs, you should always refer to the gov.uk Student visa page.

What Happens After I Fill Out the Student Visa Application Online?

A couple things happen. The application will tell you how you need to prove your identity. Depending on your circumstances, you’ll either use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

 

Follow the instructions you receive with your application rather than assuming you’ll need a specific type of appointment.

What Documents Do You Need for a UK Student Visa?

At minimum, you’ll need a current passport or other valid travel document and your CAS. Depending on your circumstances, UKVI may ask for additional documents, including financial evidence.

 

Make sure to refer to your Documents Checklist for specific documents you need to provide with your application.

 

Follow the instructions generated for your individual application for how to upload or provide those documents.

How Long Does a UK Student Visa Take?

If you apply from outside the UK, a Student visa decision is currently usually made within three weeks after you’ve proved your identity and provided your documents. You may also be offered a paid service for a faster decision.

 

UKVI recommends waiting until you have your visa decision before booking non-refundable travel.

What Happens After Your UK Student Visa Is Approved?

New Student visa applicants now receive an eVisa instead of collecting a new BRP after arriving in the UK. Your eVisa is the digital record of your immigration status. You’ll access it through a UKVI account and should make sure the passport you plan to travel with is linked to that account.

 

If your course lasts more than six months, you can normally arrive in the UK up to one month before it begins. If it lasts six months or less, you can arrive up to one week before. You cannot travel to the UK before the start date shown on your visa.

 

Once your eVisa and travel documents are set up, you’re ready to head to the UK and get settled before university begins.

Need Help Getting Ready to Study in the UK?

The visa is one of the last pieces of the process. Before you get to this stage, you’ll need to choose your universities, understand their entry requirements and submit your UK university applications.

 

The UK Study Expert helps US students navigate that process. Start with our guide to applying to UK universities or explore our other resources for US students planning to study in the UK.


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.

Guide: UK Graduate Application Deadline | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

If you are thinking of applying for your graduate degree in the UK, you may be surprised to know that master’s degrees are 12 months in length, PhD’s are 3 year’s in length, and neither require the GRE’s for admission! The UK application process tends to be very straightforward and easy to understand compared to most undergraduate application processes (remember those?). In this article, we have listed what you need to know when applying to graduate degrees in the UK.

 

? Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $39

 

How to Apply

For most courses, you will make your application directly to the University you wish to study at. To check, we recommend reading the university’s “Apply Now” page to see which application method they prefer students to use. They may direct you to UCAS, since they now offer graduate applications, or the university will direct you to their direct online application.

 

 

Deadlines

Universities may have deadlines for their MBA, Business, and Medical degrees but most UK graduate degrees do not have deadlines. It is common for universities to set their own internal deadlines and processes, so it’s recommended to check each course before applying.

 

Applications typically open each September/October for courses starting in the next academic year. Each university and college will make their decisions at different times, meaning you might hear back from them at different times.

 

Tip: Even though most postgraduate degrees in the UK offer rolling admissions, it’s important to remember that once a student has an offer, it may takes a few months to gather your financial evidence and begin your visa application. The sooner you apply, the better you can prepare for the journey!

 

 

Admissions Tests

As mentioned earlier, the GRE’s are not required to apply to UK universities. If you are applying for professional degrees or an MBA, you may need to take additional tests such as the MCAT or GMAT. If it is a research degree, you may also need to submit a research proposal. Make sure to double check their entry requirements if they require any additional documents or tests.

 

 

Application Documents

The following is a standard list of what the university requires from US students to apply to UK graduate degrees:

 

  • Official University Transcript

  • Personal Statement/Essay (learn how to write a UK graduate essay)

  • 2 Recommendations Letters – you should have at least one reference written by an academic who has taught a subject related to the degree you are applying to. If the academic hasn’t studied the subject you are applying to, make sure there’s a valid reason why they would be writing your reference. If you have been out of school for over two years, two work references should suffice, however, we recommend checking with the university just in case.

  • Copy of your passport (optional)

 

University Search

If you are looking at university options, check out our UK graduate university search engine by inputting your GPA and subject interest. You may be surprised which universities you are matched with!

 

If you are ever confused and wish to speak to a UK university representative who assists with US students, you can contact a representative directly on our university webpages. Click the “contact university” on the red button on the university page and your message will be sent directly to them.

 

 

 

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!

 

 

Need help figuring out your UCAS application? Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide! Get the UCAS Guide for $39

Studying Esports in the UK

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

The UK has had a long history of being a culturally important center for both sports and the games industry, and esports serves as a point in history where these two historical strengths are being brought into alignment. It is the home of both professional esports teams (Excel and Fnatic) and grassroot organizations such as the NUEL (National University Esports League) and NSE (National Student Esports) as well as events such as ESL UK, Gfinity, and Epic.LAN.

 

Many technology and service providers are contributing to a growing industry that UK esports courses are increasingly serving as routes to careers in the esports industry. The UK esports sector has grown at an annual average rate of 8.5% between 2016 and 2019, and the sector supported over 1,200 jobs in 2019 representing just under 8% of the global market. With major global esports event potentially generating 238 full-time equivalents (FTEs) of employment and £12 million pounds in GVA for the UK economy (UKIE, 2019), it is becoming an increasingly attractive context in which to study esports in the West.

 

While America is known for its strong and pervasive sporting culture, the UK has recently become a burgeoning point for the European esports scene and now acts as a global bridge to European scenes and events. Academically, the focus of courses in the UK is more varied and considers more of the general context than just the business and collegiate athleticism of esports. In terms of production, esports are still finding their feet in terms of the broadcasting frame they have adopted. Students would benefit from understanding the ways in which this might differ from the dominant American sports broadcast frame.

 

American students might consider the UK as an excellent chance to study abroad in the UK system which provide modules (or classes) that consider a granular but highly interdisciplinary context for esports. Falmouth University’s Games Academy is a world class school for learning about games and esports and is one of the few esports courses in Europe situated within a department dedicated to games and computing teaching and research. Our aim is to focus on how esports students can work with pre-existing grassroots organizations within and outside of the University. Beyond esports, the course focuses on the practical and technical production skills for live-streaming in other contexts such as data science, new media branding, as well as marketing and financial management. It is anticipated that the course will serve to be at the forefront of how live-streaming might inform the practice of game developers, entertainers, media producers and whatever else the future holds.

 

Rory Summerley is a games studies researcher at Falmouth University who has written and lectured on a diverse range of games-related topics. He has previously worked as a games critic, game design consultant and performance artist and his research interests include e-sports, game fiction and parody.

UK University Entry Requirements | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

If you’ve been confused by entry requirements listed on UK university websites, then you’ve come to the right place. We know the grading system, and all this talk of A-Levels, looks and sounds like a foreign language. Have no fear – the UK Study Expert is here to simplify UK entry requirements for you.

 

First, what you need to know is each university has a set of entry requirements based off of American exams and GPAs, therefore, you won’t be going off of UK requirements at all! These US requirements are usually buried somewhere deep on the university’s website. In this article, we are going to go over the general requirements you need to get into UK universities for both graduate and undergraduate programs.

 

Graduate Degree Program Requirements

Let’s begin with the easiest requirements to break down: Graduate (Master’s) Degree requirements. You’ll be happy to find out that Graduate degrees in the UK do not need the GRE (what a sigh of relief)! UK universities will be looking at your GPA as the main entry requirement for their programs.

 

Generally, if you have a 3.0 and above, you’re in a really good spot for most UK universities. Of course, the higher your GPA, the better, but generally UK universities are more lenient towards GPA than their US counterparts.

 

Students who have a 2.5 GPA and above still have a good list of universities to choose from.

 

Under 2.5 is definitely doable, but the lower you go, the more of a case-by-case situation it will be when admissions is deciding on your application (work experience also comes into play, of course).

 

Besides GPA, certain specialty programs may ask for portfolios or entrance exams, but this is not the norm for most graduate programs. If anything extra is needed beyond a student’s GPA, it will be clearly stated on the university’s program page.

 

You can take the quiz on our website to see a list of your best matches based off of your GPA.

 

Undergraduate Degree Program Requirements

Undergraduate Degree requirements are slightly more complex, and vary depending on the university you are applying to.

 

The best exam to boost your UK application is the AP exam. The more AP exams with high scores you have, the better. If you are looking to study at prestigious universities such as University of Oxford, Cambridge University, Imperial College London, University College London, University of Edinburgh, etc., it is a main component for admission in a student’s application. This is due to the UK education system and A-Level qualifications. The closest equivalent to this in the US is AP exams, which is why this is a hard requirement and universities will not provide any substitutions or flexibility. The IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum is also highly considered.

 

if you don’t have AP exams, there’s also plenty of other high-ranked, well-known universities that offer flexible requirements to choose from!

 

Since COVID and universities moving away from standardized testing, many UK universities have followed suit and have implemented a new test-flexible approach. The ‘main formula’ most universities are looking for is:

 

Ex. 3.0 GPA + (SAT or ACT or AP exams with a good score)

 

However, we have been finding that more universities are taking different combinations of exams and honours classes or dual enrollment classes in place of the ‘main formula.’

Some universities ask for less/more exams, and some universities will be fine with lower GPAs, while some will require higher GPAs. There are even a growing number of universities that have gone test optional!

 

Furthermore, if you have an associate’s degree, this will also be considered in place of exams at most universities, just note that your credits may not transfer.

 

As you can see, there are so many ways to fulfill requirements for UK universities! To make this much easier on you, we have provided this quiz on our website to compile a list of your best university matches based off of your GPA and test scores.

 

Foundation Programs and Extended Degrees

 

For undergraduate students who don’t quite meet the mark on GPA and test requirements, there is an option to do a foundation program before your undergraduate program. These are also sometimes called extended degrees. This will add an extra year prior to starting your undergraduate degree, and entry requirements are usually pretty minimal for most foundation programs – a lower GPA and test scores is more readily accepted.

 

To find out if a Foundation degree is the right option for you, you can read our article Should You Consider a Foundation Degree.

 

The UK Study Expert Search Tool and Quiz Can Help You

Lucky for you, the UK Study Expert has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what each university requires with our handy dandy search tool. Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match.

 

 

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

Posted on 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:

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. 

Visiting Wales and Welsh Scholarships

Posted on 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.

Harlech Castle, May 2022

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:

  1. 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.

  2. Teachers and youth workers could teach or counsel Welsh students on academics or mental health support and vice versa.

  3. 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.

Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, May 2022

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.

Study: British Pound Drops vs US Dollar | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Due to the recent changes from the British government on tax cuts and borrowing, the British Pound (GBP) has weakened to $0.92 per US Dollar (USD). Never has the US Dollar been so strong against the Pound.

 

Even before the Pound dropped, you might be surprised to know that the UK has always been a more affordable option to earn a degree compared to the US.

 

The average cost of tuition fees for students studying in the US on campus is $35,500 per year (Best Colleges, 2022). UK university tuition fees can range from £14,000-£26,000 per year. Not only are tuition fees far less in the UK, UK degrees in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland offer 3 year bachelor degrees (unless it’s an integrated or placement year degree). Therefore, students save an additional year of tuition and living expenses.

 

This also rings true to master’s degrees in the UK. A master’s degree in the UK is 12 months long. This allows the student to save another year of tuition and living expenses.

 

As for living expenses, if you are living in London and are on a 9 month course (degree), the UK Government recommends students applying for their UK Student Visa must have at least £12,006 to cover housing, food and transportation (not just room and board). For students living outside of London for a 9 month course, it is recommended having at least £9,207.

 

So if you’re looking at affordable UK degree options, you could earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 4 years and save 2 years worth of tuition and living expenses!

 

Currency Conversion – Total Cost to Earn Your UK Degree

 

Now let’s convert those currency figures (GBP) to dollars (USD) in today’s economy…

 

If we looked at the lowest amount for UK undergraduate tuition fees (£14,000) and living fees outside of London (£9,207), the student would be looking at total expenses of £23,207 per year.

 

UK tuition fees and living expenses per year for a student living outside of London could be as low as $25,000 per year (xe.com, Sept 28, 2022).

 

If we looked at the highest amount for UK undergraduate tuition fees (£26,000) and living inside of London (£12,006), the student would be looking at total expenses of £38,006 per year.

 

UK tuition fees and living expenses per year for a student living inside of London could be as high as $41,000 per year (xe.com, Sept 28, 2022).

 

Is this the time to be looking at earning your degree in the UK more than ever? Is the pound expected to jump back and rise?

 

We can’t predict the future but from what we’ve read, it looks positive for Americans. The US dollar has strengthened and played a contributing factor. Economics have also pointed out that they don’t see the pound jumping back up anytime soon. The Washington Post interviewed Barry Eichengreen, a professor of economics at the University of California at Berkeley, who said “Recovery is not on the horizon” for the foreseeable future.

 

How Can I Start My Search and Find the Right UK University Match for Me?

 

There’s two main resources students can look to find the right UK University fit…

Students can start by taking The UK Study Expert UK University Match Quiz which asks you questions about what degree you are interested in applying to (undergraduate or graduate), your interests, and academic profile. The quiz will then populate the top 5 UK universities that best match your profile.

The UK Study Expert also has an Undergraduate UK University Search Engine and Postgraduate UK University Search Engine. Students can input their GPA, SAT scores, ACT scores, how many AP exams they have taken/will take, subject interest, and more. They can input as much information or as little of their academic profile and interests. Once added, the search engine will populate UK university options that match their interests and entry requirements.

 

UK universities have clear, transparent information for students to be admitted into their universities. They favor academics rather than looking at a holistic review of a student’s profile. To find out their US entry requirements, students can click on any of The UK Study Expert UK university pages to find out their US entry requirements.

 

Graduate UK Application Essay Guide | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Admissions essay, letter of intent, personal statement? Whatever you call it, a good one can mean the difference between getting an offer into your dream Master’s degree and being rejected. It is your chance to show the university skills and experiences that don’t show on a transcript, and also show a bit of your personality!

 

What should you include?

 

The key to writing your personal statement is, ironically, not to make it too personal. It’s really important to keep these three things as the overarching theme throughout the essay:

 

1. The program (degree) you’re applying for, and why you want to study it

2. Why you think you’ll be successful in the program

3. And what evidence you have to back that up

 

UK universities are largely interested in your academic narrative, rather than your personal one, so keep this in mind as you write. Are you showing your academic prowess at the best level?

 

Here are some key things you can include:

 

  • Relevant study from undergrad (this could be specific papers, classes, etc.)

  • Show your soft skills! These are just as crucial to completing a degree as subject knowledge

  • Explain who your main influences have been and why- extra points if you can call on research from someone in your subject are at the university

  • Notable achievements: are you a member of a society, have you written any papers or won any awards, scholarships or prizes?

  • Talk about your career plans and how taking the degree is going to get you there.

 

Don’t forget Admissions teams will be assessing your ability to complete a degree successfully, so this is who you need to be targeting with your statement.

 

Structure and Grammar

 

Most universities won’t ask you to cover specific content in your personal statement, which does give you some free reign. The length of the piece will vary depending on the university (University of Sussex asks for about 500 words), but conciseness is important.

 

At Sussex, we suggest thinking about these questions to help focus your piece:

 

  • Why do you want to study a Masters and how will it benefit you?

  • How does the course fit your skill set?

  • How do you stand out from the crowd – i.e. work experience?

  • What are you aspiring to be/do in your future career?

  • How can your work contribute to the department/University/society?

 

These ideas can be useful to think about when you’re planning or giving your notes some structure before you’ve even started your first draft.

 

When you’re thinking about structure, it should be formal and essay-like. You should have a clear introduction, a substantive middle section, and a strong conclusion. It should use a standard sentence structure, with accurate punctuation and grammar, and be upbeat in tone. You’re talking about the best bits of yourself- if you’re not excited by that, then it’s likely admissions teams won’t be either!

 

If you follow these steps, you should have a really strong personal statement to go with your application, giving you the best chance of acceptance into a Masters at a UK university. For more tips, and a sample statement, head over to the University of Sussex’s website.

 

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

 

To learn about UK Graduate Universities, check out our Graduate University Search Engine to learn more.

 

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!

5 Things US Students Should Expect | The UK Study Expert

Posted on 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.

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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 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.

Am I Eligible to Pay UK Home Fees?

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Let’s say that your student (or child) is British and has applied to the UK, but is currently living here in the US. The family is wondering, hmm, since we are British, are we eligible to pay Home (domestic) Fees or are we categorized as “international” and pay the International Fees?

 

Whether you pay “Home” or “International” fees depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Speaking with Falmouth University we were able to clarify. To be classed as a “Home” student, you normally need to meet one of two basic criteria before the first day of the first academic year of the course:

 

  • The student must have “Settled” status in the UK. Meaning, the student will have no time limit on the amount of time they can reside in the UK. That usually means a UK passport or another form of “indefinite leave to remain” granted by the UK government.

 

OR

 

  • The student must have been a “Resident” in the UK for the three years prior to the start of the course. That means they have been working, studying, and generally living their everyday life in the UK.

 

There are some exceptions to this, such as, parents owning a property in the UK and paying UK taxes. If you are categorized as a “Home Fee” student, it’s worth noting that it may be more competitive for admissions.

 

We recommend checking with the university for confirmation. Some universities will offer confirmation before a student applies; however, most will recommend applying first and will review the student’s application before assessing their status.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about the different policies, you can check UKCISA guidelines to help navigate what your status is. UKCISA also has a useful overview.

 

How The UK Study Expert Search Tool and Quiz 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. 


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