5 Things you must try if you study in the UK
Explore the top five things that you have to experience as an international student in the UK. You may be surprised by the wide variety of sights, sounds and experiences to be had.
The latest news from UK and tips for prospective & current international students, keeping you informed on your education journey
International student wins big award at the Oscars
The winner of this year's Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, is a former international student. The performer, who won the award for her role in The Holdovers, developed her craft during a summer spent studying at the British American Drama Academy in Oxford. Elsewhere, the award for Best Actor went to a former student of an Irish university. Before finding fame, Oppenheimer's Cillian Murphy studied law at University College Cork.
The UK granted fewer study visas last year than in 2022
The number of study visas granted by the UK decreased by 5 per cent in 2023, to a total of 457,673. Despite the decline from a record 485,758 in 2022, the figure remains the second highest ever seen in the country, and 70 per cent larger than that for 2019 (the last year before the Covid pandemic). By contrast, the number of dependant visas – issued to family members of students – increased by 7 per cent, to a total of 143,595.
International students are thinking carefully about policy changes
More than half of people aiming to study abroad (55 per cent) are aware of international education policy changes in their intended destination, with 30 per cent rethinking plans, according to new research. The findings come from IDP's latest International Student Pulse Survey, which was undertaken amid major changes in the UK, Australia and Canada. Of the students who are now looking at alternatives to their preferred destination, the most (23 per cent) have begun considering the USA, where policy changes have been less significant.
International applications to UK undergraduate courses have increased
A total of 115,730 applications have been made by international students to UK universities' undergraduate courses this year, a rise of 0.7 per cent from 2023. The figures come from the country's Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), who add that trends vary for students from different countries. While applications from China and Türkiye increased by 3 and 37 per cent respectively, those from Nigeria and India decreased by 46 and 4 per cent. The data does not include applications for postgraduate courses.
Scotland want to offer a five-year post-study work visa
The government of Scotland has reiterated its desire to offer an extended five-year graduate visa to international students with the publication of its first international education strategy.
The Scottish Connections visa would replace the country's current two-year post-study offer, if it achieved the government's aim of independence from the UK. Holders would be eligible to settle in Scotland when their visa expires, with the option of becoming a citizen. In addition, applications would be open to both new and returning graduates.
The visa proposal is just one aspect of the overall education strategy, which emphasises the country's intent to become increasingly attractive to international students, graduates and researchers.
The charge for international students to access healthcare in the UK rises today
The yearly cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge, paid by international students for access to the UK's National Health Service, rises from GBP 470 to GBP 776 today. The charge is a compulsory part of applying for a UK student visa, but is not imposed on those who use a visitor visa to study for less than six months, providing that they make their application from outside of the country. Separately, the National Union of Students (NUS), who campaign for the rights of students in the UK, have called for the charge to be stopped, as well as the limit on international students' working hours.
ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich is the first non-Anglo-American university to make it into the top 10 in 10 years The latest Times Higher Education Rankings World University Rankings unveiled in Melbourne, have revealed that European institutions are growing stronger and US institutions are losing their grip on the top positions. California Institute of Technology has topped the table for the fifth consecutive year;
Explore the top five things that you have to experience as an international student in the UK. You may be surprised by the wide variety of sights, sounds and experiences to be had.
The winners of the 2020 WhatUni Student Choice Awards have been announced, including the prestigous International University of the Year. We've got the all the insights from the big day.