“Studying abroad is the single most effective way of changing the way we view the world” – Chantal Mitchell
The U.K. and Ireland have always been popular destinations for studying abroad, especially for Indian students. And when you consider the extremely high quality of education in these countries, it’s hardly surprising. Four out of the top 10 universities in the world are based in England. There was a slight dip in the number of applicants when the duration of the Post – Study work visa was reduced to a mere four months, back in 2012. However, the onset of Brexit has reintroduced new legislation which will now allow students who are beginning their studies from the Fall of 2020 onwards to secure a 2-year post-study permit, just like the Republic of Ireland has been offering for many years. Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle, offers a clear path to citizenship if one manages to find a job in a field in which they have studied, with a certain salary threshold. The U.K also has similar conditions to secure a work permit once the post-study work visa expires. Either of these would be a fine choice for anyone seeking a quality education abroad with the opportunity to settle down. Some of the reasons to study in these countries are discussed below.
U.K. universities are renowned across the world for having creative and challenging environments. Their degrees are recognised around the world and the universities have always scored very high on their annual world ranking surveys conducted by Times Higher Education. Some of the most famous universities from the U.K. include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London. These universities also offer a variety of scholarships, such as the prestigious Rhodes scholarship, which is awarded to students to pursue their post-graduation at Oxford. The U.K. has programs in every field imaginable and you will be able to find multiple colleges offering the program of your choice. Students can also work up to 20 hours per week, to supplement their income and cover a good portion of their living expenses. Those who perform well academically during their first semester can even apply for a scholarship at the university to help pay their remaining tuition fees.
Most employers today want high-quality employees who have specific skill sets, including effective, critical, and creative thinking skills which would complement the job-specific technical skills acquired during your stint in college. Today, the competition in the job market is tougher than it used to be and studying at a well-recognised university will give you an edge over other applicants.
Both the U.K. and Ireland have a plethora of jobs in the Healthcare sector including Nursing and Pharmacy. Major cities in both these countries have a considerable demand for software professionals as well. Universities that are based in smaller towns and cities tend to have lower tuition and a considerably lower cost of living. However, the flip side is the lack of internship or job opportunities once you graduate. In my opinion, it is best to study in the same city where you intend to eventually work as it allows you to settle down there, grow and build your connections while you study which will make it easier to find a job after completing your studies. All international students with an Indian passport need to have a Tier 4 visa to study in the U.K. The Ireland study permit is called the Stamp 2. However, before that, one needs to give and secure a strong score in the I.E.L.T.S. Academic exam.
That’s all from me on studying in the U.K and Ireland. I hope you found this article useful. I’d be happy to assist you with your doubts and concerns regarding the same. You can share your queries by writing to us at info@rosemounts.org. We’d love to hear from you!
