Where And What To Study

Are you planning to pursue an international education but need help determining where and what to study? As an eager learner, you will find yourself with tons of courses and universities to choose from to kickstart a global career. However, most students face a dilemma in the following areas – “Where do I study?”, “What course should I choose?” and “Which university is the best option for my preferred course?”.

It is vital to weigh several factors, such as personal interests, career prospects and university rankings, before narrowing down the best-suited option for you. This guide provides a detailed overview of the various options available in the UK and Ireland regarding cities, courses and universities. Students can gain a clear picture of the endless opportunities available to them and make informed decisions.

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How To Choose The Right Study Destination?

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Country

The first and foremost step towards a successful study abroad experience is picking the right destination to fulfil your academic aspirations. A common mistake most students make is selecting a country based solely on its popularity with inadequate research. Choosing a destination that aligns with the course you wish to study, the scope for professional development and the overall global rankings is essential.

It is necessary to consider the following factors before you pick the ideal country to study:

Quality of Education and Worldwide Rankings

The university you wish to study in might offer a good quality of education and enjoy good global rankings. However, it is crucial to ensure that it also exclusively specialises in the course you want to undertake, along with excellent course-specific rankings.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

Another make-or-break detail that is key in selecting a university is the costs involved. From tuition fees to living expenses and scope for part-time work opportunities, a complete analysis of the overall costs you will incur during your study period is highly recommended.

Visa Policies and Post-Study Work Opportunities

The visa policies and post-study work opportunities often vary from country to country. Therefore, learning about the particular country’s job market and the associated work visa policies will help you pick the best country to establish a successful and rewarding career.

Language and Culture Compatibility

Language barriers can be quite the dealbreaker when it comes to pursuing education abroad. Students can experience a trouble-free, seamless transition in major English-speaking countries such as the UK and Ireland. An excellent student experience also comprises the country’s welcoming nature towards international students.

As a student pursuing education in a foreign country, you can streamline your entire study abroad journey just by selecting the perfect destination for your preferred course. The above-mentioned factors will enable you to make the best decision in this regard.

Why the United Kingdom is a Top Destination

The United Kingdom is among the top choices for students to pursue their education owing to an exceptional fusion of rich academic traditions and modern opportunities for innovation. The universities are renowned worldwide for their meticulously crafted curriculum and the enriching cultural experience they provide.

Additionally, the UK enjoys eminence for its advanced research opportunities and access to top-tier, futuristic resources. As a result, international students can gain hands-on experience and equip themselves with the necessary skills to build valuable professional networks and emerge successful in the UK’s work environment.

The highly favourable work visa policies for international students make the UK an ideal study-abroad destination. Graduates can stay in the country and work for up to 24 months after they complete their education there. All these aspects make the UK a forerunner for a globally recognised education among students.

Why Ireland is a Top Destination

Ireland has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for international education for various reasons. As an English-speaking country, it offers students the convenience of studying in a familiar environment and removes language barriers. Therefore, students can experience enhanced academic and social integration.

A strong emphasis on critical thinking and innovation is prevalent amongst all the leading universities of Ireland. Students can experience academic excellence in their fields, including technology, business and arts. The internship opportunities are also promising since Ireland is a rapidly developing hub for technology and business.

Like the UK, Ireland also provides students with a two-year work visa post graduation. This policy enables students to secure their future with lucrative career development opportunities and scope for permanent employment. With its warm and welcoming environment, Ireland is a highly preferred destination for studying abroad.

Determining What Course to Study

Aligning Your Interests with Career Goals

The course you wish to pursue determines the rest of your professional career and its long-term development. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to conduct extensive research and pick the best course that aligns with your personal interests and has scope for fulfilling career prospects.

Popular Courses for Indian Students

The following table provides a clear overview of the most suitable courses for Indian students.
Course CategorySubjectsCareer Prospects
Engineering and TechnologyAerospace, Civil, Computer Science, MechanicalEngineers, Project Managers, Software Developers
Business and ManagementFinance, HR, International Business, MarketingBusiness Analysts, Consultants, Marketing Managers
Health Sciences and MedicineBiomedical Sciences, Nursing, PharmacyBiomedical Researchers, Nurses, Pharmacists
Arts, Design and HumanitiesFine Arts, Graphic Design, Humanities, LiteratureArtists, Historians, Writers
Picking the right course that caters to your interests and has immense scope for professional enrichment can be made easy with the right insights.

Importance of Industry-Relevant Skills

In today’s rapidly developing professional world, staying well-equipped with industry-relevant knowledge is crucial. It helps you to land commendable job opportunities in the long run. With hands-on training and internship experiences, you can build a rewarding career that constantly prioritises growth and progression.In today’s rapidly developing professional world, staying well-equipped with industry-relevant knowledge is crucial. It helps you to land commendable job opportunities in the long run. With hands-on training and internship experiences, you can build a rewarding career that constantly prioritises growth and progression.

Researching Universities

University Rankings and Reputation

A university’s reputation is determined by the rankings it enjoys among its competitors. They are also ranked subject-specifically, which assesses the quality of education they provide for individual courses. A thorough evaluation of the university’s reputation for a particular course is required before enrolment.Once you have picked the best university based on its courses and rankings, you can examine other vital factors contributing to its reputation. It includes campus facilities, research output and faculty expertise. These features integrate to make a university a bankable choice for students.

Accreditation and Recognition of Courses in University

The value associated with a particular course is mainly derived from its accreditation. The courses accredited by popular bodies are recognised worldwide, boosting your credibility and the opportunities available in the job market. Accreditation provides quality assurance and ensures that you receive an education of superior quality.A graduate with an accredited degree will likely obtain better job opportunities. This is mainly because employers look for well-qualified graduates, especially in fields like technology and healthcare. Degrees with accreditation guarantee that the student has received extensive training and is well-prepared for their role. By managing your finances effectively and making use of available financial aid, you can make your study abroad experience more affordable and stress-free.

University Location and Campus Life

A university’s location is another significant detail to be considered since multiple other factors rely on it. From housing to transportation, your student life’s comfort depends upon the location of your university. Therefore, selecting a university that is easily accessible can make your international student experience hassle-free. The campus environment plays a principal role in elevating your overall student life. The availability of student support services is a must-have for a remarkable student life abroad. The services can be very reassuring since international students require additional support and guidance to get used to the new culture and environment.

Understanding Entry Requirements and Application Process

General Academic and English Language Requirements

As an international student considering admission to the UK and Ireland, it is mandatory to stay informed about the general academic and English language requirements that you must fulfil. The details have been mentioned below:

General Undergraduate Academic Requirements

The entry requirements for both the UK and Ireland universities are similar. The student is expected to have good secondary education scores in the subjects relevant to the university course they wish to study. Indian students are usually expected to have between 65-75% grades minimum in the core subjects.

General Postgraduate Academic Requirements

A student should have an undergraduate degree with minimum grade requirements to gain admission to a postgraduate programme. This usually ranges around 60% for most courses and higher for specific courses. Certain postgraduate courses require an undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study.
The universities of the UK and Ireland require international students to submit proof of English language proficiency. It ensures that non-native English-speaking students are well-equipped to succeed academically and communicate effectively. Some of the standardised tests that you can take include:

IELTS

To enrol in universities in the UK and Ireland, students must score between 6.0 – 6.5 minimum, with no individual band below 5.5 – 6.0.

TOEFL

For undergraduate programmes, a score between 80 – 90 is generally accepted in universities in the UK and Ireland. A score of 90 – 100+ is required for admission to postgraduate programmes.

Documents Needed for University Applications

A smooth application process begins with properly collecting all the documents required for admission. It comprises your previous academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR). With these documents ready, your study abroad journey commences smoothly.

Tips to Draft SOPs and LORs

A compelling SOP and persuasive LORs can add immense value to your application. Here are some tips that you can incorporate while drafting your SOPs and LORs:

  • State your academic and professional goals with thorough clarity
  • Demonstrate relevant projects, internships and work experience, if any, with proper explanation
  • Express genuine interest in the course and ensure that your personality is reflected well through your statements
  • Picking the right recommender is key since they will be able to highlight your strengths and skills effectively.
  • Ensure that the recommender is associated with a relevant field to the course you are applying
  • Mention in detail about your soft skills wherever necessary since it plays a significant role in deciding if you are a right fit for the university.

Application Deadlines and Intakes

The various intakes and the associated deadlines for the same have been mentioned in the table below:

Name of Intake

FeaturesApplication Deadlines
Fall Intake (September /October)It is the most popular intake with the broadest access to courses across all streams.

Undergraduate Programmes: By the end of January

Postgraduate Programmes: Between December and June

Spring Intake (January /February)It has comparatively limited courses. However, students who missed deadlines during the fall intake and require extra time for application can benefit from this intake.

Undergraduate Programmes and Postgraduate Programmes: Between September and November

Applying well in advance to the course of your choice is highly recommended. It ensures that you gain an edge in the application process. Obtaining scholarships is also simplified when your application process is on track with the university’s deadlines.

Costs and Financial Planning

Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

Financial planning is the cornerstone of your study abroad journey. Planning wisely by considering all the expenses that you will incur will help you chart a budget and stay within it. Tuition and living expenses are two major expenditures you should be prepared for. Budget planning is the key to a stress-free abroad study experience. You can plan ahead and avail of educational loans to ease your financial stress.

Scholarships, Grants and Financial Aid

Applying for scholarships and financial aid is crucial in your study abroad journey. Apart from the scholarships offered by your university, several external organisations also provide grants and financial aid for relevant courses. Keeping track of these opportunities can help you secure admission with lesser economic burden. The eligibility criteria for various scholarships vary based on the course and the university. Hence, it is advisable to perform comprehensive research and stay constantly updated with any changes in this regard.

FAQ

Yes, students can work both during their study term and vacation period. There is a specific limit on the number of hours they can work during their term.
Some popular courses for international students include computer science, engineering, humanities and health sciences.
Students can gain hands-on industry experience while studying in the UK and Ireland. Several universities offer internships and placement opportunities during the study period.
PSW stands for Post-Study Work visa. It allows graduates to work for up to 2 years in both the UK and Ireland. Students need to fulfil specific requirements to be eligible for the PSW, such as having a valid student visa at the time of course completion.

Conclusion

Pursuing a degree abroad is no longer a distant dream! With in-depth insights regarding the perfect course and the best-suited universities, you can commence your study abroad journey with ease.

The importance of picking the right course and researching the destination country and the university is highly significant. Along with a detailed analysis of the most popular courses, universities and subject-specific rankings, you are all set to bring your aspirations to life!

Experience an international education with incredible career prospects and kickstart the next phase of your life with the limitless opportunities provided by the UK and Ireland.

Fateh has helped over 40,000 students conquer their dreams with our 120+ top UK university partnerships. Are you planning to study an MBA in the UK? Contact us today.