Studying in the UK can be an enthralling experience, embedded in promising possibilities and opportunities for your future. The enrollments of Pakistani students at UK universities stand in the 2nd position worldwide. Studying in the UK involves a series of aspects such as quality education, financial aid and scholarship, global accreditation of degrees, access to post-study visas, adapting, and adjusting to a lavish life immersing in the socio-cultural strata that the new country offers you.

Outstanding academic reputation

The brilliant education system upholds the utmost advantages of studying in the UK. Some dominant reasons behind the paramount success are:

Quality education is assured by the QAA (QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY). The universities in the UK are centrally controlled by the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Frequent audits ensure the best quality education, attributing to the best possible learning, research, and teaching environment. The world-class system encourages critical and analytical thinking in all academic genres. Law, MBA, Civil Engineering, Cyber Security, Finance, Criminology, etc. Being part of this highly developed system can be life-changing for a Pakistani student.

The UK is known for some globally eminent universities with rich historical value. Apart from these historical institutions, a student can opt for admission to a vast range of prolific institutions such as Birmingham City University, Middlesex University, Northumbria University, Queen's University Belfast and so on. These universities cherish rich heritage and path-breaking contributions to human history.

Globally recognised degrees and excellent placements

Upon completion of studies in the UK, a wide scope for securing high-paying jobs in various sectors such as Law, MBA, Civil Engineering, Cyber Security, Finance, Criminology and so on is an added benefit that encourages international students to congregate in the UK. The expenses of the study may appear to be expensive for Pakistanis. However, compared to other European countries, the UK projects a moderation of education fees. Nevertheless, the worldwide accreditation of degrees and high-paying jobs simply surpasses the myth of a high-budget education system.

UK universities provide a varied scope of graduate and postgraduate courses in diverse genres from engineering to medicine and business to humanities. The flexibility of offerings creates a cult of preference among Pakistani students to study in the UK.

Scholarships

To commemorate 75 years of UK-Pakistan relations, the British High Commission in collaboration with the British Council announced 75 scholarships in 2022 for Pakistanis to study in the UK. Various resources for scholarships and grants offered by private companies and non-governmental organizations offer students grants to attain their higher education. The eligibility criteria for scholarships are based on merits. Some of the scholarships offered to international students in the UK are as followings:

• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Scholarships offered by Oxford University
• Erasmus Scholarships
• Chevening Scholarships

Opportunity to work while studying

An additional bonus is that Students can engage in part-time jobs for twenty hours weekly while pursuing their degree at the university. Students can also work full-time during the holidays and breaks which aids to manage expenses while studying in the UK. Working part-time enables a student to earn approximately 460 to 800 GBP per month which is an outstanding amount compared to Pakistani rupees. Another positive side is that it also fosters the necessary experience for a future professional career.

Shorter duration of courses

The UK education system is relatively brief and intense, which allows students to complete their degrees quickly without sacrificing quality. In fact, students can graduate in just one year, saving a significant amount of money on tuition fees and living expenses.

Post-study work visa

The UK issues international students the New Graduate Route Visa, a post-study work visa. It enables the students an opportunity to work in the UK even after the completion of their studies. Hence, this protocol intensifies the propensity of getting a degree from the UK and thereafter staying in the country for a career. Needless to say for Indians or Asians, this is a facility that everyone wants to grab.

The work visa is mainly issued for two years to those international students who have accomplished their master’s or bachelor’s degree whereas the PhD graduates can obtain a post-study work visa for three years. Hence, the students may procure a flexible tenure to gather job experience or undertake an internship in the UK.

Affordable cost of living

The UK encompasses a comparatively affordable cost of living for international students. The approximate living expense per month sums up below:

• Food of around 180 GBP
• Transportation of approximately 150 GBP
• Accommodation of around 400-500 GBP
• Utility bills of around 40 GBP

However, the living expenses may vary as one can decide to spend more or less. A student can support himself with part-time employment. That’s why Studying in the UK from Pakistan is always an excellent choice in terms of education.

Diversified cultural practices

The universities of the UK serve a healthy inclusiveness in cultural diversity that welcome students from every corner of the world. It provides international students with an opportunity to interact with peers from various ethnic backgrounds. Cross-cultural interaction enhances the chance of understanding multicultural customs and belief systems, experiencing oneness in diversity, tolerance, cultural assimilation and a fresh perspective. Pakistani students collectively celebrate festivals of all cultures with their peers. Eid and Christmas are celebrated with the same spirit, which circumnavigates cultural variance bringing about an ultimate scope of networking and creating an inclusive habitat for the entire fraternity of international students. Pakistanis, with their intellectual participation in various academic disciplines, sports, research and other activities, enhance the intellectual tapestry of the UK. As Pakistani cuisine is renowned worldwide, the British and other communities get exposure to experiencing the cuisine and culture of Pakistan.

Healthcare and safety

Being an international student, you can protect yourself with high-quality safety measures. If you are willing to attach yourself under the NHS, a charge is supposed to be paid at the time of your visa application. It's very likely for overseas students to suffer from freshers' flu which most newcomers experience owing to insomnia, transformations in diet and nervousness and interacting with a whole new crowd within a specific space of time.

On the contrary, the healthcare services in Pakistan may not testify to the global standards making it hazardous for students to avail the facilities they require in case of illness.

Better Infrastructure

The infrastructural privileges make the country more desirable for overseas students. Most of the universities of the UK acquire high-rated facilities having prolific faculty, libraries, research labs, technical support, and sports facilities. The Research Excellence Framework mentions statistically that 30% of research in UK institutions is “world-leading” and 46% is “internationally good” (REF). UK universities share a welcoming attitude with all international student communities providing them with quality education, other necessary facilities like accommodation or financial services, and vehicles during their stay in the UK. All these aspects create a homely environment for the students to fit in. In comparison to Pakistani universities with limited support services, UK university life is extraordinary.

Support System

If you face any difficulty fitting into life in the UK, or any academic challenge, you can always seek help from your advisors, lecturers or the student fraternity, which is very supportive and proactive in helping you. Apart from this, you can get in touch with some organisations who can give you pre- and post-arrival support and also you can get a membership of organisations such as The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), which gives all sorts of guidance and advice to the international students.

Hence, all these aspects constitute an array of advantages for Pakistani students aspiring to study in the UK. With the right planning, you can make yourself accustomed to a set of new rules and regulations in the UK to shine in a positive and worthwhile manner in the future.