Country comparison: UK vs US for International Students
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Studying in the UK or US has its own advantages and disadvantages. But chances of getting employed in renowned agencies or organisations after graduating from these locations are also very high. The article throws light on what both of these countries offer to overseas students in terms of courses, post-graduate employment, and growth prospects. Let us now learn which is better for the Indian students: US or UK.
Check out: Oxford vs Harvard: Which is better?
US Vs UK: Climatic Conditions
If you are someone who likes either warm or cold places then, the following section will help you determine where you may want to settle for your higher education.
US
The US is a huge area of land and has varied temperatures and climates in different areas. East Coast has a warm climate and covers cities like St. Louis, NYC. The Midwest and New England regions have frozen winters and cover cities like Chicago, and Boston. The Pacific Northwest has a humid oceanic climate and covers cities like Seattle, and Portland. The Southwest has a hot desert climate and covers cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas. The southeast has a warm to hot, humid climate and covers cities like Houston and New Orleans.
UK
The UK has a variable climate changing from day to day. It is difficult to predict the weather. In general, the summers are warm and winters see snowfall. Summers are cooler than those in India. Also, the rains are unpredictable and it could rain at any time during the year. The average temperature in summers is around 25°C to 15°C; in winters it is around 7°C to 0°C.
Popular Courses in US and UK
Check out the most popular courses in the US and the UK in the table below.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
| USA Vs UK: Popular Courses | |
|---|---|
| USA | UK |
| Engineering | Business and management studies |
| MBA | Law |
| PhD | Social Studies |
| IT and allied fields | Arts and Design |
| Sports and Sports Management | Psychology |
| Biotechnology | Nursing |
| Physiotherapy | Biosciences |
| Hospitality | Dentistry |
| Computer Science and Electrical Engineering | Education |
Check: Study Abroad Without IELTS 2022: Top Countries, Requirements
Eligibility for Courses in the US
For undergraduate (UG) courses, you need to have completed 12 years of schooling. To get admission though you need to appear for the SAT exam.
In postgraduate (PG) courses, you need 16 years of education. For Indian students, it translates to 12 years of schooling and four years of undergraduate education. But since most Indian colleges offer three years of education at the UG level, you might need to take up a one-year course to cover up the difference. If you have studied at a premier Indian institute, some US universities might accept your three years degree as well, although the cases are rare. You can check with the university’s admissions cell and ask about your case. To get admission in management courses you will have to appear for GMAT, and for science courses you need to give the GRE exam.
There are no cutoffs for colleges, so you need to score the best that you can in all the exams. Colleges provide average scores accepted to different courses on their websites. That will give some idea about what’s considered a good score. You will also need to appear for language exams like TOEFL or IELTS, irrespective of the degree. Even if the colleges may not require any language test for Indian students, you should still give either TOEFL or IELTS as they are important for the purpose of getting a visa.
In the case of an MBA, you might be required to have a few years of work experience.
Eligibility for Courses in the UK
For UG courses in the UK, premier universities used to require 13 years of pre-university education. This rule was recently changed and now UK universities recognize CBSE plus-two certificates for admission to UG courses.
In PG courses, you can get admission after finishing a three-year UG degree. To get admission to management courses you will have to appear for the GMAT. For science courses, you may not need to give the GRE exam so check with the university first.
Similar to the US, you might be required to have a few years of work experience in the case of management courses. TOEFL or IELTS may be waivered by the university but are important for the purpose of getting a visa.
Costs for Undergraduate Courses
The overall cost to study and living in the US and the UK is dependent on many factors like university, course, and location.
Particulars |
Undergraduate course in the US |
Undergraduate course in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition |
$20,000-$40,000 per year |
£11,400 - £38,000 per year |
| Room and Living expenses |
$10,000-$25,000 per year |
₹ 14-24 Lakhs per year |
| Duration of course |
4 years |
3 years |
| Total |
$20,000-$45,000 per year |
£20,000-£30,000 |
Costs for Postgraduate Courses
Particulars |
Postgraduate course in the US |
Postgraduate course in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition |
$20,000-$45,000 per year |
£17,000 - £22,000 per year |
| Room and Living expenses |
$10,000-$25,000 per year |
₹ 14-24 Lakhs per year |
| Duration of course |
2 years |
1-2 years |
| Total |
$25,000-$60,000 per year |
£22,000-£27,000 per year |
Check: Student Visas for Study Abroad
US Student Visa
A full-time student visa is called an F1 visa. This visa has the following regulations -
- A F1 visa personal interview is compulsory, and you will be required to appear for an additional appointment to provide Biometrics (fingerprints).
- You can remain in the US for up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete your academic program unless you have been approved to stay and work for a period of time under the OPT Program (Optional Practical Training).
- It costs USD$185 to apply for this visa. You will be required to pay an additional $350 for the SEVIS fee.
- You cannot work more than 20 hours per week. During holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, the student may work up to 40 hours per week. The student can only work on-campus for a commercial firm that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or cafeteria.
UK Student Visa
A full-time student visa is called a Tier 4 (General) student visa. Due to the tightening of visa rules over the last few years, getting a British student visa is more difficult than before. For this visa, these rules apply -
- It is granted only for a full-time study program.
- If you are applying for a diploma course, the length of the visa would be three years (maximum).
- If you are applying for a degree from a university then the length of the visa would be four years (maximum).
- It costs £490 to apply for this visa. You will be required to pay an additional healthcare surcharge per year for your period of stay in the UK.
- You may or may not be called to the consulate to appear for a personal interview.
- You may or may not be allowed to work part-time during your studies, it depends on individual cases. The two types of work that International Students are allowed to do are 1. Part-time – Up to 20 hours a week during term, full-time during vacations (only on-campus), and 2. Full-time work placements which are part of a 'sandwich course'.
Post-Study Work Visa Requirements
Both countries provide permission to stay back and look for work for international studies after the completion of their studies but with different conditions. Check out the differences below.
US
- If students want to stay back in the US to gain practical knowledge in their subject, they have the option to do so through OPT. It is a temporary employment permission allowing students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study for a 12-month period. You can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but you cannot begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document
- The Student Co-Op Program is a formally structured program where the intent is to recruit students, while still in school, to fill permanent positions upon graduation. Co-op programs are generally undertaken at colleges and universities. In most cases, you will have to apply for a Work Visa upon getting a full-time job of a permanent nature.
UK
- If you want to work there after your studies, then you need to apply for a Graduate Visa which allows you to stay and look for work for a period of 2 years (3 years in case of doctoral courses).
- In order to be eligible to apply for a UK post-study work visa or Graduate Visa, you must be present in the UK and have completed a bachelor's/master's/doctorate degree on a UK Tier 4 student visa.
- The application fee for this UK Graduate Visa is £822.
Check: Top Study Abroad Intakes: Types and Countries
Jobs in the US
Jobs in fields like management, advertising, finance, dentistry, software engineering, etc. are some of the top jobs in America.
Jobs in the UK
Top jobs in the UK are corporate managers, directors, mechanical engineers, aircraft pilots, nurses, etc.
Note - The Indian concept of campus placements and on-campus recruitment does not apply to American or British universities. Students are expected to look for internships and jobs on their own.
Immigration Policies
US
A permanent residency option is possible but it is a very long-drawn and slow process. It is a complicated process and requires the person applying for it to reside in the US for at least five years on the grounds of employment. After that you will be granted a “Green Card”, but the whole process might take years to complete.
UK
Due to changes in government and legal policies recently, immigrating to the UK is deemed really difficult. The UK govt. has taken a lot of measures to delist "bogus" colleges and limit non-EU migration. If you are staying back in the UK on a Student or Work visa, then in most cases you will be required to leave the country
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Abroad, most universities have a provision for financial aid. You can find out about the scholarships your university offers through its Financial Aid department. Apart from universities, there are a lot of scholarships made available to organizations, funds, etc. here are a few scholarships for Indian students interested in studying in either US or UK.
This was all about "Is UK or US better for international students?". Get free Counselling Services from Shiksha to start your study abroad journey today!
UK vs US for International Students FAQs
Q. Which country is better to live US or UK?
A. The US and UK’s living standards are high compared to other countries. The UK is often considered a cheaper place to live. The cost of living in both countries is not the same and can vary depending on where people choose to live. It's also important to note that the average salary for someone in the US is significantly higher than what it would be in the UK due to taxes.
Q. Is the USA richer than the UK?
A. For instance, compared to the American GDP per capita in 2022, the British economy won't reach the same level until 2037. GDP per Capita in the United States is expected to reach 62200.00 USD by the end of 2022 while the GDP per capita in the United Kingdom was 8,265 British pounds in the third quarter of 2022. Therefore, on this measure, the UK is far behind the US.
Q. How is the UK better than the US?
A. The United Kingdom offers a high standard of education at a much cheaper cost. You get a chance to enjoy British life and culture. It's better than anything else and you know it. The country has many world-ranked universities for UG and PG study.
Q. Why are UK salaries lower than the US?
A. A significant contributing factor to the difference in pay in the UK and the US boils down to British subsidized social benefits, specifically the NHS, our free healthcare system. Apart from this, the US holds some of the big giants of the industry that hire graduates at a healthy package.
Q. Is the cost of living in the USA higher than in the UK?
A. There is such a big difference in the living cost of both countries. According to cost-of-living comparisons, the cost of living in the UK compared to the US is broadly equal, with the UK being slightly less expensive by some measures. The average cost of student living in the UK is around £547 a month if you are not spending too much on your accommodation. The estimated living cost for the US is around $10,000 to $18,000 per year, which averages around $1,000 to $1,500 per month.
Q. Is a UK Master's degree valid in the US?
A. Yes, a master's degree from the UK is considered valid in US institutions for research positions as well as university appointments. The weightage of the UK master's degree is quite high for research and work.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: Is Texas Wesleyan hard to get into?
As per the US News and World Report, Texas Wesleyan University acceptance rate is 58%. This shows that the university's admission process is relatively selective. Therefore, some students may find it harder to get into the university. Also, international students are advised to check the minimum eligibility for their courses before applying. Please note that the data on the acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Can I get into Oregon State with a 3.5 GPA?
International students must have at least a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission at Oregon State. Therefore, candidates are eligible to get admission to the university with a 3.5 GPA in their academics. Oregon State University GPA requirements are different for undergraduate and graduate admission. Mentioned below is the range of GPA required for Oregon State University admissions:
| Program | Minimum GPA Required (on a scale of 4.0) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Graduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
Read about the Grading System in the USA
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Hello Dev. The best way for you to decide is to check the curriculum, internships, and placements opportunities from both the colleges. Besides these factors, you can also take into consideration other aspects such as fee, location, campus facilities, etc. You can contact our experts here for coun
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