5 Differences between Study Abroad in US and UK

When we speak about the most powerful nations of the world, it is often echoing with two names, US and UK. Having some of the world’s top universities and colleges, these two have reigned as the dream destinations to study for tons of people for centuries now. In this blog, we will discuss some of the basic differences between study abroad in US and UK.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses

For UG courses in US one needs to complete twelve years of schooling. Until some time ago premier universities needed thirteen years of pre-university education. However, as per a recent rule, USA universities recognize CBSE plus two certificate admission to UG courses. UG in US and UK costs may vary. While it may cost you anywhere between $ 10 – 30,000 in US, an undergraduate in U will cost you approximately 8 – 15,000 per year.

If you apply for postgraduate courses in USA, you need sixteen years of education whereas for PG course in UK, you can get admission after completion of a three year UG degree. You may need to appear for an English proficiency test such as TOEFL or IELTS irrespective of the degree you wish to pursue. In order to get admission in management courses in US you must take GMAT test and for science courses, you need to give the GRE exam. GMAT is valid for management courses in UK too but GRE is not required by most universities in UK.

Student Visa

A full time student requires F1 visa to study in USA and a face to face interview is compulsory for the same. As per the rules of this visa, you can live in US for up to sixty days beyond the length of time it takes to complete the academic program. It costs around $160 to apply for a US visa and an additional $160 for dependant visa. Although you are permitted to work under this visa, but your employment is restricted to your university campus.

A full time student needs a Tier 4 visa to study in UK. Usually a British student visa is granted only for a full time study program.  Under this visa, a student is allowed to work both full time and part time.  This cost of this visa is approximately 310 UK pound.

Post Study Work Permit

A post study work permit is required in both USA and UK.  As per the American government, a student is allowed to work up to twelve month after the completion of their work, if they wish to stay back and gain some practical knowledge and experience. This period is known as Optional Practical Training Period or OPT.

If you wish to work in the UK after your studies, you need to apply for Tier 2 visa, available only to highly skilled workers. In order to be eligible for a Tier 2, the annual lowest wage for the new job should be 20, 500 pound or more. The tier 2 visa is for maximum 5 years.

Cost Of Living

The overall cost of living while they study in US or UK depends on many factors. University, courses, location of the residence are just a few vital components that can impact a student’s overall cost. An average cost of residence for a student in US can be anywhere between $ 10,000 and $ 15000, whereas in UK you will pay around 12,000 to 15,000 for a similar facility.

Scholarships

Studying abroad is a dream nurtured by millions but making it come true comes at a price. Almost all the good universities extend scholarships for studying in the US and UK. Apart from the universities, there are a lot of scholarships given by organizers or government which the Indian students can apply for.

Following is a list of such scholarships for studying in the US and UK designed especially for International students:

USA 

  • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation scholarships
  • Asian Women in Business Scholarship Funds
  • Full bright Nehru Research Fellowships
  • Asian cultural Council Individual Grants
  • Tata Scholarships at Cornell

UK

  • British Council Great scholarships for Indian students
  • Sir Ratan Tata Fellowships for South Asian Students at LSE
  • Cardiff Business School India Scholarships
  • Newcastle University Undergraduate India Scholarships
  • Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

Top Universities of UK and US

If you are an aspirant who always dreamed of studying abroad, we suggest you seek admission in the top universities of these dream nations.  Both these nations are home to a maximum of the top hundred universities of the world.  For your reference, we have listed the Top Universities of UK and US:

USA

  • University of California, Berkeley
  • Stanford University
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Harvard University
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Ohio State University
  • Yale University
  • Columbia University

UK

  • University of Oxford
  • Imperial College London
  • University of Cambridge
  • London School of Economics
  • University College , London
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Warwick
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Glasgow

Now that you are aware of the major differences between the two desirable nations for studying abroad, you can pick the one that is most desired by you and apply to get admission in one of their universities. Bear in mind that both destinations are great options to study in USA and UK for Indian students.  For more information or guidance in selecting a destination, university shortlisting, application process, student visa application process, scholarships or to study abroad without IELTS OR TOEFL, contact EdElevate, your study in US and UK Consultant in Delhi.

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