According to a recent survey by IDP Connect, over 50% of international students choose to study abroad due to the employment opportunities and work experience it provides during and while studying. Based on the survey, Canada emerged as the most popular study destination among international students and is closely followed by the US and UK. 

While Canada has the attraction of a three-year PSWR (post-study work right) and the US with options like OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training), the UK has recently announced a 2-year PSWR to get back amongst the top study abroad attractions. 

For long, international students have been ignoring the UK due to its poor post-study work rights, in spite of it providing top-notch education which is on par with the education provided in the US. However, this situation has drastically changed, with international students and especially Indian students showing more interest in studying in the UK after the reintroduction of its PSWR for 2020. 

Data collected from over 50 million prospective students around the world have shown that the search has immediately shifted towards the UK right after the PSWR announcement. There was a 47% increase in the interest to study in the UK, taking away most of the market share from other top study abroad destinations like Australia, Canada, US, and New Zealand. 

Not only students but educational agents around the world have shifted their target focus towards the UK due to the ongoing demand from international students towards this study destination. In addition to the new PSWR rules, the anticipated lenient visa rules and requirements have boosted people’s interest in the UK. 

According to the latest statistics published by UK immigration, over 30,000 Indian students were granted a Tier 4 study visa for the year ending September 2019. This is a record increase of 63% in recruitment compared to last year. It is also 4 times faster than the global rate. It was also reported that 90% of all the visas issued to Indian nationals were successful. This is more than the global average. 

In light of this, Sir Dominic Asquith, High Commissioner to India, said:
“I’m delighted to see that once again the statistics show that more Indians are choosing to study at the UK’s world-class educational institutions. This is now the third consecutive year in which the numbers have increased. It is important to us because these young leaders of tomorrow will reinforce the living bridge that connects India and the UK.”

Barbara Wickham, Director India, British Council, said:
“We are delighted to see, year on year, more Indian students choosing and trusting the UK education system. UK education institutions equally benefit from the diversity of talent and culture that Indian students bring to campuses. The positive growth in student visa statistics, along with the great collaboration between the Indian and UK higher education sectors, ensures that education continues to be key in the relationship between our two countries.”

Let us look at some of the reasons for this surge of interest in UK education and why you should go for it. 

• Of all the evident reasons, the most obvious one is that UK is always known to provide world-class education, infrastructure, and research capabilities that are on par with what the US provides
• UK has universities ranked among the top globally with more than 18 of its universities in the top 100. 
• Its 1-year globally recognized Masters program is another attraction to international students as the shorter duration cuts the overall tuition fees and living expenses. 
• The shorter duration course also results in quicker entry into the job market. 
• As the UK is set to exit the EU on January 31, international students, especially Indian students will be given priority in terms of admissions and job opportunities to fill the gap created by EU students. 
• Current search tendencies indicate UK education’s demand for the next 18 months and beyond. 
• UK universities are known for providing the best Health and Medicine courses in addition to Computer Science, Engineering, and Tech courses. 

Well, what are you waiting for? Contact us to get your UK education journey started.