The UK and USA are undoubtedly among the most sought-after destinations in the world due to factors such as quality of education and research, global exposure, infrastructure and facilities and campus life experiences. But when choosing between the two to study abroad, despite sharing the same language, several differences between the countries and their education systems should be considered.
Read on to learn what factors make the UK a better destination to study abroad. Book a free consultation with SI-UK India today if you want to learn about UK university education.
Ten Reasons Why the UK is Better than the USA for Higher Education
According to various international student data, the percentage of Indian students enrolled in UK universities is more than that of US universities. Find out why below!
1. Education System of the UK vs the US
Choosing the right country for education involves considering various factors, and the structure of the education system is a key element. A comparison between the United Kingdom and the United States reveals distinct differences that can influence the learning experience. Here's a breakdown to help prospective students in making an informed decision.
- Degree Duration: UK undergraduate programmes typically take three years, while US programmes commonly take four years.
- Specialisation: In the UK, students often specialise in their chosen subject, whereas the US emphasises general education before specialisation.
- Flexibility: UK programmes offer less room for elective courses, while the US provides more flexibility for students to explore a variety of subjects.
- Grading System: In the UK, the emphasis is on final exams, while the US employs continuous assessment methods, including assignments and exams throughout the term.
- Master's Programmes: Master's programmes in the UK are typically one year, compared to the often two-year duration in the US.
2. Post-study Work Opportunities
You get to stay and work in the US for a maximum of one year without a proper job offer after completing your degree, whereas in the UK, you can stay for two years with the new post-study work visa. This gives you a higher chance of recovering some of the education costs incurred and finding permanent employment in the UK.
| United Kingdom | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Work Visa | Tier 2 (General) or Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) | Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| Duration of Work Visa | Typically 2 years (extendable) | Up to 12 months (STEM fields may have extension options) |
| Employability | Wide range of opportunities | Dependent on employer sponsorship |
| Ease of Transition to Permanent Residency | Favorable policies | Varied and complex pathways |
3. Diverse Courses
Though the UK has fewer universities than the US, the variety of courses offered in the UK is huge, with unique courses like Applied Golf Management and Stand-Up Master’s Degree, among others.
4. Cost of Study
In the United States, tuition fees exhibit a broad spectrum, influenced by factors such as the type of university, programme of study, and location. Public universities are more budget-friendly, while private institutions often have a higher price tag.
| Aspect | US Universities | UK Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities (In-State) | $10,000 - $30,000 per year | £10,000 - £35,000 per year |
| Private Universities | $30,000 - $60,000 per year | Varies (typically higher) |
| Public Universities (Out-of-State) | Higher than In-State fees | Not Applicable |
| UK Undergraduate programmes | Not Applicable | £10,000 - £35,000 per year |
| UK Postgraduate programmes | Not Applicable | £10,000 - £50,000 per year |
US Tuition Fees
- Public universities (In-State) offer a range from $10,000 to $30,000 annually.
- Private universities can be more expensive, with fees spanning from $30,000 to $60,000 per academic year.
- Public universities (Out-of-State) often incur significantly higher fees than In-State options.
UK Tuition Fees
- Generally lower than the US, the UK adopts a tiered fee system.
- For international students pursuing undergraduate degrees, fees vary from £10,000 to £35,000 per academic year.
- Postgraduate tuition fees in the UK range from £10,000 to £50,000 per academic year.
The fees charged for the same class of universities are less in the UK than they are in the US. Also, as degrees in the UK are shorter, the overall costs and living expenses are logically lower.
5. Student Life
The UK offers a culturally diverse environment with more international students coming in than the US, thus providing more international exposure. The UK dorm life, sports and clubs, pub crawls, theatres and music festivals keep students entertained.
6. Cultural Experience
British life and culture are truly unlike any other, with its rich history and architecture, the famous countryside, raging pub culture, traditional English breakfast and the famous fish and chips. There’s the added advantage of easily exploring Europe during your stay.
7. UK Universities’ Rankings
The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities that rank higher than US institutions. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, four UK universities feature in the top 10, compared to four from the US. These universities are the University of Cambridge (2nd), the University of Oxford (3rd), Imperial College London (6th), and University College London (9th).
| Ranking Category | UK Institutions | US Institutions |
|---|---|---|
| Overall University Rankings (2024) | 4 in Top 10 | 4 in Top 10 |
| Archaeology (2023) | Top 3 | |
| Art & Design (2023) | Top 2 | |
| Classics & Ancient History | 3 in Top 10 | 1 in Top 10 |
| Geography | 4 in Top 10 | 2 in Top 10 |
Overall University Rankings (2024)
The UK excels with four universities in the top 10, including the University of Cambridge (2nd), the University of Oxford (3rd), Imperial College London (6th), and University College London (9th).
Archaeology (2023)
The UK dominates the field, with the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and University College London claiming the top three spots.
Art & Design (2023)
UK leads the way, with the Royal College of Arts and the University of the Arts London securing the top two positions.
Classics & Ancient History (2023)
UK boasts three institutions in the top 10, including Oxford (2nd), Cambridge (3rd), and Durham (8th), surpassing the lone US representative.
Geography (2023)
UK universities dominate the top 10, with Oxford (1st), London School of Economics (2nd), Cambridge (3rd), and UCL (6th) outshining their US counterparts.
8. Living Expenses
In the US, living costs fluctuate based on the university's location, with major cities like New York City or San Francisco demanding higher expenses than smaller college towns. International students can expect to spend $10,000 to $15,000 annually. Living expenses vary by location in the UK but tend to be lower than in the US. On average, international students might spend around £10,000 to £12,000 per academic year, making the UK an economically attractive option.
9. High Percentage of Indian Nationals
For Indian students, the UK is a favourable choice. While Indian Americans constitute 1.35% of the vast U.S. population, the UK stands out, with 3.1% of England and Wales' inhabitants identifying as Indian in the 2021 Census. With a more significant presence and community in the UK, Indian students find a welcoming environment, fostering cultural connections and support.
10. Healthcare Coverage
In the UK, international students studying for six months or more enjoy free medical treatment through the National Health Service (NHS). However, certain universities may mandate private health insurance. In the US, international students typically spend between $1,500 to $2,500 annually on health insurance. It's a consideration worth weighing when planning overseas studies, ensuring access to healthcare aligns with individual preferences and university requirements.
Study in the UK
If you are considering enrolling in a course at a UK university and need guidance and assistance for the same, book a free consultation with SI-UK in your nearest city today.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
