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Deciding whether to study in the United Kingdom or the United States is an essential choice for international students. Both countries are widely admired for their As per Statista, 1,057,188 international students were studying in the United States in the 2022/23 academic year. Alternatively, around 7,87,000 international students studied in UK universities during the academic year of 2022/2023. If you’re debating between study in UK vs USA, this guide has all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Top Universities In The US
Some of the best universities in the US as per the QS rankings 2024 are showcased in the table below:
Top Universities In The UK
While evaluating to study in UK vs USA, knowing which are the leading universities is highly important. Here are some of the best UK universities to look for:
| University | QS Rankings 2024 |
| University of Cambridge | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| Imperial College London | 6 |
| University College London | 9 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 22 |
Popular Courses In The UK Vs USA
When you decide to study in UK vs USA, it is important to know which of the top programmes are offered in both countries. Some popular courses, along with their average annual fees, are highlighted in the table below. This will help international students get a clear idea of the tuition fees and understand how to manage the overall expenses.
| Popular Courses in USA | Average Annual Fees (USD) | Popular Courses in UK | Average Annual Fees (GBP) |
| Computer Science and I.T. | $35,000 – $55,000 | Computer Science and I.T. | £18,000 – £32,000 |
| Business and Finance | $30,000 – $60,000 | Business and Finance | £14,000 – £28,000 |
| Business and Management | $30,000 – $60,000 | Business and Management | £14,000 – £28,000 |
| Law | $25,000 – $60,000 | Law | £16,000 – £38,000 |
| Engineering | $35,000 – $55,000 | Engineering | £18,000 – £32,000 |
| Healthcare and Medicine | $35,000 – $60,000 | Medicine and Life Sciences | £22,000 – £38,000 |
| Social Sciences | $25,000 – $50,000 | Social Sciences | £14,000 – £26,000 |
| Data Science and Analytics | $35,000 – $60,000 | Data Science and Analytics | £18,000 – £32,000 |
| Finance and Economics | $30,000 – $60,000 | Creative Arts and Design | £16,000 – £28,000 |
| Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | $40,000 – $70,000 | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | £18,000 – £32,000 |
| Cybersecurity | $35,000 – $60,000 | International Relations and Politics | £14,000 – £26,000 |
| Environmental Science and Sustainability | $30,000 – $50,000 | Environmental Science and Sustainability | £16,000 – £28,000 |
Eligibility To Study In UK Vs USA
The eligibility criteria, test score requirements and documents needed can vary depending on the university and programme. The factors that greatly determine admissions in the USA and the UK are highlighted in the table below:
| Eligibility Criteria | USA | UK |
| Academic Qualifications | High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for graduate | Secondary education with A-levels or equivalent for undergraduate; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for postgraduate |
| Standardised Tests | SAT for undergraduate; GRE/GMAT for graduate; TOEFL/IELTS for international students | IELTS/TOEFL for international students |
| Letters of Recommendation | Required for graduate programmes | Academic/professional references required for postgraduate programmes |
| Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement | Statement of Purpose required for graduate programmes | Personal statement required for postgraduate programmes |
| Financial Documents | Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, financial affidavits) | Proof of finances for visa application |
| Visa Requirements | F-1 student visa | Tier 4 (General) student visa |
| Interviews | May be required for certain programmes (e.g., medicine) | May be required for certain programmes |
US Vs UK For Indian Students: Student Visa
Indian and other international students are required to apply for a student visa to study in the UK and USA. The table below highlights the different types of visas, the purpose of these student visas, and the general requirements to apply for them:
| Visa Type | USA | UK |
| Academic Programmes | F-1 Visa | Tier 4 (General) Student Visa |
| Exchange Programmes | J-1 Visa | – |
| Vocational/Technical Training | M-1 Visa | – |
| Children (Ages 4-17) | – | Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa |
| Purpose of F-1 Visa | For full-time academic programmes at universities and colleges | – |
| Purpose of J-1 Visa | For cultural exchange programmes, internships, training programmes, research scholar programmes | – |
| Purpose of M-1 Visa | For vocational or technical training programmes at vocational schools, technical schools, community colleges | – |
| Purpose of Tier 4 (General) | – | For full-time higher education programs, allows part-time work during term time |
| Purpose of Tier 4 (Child) | – | For children aged 4-17 to study at independent schools |
| General Visa Requirements | I-20 form from the institution, proof of financial ability, English proficiency, visa interview | Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), proof of finances, English proficiency, visa interview |
UK Vs US For Indian Students: Post-Study Requirements
The post study in UK vs USA requirements for Indian students can vary depending on specific parameters. There are certain conditions that students need to fulfil after the completion of their chosen programme in the UK and the US. These essential requirements for both the countries are showcased in the table below:
| Post-Study Requirements | USA | UK |
| Temporary Work Opportunity | Optional Practical Training (OPT) – up to 12 months (36 months for STEM fields) | Graduate Route – up to 2 years (3 years for Ph.D. graduates) |
| Long-term Work Visa | H-1B visa (requires employer sponsorship) | Tier 2 (General Skilled Worker) visa (requires employer sponsorship) |
| Entrepreneurship/Investment Visas | Other visa categories like O-1 (extraordinary ability), E-2 (investors) | Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Investor) |
| Permanent Residency (Green Card/Settlement) | Employment-based immigration programs, family sponsorship, and other eligible pathways | Potential settlement after meeting residency requirements on work visas |
| Family Reunification | – | Family reunification visas for those with family members in the UK |
Choosing to study in UK vs USA will now get more accessible since you have all the information you need to shortlist your ideal destination. Whether you’re heading to the UK or the USA, your journey to pursue education in either of these countries is sure to be enriching.
FAQs
Which is better for Indian students from UK and USA?
The UK offers more focused programmes, while the USA provides many universities and programmes. The choice will depend on the university and the course you want to go for.
Is UK or USA better?
Both the UK and the US offer high quality of education and diverse career prospects.
Is the cost of living in the USA higher than the UK?
Generally, the cost of living in the USA is higher than in the UK, depending on the city.
Why are UK universities better than US?
The length of a degree course in the UK is less while the courses in the US are much longer which makes UK universities preferable.
Which are the popular courses in the UK?
Computer science, Law, Engineering, Business Management, Accounting & Finance are popular courses in the UK.
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