Six great reasons to study in the UK as a South African. Image: Supplied
Six great reasons to study in the UK as a South African
Do you want to study abroad, but you’re struggling to choose the best destination? Here’s why the UK might be the right destination for you.
Six great reasons to study in the UK as a South African. Image: Supplied
1. Universities in the UK have shorter courses
The UK offers shorter, yet more intensive academic programmes compared to many other study abroad destinations. You can achieve an undergraduate degree, including honours, within three years, while master’s programmes typically last a single year. This allows you to save both time and money. As everyone knows, international student fees per year are no joke. You’ll pay for fewer years in Pounds and return home (to the sweet embrace of a Rand-denominated grocery list) more quickly.
2. Familiar language and culture
Coming as a surprise to no one, English is the primary language of the UK. The Brits, in particular, also enjoy a similar culture to South Africans with a love of sport and the braai (if barbeque even counts as a braai). Whether you study in England, Scotland or Wales, you’ll feel right at home while also having the opportunity to experience a rich history and melting pot of cultures.
3. Cheap and easy travel to Europe
While the UK is no longer part of the EU, Europe is just a hop, skip or jump “across the pond”. You will be able to pop over to Ireland for a weekend or do a tour of Russia on your summer break (both of these countries offer visa-free entry for South Africans).
4. A premium quality of education
Universities in the UK are governed by strict regulations, which means that a degree from any UK university is recognised and valued by employers. According to the UK government, most UK universities have an over 87% employment rate post graduation.
5. Great research opportunities
According to The Times Higher Education, the UK’s academic research output is 3.6 times higher than the global average. Postgraduate studies in the UK offers you the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts at premier institutions. These institutions have an impressive track record, including the production of 15.2% of the world’s most-cited research articles.
6. Immigration opportunities
Once you have completed your studies, the UK offers a Graduate visa, which can provide a stepping stone to immigration.
While the UK Graduate visa is only valid for two years (or three for doctoral graduates), it allows you to remain in the UK while you seek employment and a Skilled Worker visa sponsor.
How Sable International can help you apply to universities in the UK
Sable International’s study abroad team can assist with the whole process from deciding on the university you wish to attend to admissions and visa assistance.
We have over 100 UK university partners. For undergrad students, we are an approved Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) centre and can do your UCAS application for you, while for postgraduate applications we have direct access to the admissions teams through our own portals. This enables us to streamline the process for our students and create a stress-free application experience.
Making decisions about your future can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Sable International’s study advisers are on hand, ready to help you with the entire process and to answer any of your questions.
Get in touch with us study@sableinternational.com or call us on +27 (0) 21 657 1543 for more information about studying abroad. You can even chat to us on WhatsApp on +27 81 710 0460.
