The UK is one of the most popular destinations for international students. According to the latest data from the British Embassy's Cultural and Education Office, more than 150,000 Chinese students have chosen to study courses at different stages in the UK, of which 75% Chinese students choose to study degree courses in the UK, that is, undergraduate, postgraduate or higher courses.Introduction to the advantages and welfare policies of studying in the UK,Study in the UK 2022 Study Abroad Policy, ,Review of Beijing's UK study abroad policies、2023 UK Study Abroad Policy Research、What is the UK's 2022 study abroad policy?The problem.
Advantages of studying in the UK
1. The cost of studying in the UK is low
After the Brexit referendum, the pound sterling exchange rate has continued to fall and has now fallen below 8.5. The fall in the exchange rate has reduced tuition fees, and the once high fees are no longer prohibitive for parents.
Whether it is undergraduate or postgraduate courses in the UK, the cost difference is not very large. Although tuition fees are increasing at a rate of 5% per year, the UK has a short academic system and high teaching quality (undergraduate 3 years, postgraduate 1 year). Compared with other countries, the courses are more concentrated, the stay in the UK is short, and the cost of studying abroad is relatively low.
2. The UK has a short higher education system
In the UK (except Scotland), if you complete a three-year undergraduate course and complete the corresponding credits and scores that meet certain standards, you can obtain a bachelor's degree. Similarly, if you complete a one-year taught master's course and complete the credits and scores that meet the standards, you can obtain a British master's degree. Therefore, choosing to study in the UK can save money and time invisibly.
3. There are many universities in the UK
In the 2019 World University Rankings released by Times Higher Education, 29 British universities entered the top 200, including 11 universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester University and Warwick, which entered the top 100 world-class universities.
Universities that are members of the Russell Group, the UK's Ivy League, including Newcastle University, University of Leeds, University of Edinburgh and other 10 universities, all occupy the top 30 positions in the latest Times ranking.
4. Relaxed visa policy and easy preparation of documents
According to the latest embassy statistics, the visa for Chinese students is 96%, and the UK visa is a document-based visa. Some students will be selected for an interview. The application materials required to study in the UK are simple and easy for students to prepare.
5. You can work legally and enjoy a variety of social benefits for free during your study abroad
While studying in the UK, students can legally work 20 hours a week to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. With a UK visa, you can enjoy free medical care and a series of other high-quality benefits.
The UK is a country with a shortage of population "resources". Many countries will give many "benefits" to outsiders to tie them down, especially to attract international students. This is the reason why everyone is scrambling to study in the UK. So what are the benefits of studying in the UK?
UK student welfare policy
1. Free medical care
Many people have heard that the UK is a country with good welfare and that residents can see a doctor for free. Indeed, British people do not need to pay for seeing a doctor, buying medicine (except England), or even undergoing surgery or having children in the UK. However, from April 6, 2015, the UK began to charge a fee called "Immigration Health Surcharge" to applicants for student visas, work visas and other long-term visas of more than 6 months.
Whether you apply from China or in the UK, whether you go to see a doctor during your stay in the UK, this fee will be charged together with your visa fee. Only after paying this fee will they start processing your visa and let you enjoy "free" medical services in the UK. This "medical fee" costs 200 pounds a year, and students are 150 pounds a year.
If you are a student applying for a work visa, you will be charged 200 pounds, and if you apply for a student visa alone, you will be charged 150 pounds. If you are on a visitor visa, or just visiting relatives or on official business, as long as your visa is less than 6 months or only 6 months, you are not covered by this fee because you are non-UK residents.
2. International Student Card Discount
Many businesses in the UK offer student discounts. When registering, you can enjoy discounts of 10%-15% with your student ID card. This benefit can help students save a lot of money.
3. Shopping tax refund
If you decide to return to China to develop in the first three months before your study visa expires, you can enjoy the tax refund policy. The store will ask for your passport number and address in China. Keep the receipts and items so that you can get a tax refund when you leave the country within three months.
If you have many receipts from a store, you can open a general receipt from the store before you leave to ensure that the tax refund is within three months before departure. Please fill in the purchase amount, items and signature at the store to make it a valid tax refund form. When you arrive at the airport customs, hand the tax refund form to the customs staff and you can choose to get cash or deposit it into your card.
4. Transportation card discounts
Overseas students aged between 16 and 25 can apply for a Young Person Rail Card at major train stations with their passport and bareheaded photo, which will give them a discount of one-third of the train fare. Overseas students aged over 25 can apply for an International Student Card (ISIC). The card fee is 28 pounds.
In addition, students in London can apply online for a 30% discount on the Oyster Card at TransportforLondon, so that they can enjoy discounted fares on the London Underground and buses.
5. Travel benefits
British visas enjoy visa-free benefits in many countries, and it is also very easy to apply for a European Schengen visa in the UK.
Introduction to Cultural Etiquette for Studying in the UK
1. Apologize
The word "sorry" is probably the most overused word in the British language. The British have a tendency to over-apologize for everything from the weather to getting bumped on the train. A survey found that the average Brit says "sorry" seven times a day, with some apologizing as many as 20 times!
2. Queue
British people have a strange habit of forming long queues whenever there is a large group of people. The British take queues very seriously; they wait in line on a "first come, first served" basis. Please do not jump or push under any circumstances, you will face stern looks if you do so, so pay attention!
3. Be polite
The British learn "Ps and Qs" (please and thank you) at a very young age. The traditional custom in the UK is "manners make the man", so try to add "p" and "q" to your conversation. Being polite will always be welcomed and bring you benefits. "Please" almost always follows "thank you".
4. Be punctual
The British also place great value on punctuality, and being late is often considered impolite. For business or formal meetings, it is recommended to arrive 5-10 minutes early. Try not to be late for class, as no one likes to be interrupted. If you are late, come in quietly and don't forget to say "sorry". In less formal or larger gatherings, such as parties, being 5 to 10 minutes late is not a big deal.
5. Drink tea
The British truly believe that anything can be cured with a good cup of tea. Tea is part of British life. A cup of tea is a great way to break the ice and make new friends. English breakfast tea is the welcome tea, closely followed by the Queen's favorite, Earl Grey. So which comes first, the milk or the tea (… but if you pour the milk first, you're doing it wrong)?
6. British humor
British people are polite and don't usually express strong opinions, but sometimes they don't necessarily mean what they say. Often, you have to "read between the lines" because British sarcasm is a mixture of irony and mockery used in a humorous way. Sarcasm is very context-dependent, for example when someone expects something to happen and it actually happens, they will say "Well, what a surprise!"
It's much easier to make new friends when you can make them laugh, and you'll also be popular if you can laugh at yourself. Telling your new friends humorous stories about your adventures and close calls can have a great effect.
The key to British etiquette is to always be open and receptive. Cultural and language barriers may take some time to overcome, but these tips and tricks can help you adjust to your new life in the UK. In the UK, learn how the British do it!
Summary of the advantages and welfare policies of studying in the UK
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