Study Abroad: UK vs. USA - A Comprehensive Comparison

Confused between the UK and the USA? Don’t worry! You are not alone. Since you have to choose between two of the most famous study abroad destinations, it is important that you know all about them. Understanding what’s different between the two countries will help you narrow down your choice and decide on where to go.

Let’s look at some key decision-making factors for international students and how they differ between the countries.

Indian Presence in The UK and The USA: A Comparison

The Higher Education Student Statistics for the UK reported the number of Indian students in the UK, in 2020-21, at 605,130. The last year (2022-2023) set a record high for Indian students going to the US in a year, with over 1.25 lakh Indian students studying in the US. 

If your desire is a study abroad destination with a significant Indian community base, both countries make a good choice. 

Top Universities- Global Index

If we are to compare the two countries from the perspective of global excellence, there are many rankings that will help us decide. For example, based on the Time’s Higher Education rankings for 2023, 3 UK universities make it to the top 10 universities worldwide, while 7 US Universities make it to the top 10. 

Top Universities- The UK

The Times Global rankings list the following 3 universities in the top 10, 7 universities in the top 50 and 10 universities in the top 100 universities of the world.

The UK’s universities took the number 1, 3, and 10 spots, with the University of Oxford taking the crown. 

Top Universities- The USA

The US is the most-represented country overall, with 177 institutions, and also the most represented in the top 200 (58).

Here is the list of US universities ranked in the top 10 by the Times Higher Education listing

Popular Courses- The UK and The USA

Listed below are the most popular courses in the UK and the USA. So, for instance, if you are a student of law, the UK might be a better destination for you than the USA. On the other hand, if you’re a student in the STEM field, the USA might be your preferred destination. 

Educational System- The UK and The USA

The UK

In the UK, the master’s courses are usually of one-year duration with six months to one year of compulsory internship or practical training, depending upon the course you choose. The courses are more focused and are completed in a short span of time. These courses are similar to academic courses in the USA but facilitate quicker entry to the job market. However, one year masters programs are not recognized by public sector employers in India. 

The USA

In the USA, the master’s courses are mostly of two-years duration (very few are of one-year duration). The courses are focused on making the student more independent and involve continuous evaluation. Moreover, the USA master’s courses are divided into two categories – Academic and Professional. Academic courses focus on the broad subject areas while the professional courses like Law, MBA and Computer Science help inculcate vocational skills and provide technical training for particular professional careers. 

Admission Requirements

The UK

To be eligible to apply for a postgraduate course in the UK, you need to have successfully completed a three year undergraduate degree in India. There may be additional eligibility criteria on which undergraduate courses qualify based on the field of study you apply to. 

You may also be expected to provide scores for the following tests:

1. GMAT– Management courses typically require a GMAT score for eligibility. 
2. GRE– Some Masters programs in science may require you to give the GRE exam. 
3. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE- Most universities in the UK require English language proficiency test results as part of their admission process. Check with your university on which test in specific you need to provide. 

UK universities can be extremely specific about which English test results they accept, so make sure to check on this. 

The USA

For admission to a masters degree in the USA, you need –

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% marks.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• 2 – 3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
• Graduate Admission Test Score (GRE or GMAT). Related work experience if applying for an MBA. GRE– Some Masters programs in science as well as engineering programs may require you to give the GRE exam. 
• GMAT– Management courses typically require a GMAT score for eligibility. 
• IELTS, TOEFL, PTE- Most universities in the USA require English language proficiency test results as part of their admission process. Check with your university on which test in specific you need to provide. 

Costs for Postgraduate Courses in The UK and The USA

The tuition fee may vary based on the course and university of your choice.

Student Visa – The UK and The USA

The UK

As a student accepted to study abroad in the UK, you will need to apply for a UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4 UK Visa). Recently, UK Post-Study Work Visa Rules were relaxed for international students. To be eligible for the visa you need to prove that:

• You have been accepted to a full-time study program
• You can make a payment of the £363 visa processing fees to apply for a UK Student Visa.

The UK student visa allows you to work part-time up to 20 hours per week (on campus or off campus), and full-time during vacations (only on-campus). 

The USA

To study in the USA, you need to have an F-1 Visa. In order to apply for a US Student F-1 Visa, you need the following –

• An admission letter (SEVIS I-20) for a full-time program like MBA, MS etc. in a SEVP approved university which provides an I-20 form (which indicates that they are accepting international students).
• Proof that you can financially support your education and stay in the US (tuition fee waivers, scholarship grants, personal bank statements, loan approval letters, fixed deposit proofs etc).
• A Machine Readable Visa (MRV) Fee of $160 (approximately 11,500 INR ) along with a completed DS-160 form.

You can apply for an F-1 visa 120 days before your course begins but you can only enter the USA 30 days before your course begins.

With F1-Visa, you will be eligible for opening a bank account, getting a driving license, and to travel in and out of the US anytime without any restrictions.

F-1 Visa holders cannot work off-campus but can work for 20 hours/week and 40 hours/week during the holidays in on-campus jobs.

Post-graduate Work Visa in UK and USA

The UK

The Graduate Route Visa allows international students who have earned a degree from a recognized university in the UK to stay in the country for up to 2 years and look for gainful employment. If you want to work there after your studies, then you need to apply for a Graduate Visa (PSW UK). 

The application for the Graduate Route visa happens once you can prove successful completion of your study program. Once your application is accepted, your UK Student visa converts to a Graduate Route Visa. 

The USA

As an F-1 visa holder, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after the completion of your studies which will allow you to stay in the USA for 1 year. If you have studied a STEM certified program, an OPT extension of 24 months can be obtained. That means, post your study, you can work for up to 3 years with your F-1 visa itself. 

If you are a student with an F-1 visa, you can not directly apply for permanent residency (commonly known as a green card) in the USA. 

Residency in The UK and The USA

The UK

Getting a Permanent Residence in the UK is popularly known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Because of this, students can reside and work in the UK permanently. After getting ILR, one will have no restrictions on working and no time limitations on your stay. 

It takes a lot of patience and hard work with a strategic plan to get permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR) in the UK. You need to have an experience of at-least 5 years along with a stable full-time job with a good income and good moral conduct with no criminal record. After a year of getting ILR, you can apply for British Citizenship.

The USA

If you are looking to or get a job in the USA, then your employer files a petition on your behalf for your visa status to be changed to H-1B. Once you have a H-1B, then you can apply for a green card.

The climate in The UK and The USA

For some students who feel they cannot handle extreme temperatures or climatic conditions, the weather might be another important factor to consider when applying to the two countries. 

The UK

In the UK, average temperature in the summer months ranges from 15-25°C. 

Winters in the UK are characterized by cold weather, rain, and sometimes snow and fog with winter temperatures ranging from 0 to 7 degrees Celsius.

The UK is known for its unpredictable rain.

The USA

The USA has continental climate ranging between 32℃ in summers to subzero temperatures in winters. What type of weather conditions you experience will largely depend on where you live. 

Which One’s For You- The UK or The USA?

As you can see, the answer to this question will depend on your situation and individual dreams. The UK and the USA have similar tuition costs and scholarship opportunities. On the other hand, those looking to return to India to work in the public sector or study further are more likely to choose the USA. Those looking for specialized education or continue in academia in specific fields are likely to choose the USA. 

If you have trouble making a decision and need more clarity, feel free to contact our student support team, who will work with you to bring the clarity you need. 

All the best!