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The United Kingdom is home to some of the finest universities in the world, and they consistently rank in the top 8% universities globally. The degrees presented by these universities are recognised globally and are known for their research-intensive courses and teaching practices.
Education in the UK is not just about classroom learning, but also includes holistic learning. The UK provides a 2-year post-study work visa to graduate and post-graduate students, but this will be changing from 2027, as the UK has announced a reduction in the duration of the visa to 18 months.
Therefore, based on the conversations between Mr. Saurabh Arora, Founder and CEO, University Living, and Professor Martin Binning, Ashwini, and Gurib from Middlesex University, in this blog, we shall discuss some aspects of how this change affects students, the competitive graduate job market, and the necessity of securing student accommodation early!
Strategic Use of the 2-Year Graduate Route
Many students do not understand the motive behind the UK government’s reduction in the timeline for a post-study visa. The primary reason behind this is to encourage faster transition into professional roles. Therefore, students must use these 18 months strategically. They must avoid the low-skilled work and focus on licensed tier-2 sponsors to secure long-term immigration pathways. This not only helps them secure an extension in their visa but also helps them connect with industry experts and gives them great options for networking! Students must also take advantage of university services like MDX Works to get services like practice assessments, job-ready CVs, and cover letters. These ensure that students are visible to employers better than their competition!
The London Advantage vs. Other Study Destinations
London is a major student city in Europe and houses some of the top universities in the world! Astonishingly, London is also home to at least 40,000 organisations that have the authority to sponsor international workers, compared to the 3,300 in cities like Birmingham. Moreover, the tuition fees for students in universities like Middlesex University are also quite affordable compared to the tuition fees in other UK institutions! Talking about the costs, although the cost of living in London is quite high, the high minimum wages and the presence of some of the best corporations in the world help graduates live easily in the city despite the inflation!
The Opportunity Cost: Leaving a High-Paying Job
There are millions of professionals across the world who are working a good job but wish to pursue a master’s degree to boost career growth. The risk of leaving a well-established job sometimes is higher than the risk of losing the opportunity to study further and get a career boost. However, what these people don’t understand is that this risk is definitely worth it! Most of the graduates get at least a 60-80% salary hike after completing their masters in the country.
Moreover, a master’s degree in the UK is just one year long and therefore, the opportunity cost of lost wages is much lesser than compared to a degree elsewhere in some other country! Also, after getting a master’s degree in the UK, students can get a job easily in any corner of the world. These are the benefits of getting a UK degree!
Student Life in London: Accommodation & Living Costs
One of the major problems that students face even before coming in the country is finding the right student accommodation in the UK. The real estate market in the city is no joke, and with property prices always on the rise, finding the right student property at the right price and at the right location might be a hassle for many students. The cost of student accommodation in London ranges from £900 to £1200 a month! Although the cost of living in London is quite high, if students prepare a proper budget and manage expenses properly, they can expect to spend a month in the city in well under £1500. Some of the top student properties in London are:
These are some of the best student properties in the city and therefore, are sold out almost instantly!
Middlesex University: The Global Brand Perspective
The Middlesex University is one of the best universities in the country and has multiple campuses across the globe, including those in Dubai, Mauritius, and China! The university was ranked as number 1 by Uni Compare for a high level of student satisfaction and international student support services! The university also has an active student union that helps international students with all sorts of problems and concerns that they might have!
Conclusion
Pursuing higher education in the UK is an investment and an asset that students must invest in! It is important for students to understand that these degrees are not just a sheet of paper, but something that decides how their future will turn out! Therefore, if you are a student who wishes to pursue higher education in the UK, don’t miss out on the golden opportunity and join a course before 2027 to get a full 2-year graduate route!
