OVERVIEW
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) is a diverse country with a unique geography. Made up of the mainland part of the United Kingdom (England, Wales and Scotland) and the northern part of the island of Ireland (Northern Ireland). The capital of the UK is London, considered the financial center of the world.
The United Kingdom has a political system of parliament and constitutional monarchy, with a developed and diverse economy. In addition, it also has a very vast culture and history, influenced by many countries and diverse heritage from the Middle Ages to modern times.
The UK consists of four countries and each country has their own government with different powers. The capital of England is London, Scotland is Edinburgh, Wales is Cardiff and Northern Ireland is Belfast.
Advantages of studying in the UK
The world’s leading education system
The degrees and certificates that students receive after completing their studies in the UK are highly respected globally and open up vast employment opportunities for individuals.
According to the University Rankings, the UK is one of the honored countries to have many famous universities among the 30 best quality universities in the world such as Cambridge, Oxford, …. The diversity and high quality of UK universities and colleges is something the world appreciates. After graduating, students studying abroad in the UK are welcomed globally for their high-quality learning environment.
Diverse curriculum
Colleges and Universities in the UK have a variety of courses suitable to the abilities and interests of each student, such as: photography, astrophysics, psychology, computer science, research, etc. Business research, content development… In addition, students can also choose a form of study that suits their time, including full-time, part-time and online learning.
Short and flexible training time
One of the advantages of studying in the UK compared to other countries is the shorter study time. It only takes 3 years for students to study a Bachelor’s program, instead of 4 years like in the US. The Master’s program also takes only 1 year to complete. This helps save costs for students and minimize study time, helping them quickly get into life and start their careers.
Reasonable study abroad costs
Compared to other countries, tuition fees to study abroad in the UK are slightly higher at public schools, on average about 12,000-19,000 GBP/year and for private schools it can be up to 30,000-35,000 GBP/year. However, with the benefits international students receive when studying in the UK, this tuition fee is reasonable
Opportunity to set foot in European countries
In addition to great learning experiences, students studying in the UK also have the opportunity to explore other European countries thanks to the convenient transportation system and ease of movement.
Possessing an international student card after registering to study in the UK can enjoy many incentives and discounts for many types of travel services, from air tickets, tickets to amusement parks, to insurance. offers discounts on meals at restaurants. This helps students to explore many places and experience new cultures without spending too much money.
Disadvantages:
Unpredictable weather
Known as the land of fog, the weather in England is almost unpredictable. But overall, with warm summers and moderately cold winters, with intermittent snowfall, students will witness a somewhat unpredictable but enjoyable climate throughout the year.
Stressful learning conditions
You’ve probably heard about stressed-out students who don’t sleep or eat while studying for exams because they’re highly stressed – and it’s true. When there is less time to get a degree in the UK, there is also more stress – because you have to collect all that information in your brain relatively faster than usual.
EDUCATION PROGRAM
The British and Vietnamese education systems have significant differences. If Vietnamese students complete the High School program (grades 10-12) in 3 years from 16 to 18 years old, then in the UK, at the age of 14-16, students will begin studying for the GCSE exam. The GCSE program lasts 2 years, is the first academic degree in the British diploma system, equivalent to grades 9-10 in Vietnam.
After graduating from GCSE, students in the UK can choose to study A-Level, IB International Baccalaureate or Foundation University Preparation programs to qualify for admission to University.
Education level | Study program | Study time | Input required |
Common | GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education): Secondary school diploma | 2-3 years | – Students from 13 years old – IELTS 4.5 – 5.0 |
A level/IB | 2 years | – Completed grade 10 or 11 – IELTS 5.0 – 5.5 – Students can apply to universities in the UK and around the world after completing the course | |
University | Pre University (Foundation) | one year | – Completed grade 11 (GPA 7.0+) or 12 (GPA 6.5+) – IELTS 5.0 – Complete the course, transfer to the 1st year bachelor program |
College (Diploma) | one year | – Graduated from high school, GPA 7.0+ – IELTS 5.5 – Complete the course, transfer to the 2nd year bachelor program | |
Year 1 international (International Year One) | one year | – Graduated from high school, GPA 6.5+ – IELTS 6.0 – Complete the course, transfer to the 2nd year bachelor program | |
Bachelor (Bachelor) | 3 years 4 years with schools in Scotland | – Completed 1st year of university, GPA 6.5+ – IELTS 6.0 | |
After university | Preparing for a master’s degree (Pre-Masters) | 9 months | – Graduated from university, GPA 6.5+ – IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 |
Master (Masters) | one year | – Graduated from university, GPA 6.5+ – IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 |
COSTS OF STUDY ABROAD
Tuition
Depending on the program, school, city, etc., tuition fees will vary.
- High school: 15,000 GBP/year (about 460 million VND/year)
- College program: 10,000 – 22,000 GBP/1 course.
- Bachelor’s program: 9,000 – 35,000 GBP/year, in which specific fields such as medicine, arts or engineering will have higher tuition fees than other fields.
- Master’s program: 7,000 – 35,000 GBP/year
Cost of living
Similar to tuition fees, the total cost of living in the UK also varies depending on the area of residence and each person’s needs. Specifically, living expenses for students living in London are often more expensive than other areas, ranging from 800 – 1,000 GBP/month. In areas outside London, it’s only 600 – 800 GBP/month. This cost includes rental fees, meals, transportation, purchasing personal items, etc.
