International students frequently pursue higher education in the US and the UK.  While studying in these countries, one may anticipate many benefits, including the availability of scholarships, excellent employment prospects, top-notch educational chances, improved living standards, the ability to work part-time jobs, and much more. 

Comparing the UK and the USA is unavoidable because both nations draw many overseas students. 

This article discusses the contrasts between US and UK studies based on several factors.

UK vs. US: Top Universities

The best universities in both study-abroad countries must be considered while deciding whether the UK or the USA is preferable for Indian students. 

Considering the QS World University Rankings 2023, one might choose between studying in the USA or the UK.

If you want to continue your studies or take a course at one of the universities listed below, you can choose the UK. 

Similarly, consider the US if your course preferences and financial situation align with these universities.

Below is a comparison of leading universities in the UK and the United States:

Top Universities in the UK

• The University of Cambridge
• The University of Oxford
• Imperial College London
• University College London (UCL)
• The University of Edinburgh
• The University of Manchester
• King’s College London

Top Universities in the USA

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• California Institute of Technology
• University of Chicago
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University

Study in the UK

Study in USA

UK vs. US: Higher Education

Comparing the US and UK educational systems is crucial for understanding which country is better for studying. 

So, let's compare educational institutes in the UK with those in the USA:

Higher Education in the UK

Here are some examples of UK educational institutions of various types:

• Private and public universities in the UK: Universities in the UK, both public and private, are frequently managed by both the British government and non-profit corporations.
• Institutional group: Several minor colleges and universities in the UK join forces to establish groups known as "mission groups."
• Autonomous institutions: Institutions that operate independently are either supported by public funding or are managed by both public and private entities.
• Institutions that grant degrees: In the UK, institutions that grant degrees have the authority to grant specific research, associate, and teaching degrees.

Higher Education in the USA

The following list of university types can be found in the USA:

• Public universities in the USA, usually called state institutions, are funded by general taxation and subject to US government regulation.
• Private Universities: Private universities are sustained by alumni gifts and faculty research grants rather than US government funding.
• Technical colleges: focused on offering engineering, science, and degree programs.
• Liberal Arts Colleges: Colleges with a liberal arts focus specialising in specific undergraduate programs in the social sciences, sciences, and humanities.
• Community colleges: Compared to other universities, community colleges are comparatively less priced and offer 2-year associate degrees.

UK vs US: Top Courses

One of the similarities between the UK and the USA when comparing them as study-abroad destinations for Indian students is their reputation for offering top-notch education. 

International students can choose from a variety of courses offered by both nations. The best courses to study in the UK and the USA are shown below as we compare them for Indian students.

Top Courses in the UK

• Bioscience, health, and medicine
• Computer Science
• Business and administration studies
• Design studies
• Business management
• Sports and Exercise Science
• Subjects allied to medicine
• Law
• Nursing
• Preclinical medicine

Top Courses in the USA

• Business management
• Fashion design
• Accounting and Economics
• Engineering
• Maths and Computer science
• Social Science
• Physical and Life Sciences
• Law
• Nursing
• Preclinical medicine
• Psychology
• Agriculture

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UK vs. US: Eligibility Criteria

Which country is better for Indian students, the UK or the USA? The eligibility requirements are crucial in this situation. It is relatively simple to examine the requirements for studying in both countries. Let's start!

UK: Eligibility Criteria

• You must complete your 10+2 at an accredited school or institution and board. Varying from university to university and study program to study program, the minimum marks are needed for admission.
• Candidates may also be required to submit their GRE or GMAT results by several UK universities. The best institutions in the UK hold exclusive selection processes, such as personal interviews, to grant seats solely to eligible students.
• You should have some years of work experience in the relevant field if you intend to take management courses.
• The English language competence exams UK colleges recognise are TOEFL, PTE, and IELTS. An IELTS score of 6.5, with a 6 in each band, is required for admission to the chosen universities.

USA: Eligibility Criteria

• You must complete your 10+2 in a recognised school, college, or board. Original copies of each of your prior credentials must be on hand.
• You must take difficult examinations like the GRE, GMAT, SAT, and TOEFL. It would be best to accept the MCAT, DAT, PCAT, and VCAT to enrol in subject-specific courses.
• In addition to the prerequisites listed above, a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is required for applications to US universities. The faculty member from your former institution should sign the LOR.
• You'll also need a Statement of Purpose and the LOR (SOP). However, some colleges need admission essays rather than SOP.
• Your financial statements should demonstrate that you have the cash necessary for studying.

UK vs. US: Cost of Study and Living

Discussing the cost of living and education expenses in both nations is essential as we debate whether the UK is better than the US. 

The cost of living and tuition for both countries are described below.

UK: Cost of Study

• Bachelor’s degree: £8,000 to £15,000
• Graduate degree: £10,000 to £15,000
• Doctoral degree: £10,000 to £25,000

USA: Cost of Study

• Bachelor’s degree: $20,000 to $40,000
• Graduate degree: $20,000 to $50,000
• Doctoral degree: $25,000 to $55,000

Cost of Living in the USA

Living costs for international students in the UK

UK vs USA: Cost of Living

The criteria and costs to determine the overall cost of living in respective countries are listed below.

UK vs US: Student Visa

If you're comparing the UK and the US for overseas students, you should look into each country's application process for student visas. We have provided a full breakdown of both countries' visa procedures below.

UK Student Visa

The UK's Tier-4 visa is for full-time students. The Tier-4 UK visa generally costs roughly £350. 

The visa fee will be necessary if you travel with a dependent. Additionally, you must pay a £705 foreign surcharge. 

You might or might not receive a call from the visa officer to schedule an interview.

USA Student Visa

There are three different types of student visas available in the US:

• F1 student visa: This visa is required for degree programs requiring 18 hours of study per week, such as an MBA or MS.
• J1 Visa: Students and lecturers participating in exchange programs in the US are eligible for the J1 Exchange Visitor Visa.
• M1 Visa: M1 visas are necessary for students who want to attend technical and vocational schools. The application process is the same for both M1 and F1 visas.

UK vs US: Stay-back options

The British government slightly changed the stay-back option for international students over two years ago (2019–2020). 

After their education, international students are initially only permitted to stay in the UK for two months. 

According to the new guidelines, foreign students obtaining undergraduate degrees or above can remain in the UK for two years after finishing their studies.

Only those international students who apply for STEM OPT will be allowed to stay in the US (optional practical training). 

This program will enable students who use standard OPT to stay for 12 months after finishing their studies. 

On the other hand, candidates for STEM OPT may remain and work for up to 36 months.