Higher Education in England

1. Universities with strong name recognition in the U.S., such as Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE.

2. US Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and 529 College Savings Plans are widely accepted among English universities.

3. As an English-speaking country, practically all programs are taught in English, creating a wide selection of academic opportunities.

4. England shares many cultural similarities with the U.S., making culture shock less severe and assimilation easier. 

5. English-speaking students may have an easier time finding part-time work without the need to navigate a language barrier.

6. The graduate visa is one of the longest post-grad visas in Europe. This “Graduate Route” grants international bachelor's and master’s students up to 18 months and PhD holders 3 years to seek employment, start a career, and work without a company sponsor.

7. London and other major cities offer excellent internship and career opportunities without the language barrier that may be a challenge in other European countries.

1. High tuition fees and living costs, particularly in London and major cities, make graduating debt-free less likely than in other European countries.

2. Brexit reduced academic mobility options and introduced additional visa requirements for students participating in Erasmus (to be reintroduced to the UK in 2027) or other student exchanges.

3. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has created financial strain on both local and international students, with the cost of rent and food on the rise.

4. The housing crisis caused by a severe shortage in the long-term housing supply has made university dorms and other student housing options extremely competitive, and scams targeting international students are on the rise.

5. England certainly isn’t known for its sunshine! Frigid, rainy days and shorter daylight hours in winter can be a challenge to adapt to.

6. In student cities such as Bath, York, Oxford, and Cambridge, student jobs can be highly competitive.