Studying in England is a great choice. The United Kingdom is the most popular destination for many African applicants simply owing to historical ties. The UK is made of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. England is situated in the north west of Europe and is part of the island better known as Great Britain. England is the largest country in the UK and a majority of people (around 85%) of the UK lives in England, mainly in the major cities of London, Manchester, Liverpool etc and other metropolitan areas.

The 60 million or so people come from various parts of the world, partly due to the country’s colonial heritage. The ethnic groups that are the Anglo-Saxons, Scots, Welsh, and Irish make up the majority of the population but migrants from the sub-continent (India, Pakistan), as well as many from the Caribbean have made England home and as a result has made this country one of the most diverse in the world. So what you experience is a real melting pot of cultures, which would no doubt be a rewarding living experience.

First class universities

Universities in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) are known to be first class and especially for their teaching at the postgraduate (graduate) level and the research that is carried out at these institutions. many thousands of international students chose the UK as their grad school abroad destination last year. All this makes the UK one of the best graduate school destinations in the world.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, higher education institutions are independent, self governing bodies active in teaching, research and scholarship. They are established by
Royal Charter or legislation and most are part funded by government.

Higher education (HE) is provided by many different types of institution. In addition to universities and university colleges, whose charters and statutes are made through the Privy Council
which advises the Queen on the granting of Royal Charters and incorporation of universities, there are a number of publicly designated and autonomous institutions within the higher
education sector. Publicly funded higher education provision is available in some colleges of further education by the authority of another duly empowered institution. Teaching to prepare
students for the award of higher education qualifications can be conducted in any higher education institution and in some further education colleges.

When you come to study in the UK, you’ll experience the best of old and new. British academic institutions have a long tradition of innovation and world-changing discoveries, which makes them a great place to learn. Whether you’re planning to go to school, take an English language course or study for a degree, you’ll find leading teachers and world-class facilities in the UK. Combine this freedom with the UK’s long tradition of excellence and add in the innovative approach to teaching: it’s a great receipt that makes UK education respected all over the world.

A European Lifestyle

Studying in the UK, you will benefit from a European lifestyle as well as have the opportunity to pick from an extensive array of courses and programs. The degree programs are also generally shorter than they are in the US and also in some cases less expensive than the US. Most importantly, a majority of institutions do NOT require the various admissions tests (GMAT, GRE etc) that are a requirement for many US grad schools.

A different Education system

The learning (and teaching style) is also very different to that of many African nations. This just means its different to what you may have been used to and doesn't always mean better or worse. What is for certain is that you will gain from this 'difference' in style. The onus is put on the individual student much more to do independent study and research, and much less in class tuition. The assessment is also in the form of continues assessment where you will be expected to turn in papers regularly and sit for both mid term and final exams. There are usually lectures and tutorials (short discussion groups) and laboratory sessions for those undertaking subject areas linked to the sciences.

There are around 130 universities in England plus another hundred or so degree granting institutions, so it pays to do your home-work before you decide on your options. Wherever you decide to study, each institution will most certainly give you a high quality of education, but each of them would also have their own specialty, or a subject area that they excel at. So do you research to find out which university offers the exact match for your particular grad school subject area. This is the best way to find the best grad school option for you.

Scholarships for study in England

A new development from the British Council means that it is now possible to search for a scholarship Online. You can now find any scholarships that are appropriate to your country of origin, level of study, subject, and institutions where you are interested in studying. To try the search, visit: The scholarships page

Professional Degree programs