Increase Support for International Students Planning to Study in the UK: UCAS

In a bid to remain one of the top study abroad destinations in the world, UCAS called for increased support and guidance for international students planning their studies in the UK.

According to a report, The Pie News highlighted that the UK satisfied the essential requirements important to the international students, especially relating to the where next? question, among others like employability, living and learning.

UCAS brought forth a July 2021 survey by YouthSight, where nearly 88%, or 9 out of 10, of the international students in the UK, saw the destination as a positive study abroad destination.

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While there are many positive results from the survey, UCAS pointed out that many international students did not entirely feel ready to begin their courses at UK universities. Highlighting this point, UCAS stated that a gap in knowledge and support during the crucial transition to studying in the UK has been revealed by the survey. The report further highlighted that students needed more information and support regarding employment opportunities, housing and accommodation, as well as funding.

Clare Marchant, Chief Executive at UCAS, stated that while international students keep UK universities in high regard, better support is still needed when they research for their future.

Des Cutchey, UCAS International - Managing Director, welcomed the statistics put forward by the report, citing that 88% of the students still viewed the UK in a positive light, on the other hand, 63% saw the UK as a better option compared to others, for higher studies. Cutchey also added that the new Graduate Route has piqued the interest of aspiring international students.

Cutchey further pointed that half the applicants felt either only somewhat ready or not ready at all. He added that challenges to the pandemic including the general uncertainty of and changes to the delivery of the courses were brought forth by the students. Cutchey reiterated that the feel of unreadiness had been echoed by several different prospective students when Cutchey had completed a recent British Council Study UK event at the Dubai Expo in December last year.

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The survey respondents, Cutchey added, also pointed out other factors such as the financial aspects of living and studying in the UK, thus causing them to delay their final decisions and confirming their study abroad offers.

Highlighting the steps that attract more international students to study in the UK, UCAS also pointed out the international postgraduate platform Myriad has been working towards diversifying the UK postgraduate course applications as well.

Clare Marchant stated that UCAS Myriad provides a platform to international students, giving them access to information on topics that really matter as they finalise their future study abroad destination.

Source: The PIE News