Studying like Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, or JRR Tolkien – that’s possible at the University of Oxford in England! And it’s not for nothing that so many famous personalities have studied there, because the top universities in England regularly top the international university rankings. In addition to the excellent teaching quality, the castle-like university buildings and “British English”, studying abroad in England has even more advantages to offer. You can find out what these are and how you can apply for a study place in England here!
England’s Higher Education System: Ancient Values & Modern Methods
Both the courses and the equipment of the universities in England are exemplary and up to date. The top universities in England such as Oxford or Cambridge even regularly top the international university rankings, such as the Times Higher Education Ranking 2020. In which Oxford University landed in the first place.
In England, like in no other country, the latest standard of education is combined with great awareness of tradition. This awareness is already reflected in the centuries-old, stately university buildings. Therefore, in England, a distinction is made between the so-called “Ancient Universities” and the others, even if they have the same study system and comparable quality of teaching.
Another difference is the division of the academic year into trimesters. The first trimester lasts from October to December, the second from January to March, and the third and April to July.
Recognition of degrees from England
Since the Bologna reform, the same academic degrees have existed in England and Germany: Bachelor, Master, and doctoral degrees (Ph.D.). Despite this commonality, there may be differences with regard to the recognition of university degrees and the conversion of performance records into the German grading system. Therefore, you should clarify on a case-by-case basis to what extent your desired degree will also be officially recognized in Germany.
Plan your semester abroad with the help of an organization
An organization can support you in the implementation of your studies in England in any way possible. Whether application, course selection, or accommodation. You have a permanent contact person who ensures that all planning steps go smoothly. AIFS from Bonn has specialized in semesters abroad in England and supports you in your planning and is always available as a contact person.
Get support in planning your semester abroad
The most popular host universities for studying in England
Probably the most famous university in England is the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, JRR Tolkien – these are just a few of the names of the world-famous Oxford University graduates. The second oldest university is the University of Cambridge, which is almost as popular with students as the University of Oxford because of its reputation. This can also be seen in the international ranking of universities. Which are regularly listed by these two universities, as well as in the number of international students at Cambridge. Which makes up 10 percent of all Bachelor students. Other well-known universities are, for example, the University of Bristol and the University of London.
Application to a university in England
Application and admission requirements for a full degree in England
If you want to independently apply for an undergraduate study abroad, you have to register with the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Those interested in the graduate area, i.e. those for master’s, doctoral and postgraduate courses, contact the university of their choice directly and provide documents such as
- a completed application form
- a list of the services provided so far
- translated and certified certificates
- as well as a passed language test.
Some universities require additional evidence as a prerequisite for admission, such as
- a letter of motivation
- a letter of recommendation
- proof of sufficient financial resources, etc.
- Therefore, it is best to find out directly at the university of your choice which documents you have to submit there and, above all, which deadlines have to be observed.
Application for a semester abroad in England
In contrast to applying for a full degree in England, applying for a semester abroad is a little less complicated. If you would like to go to England for one or two semesters on the Erasmus + exchange program, you can find out which documents you need for an application on the website of the International Office of your home university. Usually, the requested documents include the home university
- a tabular curriculum vitae
- a letter of motivation
- your transcript of records
as well as proof of language proficiency (sufficient grades on your Abitur certificate are often sufficient for this).
The best thing about such an Erasmus exchange program is that you don’t have to pay any tuition fees! The application deadlines for the International Office depend on the university but are usually in January for a course of study in the following winter semester and in July for a course of study in the following summer semester. So you have to apply for a study place almost 9 months in advance.
Brexit – do I need a visa to study abroad in England?
So far, an EU student does not need a visa to study in England. What is certain is that the UK will continue to participate in all EU programs such as Erasmus + until the end of the current budget period (2014-2020). If you intend to study abroad in England from 2021 onwards, it is best to find out about possible visa regulations and changes in EU-specific financing options for a stay abroad.
How expensive is it to study abroad in England?
The cost of living in England depends a lot on where exactly you live and how you organize your student life there. Life in cities like London or Oxford is significantly more expensive than in the country and even more expensive than the most expensive cities in Germany such as Munich in part. It is, therefore, best to find out in advance about the region in which your university is located. You can of course save by moving into a shared apartment or by taking a little longer travel times to move into a cheaper apartment a little further away.
Flights to England
Depending on how early you try to find the flights for your stay abroad in England, the prices vary greatly. Most of the time you can travel to London, Manchester and many other airports with the well-known low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet or Eurowings for less than 100 € from Europe. You can also take the train to England – in some cases, it is even more expensive than a flight. But it is kind to the environment.
Foreign health insurance
Even if the electronic health card is valid in all countries of the European Union, it only covers part of the costs. For example, a means of return transport to Germany due to illness or an accident would have to be borne by the student himself. The advantages for students abroad at a glance:
- Maximum bookable travel duration of up to 60 months (5 years)
- High scope of services – you are covered for all eventualities
- No deductible in the event of damage. All costs are covered
- Special rate for young people and students at particularly favorable conditions
- Flexible payment method: monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly, or once
- Multilingual 24-hour emergency service 365 days a year
- Reimbursement of premiums in the event of early return without additional costs / processing fees
Additional travel accident and travel liability insurance, as well as luggage insurance, can easily be booked
Tuition fees in England
State universities in England usually have to pay between £ 5,000 and £10,000 per year in tuition fees. Private institutions are often much more expensive. In addition, there are further fees for tests, for registration, for books, etc.
With all these costs, we can reassure you: There are many different ways to finance your studies abroad in England.
Student or education loans
If you cannot finance your stay abroad in England with any of the above options. There is also the option of a student or education loan. Before you take this step, you should definitely have excluded all other options and then carefully inform yourself about the conditions of such a student loan.
Credit card for studying abroad in England
In order to be able to make cashless payments abroad, you of course also need a credit card.
Conclusion – is it worth studying abroad in England?
Acquire internationally recognized and prestigious degrees from top-class universities. By the way, learn the world language English better – sounds good? Then off to England! Regardless of whether it is just for a semester abroad or a full degree – if you have studied in England, it will open many doors for you in Europe, Asia, USA too.
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