Studying in the US "It's a seizable moment"

US universities are embracing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to attract British students

Studying in the US is becoming more popular with British students as the steep rise in tuition fees at UK universities continues to encourage them to consider all their options. According to the UK-US Fulbright Commission, an agency of the US embassy that helps British students find higher education courses in the US, a record 9,186 students from the UK studied at a US higher education institution in 2011-12. That's a 2.7 per cent increase on the 8,947 students of 2010-11.

US higher education has traditionally been much more business-driven than the UK, making it a far more expensive prospect for a British student to study an undergraduate course in the US rather than at home. That was until the tuition fees went up to a maximum of £9,000 a year. Undergraduate degrees in the US usually take four years. In 2011-12, the average annual tuition fees were $20,770 (£13,100) for foreigners at public institutions and $28,500 (£18,000) a year for private.

"We've seen a big increase in the number of US universities interested in attracting UK students," says Lauren Welch, marketing director at the Fulbright Commission. "They are aware of the changing higher education market in the UK and they see it as a good opportunity to attract more British students, and they like to have a good international cross-section of students at their institutions, as it has cultural and social benefits."

Top Universities and Colleges in the US and Canada 2014

There are some generous scholarships on offer. A survey by EducationUSA found that more than 900 US universities offer international students scholarships of over $10,000 (£6,600) a year. Of these, 195 offered up to $30,000 per year, 80 up to $40,000, 105 offered more than $40,000 and 183 offered a full ride. "Undergraduate scholarships are often offered to students based on academic merit and extracurricular achievement, athletic ability and personal characteristics, such as country of origin, field of study, gender or ethnicity," says Welch.

According to the survey, most British students are undergraduates (47 per cent), followed by postgraduates (26.2 per cent), with the rest following non-degree programmes, including short-term and visiting student schemes (18 per cent) and optional practical training or post-study work (9 per cent). The top five destinations for UK undergraduates are Harvard University in Boston, the University of Southern California, New York University, University of Pennsylvania and Boston University.

"We've seen our US College Day university fair double in size in recent years to 4,000 attendees in September 2012, with twice as many US universities sending representatives over here. Our website traffic is up over 30 per cent, which shows the growing level of interest," says Welch.

There are around 4,000 universities in the US. Students can take a "common application", which is an entrance test accepted by around 500 of them and costs around £60. There was a 12 per cent increase in the number of test-takers in 2011-2012 compared to the previous year.

Harvard reported a 45 per cent increase in applications from 2009-10 to 2011-12, and Yale University, in Connecticut, reports a doubling of applications over the past six years.

Around 90 per cent of UK applications come from students at independent schools, whereas only around 35 per cent of their domestic intake are from the independent sector.

In a survey of prospective students in 2011, the top reasons given for wanting to study in the US were: the opportunity to experience American campus life (90 per cent) and learn about a new culture (79 per cent), the quality of US universities (70 per cent) and flexibility of US degrees and the liberal arts curriculum (44 per cent).

Students can take a broad range of subjects in the first two years before specialising in the last two years. Robert Spatig, assistant vice-president for admissions at the University of South Florida, Tampa says: "US universities are paying attention to the changes taking place higher education in the UK.

We realise that it is a siezable moment for recruitment of UK students and that the floodgates are going to open once British students learn that tuition at many top research universities in the US may now be less than at a comparable Russell Group university in the UK, so this is a once in a generation opportunity to attract prospective British applicants across the Atlantic."

The next College Day for students interested in studying in the US is on 28-29 September. Click here to find out more about it.

Extract from here

Extend your scope by going to university abroad

International study can be a life-changing experience, just make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for

The university experience in the UK has a lot to recommend it to home students: a rich history, a solid worldwide academic reputation, and the inimitable social life offered by British institutions. However, a growing number of students are heading overseas to study and finding that there's also much to love about the international university experience.

The university experience in the UK has a lot to recommend it to home students: a rich history, a solid worldwide academic reputation, and the inimitable social life offered by British institutions. However, a growing number of students are heading overseas to study and finding that there's also much to love about the international university experience.

Perhaps the biggest draw is cost, as in many European countries (including Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) UK students pay no fees at all. Costs in France or Germany are a few hundred pounds, and even the slightly higher £1,500 charged by Dutch institutions is comparatively low. Living costs vary, but these are often lower than at home as well, making foreign study a potentially soothing balm for tormented bank balances at home.

Study Abroad Guide

As the worth of a degree tends (happily) not to be measured by how much it cost, there are also personal and professional benefits to overseas study that can help students once they graduate. According to Jemma Davies, organiser of the Student World Fair: "Studying outside of the UK will see students having to adapt to a new environment, new teaching methods and to develop their interpersonal skills." All of which will benefit them once they graduate.

Learning to adapt in this way gives people confidence in their own abilities, according to Beatrice Merrick, director of services and research at the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). "You have to deal with situations outside of your own experience. Even students who have travelled a lot – perhaps with their families – very often find that when they're the one in the driving seat everything is a major achievement, from getting a bank account to finding somewhere to live."

Dealing with these practicalities often depends on learning new language skills, which will naturally serve students well in the international job market – but that's not the only benefit to overseas study from an employer's point of view, says Merrick. "It's not just language, it's having experience abroad that makes employers think you'll cope with being sent overseas, for example."

Intercultural experience will also help students work with colleagues from other nations once they begin work, but the focus doesn't need to be purely on career development. Teaching methods vary widely across the world, making overseas study a chance to explore a new learning style – such as the emphasis on group work and problem-based learning in the Netherlands, or the focus on smaller class sizes in Hungary. "Hungarian universities have fewer students, so the student-faculty ratio is a great advantage," explains Dr Maria Trofimova, senior student recruitment co-ordinator at the Central European University in Budapest. "Students can always get individual attention and there is lots of emphasis on student activity in class, with presentations and debates."

Simply learning about another language or culture for its own sake can also have a profound effect on an individual. "If you do a whole degree abroad it will very much change your view of the world," says Merrick. Language need not be a barrier to those eye-opening experiences either, as many classes across Europe are taught in English, and naturally those in English-speaking countries, such as the US, will only need to battle with curious spelling anomalies to see them through their studies.

But with so many countries to choose from, how should students go about deciding where to study? Those with a clear idea of a country they'd like to visit may have a head start, but those who are simply intrigued by the idea of going overseas might ask themselves about their preferred style of study, the subjects that interest them, world academic rankings and of course their budget when drawing up a shortlist of countries to investigate further. "It's a case of working out what you're looking for," says Merrick.

There are several useful places to start. The UKCISA website (ukcisa.org.uk) has a range of general information on countries in the EU and beyond, including China, Australia and the US. Students could also try A Star Future (astarfuture.co.uk), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (acu.ac.uk) and Education USA (educationUSA.info). If language is a concern, www.studyportals.eu has a list of European courses taught in English.

When planning to study in the UK it's usually helpful to visit universities, but this isn't always financially viable for studying abroad, especially for far-flung institutions. However, there are a few UK-based student events – such as the Student World Fair (thestudentworld.com) – that allow candidates to meet staff and students face to face. "The Student World Fairs are free to attend and have universities exhibiting from all over the world to inform attendees all about their campuses, English-taught programmes and city life," says Davies.

Speaking to people who have been through the experience is one of the best ways of finding out about the reality of overseas study, as it's the little things that can create the biggest culture shocks. Differing standards of accommodation, subtle cultural niceties or even the strangely limited number of crisp flavours beyond the UK can all play a part, so it can help to hear other students' tales and get some tips.

"An awful lot of universities have an international office," adds Merrick. "If there is one, find it and see what information for foreign students they have. Many students also use social networks to find people who are already there." In addition to Twitter, Facebook and the other usual suspects, the third year abroad (thirdyearabroad.com) site is aimed at Erasmus students, but remains a good resource for overseas students of all kinds.

Being prepared can make the process of heading abroad much simpler, and staying on top of formalities such as visa applications is vital. The exact application process varies from country to country and between institutions, so again some legwork is needed to find out how, and when, students can submit their applications. "Expect things to be unexpected!" says Merrick. "In many countries there isn't a centralised admissions system, and the process for international students might be different as well. People should look at what stage they need to apply, and when they'll receive offers."

There are other obstacles besides the administrative machinery of foreign institutions that students need to take into account. Homesickness is a very real issue for some, as is the distance from home (although both are somewhat offset by the world-shrinking comfort provided by services such as Skype and, of course, Facebook), and there are other practical matters to consider. "International definitions of disability are not the same," Merrick points out. "For example, some countries don't recognise dyslexia whereas our education system does. So be aware that those support systems might not be in place in all countries."

Costs can be a factor too, as while study in some countries is cheaper, in some places – such as the US – it can be rather pricey. Individual universities may offer their own funding schemes, and there are international scholarships offered by organisations such as the Fulbright Award programme (for US study) or the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan. Embassies or university international offices may be able to provide information on sources of funding, and potentially some UK Research Councils offer subject-specific funding.

Finally, students should make sure that the qualifications they obtain from an overseas university are actually recognised in the country where they ultimately want to work. Individual institutions should be able to clarify this, and Merrick also recommends checking qualifications with the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (naric.org.uk).

Yet despite these extra hurdles to clear, studying abroad can be a hugely enriching process that will forever alter your life and enhance your career prospects. "The main advice is do it!" says Merrick, "it's absolutely worthwhile. There are real possibilities for those who feel they do have the energy and enthusiasm and are excited by the idea of new horizons and new experiences."

In fact, once you leave on your foreign adventure, the only problem might be not wanting to come back.

Top 10 Universities and Partner Institutions offering IT programmes for Top-Up degree and Freshers

I have made some research and came up with these lists of schools, hoping it will help anyone that may want to further his education abroad to a very affordable, best university or institution mostly UK degree programmes.

1. The University of Nottingham Campus Malaysia 

 

 

The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus opened in September 2000 to become the first campus of a British University in Malaysia and one of the first anywhere in the world - earning the distinction of the Queen's Award for Enterprise 2001 and the Queen's Award for Industry (International Trade) 2006.

 

Course Offered:

At The Univeristy of Nottingham Malaysia Campus they offer the following undergraduate degree programmes within computer science.

• BSc (Hons) Computer Science
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Management Studies
• BSc (Hons) Software Engineering 

 

Tuition fee: 

•  $12,890/yr

Course Duration: 

•  1 year for a top-up degree and 3 years for freshers

 

Accommodation:

Accommodation fees range from approximately $132 to $284 per month, including electricity, water bills and internet connection.

 

Cost of Living:

In addition to tuition fees, costs may at minimum include food, books and stationery, clothing, travel, entertainment, healthcare, insurance, visa renewal, etc. A moderate student lifestyle monthly expenses average $268 to $316, excluding accommodation and excluding tuition fees.

For more details, click here

2. Stratford University Campus India

 

Stratford University, USA has formed a Joint Venture with the K. K. Modi Group to deliver an American education in India. The name of the Joint Venture is the Modi-ATI Academic Institute (MAII). ATI is the parent company of Stratford University. Stratford University is committed to the international community. ATI believe that a diverse student body is essential for a balanced educational experience. The University is home to students and faculty members from more than thirty countries. Stratford fosters an environment that is supportive of all cultural traditions and religions.

 

Courses Offered:

• BSc Information Technology

 Tuition Fee:

• $8,825/yr

 

Cost of living:

• $320 - $400 monthly, cost includes accommodation, food, transport and internet connection.

For more details, click here

3. University of Technology Mauritius

 

 The University of Technology, Mauritius, as at 2010, and now in its tenth year of operation, is poised for a phase of significant expansion in line with the provisions of its Act and the national agenda of increasing access to tertiary education, capacity building in the context of the ongoing economic reforms, promotion of knowledge, research and innovation, as propounded by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology.


The University of Technology, Mauritius has the determination to become one of the leading tertiary education institutions of the region. UTM is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

 

Courses Offered:

• BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems 
• BSc (Hons) Computer Application
• BSc (Hons) Computing and Information Systems
• BSc (Hons) Green Computing and Communications
• BSc (Hons) Software Engineering      
• BSc (Hons) Web Technologies      
• BSc (Hons) Computer Aided Design 
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Network Security 
• BA (Hons) Graphics Design

 

Tuition fees:  

• Full Time $3,035/yr
• Part Time $4525/yr

Duration of study:

Full Time: 2 semesters
Part Time: 3 semesters

Cost of Living:

A minimum of $300 per month for expenses such as accommodation, lodging, food, transport and clothing

For more information, visit www.utm.ac.mu

4. University of Greenwich Campus (IPMC Ghana)

Over the last few years university of Greenwich have been getting more and more involved in overseas collaborations. Therefore they have partnered with institutions across the world to help promote a cross-curricular international dimension to our study programmes and increase academic links and research opportunities.  University of Greenwich  has contributed immensely in reaching students, to see those aspiring students who are not privileged to go to UK, have been able to graduate with UK University degree program (Bsc Honours) at much ease.

About IPMC Ghana

 

IPMC is Ghana’s leader in IT education. IPMC high quality education deliveries represent a blend of traditional classroom training and complete practical approached learning, which offers students the best of both worlds. IPMC has a number of programs which gives something for everyone—from school and college students to professionals to ordinary citizens. IPMC training is mapped to the needs of these specific segments to the aspiring students who are not privileged for the University education.

 

Tuition fees:

• $4,000

 

Accommodation:

• $700 - $1200/yr

 

Cost of living:

• $100 - $200/month

For more information, click here

 

5. University of Greenwich Campus (DIIT Bangladesh)

The University of Greenwich offers the best of worlds, city and country. The university traces its roots to 1890, when Britain's second polytechnic was opened near the Thames at Woolwich to teach practical and commercial skills to London workers. Later it got the university status awarded in 1992. The university is proud of its diverse student body. People from more than 100 countries choose to study at Greenwich, part of an international student community of 4,000.

About Daffodil Institute of IT (DIIT)

DIIT has been awarded as the "Best Partner" of NCC Education UK & also achieved the most prestigious "Academic Excellence Award" for two times among its 45 countries and in 350 centers for its student's outstanding performance in the Global Exams. Already 1700 DIIT students have successfully transferred their credits to the well-known universities throughout the world for their higher studies.

 

Course Offered:

• BSc Business Information Technology (BSc. BIT)

 

Tuition fee:

• $3200/yr

 

Accommodation:

• $1200

 

Cost of living:

• $100 - $200 monthly, cost includes food, transport and internet connection.

For more details, click here

 

6. Mahatma Gandhi University Campus Ghana

MGU Ghana has been conceptualized to create global business leaders. MGU deliver the finest learning which is relevant, current as well as futuristic for the competitive edge in an international environment. The best of the resources will be at the students disposal, one that will transform them into leaders and entrepreneurs

MGU provide its students the best resources that are conducive for transforming them into managers, entrepreneurs and leaders. Industry led curriculum and a modern learning style guarantee a world class career building experience to its students.

Synergies Infotech is an Authorized Technical collaborator of Mahatma Gandhi University, India and is authorized to offer various programs of the University in Ghana.

 

Tuition fee:

• $1500/yr Once after registration you'll be given a brand new laptop from the school

 

Accommodation:

• $700 - $1200/yr

 

Cost of living:

• $100 - $200/month

For more details, click here

 

7. Kamapala International University, Uganda

 

KIU is a private university in Uganda which has built a name in Uganda's education sector with remarkable resilience. the university is chartered by the government of Uganda as a recognition and acknowledgement of its ability and competence to offer relevant education and is a memeber of pre-eminent bodies such as the Commonwealth Universities, Association of African Universities and the Inter-University Council of East Africa.

 

Courses Offered:

• Bachelor of Business Computing     
• Bachelor of Computer Science     
• Bachelor of Management Information Systems     
• Bachelor of Computer Engineering     
• Bachelor of Information Technology

 

Tuition fee:

• $900/yr

 

Accommodation:

• $200/yr

 

Cost of Living:

• $100 - $200/month

For more information, click here

 

8. Staffordshire University Campus (APU) Malaysia

Staffordshire University is truly committed to building a worldwide dynamic learning community. The University's learning community is global and students represent over 75 nations worldwide. As well as being involved in many international collaborative research projects, Staffordshire University is committed to delivering high quality education through its many international partnerships.

Some facts about Staffordshire University are:

• Staffordshire University’s strong focus on employability was underlined in the UK Sunday Times newspaper’s 2010 University League Tables, in which it was recognized as a leading UK university for achieving graduate employment.
• One of the first universities in the world to offer computing degrees back in the 1960s, Staffordshire maintains a strong reputation for excellence and innovation in teaching technology based subjects.
• The University’s Computing, Computer Games Design, Network Security, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic and Automotive Engineering awards are all highly respected by employers globally.
• The University’s learning community is truly global. At any one time, in excess of 17,000 students from over 75 countries are studying in Great Britain, by distance learning, or on Staffordshire University quality-accredited courses internationally.

About Asia Pacific University 

 

APU Programmes are subjected to extensively External Quality Assurance processes by Staffordshire University, who also award the Undergraduate Degrees. This ensures that APU programmes are benchmarked against international standards.

In addition, APU solid relationship with Staffordshire University is among the strongest and most successful foreign collaborations in Malaysia, and is particularly notable in their strong shared mission of producing highly employable graduates.All these things combine to create a university with considerable global expertise - a university that APU is proud to partner with.

APU provides access to world-class resources across a wide range of disciplines. This translates into industry-ready skills and a competitive edge for graduates.

Employers are demanding that graduates not just have qualifications, but also have the experience and ability to contribute to the workplace. To meet these demands, APU develops programmes and partnerships with academic and industry partners, with a heavy focus on applied learning. This helps ensures that the skills and knowledge taught at APU are up-to-date and in high demand.

All of their programmes are quality assured by an International Advisory Panel (IAP) whose members include representatives from our international partner universities and industry and technology leaders in the private sector.

 

Courses offered:

• B.Sc. (Hons) in Information Technology
• B.Sc. (Hons) in Information Technology with a specialisms in
  • Information Systems Security
  • Intelligent Systems
  • Network Computing
  • Forensic Computing
  • Mobile Technology
  • Business Information Systems
• B.Sc. (Hons) Enterprise Computing
• B.Sc. (Hons) Software Engineering
• B.Sc. (Hons) Internet Technology
• B.Sc. (Hons) Multimedia Technology
• B.Sc. (Hons) Technopreneurship
• B.Sc. (Hons) in Media Informatics
• B.Sc. (Hons) in Computer Games Development
• B.Sc. (Hons) in Web Media Technology 

 

Tuition fee:

• $7,630/yr

 

Cost of living:

Living cost in Malaysia as an international student is estimated at about USD 300-500 per month which should include accommodation, food, transport, entertainment, internet, etc.

 

Visa fee:

• $1,750

For more details, visit there website http://www.apu.edu.my

 

8. Middlesex University Campus Mauritius

Middlesex University is a world leader in providing a British higher education from campuses around the world. In recent years, the University has expanded from its foundations as a leading provider in London to become a major presence in key regions of the world.

Middlesex offers its students the unrivalled opportunity to gain a British degree from London’s leading modern University whilst being based at exciting locations around the world:

Mauritius  - a rapidly evolving knowledge hub in the African region.  A perfect study destination blending different cultures and reasonable living costs in a beautiful and peaceful setting.

 

Courses Offered:

• BSc (Honours) Information Technology 
• BSc (Honours) Information Technology and Business Information Systems

 

Cost of Living:

The cost of living in Mauritius for students living in their halls of residence is about GBP275 pounds per month (about a third of that of the UK). Brand new accommodation is available for 64 male and 35 female students in male or female halls and part-furnished 2-bedroom apartments. For a student staying abroad for the first time, it will be reassuring to know the campus has 24hr security and the students rooms and common areas are cleaned daily.

• Hall student rooms are shared between two students or may be taken individually
• Apartments can be shared by two students or one couple and a student.

Each student will have

Halls

• A single bed
• Storage, including wardrobe and chest of drawers
• A study area including desk, chair and shelving space
• Laundry facilities – washing machine, clothes airing rack and ironing board
• All rooms offer internet access

Apartment

• A single bed or double bed (depending on size of room), wardrobe, desk and chair
• Kitchen with built-in cupboards, fridge/freezer, oven, microwave, pressure cooker and washing machine
• Dining Room/Lounge with dining table and chairs, sofa, TV and TNT decoder
• Bathroom/WC
• Laundry facilities – washing machine, clothes airing rack and ironing board
• All apartments offer internet access

A Starter Pack is also available for students to order which comprises of 2 bedsheets, 2 pillowcases, 1 pillow, 6 clothes hangers and 1 tropical blanket at a cost of $100.

For more information, visit here

9. University of Bolton Ras Campus Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

United Kingdom's University of Bolton, in Greater Manchester, has received an excellent start with its new campus in Ras al Khaimah, UAE (United Arab Emirates). The campus has over 280 registered students and offers a broad range of the university's undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Built Environment, Engineering, Business and Computing/Information Technology.
Located in the heart of a booming Middle East, Ras al Khaimah attracts tremendous inward investment as it welcomes people and organisations from across the globe. It is therefore paramount that such growth is complemented with life opportunities for education and training.
- See more at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/UAECampus/About/Home.aspx#sthash.PHmu8Xmc.dpuf

United Kingdom's University of Bolton, in Greater Manchester, has received an excellent start with its new campus in Ras al Khaimah, UAE (United Arab Emirates). The campus has over 280 registered students and offers a broad range of the university's undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Built Environment, Engineering, Business and Computing/Information Technology.
Located in the heart of a booming Middle East, Ras al Khaimah attracts tremendous inward investment as it welcomes people and organisations from across the globe. It is therefore paramount that such growth is complemented with life opportunities for education and training.
- See more at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/UAECampus/About/Home.aspx#sthash.PHmu8Xmc.dpuf

United Kingdom's University of Bolton, in Greater Manchester, has received an excellent start with its new campus in Ras al Khaimah, UAE (United Arab Emirates). The campus has over 280 registered students and offers a broad range of the university's undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Built Environment, Engineering, Business and Computing/Information Technology.

Located in the heart of a booming Middle East, Ras al Khaimah attracts tremendous inward investment as it welcomes people and organisations from across the globe. It is therefore paramount that such growth is complemented with life opportunities for education and training.

University of Bolton, Ras al Khaimah campus aims to provide higher education using the ethos, environment and processes devised and controlled by the main campus in the United Kingdom. The RAK campus students are a part of the University of Bolton's student community and are no different to students at the main campus

Course Offered:

BSc (Hons) Computing Top Up

• BSc (Hons) Computing

Tuition fee:

• $10,195/yr

Accommodation:

• $800 - $1200/month

 

Cost of living

 $700 - $1200/month

For more info, click here

10. Middlesex University Campus (Computer Pride) Kenya

Middlesex University partnership is among the latest international affiliations Computer Pride has established in order to provide a path for the students to graduate with UK University degree program (Bsc Honours). The department of Information Technology at Computer Pride leverages its ability to deliver a premier degree program through its team of highly experienced and technically certified trainers who collaborate with link tutors at Middlesex to provide lectures, materials and support to the local degrees students.

About Computer Pride Kenya

Computer Pride Training Center is a Leading ICT Education center in the region offering ICT and Business Management Courses that are targeted for both the corporate world and the academic world. The corporate world look for ICT and Business Management training  in order to improve the productivity and efficiency at their workplace by performing tasks using the state of the art technology products and software. The academic world looks for ICT training that leads to development of career, obtain well recognized qualifications and knowledge creation.

Courses Offered:

• Bsc Honours Information Technology
• Bsc Honours Business Information Systems

Tuition fee:

• $4500/yr

Cost of living:

• $300 - 500 monthly including accommodation, food and transport.

For more information, click here 
Note: Top-up is 1 year and Freshers 3 years degree programme

If you enjoy this and want to read more related articles, click here

University of Bolton, Ras al Khaimah campus aims to provide higher education using the ethos, environment and processes devised and controlled by the main campus in the United Kingdom. The RAK campus students are a part of the University of Bolton's student community and are no different to students at the main campus. - See more at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/UAECampus/Home.aspx#sthash.nkgJh6G9.dpuf