Introduction
The UK Experience
The UK has been welcoming international students to their shores for generations; there are more than a quarter of a million international students in the UK at any one time. They have long experience of looking after your needs, and will give you special support from the moment you apply and throughout your time in the UK.
The support you get from UK institutions is remarkable. Many institutions arrange for you to be collected from the airport and offer guaranteed accommodation for your first year. They will provide a dedicated international office, international student societies, planned social activities, academic support, counsellors and advisers. The system works: the UK has one of the lowest 'drop-out' rates (the number of students who leave before the end of their course) in the world.
The lifestyle is second to none
You will find the experience of having studied in the UK enriching and not just from the education aspect. The UK is an international and cosmopolitan place to live. Many thousands of families from around the world have made the UK their home, creating a richly diverse, open-minded, multicultural society. All of the world's major religions are represented in the UK, and international foods are widely available. This cosmopolitan atmosphere makes it easy to settle down as an international student.
Furthermore, it's an ideal base for your travels. When you are in the UK, you get four countries in one: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each has its own distinctive history, landscape and modern culture. And, because they're all within easy reach of one another, they're easy to explore. And it's just as easy to travel around Europe as the UK is the gateway to the rest of Europe - an advantage over other English-speaking study destinations.
You will be very much welcomed back in Malaysia
Your UK qualification will be a solid foundation for building your future, boosting your career and prospects for a higher salary. Having achieved a UK qualification, you will be most sought after in Malaysia. We have a UK Alumni Network in Malaysia which offers to assist you in finding your dream job and provides a strong platform for establishing contacts with fellow UK Alumni. Visit www.ukan.org.my for more information.
Why Education UK?
You'll get a world-class qualification
UK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world. Your UK qualification will be a solid foundation for building your future, boosting your career and prospects for a higher salary.
The UK is at the forefront of scientific and creative innovation. Students here learn alongside some of the world's top intellectual achievers - people who have developed original knowledge in their fields - in an environment of vibrant creativity. It's an exceptionally stimulating and challenging atmosphere which breeds excellence.
British education incorporates innovative approaches and exciting new fields of study. Ambitious achievers who are seeking a superior education choose to find it in the UK because UK education is constantly evolving while retaining the best of its prestigious 800-year heritage.
You will get the skills you'll need for the global market
In an increasingly globalised world economy, people need special skills and qualities to succeed. Employers want employees who can think effectively, creatively and for themselves. This is an essential part of the UK learning experience. Institutions use a variety of teaching and assessment methods to encourage independence, as well as mastery of the subject. At degree and postgraduate level in particular, students are encouraged to read widely, to question and analyse what they have read, and to discuss openly their own ideas in seminars and tutorials. Career based courses are designed to equip you for specific roles in the modern world of work.
English language skills will be important for your future career prospects. English is accepted as being the language of business, science, IT and the Internet around the whole world. Learning English in the UK allows you to immerse yourself in the language, and to live and think in English.
Indisputable quality
Whatever level and type of UK qualification you choose, you can expect the highest quality of teaching and research, supported by rigorous quality assessment. The UK leads the world in developing quality standards and performance measures. The extensive, sophisticated system of quality assurance means that when you choose to study in the UK, you can be confident that the course and institution that you have chosen are closely monitored to ensure high standards. All nationally recognised qualifications offered in the UK are subject to strict quality standards.
Value for Money
It's an affordable option
Most UK degrees take only three years and postgraduate Masters Courses only one year - compared with four years and two years in most other countries. This means you will save a great deal on both tuition fees and living costs - you will also be able to start working and earning money sooner. UK degree courses are shorter because they are more intensive, and therefore more efficient in terms of your time and money.
It costs less than you think
There are many benefits available that can make your day-to-day life in the UK more affordable, too. Chief among them is the level of discounts negotiated by the National Union of Students. Students can save up to 50% on everything from books to entertainment.
Health care is often free for international students. You are likely to take advantage of the National Health Service (NHS) treatment, as well as reduced-cost medicines, dental treatment and eye tests. Find out whether you are entitled to NHS care in the 'Leaving for the UK' section. You can now work up to twenty hours a week when studying and full time during vacations. What's more, thousands of scholarships and financial packages are offered by UK institutions just for international students, while more than twenty-one thousand international students receive scholarship funding from the UK Government every year. You can get more information about these from British Council's Education UK website (www.educationuk.org.my). A UK Education offers real value for money!
Diversity
The breadth and flexibility of the British educational system are exceptional. The UK boasts over one thousand educational institutions including:
- Over 180 institutions
- Over 500 Colleges of further education
- 600-plus boarding schools
A New World Class
You may know that the UK is an excellent destination for established subjects like law and medicine. But did you know that it's also one of the world's leading centres of excellence in science and technology? In fact, in the past 50 years, more than 40% of the world's patents have been for British inventions. Universities in the UK have produced more than 70 Nobel Prize winners for science, and continue to shape the world of tomorrow. In recent years, for example, UK university research has yielded the World Wide Web, Dolly the sheep, and many other significant breakthroughs. And Malaysian students themselves have been involved in developing advanced solar-powered cars at the London South Bank University.
UK System
Education System
Education systems in the UK have evolved over hundreds of years, and are subject to rigorous quality standards. Malaysia's education system is very similar to the UK system. Both countries have a 13-year schooling system and the Malaysian SPM and STPM are equivalent to the UK's GCSEs and A Levels respectively. Therefore Malaysian students will find it easy to adapt to the UK education system.
Education in the UK is compulsory for everyone between the ages of five and sixteen, and is provided by two kinds of schools: state-funded schools and independent (fee-charging) schools. The UK has two distinct systems of courses and qualifications: one for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and one for Scotland, each compatible with the other.
Secondary Education (including GCSEs and equivalents)
All UK secondary schools, both state and independent, teach pupils at least until the age of sixteen and prepare them for GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. A significant number of international students enter the UK secondary education system when they are either eleven or thirteen. Many attend independent boarding schools.
Post-sixteen Education (including A-levels and equivalents)
After completing compulsory education at the age of sixteen, students may legally leave school and start work. Most, however, study A-levels or equivalent qualifications as sixth-form students in a school, sixth-form college or college of further education. International students often enter the education system at this point, e.g. taking an A-level course in preparation for further or higher education in the UK.
Post-eighteen Education
Sixth-formers usually finish their secondary education at the age of eighteen with A-levels or equivalent qualifications, then go on to study at either further or higher education level.
Further Education (FE) (including career based courses and some degree courses)
This is the term used to describe education and training that takes place after the school-leaving age of sixteen. Over six hundred FE colleges, both state-funded and independent, offer a very wide range of programmes, including English language courses, some GCSEs, A-levels and other equivalents, career based courses, access courses and some degree courses.
Higher Education (HE) (including degree courses, postgraduate programmes and MBAs)
This is the term used to describe the education and training that takes place at universities, colleges and institutes offering studies at degree level and higher. The UK has over 90 universities and more than 50 HE colleges offering a wide range of courses, most of which lead to degrees or equivalent qualifications, postgraduate qualifications or MBAs.
Education in Scotland
Scottish education, training and qualifications are recognised worldwide to be of a high standard. Scotland has 2,293 publicly funded primary schools, 389 publicly funded secondary schools in membership of the Scottish Independent Schools Council, 47 further education colleges, 21 institutes of higher education in membership of Universities Scotland and 80 independent schools, numerous training providers and private language schools. Scottish education offers flexibility and breadth of study and there is a wide range of qualifications at different levels and many different subjects from which to choose.
Applications
To secure a place in a UK institution of your choice, it is important that you should know the proper procedures and when you should apply.
How do I apply to the institutions of my choice?
Applications for first degree courses and HNDs can be made centrally through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). For schools, career-based training and other courses, such as Master's degrees, you can check the institution's website for online application forms.
Assistance through British Council Offices
You can visit our Resource Centres in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. They are well-equipped with up to date reference materials and institution prospectuses. Application forms for entry into UK institutions are available and we will provide assistance on how to fill in your application.
English Language Courses
Some English language courses can be started at any time of the year and others have precise start dates. To apply for an English language course, you should contact the school, and ask for a prospectus and an application form.
School Level Courses, GCSEs, A-Levels, Scottish Highers and equivalents
Some independent schools have formal application procedures and prefer pupils to apply up to a year before they wish to start. Other schools are more informal and welcome applications at any time. Most schools start in September, although other dates are available. Applications can be made through the Independent Schools Council Information Service (ISCIS). ISCIS has an international office that offers a full pupil placement service and advice about finding suitable schools.
Degree Courses
To apply for full-time degree courses and higher national diplomas (HNDs), you simply make a single approach through the centralised application process. This service is provided by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). All UK universities (except the Open University) and most colleges of higher education are members of UCAS. Some universities accept applications directly from international students, so remember to check the university prospectus before you begin.
How do I apply for a full-time undergraduate course through UCAS?
Check the minimum entry requirements. Please ensure that you meet the requirements before applying. Bear in mind that the institution could ask for more than these minimum requirements if there is competition to join the course. You may apply online to a maximum of six courses at: www.ucas.com. If you are applying to medicine, dentistry or veterinary sciences/medicine you may apply to only four.
Important Dates to Note
| 1 September | Applications open |
| 15 October | Closing date for applications to courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary sciences/ medicine and to Oxford and Cambridge |
| 15 January | Closing date for Route A-Art and Design applications |
| 1 January - 8 March | Application period for Route B-Art and Design applications |
| 30 June | Closing date for international students (unless you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge or for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine/science or Route B Art and Design courses) |
Postgraduate Programmes and MBAs
At this level, you should apply directly to the university you are interested in. Details of the application procedure will be available from the institution. You may also apply using our Postgraduate Application Form, which is accepted by most UK institutions. You can obtain this form from our Resource Centres or download it from the website: www.educationuk.org.my
MBAs
Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses usually require an undergraduate degree or equivalent, or a professional qualification. Most MBA courses may also require two or three years' management experience.
Expenses
Accommodation
UK towns and cities have long experience of providing homes for students, and there are many inexpensive, comfortable and safe places to live. If you're coming to the UK for the first time, accommodation provided by your school, college or university might be the most suitable choice. This is an option taken up by more than half of the international students on degree courses in the UK, and around thirty per cent of those who come to Further Education colleges.
College and university accommodation is also affordable: living in a hall of residence costs from £300 to £380 per month and staying in a college-owned apartment costs from £250 per month. In comparison, renting a room in a private house costs from £200 to £280.
Working in the UK
If you come for a course lasting more than six months, you will be allowed to work no more than 20 hours during term time and full-time during vacations if you choose not to return to Malaysia. Of course, you can work longer if work placement is an essential part of your course e.g. sandwich course or internship. If you come on a course lasting less than six months, you are prohibited from working.
Costs
Living Costs
For living costs, you should budget for a nine-month academic year. Average living costs (covering accommodation, food, clothing, books, entertainment and travel) for an international student on a degree course are £800 per month in London or £600 per month elsewhere. For both types of postgraduate studies (taught and research), you should budget for a 12-month academic year.
Course Fees
Below is a general guide on average course fees:
| Course Estimated Cost | |
|---|---|
| English Language Courses | £100 to £300 per week |
| Boarding Schools and Colleges | £5,000 to £9,000 per term |
| Career based training and professional courses | £7,000 to £9,000 (varies according to programme and course length) |
| Degree courses | Arts: £7,000 to £10,000 per year Science: £7,600 to £13,000 per year Clinical: £17,000 to £25,000 per year |
| Postgraduate/MBAs | Arts: £7,100 to £12,100 per year Science: £7,900 to £13,500 per year Clinical: £17,000 to £25,000 per year MBA: £8,200 to £23,000 per year |
For more information on education in the UK, please visit: www.educationuk.org/malaysia/.
CONTACT DETAILS
British Council
Ground Floor, West Block
Wisma Selangor Dredging
142C, Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 603-2723 7900
Fax: 603-2713 6599
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.britishcouncil.org.my, www.educationuk.org/malaysia/
Back to Studying in United Kingdom Back to Overseas Education Main Page
