With more and more students opting to move abroad for better higher education and job opportunities, choosing the country to pursue their education and permanent residency for international students can be challenging, especially when comparing top countries like the UK and the USA. Both countries have good universities, a multicultural community, and good prospects for job opportunities.
However, specific criteria influence which country is better to continue studying, find job opportunities for international students, and settle down in the country as a student. In this blog, you will find information about education systems, job opportunities, and ways to obtain residency in the UK and USA.
When considering higher education, both the UK and the USA stand out as premier destinations for international students. Each country offers many academic opportunities, prestigious institutions, and unique cultural experiences. This section will explore the critical differences in educational quality, flexibility, and recognition, helping you determine which country best aligns with your academic and career aspirations.
Criteria | United Kingdom | USA |
---|---|---|
1. Structure | Most universities provide 3-year bachelor's degrees and 1-year master's courses | Universities offer undergraduate or bachelor's degrees, which take 4 years of study, and postgraduate master's degrees, which take 2 years. |
2. Quality of Education | UK universities are globally acclaimed for their teaching standards, especially in the humanities and social sciences alongside engineering. Well, the United Kingdom is ranked number #2. | The USA is home to some of the world's leading universities, especially in research and technology. The United States is ranked number #1 in the world for education. |
3. Flexibility | They offer limited mobility when switching between majors in their programs. | Students receive more flexibility to try different areas before choosing their focus. |
4. Cost | Tuition fees cost $ 10,000 to $ 38,000 per academic year, depending on the course or university. | Tuition and fees range between $20,000 to $60,000 annually, with private colleges slightly more expensive. |
Employment prospects are among the most critical considerations that international learners must make when choosing between the UK and the USA. Every country has perks, such as allowances during study or employment opportunities after completing a course. Awareness of the job prospects in the USA and its possibilities will be helpful for your future performance as a student and your international experience.
Criteria | United Kingdom | USA |
---|---|---|
1. Work Hours for Students | International students can work up to 20 hours weekly during term and full-time during breaks. | Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus and unlimited hours during breaks. |
2. Post-Study Work Visa | The Graduate Route allows students to stay for two years after graduation (three years for PhD graduates) to seek employment. | Optional Practical Training (OPT) permits students to work in their field for up to 12 months post-graduation, extendable to 24 months for STEM graduates. |
3. Employment Rates | Higher employment rates for graduates, especially from prestigious institutions like the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and Imperial College London. | Varies by region and industry; major cities offer more opportunities. Graduates from top universities like Harvard University, Yale University, and many more have higher employability. |
4. Job Market | Focus on public job prospects in the UK and traditional industries. The tech and finance sectors are increasing. | Diverse job market with a strong emphasis on technology, finance, healthcare, and research. |
International students are most concerned about their future in the country they want to study in when it comes to studying abroad. The paths are also different, and both the UK and the USA have their own rules and regulations for providing permanent residency.
Thus, the table below provides an overview of the steps required to achieve permanent residency in USA for international students. It helps you choose which option is most suitable for you.
Criteria | UK | USA |
---|---|---|
Gain Work Experience | Take advantage of the Graduate Route, which will allow you to work for up to 2 years. | You need to apply for OPT and be able to work in your field for 12 months (or 24 months if your course is in STEM). |
Apply for a Work Visa | Obtain a Skilled Worker Visa by getting a job with an employer in the UK that meets the skill and pay grade. | Secure a job where the employer would be willing to petition for your Green Card. |
Fulfill Residency Requirements | After the skilled worker visa holders have worked in the UK for five years, they can apply for ILR. | Manage the process of a Green Card through Employment-based immigration, which, depending on the visa classes, can take several years of wait. |
Final Residency Status | Obtaining ILR status will enable one to reside and work in the UK without hindrance. | Immigrate to the USA through green status, which gives permanent residence. |
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When choosing between the UK and the USA, consider the following aspects:
Duration of Studies: If you are hurrying to complete an academic program, you may like the UK 1-year master's and 3-year undergrad courses. The undergraduate educational program in the USA is 4 years, and two years for graduate courses.
Job Security: Unlike the USA, the job prospects for international students in the UK have a defined direct route to a work permit after studies, called the Graduate Route. It has OPT and H-1B, which involve much lottery processing. UK unemployment rate was estimated at 4.1% from May to July 2024, while in the USA, the unemployment rate remained at 4.1% as of October 2024.
Permanent Residency: When seeking permanent residency in the UK, it has a more straightforward process than the USA Green Card, where it may take longer and more effort. According to statistics, 137,020 settlement grants in the UK were issued. , whereas the US issues up to 675,000 green cards per year.
Living Costs: In the UK, students have the NHS as well as other student privileges to alleviate some living costs. In the USA, most cities are relatively cheap, with varieties for every income bracket except for health care fees, which foreigners are inclined to encounter. The average cost of living in the UK is $42,136 a year, while it is $61,334 yearly in the USA.
Employment Rate: The employment rate for international students in the UK is 76% compared to the USA, which is 60%. This rate suggests the UK has better job prospects for international students than the USA.
Selecting between the UK and the USA as an education hub, as well as for employment and immigration purposes, may pose many challenges to international students. The UK needs more time to finish degrees and a clear-cut track to gain permanent residency in the country. On the other hand, the USA offers numerous types of employment opportunities and good networking experiences.
In the long run, it will come down to career choice, focus of study and interest, and personal predispositions. For more assistance for any stage of learning and improved outcomes, consider the Quick Assignment Hub for all your homework and to accomplish the objectives faster and easier.
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