Benefits Of Studying Abroad In The UK – A Guide For Malaysians

The United Kingdom is one of the top destinations for students who want to study abroad at any stage of their education journey. UK Universities consistently top the charts in global rankings while schools in the UK are known for their prestige, quality of education programmes and focus on holistic development of students. In this guide, we explore the benefits of studying abroad in the UK and why you should consider pursuing an overseas education.

benefits of studying abroad in the uk

Table of Contents

Benefits Of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad brings countless benefits for your future career and also personal growth.

  1. High Quality Education: Global study destinations like the UK offer unparalleled quality of education. Many degrees in the UK are globally-recognised and can open up career opportunities for graduates.
  2. Global Perspective: Exposure to new cultures and viewpoints can broaden your understanding and appreciation of global issues.
  3. Networking: Living abroad helps you build a global network of peers, professionals, and academics that can provide lifelong benefits and opportunities.
  4. Personal Development: Living abroad also helps students become more independent, self-reliant, and adaptable as they navigate life in a different cultural setting.
  5. Life Experiences: Studying in a different country opens opportunities for travel and exploration that can provide lifelong memories and personal insights.

Why Should You Study In The UK?

The UK is a great choice as an overseas study destination, it offers numerous advantages that make it an appealing destination for students worldwide:

  • World-Class Universities: The UK boasts several of the world’s most prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, known for their rigorous academics and leading research facilities.
  • Quality Education: UK education standards are among the highest globally, with strict checks on quality to ensure students receive the best learning experience.
  • Diverse Course Offerings: From traditional courses to cutting-edge subjects, UK universities offer a broad spectrum of programs to suit various interests and career goals.
  • Cultural Diversity: The UK is a multicultural society, with a rich blend of languages, cultures, and religions, offering a dynamic and stimulating environment for personal growth.
  • Work Opportunities: Students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during vacations, providing them with valuable work experience and extra income.
  • Global Language: With English as the medium of instruction, students improve their language skills and increase their employability in the global job market.
  • Vibrant Student Life: The UK offers a vibrant, well-rounded student life that includes numerous clubs, societies, and events, providing plenty of opportunities for socialising and networking.
  • Strong Research Infrastructure: The UK is a leader in global research, offering numerous opportunities for students to engage with leading experts and contribute to groundbreaking studies.

These reasons make the UK a top choice for students seeking a rich educational experience along with personal and professional growth.

Scholarships For Studying Abroad After SPM

You might be wondering… Can Malaysian students obtain scholarships to study abroad?

The answer is YES! Many scholarships are available for Malaysian students aiming to pursue higher education overseas. These scholarships are provided by various entities including government agencies, corporations, and charitable organizations, all dedicated to helping talented students achieve their academic ambitions.

Here are the list of scholarships open to Malaysians for studying abroad.

1) JPA Scholarships

The Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) offers two main scholarship programs:

  • Programme Penajaan Nasional: This program supports top Malaysian students in pursuing undergraduate degrees abroad, covering tuition, living expenses, and other costs. Applicants must be Malaysian citizens, SPM holders with excellent grades, and have offers from accredited overseas institutions. The selection process may include interviews and assessments.
  • Programme Khas Jepun Korea Jerman Perancis: Aimed at fostering academic exchanges with Japan, Korea, Germany, and France, this scholarship has similar eligibility criteria to the Programme Penajaan Nasional.

2) MARA Scholarships

The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) provides scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and field of study. Applicants must meet MARA’s criteria and undergo a selection process that could include interviews and assessments.

3) Petronas Scholarship

Petronas awards scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate degrees in fields like engineering and geosciences at top international universities, covering tuition and living expenses. Applicants must be Malaysian, aged 16 to 19, and display leadership and extracurricular involvement.

4) Yayasan Khazanah Global Scholarship

This scholarship supports Malaysian students at top global universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, aiming to develop future leaders dedicated to contributing to Malaysia’s progress.

5) Shell Scholarship

Shell Malaysia provides scholarships for engineering and geosciences studies abroad, focusing on students with strong leadership skills and academic excellence.

6) Yayasan UEM Scholarship

Supporting various disciplines, Yayasan UEM looks for ambitious, high-achieving Malaysian students committed to positive societal impact.

6) Yayasan Telekom Malaysia Scholarship

This program supports students in telecommunications and IT fields, covering comprehensive educational costs for those meeting specific academic and extracurricular criteria.

7) Sarawak Energy Scholarship

Targeted at students from Sarawak, this scholarship supports engineering and computer science studies, aiming to bolster the energy sector’s talent pool.

8) Bank Negara Kijang Scholarship

For students pursuing economics, finance, and related fields, offering comprehensive support based on academic excellence and leadership qualities.

9) CIMB ASEAN Scholarship

A full scholarship for outstanding students within ASEAN, focusing on those interested in the financial and banking sectors.

10) IJM Scholarship

IJM Corporation Berhad offers scholarships to students in various fields, emphasizing strong academic and extracurricular performance.

Start Early

It is important to start researching scholarships as early as possible, such as in the final year of high school to ensure you don’t miss any important scholarship application deadlines.

Pathways For Studying Abroad For Malaysian Students

There are many educational pathways for transitioning into an overseas education. At the pre-university or college level, you should choose a course that meets the minimum requirements of the university you are applying to. For instance, A Levels is the gold standard for students looking to enter prestigious universities in the UK. However, there are also many foundation programmes that upon completion, allow you direct access to certain degree programmes at various universities. The International Baccalaureate programme is also highly recognised globally and if you score well, opens up many admission routes into prestigious universities.

How To Apply To Study At A UK University?

If you plan to enrol at a UK university, you have to apply through UCAS. UCAS stands for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, which is the central organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. It’s a non-profit organization that provides tools and services to help students navigate the process of applying to universities and colleges. You can also apply through an educational consultant like Britannia – Study UK. We can assist you in the entire process of course selection, visa and application for a UK university. Speak with us today for a free consultation.

Studying Abroad At A UK School

Are you interested in studying overseas at the high school level? Then you should consider a UK Boarding School. UK boarding schools are known for their excellent academic standards, quality fo teaching and focus on holistic development of students. They offer programmes such as A Levels and GCSEs which open up pathways to many high ranking UK universities and also international universities. These schools also offer a fantastic education experience through their boarding houses, campus facilities, sports arenas, clubs and societies, school events and more. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation.

What Are The Costs Of Studying Abroad?

When planning to study abroad, it’s important to consider a variety of costs to ensure you’re fully prepared financially. Here’s a brief breakdown of the key expenses:

  1. Tuition Fees: Often the most significant expense, tuition varies widely depending on the country, university, and program of study.

  2. Accommodation: Costs can vary depending on whether you choose university housing or private rental. For UK schools, the boarding fee is often factored into the tuition costs.

  3. Living Expenses: This includes groceries, utilities, and personal expenses. In boarding schools, a lot of basics are covered such as food, wifi and electricity, however you may need some extra cash if you want to eat out and travel.

  4. Health Insurance: In the UK, students are protected by NHS, so they can get free healthcare. However, should you want to get stuff from the pharmacy, you might have to pay for your own costs.

  5. Visa and Permit Fees: Depending on your destination, you may need to pay for student visa application and renewal fees.

  6. Travel Expenses: This includes flights to and from your home country and any travel within the host country.

  7. Books and Supplies: Depending on your course, you may need to budget for textbooks, equipment, and other academic supplies.

  8. Telecommunication Costs: Consider the cost of international phone calls, mobile service plans, and internet.

  9. Emergency Funds: It’s wise to have savings for unexpected expenses like medical emergencies or travel due to family emergencies.

  10. Cultural and Social Activities: Participating in social events and exploring your new environment are important parts of the study abroad experience, but they do add to the overall cost.

Student Visas For Studying Abroad - How Does It Work?

All students studying abroad will need to apply for a student visa. There are many centres, agents and consultants that can assist you with application. Once you have submitted all the relevant documents, you will usually get your result in 3 weeks. Britannia Malaysia – Study UK can assist with student visa application should you decide to study abroad in the UK. Contact us today for assistance.

Summary

There’s no denying that studying abroad opens a world of opportunities for students looking to expand their worldview and gain a globally-recognised qualification. There are plenty of pathways, avenues, and funding options for students who wish to study in the UK and pursue industries they are passionate about. Should you require any assistance, be it in course, school or university selection, you can reach out to our friendly, experienced consultants at Britannia to explore your options.

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