International students seek alternatives as UK increases financial requirements

Escalating expenses

According to the U.K. Home Office, students applying for a study visa will need to prove they have between EUR 1,130 (US$1,246) and EUR 1,480 (US$1,682) per month, a 10% increase from current levels. These new requirements will take effect in early 2025.

In addition to these financial changes, the U.K. is also tightening policies related to international students, including restricting family members from accompanying them and barring students from switching to work visas before graduation. To qualify for a skilled worker visa, graduates must now secure a higher salary, EUR38,700 (US$42,696) per year, up from EUR26,200 (US$28,905).

International students are under increasing pressure due to higher tuition fees and living costs in the U.K. Photo courtesy of BUV

As a global leader in education, the U.K. remains a top destination for international students. According to the U.K. Parliament, over 750,000 international students enrolled during the 2022-2023 academic year. However, alongside the country's exceptional education quality come higher costs compared to other regions.

Study abroad consultancy sites estimate that students need an average of EUR22,000 (US$24,271) per year for tuition and EUR13,000 (US$14,342) annually for living expenses. In contrast, studying in countries like the Netherlands costs around VND610 million (US$24,626) per year, while in Poland, it's approximately VND364 million (US$14,695).

In-demand fields such as Economics, Finance, IT, and Professional Communications tend to have significantly higher tuition fees in the U.K. Moreover, living costs have surged, rising by 20.8% over the past three years, compounding the financial challenge for international students.

In response, many Vietnamese students and their families are seeking alternative ways to obtain U.K. qualifications without financial burden and complex requirements.

Optimising costs, delivering authentic British education

British University Vietnam (BUV), located in the Ecopark Urban Area in Hung Yen Province, offers a cost-effective solution. With tuition fees at one-third to half the cost of universities in the U.K., BUV has become an attractive option for families seeking a "British education at home."

BUV campus offers a "5-star" experience, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment that rival those of top universities abroad. Photo courtesy of BUV

BUV's education quality is rigorously assessed by prestigious international organizations, including the U.K.'s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). BUV has maintained a comprehensive 5-star rating from QS Stars since 2022.

All academic programs at BUV undergo strict accreditation processes, with degrees awarded directly by reputable U.K. university partners such as the University of London (with academic direction by London School of Economics and Political Science - LSE), Staffordshire University, the University of Stirling, and Arts University Bournemouth.

Students can also participate in exchange programs at nearly 50 universities in 14 countries, gaining international exposure. If they wish, they can study and experience life in 2-3 different countries during their studies.

Studying in Vietnam, students at BUV still have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a multicultural environment. Photo courtesy of BUV

Vo Hong Hanh, Director of Marketing and Communications at BUV, highlighted the advantages of "studying abroad at home." She emphasized that by studying in Vietnam, students can remain close to their families while still experiencing valuable insights into local culture, politics, economy, and society. This allows them to stay connected to Vietnam's trends and the domestic job market, preparing them for future careers.

The multicultural environment at BUV also serves as a foundation for students to step out into the world. International job opportunities remain plentiful, as demonstrated by a group of students who secured internships in Singapore with a salary of US$1,000 per month while still studying, Hanh added.

BUV also focuses on the holistic development of its students. Through its exclusive Personal & Social Growth Programme (PSG), students are equipped with both academic and personal skills, preparing them for success in their careers. With a reputable network of more than 400 corporate partners, BUV guarantees that 100% of its graduates secure employment or pursue further studies within three months of graduation.

Graduating from BUV opens doors to a wide range of opportunities both in Vietnam and abroad. Some alumni have started their own businesses in fields such as F&B and wellness, while others have pursued higher academic qualifications, completing master's, PhD, or postdoctoral studies in countries like the U.K., Australia, and the U.S. Many have also secured jobs at multinational companies such as EY, KPMG, and Nestlé.

When faced with increasingly stringent financial requirements, students and families may reconsider the value of studying abroad and explore more affordable alternatives. Institutions like BUV, which provide internationally recognized qualifications, offer a compelling option to relieve the financial burden while delivering high-quality education.

British University Vietnam (BUV) is the first and only university in Vietnam to receive a 5-star certification from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and the first university in ASEAN to be awarded global quality accreditation by QAA. BUV's dynamic curriculum, designed to keep pace with industry trends, ensures that students are well-prepared for the job market. The expansive 6.5-hectare campus, built with a total investment of US$165 million, reflects a commitment to sustainability and academic excellence.

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