Studying in the UK is one of the dreams for many students worldwide, including from Indonesia. The country is renowned for prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge, as well as a well-established education system that has been honed over centuries.
However, before you pack your bags and book your flight, it’s important to understand how the education system in the UK works. This article will cover key points you need to know, from education levels and study durations to the learning methods that may differ from what you’re used to in Indonesia. Let’s dive into it!
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1. Clearly Structured Education Levels
The first aspect lies within the education system itself. It can be said that the education system in the UK is highly organized and has clear educational levels. For international students wishing to study, the main focus is on higher education, which includes undergraduate (bachelor’s) and postgraduate (master’s and doctoral). Before entering university, local students typically complete A-Levels for two years after secondary school. If you’re from Indonesia, your high school diploma typically needs to be supplemented with a preparatory program like the Foundation Year to be accepted into a UK university. This program usually lasts one year and is designed to adjust your academic abilities to their standards.
Why is this important? Because universities in the UK have strict entry requirements. They want to ensure that all students have a solid foundation before beginning their studies. So, if your high school grades are not enough or your major differs from your intended course of study, the Foundation Year can be a bridge to help you. Additionally, this level provides a sense of discipline and focus that you’ll encounter throughout your university years.
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2. Shorter Duration of Studies
One of the advantages of the UK education system is its relatively short study duration compared to other countries. For an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s), you only need three years, unlike four years in the US or Indonesia. Meanwhile, a master’s degree (S2) usually takes just one year. This is great news for those who want to graduate quickly and enter the workforce or pursue further studies.
How is it shorter? The system in the UK is very focused and specific. Once you choose a major, the courses you take are directly related to that field, with few irrelevant general education courses. For example, if you study Mechanical Engineering, most of your courses will revolve around that topic, without interruptions from unrelated subjects like history or art. However, this also means you need to be sure about your major from the start, as flexibility to change majors is very limited.
Another benefit of the shorter duration is the lower overall cost. Although the tuition fees per year in the UK are relatively high (ranging from £15,000 to £35,000 depending on the program), your total expenses will be lower due to the shorter time frame. So, if you’re good at managing your finances or get a scholarship, this can be a very worthwhile investment.
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3. Independent and Critical Learning Style
If you’re used to the Indonesian education system, which involves a lot of memorization and teacher-led instruction, prepare for a big change in the UK. Here, students are encouraged to learn independently and think critically. Professors won’t give you all the answers or lecture in front of the class explaining the material. Instead, they’ll give you books, journals, or assignments, and you’re expected to figure things out yourself and discuss with your classmates.
This might feel tough at first, especially if you’re not used to reading thick books in English or writing long essays. But over time, you’ll get used to it. This system is designed to ensure that you’re not just a bookworm but someone who can analyze, debate, and provide solutions to problems. For example, in one semester, you might be asked to create a presentation, write a 2,000-word essay, and take an exam. You get to manage all of this time on your own. Pretty cool, right?
This learning style is supported by top-notch facilities such as digital libraries, advanced laboratories, and access to thousands of academic journals. So even though it’s independent, you’re not left to struggle alone. Professors and tutors are usually ready to help if you’re stuck, as long as you’re proactive about asking for help. For international students, this is a golden opportunity to train yourself to be more proactive and confident.
4. Costs and Scholarships to Consider
Talking about studying in the UK isn’t complete without discussing the costs. Yes, studying here is not cheap. In addition to tuition fees, you’ll need to prepare funds for living expenses, such as rent (£500-£1,200 per month in London), food, and transportation. In total, you might need £20,000-£40,000 per year, depending on your lifestyle and the city you live in. London is obviously more expensive than smaller cities like Manchester or Bristol.
But don’t worry just yet! There are plenty of scholarships you can apply for, such as the Chevening scholarship from the UK government, university scholarships like the International Excellence Scholarship, or even the LPDP scholarship from Indonesia. These scholarships usually cover tuition fees and sometimes provide living allowances. How to apply? Make sure to regularly check the official websites of universities or gov.uk for the latest info. Prepare documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and strong essays to increase your chances.
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The UK education system has its own uniqueness and challenges, but that’s what makes the experience of studying there special. From a well-structured education level, shorter study durations, independent learning style, to scholarship opportunities, everything is designed to help you become the best version of yourself. So, if you’re seriously interested in studying in the UK, start researching now, choose a major you love, and get ready for a new adventure.
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