The English education system has a long history of welcoming international students to study in its universities and colleges.In 2021/22, there were 679,970 overseas students studying in the UK.

UK universities provide internationally recognised qualifications, and teaching standards in the UK are among the best in the world. The UK boasts a higher level of satisfaction among international student than any other country.

Introduction to the English education system

The education system in England is different to that in many other countries.

At the age of 16, British children take General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations, before specialising in three or four A-levels, which last for two years and qualify students for entry to university.

Many international school systems are based on one year less at high school and one year more at university compared with the English system. This means that degrees are shorter in the UK than in other countries.