Universities in Britain are a magnet for overseas students. There are currently over 200 000 from outside Britain studying at British universities. The largest single group is Chinese students. There are currently 50 000 in the UK.
The British government expects the total number of overseas students to be around 900 000 by 2020, and also thinks that a quarter of these will be Chinese.
But why is the UK such a popular destination for university students?
Well, the quality of your course is guaranteed. All courses are assessed by an independent system, so you can be assured that your course is officially approved and has wide international recognition.
The British education system is very flexible in order to provide for the needs of a modern, complex society. It is also cost-effective. Degree courses are usually 3 years long, which is shorter and more intensive than in other countries. There are lots of scholarships available.
You normally need 3 A-levels, which are the exams taken by people leaving school at 18, in order to enter an undergraduate degree course. You also need an IELTS score of at least 5.5, but many universities offer foundation or access courses to prepare students for their studies.
British universities offer a personalised but independent approach. The emphasis is on creative and independent thought, which helps develop the skills you will need to compete in the global job market. Tutors not only teach but also provide support and guidance. As a result, international students have a very low drop out rate and very high pass rates.
It is very simple to become an international student in the UK. The British Council offers a free and impartial service to anyone who is interested in studying in the UK, and an organisation called UCAS assists you in finding a course and making an effective application.
The UK is a dynamic and cosmopolitan place. The countryside is beautiful, and the theatres, museums, architecture and rich history make it a fascinating place to live and study. Why not give it a go?
magnet: 磁铁
destination: 目的地
guarantee: 保证
assess: 评估
recognition: 承认
flexible: 有弹性的；灵活的
complex: 复杂的
cost-effective: 划算的
degree course: 学位课程
intensive: 密集的
scholarships: 奖学金
undergraduate degree course:
本科学位课程
foundation or access courses:
大学预科课程
personalised: 个人化的
global: 全球的
drop out rate: 辍学率
impartial: 公正的；无偏见的
dynamic: 充满活力的
cosmopolitan: 大都市的
fascinating: 吸引人的
give it a go: 试试看

The countryside is beautiful, and the theatres, museums, architecture and rich history make it a fascinating place to live and study.