Hundreds of thousands of international students choose the UK every year. From India alone there are currently more than 7,500 students studying in UK universities and colleges and if you are reading this article there is a very good chance that you too are considering your future studies in the UK.

Here in the UK we have been welcoming international students for generations. We have long experience of looking after your needs, and will give you special support from the moment you apply throughout your time in the UK.

For example, your local British Council office or British Library will advise on where to find information about courses and how to apply. We find that the most popular subjects with Indian students are Business and Management Studies, Engineering, Information Technology, Medicine and subjects related to medicine, Law, Science and Technology courses and Art & Design courses. However, with courses on offer from Equine Studies to Video Games Technology you may find it difficult to choose!!

A good starting point for information is the EducationUK website - http://www.educationuk-in.org/ which has a course search facility, answers to frequently asked questions, news stories about life in the UK, funding information and much, much more.

One question that I am constantly asked is "How much will a UK education cost me?" The answer? It costs less then you think!

The cost of an education in the UK consists of two areas: course fees and living costs.

Comparing course fees between countries is by no means a clear-cut process. But because courses in the UK are often shorter, the total cost of study can be lower. Shorter courses also mean students can realise their earning potential sooner than their counterparts elsewhere. All of which makes UK courses better value for money overall.

The information below gives a rough idea of annual overseas fees in the UK, but remember it is always best to check exact costs with the institutions you're interested in.

Universities

Undergraduate classroom-based courses £6,000 - £7,000
Undergraduate laboratory-based courses £8,000 - £9,000
Undergraduate clinical courses £16,000 - £17,000
Postgraduate classroom-based courses £6,000 - £7,000
Postgraduate clinical-based courses £16,000 - £17,500
MBA courses £6,000 - £16,000

Further Education Colleges

Access Courses £3,750 - £5,500
Further education courses £3,000 - £4,250
Higher level courses (such as HNC/Ds) £4,000 - £7,950

The cost of living is not the same throughout the country. Generally, it is more expensive to live in London and the South-East of England, and cheaper in the North of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Average annual costs of living for a typical student in the UK are given below:

London
Academic year £7,300
Per month £811

Outside London
Academic year £5,936
Per month £659

It is also worth remembering that there are many benefits available to international students that can make life in the UK more affordable;

• NUS Discounts
  The National Union of Students negotiate discounts on behalf of their members which Can mean up to 50% off anything from books, stationery and food to clothes, travel and entertainment.
• Free Healthcare.
  All international students staying in the UK for a period of six months or more qualify for free healthcare through the National Health Service.
• Part-time Work.
  If you want to earn extra money, you can work for up to twenty hours per week during term and full-time in your vacations.

So now that you know it is affordable your next questions are likely to be about the institutions themselves and what you can expect once you get to the UK.

Universities and colleges in the UK are increasingly international. When you study here, you are likely to find yourself meeting students from all over the world. More than ninety countries may be represented on campus and each student makes a unique contribution to the life of the institution, both academically and culturally.

You can see some of this diversity in the student societies established within students' unions, where those centred around religious or geographical themes are numerous.

Many UK universities and colleges have specialist international officers whose job is to provide support for international students. You can approach these officers for independent advice and information on almost anything, from accommodation through to how to extend your permission to stay in the UK.

Most institutions also arrange orientation programmes for new international students at the beginning of the academic session. The duration and content of these programmes vary considerably: some last only one or two days and others for a whole week. Typical elements include: a tour of the campus, an overview of the facilities and how to use them, explanations of the institution's rules, help with registering for your course, an outline of teaching methods, discussion of important aspects of life in the UK, and social events where you can meet staff and other students.

Once you've settled in, you'll find that the support continues. Advice on personal, financial, practical and health matters is always on hand, and at the end of course you can even seek advice from qualified career counsellors who will help you make a decision about your future career options.

If so, congratulations on the wise choice you have made - I can assure you that it is a good one!

So if you decide to join the thousands of international students in the UK in becoming the best you can be, congratulations - I can assure you that your decision is a wise one!

Jacqui Allan
Education Promotion Manager, India
The British Council