Why studying in the UK is a great return on investment for international student

Choosing to study abroad is a major decision, especially when it comes to finances. But for international students, studying in the UK offers one of the best returns on investment you can make in your future.

From globally respected education to excellent career prospects, the UK ticks all the boxes. The University of Huddersfield International Office has put together this guide to show you how to get the most bang for your buck and why the UK can be a great return on investment for international students.

World-Renowned Teaching and Education

A UK degree is recognised and respected worldwide, giving graduates a competitive edge in international job markets. UK universities are known for:

• High academic standards
• Innovative teaching methods
• World-class facilities
• Practical, hands-on learning

The University of Huddersfield stands out with a Gold rating in all three categories of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Student Experience, Student Outcomes, and Overall. Only 13 other UK universities have achieved this.

Shorter courses

Unlike many other countries, undergraduate degrees in the UK typically take three years, which can be extended to four years if you chose to have a year working in industry – but you do not have to pay full fees for that year and many placements are also paid. Master’s programmes often take just one year. This means:

• Lower tuition fees overall
• Reduced living expenses
• Quicker entry into the workforce

High Employability and Strong Earning Potential

UK graduates enjoy high employability rates. At Huddersfield we have very strong ties to global employers, offering internships, placements, and career services to boost job prospects.

The average postgraduate student at Huddersfield can expect to earn over £36k per year fifteen months after graduating. Also, international graduates often see a significant salary increase upon returning home or entering international job markets.

According to the latest HESA data 94% of graduates from the University of Huddersfield go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating across both undergraduate and postgraduate, including both UK and non-UK domiciled graduates.

The high employment rate shows that studying in the UK and Huddersfield in particular is a good return on investment.

Huddersfield’s close ties with global employers offer opportunities for:

• Internships
• Industry placements
• Career development support

There is also alumni support for life, and the careers team will help international students write CV’s and job applications

Earn and study

In the UK you can work up to 20 hours during term-time and as many hours as you like out of term, for example over summer and the Christmas holidays many international students tend to work more hours. At the University of Huddersfield we recommend you do a maximum of 16 hours a week during term-time as our priority is that you get the best grade you possibly can. Working not only brings in a bit of money for you but its also a great way to make friends, especially with the friendly locals here in Huddersfield. Common jobs for students here are:

• Working in one of our many fantastic restaurants (especially the international restaurants)
• Supermarkets
• Take-aways
• Coffee shops
• Clothing shops
• Entertainment venues, such as bowling, cinema, sports venues, bars etc.
• University of Huddersfield – Student Ambassadors

Check out our upcoming podcast on International Studies and Stories which is all about working and placements in the UK

Post-Study Work Opportunities

The UK’s Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years (or three for PhD students) after graduation to work or look for work. This post-study work option helps students gain valuable international work experience and enhance their career trajectory.

At Huddersfield we have a strong dedicated visa compliance and immigration team who are available to speak to you Monday – Friday

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students

Many UK universities offer scholarships. At Huddersfield we offer a very generous merit-based scholarship programme, this combined with relatively low fees, shows excellent value.

See our scholarships

Diverse and International Learning Environment

With students from all over the world coming to study in the UK it offers a culturally rich and inclusive academic experience. There are currently over 4,000 international students from over 110 countries at the University of Huddersfield, which is approximately one third of the intake.

Cost of living

Compared to the USA or Australia, the UK has a lower cost of living, so you are getting a world-class degree at a better value than many other countries. Huddersfield in particular offers outstanding value:

• Top 10 UK town for affordable student rent
• Average rent: £127/week (vs. £194 UK average, or £340 in London)
• As it’s a town everything is close by, more accessible and more affordable than big UK cities.

Quality of living

As well as being home to top modern academic institutions the UK is also an excellent place to live.

The UK offers a balance of vibrant cities and natural beauty. Huddersfield is a great example—a large town surrounded by green countryside, with easy access to Leeds, Manchester (train is less than 30 mins), and even London (just 2.5 hours by train).

The UK scores high on safety and has a great work–life balance, especially for students. You’ll find plenty of spaces to relax and a strong culture of taking time to unwind—whether that's a walk in the park or a proper cup of tea in one of the many beautiful cafes.

The food and the weather often get a bad rap but, in all towns and cities you can get a real mix of food and you will find pretty much every spice you can think of - so don’t worry you wont be stuck with boring British food, plus who doesn’t love fish and chips or a Yorkshire pudding. As for the weather it may not be constantly warm but it is very liveable it very rarely gets too hot or too cold and the UK is very unlikely to experience natural disasters.

All healthcare is included with your student visa and with a recent national minimum wage increase students can work part time and earn good money, resulting in a better quality of life, or at least better clothes and food…

The UK is very welcoming of international students

The UK offers some of the most multicultural environments in the world this not only helps international students become come culturally savvy but also helps improve the learning environment. The academics and UK students are very familiar with studying and spending their free time making friends with international students.

You’ll often hear UK students talk about how they love the diversity on campus. Roughly one third of students at Huddersfield are international students, and there are students from over 110 countries on campus.

Safe, friendly, green and relaxing

Th UK consistently ranks highly in peace and safety indices, with low crime rates and a strong police force. The UK placed 34^th in the world in the latest Global Peace Index.

Universities also prioritise student safety by providing security measures and support systems. At the University of Huddersfield there is 24/7 security on campus including a campus police officer.

Huddersfield, is known as a friendly northern Yorkshire town, the locals are welcoming and diverse, which instantly makes international students feel welcome.

However it's always recommended to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions, as you would anywhere in the world.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) international students pay when they get a student visa allows access to the NHS services for free.

Support services

International students can get homesick, there is no doubt about that, missing family, friends can happen, even missing your families homecooked food or favourite soap opera, can cause homesickness. That’s why at the University of Huddersfield we prioritise our support services, with a dedicated international team as well as wellbeing which can help you with anything from homesickness to anxiety over exams. At Huddersfield there is a strong focus on looking after your mental and physical wellbeing. If you are physically unwell then there is a Doctor’s right on campus, specifically for students.

Maximise Your UK Study Experience

Choose the Right Course and University

Look for the course that best suits you but also it’s a good idea to chose a course which offers a placement or professional practice as employers often want work experience too. Here at the University of Huddersfield almost all of our undergraduate courses offer an optional one-year work placement and many of our postgraduate courses offer professional practice.

Pick a uni which offers what you want and try and find a gem, for example the University of Huddersfield was awarded the Most Improved University in the United Kingdom by QS and is ranked 49th among UK universities. This means Huddersfield has shown the most improvement in QS rankings over a five-year period. 

Prioritise good quality teaching – At the University of Huddersfield our teaching staff rank first in England for the proportion with higher degrees and teaching qualifications (HESA, 2025)

Get involved with extracurricular activities

Academic societies are a great way to expand your knowledge and build a contact base of people wanting to work in the same industry as you. But also get involved with Global Societies and sports societies too. Networking with peers from around the globe not only enriches your personal life but also boosts your professional opportunities through global connections. And you never know where you’re going to meet these connections, friendships can come from a gruelling game of badminton or a relaxing yoga session.

Also, most of the societies at Huddersfield are free, which helps your money go further.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment in Your Future

When you consider the quality of education, shorter course durations, post-study work rights, and strong career prospects, studying in the UK proves to be a wise investment. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about gaining a life-changing experience with long-term financial and professional benefits. Here at the University of Huddersfield our tagline is Inspiring Global Professionals. Something we are very prod of.

Find out more join one of our upcoming International Information Day sessions.