The University of East Anglia (UEA), UK claims to offer around 400 courses at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels. Additionally, it claims that all courses are open to international students, thereby providing an array of options. The university offers flexibility in programme lengths—full degrees, exchange programmes and summer schools. University covers a range of disciplines, from creative writing and media to environmental sciences, business, computing, AI and engineering, Karen Blackney, associate director, the University of East Anglia, told FE Education. “One notable change is the tremendous growth in the number of students seeking opportunities to study abroad. Initially, the focus was primarily on Europe and America, particularly from the UK,” she noted.
The university claims to have a total 17,000 students enrolled including 3,000 international students from 130 countries. Among these 3,000 international students, it claims that Indian accounts for 900 students while 300 students are from Nigeria 225 from China and the remaining from other countries. “Beyond the financial aspect, where international students contribute significantly to the UK economy, there’s a broader motivation. In our interconnected world, individuals, irrespective of their origin, need a global perspective. This shift is not just economic, it’s about understanding different cultures and conducting business globally. Additionally, there’s a soft power element. Graduates who have positive experiences in the UK become ambassadors for the country, potentially influencing business, government and fostering positive relationships,” Blackney added.
The institute further stated that some of its popular courses include Computing and Data sciences, UG courses in Biological Sciences, UG and PG in Health and Medicine, Masters in Economics, UG in Creative Writing, UG in Law – approved by the Bar Council of India, Psychology and Global Development. “However, over the years, there’s been a substantial increase in students from diverse regions like India and Africa. The evolution of education systems, a heightened emphasis on employability and a global perspective have driven this shift. Moreover, countries worldwide are actively engaging in internationalisation, fostering a two-way flow of students and collaborations,” she added.
Moreover, the university claims that it is working towards collaborating with Indian institutions to offer various research and student exchange programmes. As of now, it claims to have a collaboration with the University of Kolkata. “We are currently exploring strategic collaborations and identifying universities that align well with UEA’s goals. The aim is to create mutually beneficial relationships, not just limited to student exchanges but extending to research and teaching, incorporating unique aspects of Indian education into our curriculum,” Blackney said.
When asked, the institute claims that it helps students with scholarships and other part-time job opportunities. Scholarships which students can apply for include a Vice Chancellor Scholarship for UG students that aims to make education more affordable to international students. “Ensuring value for students is crucial, and we offer various scholarships, including a £4,000 to £5,000 reduction for master’s programmes. Additionally, we’re exploring innovative approaches like transnational education, allowing students to start courses in their home countries before transferring. Collaboration with Indian institutions for online and virtual education is also on the horizon, aligning with evolving possibilities presented by governmental policies,” Blackney added. The institute further claimed that the basic criteria for these scholarships are academic excellence and that students should have qualified for any one of the international language testing exams such as IELTS and TOEFL.