US vs UK Education: Full Comparison 2024 

Are you in a dilemma choosing about between the British vs American education systems? Then this comprehensive guide will help you decide on the country, university, rental cost of student accommodation, etc., based on the differences between US and UK education system.  

The US education vs UK education level is renowned for the quality of education they deliver. Pick one that meets your requirements for a level of study based on similarities and differences listed below! 

UK Education vs US: System of Education  

Education system in the United Kingdom 

The universities in the UK follow the same national system of education. Students can apply to the central system of education in the UK and name a program instead of a school. This process eases the application procedure but may not give students as many options as US education. Here are the different types of educational institutions in the UK. 

• Public and private universities in the UK  

• Technical institutions 

• Liberal arts  

• Community colleges 

Education system in the United States of America 

The system of education in the US follows a grading system. The system has three parts i.e. the elementary school, middle school and high school. The students get into college based on their GPA and other factors. It encourages students to be more competitive with the application process in the US. Here are the different types of educational institutions in the US: 

• Public and private universities in the US 

• Group and autonomous institutions 

• Degree awarding institution 

Curriculum of the American And British education system

United Kingdom 

• Students must decide on a specific course before applying to a university 

• Classes will be heavily lectured based on the degree subject 

• The UK system focuses on self-directed studies with few contact hours with the tutors 

• Assessments are carried out at the end of the year exam 

• Degrees are awarded to students based on first, second and third-class honours (equivalent to GPA) 

United States 

• Students can declare a major until the end of the second year of UG study 

• The US system of education provides plenty of lectures incorporated with small seminars and workshops 

• There are a lot of discussions between a student and tutors and a large part of the grade is assessed in-class participation 

• Assessments are carried out on a weekly and monthly basis which are combined in the last year of study 

• Degrees are awarded based on assignments graded A to F (GPA) with A being the highest and F meaning failed 

Length of study in the education system in UK vs US 

United Kingdom 

In the UK, it takes up to three years to complete a UG degree. 

The master’s degree in the UK takes one -year full time to complete study. 

United States 

In the US, it takes up to four years to complete a UG degree. 

The master’s degree in the US takes two -years full time to complete the study. 

US vs UK Education: University Comparison 

Universities in the UK 

• There are presently 150 universities in the UK. 

• The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are the top-ranking universities in the world.

• There are 24 Russell Group universities.

• The education system of the institution in the UK is held at strict standards by the government.

Universities in the US

• There are over 4,000 higher institutions in the US (famous ones are Ivy League).

• The top-ranking universities in the US are Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

• The US is known for its research universities that have the best research activities.

• The system of transferring is common here in education US vs UK. 

University QS ranking education in the UK vs US 

• The United Kingdom has 90 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

• The United States has 197 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Admission requirements of British education system vs American 

UK Admission Eligibility Criteria 

• In the UK, you can apply up to 5 universities.

• Most of the application is done through UCAS. 

US Admission Eligibility Criteria 

• In the US, you can apply to as many universities as choice.

• Students can apply directly to the university or through the Common Application. 

UK and US Education System: Tuition fee 

The tuition fee will vary depending on the university, courses, and nationality of student 

UK vs US: Cost of living 

The cost of living in US will be around $2,500 – $3,500/ month (excluding tuition fees). This will include student accommodation in US, food, travel, and other expenses. 

The cost of living in UK will come to around £1,500-£2,000/ month (excluding tuition fees). This will include student accommodation in UK, food, travel, and other expenses. 

Please take note: The cost of living will depend upon your lifestyle.  

Conclusion

In terms of education compared between the two nations, they offer the best and highest levels of education in the world. Based on the similarities and differences between the UK and our education, make an informed choice. 

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