subject: An Overview Of Highereducation Universities In England [print this page] It is difficult to provide a quality rating to foreign universities, given the complexities and varieties in syllabus of each university. Besides some significant changes in syllabi, students have to also go through different selection and eligibility criteria. In short, before students plan for abroad studies, it becomes difficult to figure out what constitutes an ideal university. This issue is something that is non-existent to a great extent in universities in England. Being an educational hub, England holds the unique distinction of being a country with several world-class and eminent universities. Almost all major universities in England provide higher education. Increasingly, various foreign universities in England have become a top-notch choice of various offshore students, willing to complete their higher studies.
In England, there are nearly 200 universities, colleges and similar institutions, most of them public that are rigorous in their pursuit to provide students a quality learning experience. Moreover, these universities and colleges receive donations from public organizations or funds (nearly 35% of their funds) from various sources such as student fees, research grants, endowments and various other sources.
In England, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills monitors the higher education system in England. However, the effective and independent education policies ensure that each school is selfgoverning and is not unnecessarily interfered by governing bodies. By the help of Royal Charter, Act of Parliament or the Privy Council certain colleges affiliated to several universities in England are granted the power to provide degrees. Admissions to most of these colleges are done through competitive exams like General Certification of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams and the Advanced Level General Certification of Education exams.
International students have increasingly showed interest in universities in England. In fact, according to a study, nearly 3,50,00 students from abroad countries study in United Kingdom, which includes but is not limited to universities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Of these, nearly 14% represent the higher education population, which is a fascinating for a country. The reason for popularity of universities in England is that most of them appear in the list of top 20 universities all across the globe.
There are different qualifications if a student wants to attend an English university or college. The factors vary significantly, right from academics to aptitude. For international students, entry into the prestigious institutes in tougher and is examined by The UK National Academic Recognition Information Center (UK NARIC). Also, offshore students have to ensure they successfully pass English test exams to prove their competence in English language.
