United Kingdom

The system is divided into early years, primary school (ages 5–11), secondary school and higher education. Education is compulsory until 18, but the last two years can be spent in a college or in a workplace with training rather than at school.

England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own version of the system. The most visible difference is Scotland: school and the first year of the bachelor’s are a year longer, and the bachelor’s degree takes four years.

At 16, pupils sit GCSE exams in 8–10 subjects — the end of compulsory schooling. Then come two years of A-levels: a pupil chooses 3–4 subjects and studies them in depth.

A-level results (or the international equivalent, the International Baccalaureate) decide university admission. Universities do not set a separate entrance exam.

The bachelor’s degree lasts three years and starts with the chosen subject straight away — there are no broad “general education” courses as in the US. A master’s is usually one year, a doctorate three to four.

Alongside universities there are further-education colleges with vocational qualifications and Foundation programmes — a one-year run-up to a bachelor’s for those whose school system differs from the British one.

Tuition is paid by both British and international students; non-UK citizens pay more. That said, the system of scholarships, grants and discounts is well developed — offered both by universities and by external funds (Chevening, Commonwealth and others).

You will need: a school certificate, a transcript of grades, an English certificate (IELTS Academic, TOEFL or PTE), a motivation letter and references. Creative subjects require a portfolio; medicine and law require additional tests.

A Russian school certificate is usually not accepted directly for a bachelor’s — you need a year of university at home or a Foundation programme. A bachelor’s degree is enough for a master’s.

Bachelor’s applications go centrally through UCAS, master’s applications directly to universities. Start a year ahead: places on popular programmes fill up well before the deadline.

The Student route visa allows part-time work of up to 20 hours a week during term and full-time in the holidays. After graduation the Graduate route gives two years to look for work without being tied to an employer (three years after a doctorate).

London is the most expensive place; rent and living costs are noticeably lower in other cities. Summer schools and language courses (from two weeks) are the fastest way to spend time on a British campus without a lengthy admission process.