The UK further education (FE) sector comprises more than 380 institutions around the UK, providing services to the local, regional and international community. The sector provides a wide range of education and training courses for those aged over 16, with no upper age limit.
International students account for around 190,000 of the four million people who study in the FE sector. A large proportion of these are on higher education or degree programmes. FE colleges have achieved excellent student satisfaction scores for their HE provision. Read here how they surpassed many universities in a national student satisfaction survey.
Further education is a very large, diverse and vitally important sector of the UK education system. In many countries, further education is referred to as technical education, professional education or training, and the institutions that provide it are known as vocational colleges, polytechnic universities, community colleges, junior colleges, higher colleges or technical colleges.
FE colleges are all independent corporations operating as a charity, which gives them a high degree of flexibility in how they manage their programmes and how they do business overseas. They offer a wide range of courses, including some English language courses, general academic courses (e.g. GCSEs, A-levels, Highers and equivalents); vocational and work-based courses; access, foundation and pathway courses (for admission to degree programmes); and higher education programmes (both undergraduate and postgraduate).
Why study at a further education institution in the UK?
Internationally recognised qualifications – the UK’s long-standing tradition of excellence is recognised throughout the world. International students choosing a further education institution will gain an internationally recognised business or industry relevant qualification.
Quality assurance - FE qualifications are accredited by internationally recognised awarding bodies, which mean that the high quality of the course customers choose can be guaranteed. UK further education providers are inspected regularly by government organisations to ensure high standards of teaching, accommodation, welfare support and facilities.
Industry and business relevance - FE in the UK has developed strong links with industry and industrial advisory groups, which helps to ensure the relevance to the world of work and improves students’ future job prospects. Many courses are designed in partnership with, and taught by, industry professionals. Many include the option of a year in industry or a work placement, giving students real professional experience.
Preparation for higher education - Further education colleges can provide a range of foundation, pathway and access programmes to university.
Study for all or part of a university degree - Many FE colleges have strong links with universities, so that students can study at an FE college and be awarded part or all of a university degree or diploma. FE and HE institutions work together to deliver degree courses. Institutions also operate within franchising and validation agreements – these arrangements have greatly increased the number and variety of courses.
Excellent value for money - Relatively low costs in further education in the UK gives value for money.
State-of-the-art facilities - UK FE providers invest heavily in facilities – from libraries, computer centres and science laboratories to sports centres, theatres and arts studios. Class sizes are restricted to ensure access to equipment and enough time to talk to tutors and lecturers.
International career preparation and development - Employers are increasingly looking for graduates with multicultural experience. Students gain intercultural skills in the UK's multicultural society, with a mix of people from many different backgrounds.
Student support - Many colleges have international offices and advisers to ensure students feel welcome and are supported throughout their time in UK FE.
A personal approach - The style of UK FE is unique, involving high levels of personal contact and support from tutors, plenty of scope for independent learning, and many vocational qualifications are delivered in the workplace.
English language skills - English is widely regarded as the language of business. Studying in the UK helps students learn the language quickly, through study, friends and everyday life. For language support there are English language classes.
Choice of qualifications and career paths – There are thousands of UK FE courses on offer, to allow a choice of course that matches students’ goals and interests. Students can also study online or on campus, in the UK or at an overseas campus.