An Indian PhD student pursuing Computer Science in the UK has issued a cautionary statement to aspiring international students, urging them to reconsider their plans. In a detailed online post, the student highlighted the significant financial, physical, and mental challenges faced by many who come to the UK for higher education.
Financial and Emotional Struggles
The student described how international students often find themselves in difficult financial situations, forced into part-time jobs that barely cover living expenses. This financial strain, combined with academic pressures, leads to immense stress. “I’ve seen friends who completed their Master’s, extended their post-study visas, but became extremely thin, lost their hair, and eventually returned to India because they simply couldn’t cope,” they shared.
High Living Costs and Social Challenges
Beyond financial hardships, the student pointed out additional factors affecting well-being, including exorbitant housing costs, unpredictable work schedules, and substandard food quality. Furthermore, concerns over racism were raised, with reference to the 2024 Southport Incident, in which an Indian student was fatally stabbed. This incident was cited as an example of the risks faced by international students in the UK.
Questioning the Value of a UK Master’s Degree
A critical concern expressed in the post was the return on investment of a UK Master’s degree. The student argued that a one-year MSc from the UK is often perceived as equivalent to a BTech or BE in India—or even less valuable when compared to a full MS degree in the US or an MTech, ME, or MS in India.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the academic structure of UK Master’s programs. “Most rely heavily on take-home assignments rather than rigorous coursework. Many universities don’t even include Master’s programs in their global ranking calculations,” the student noted, implying a potential gap in academic rigor and international recognition.
Allegations of Lax Academic Integrity
The student further alleged that UK universities are aware of widespread assignment outsourcing but choose to prioritize tuition fees over academic integrity. “Everyone knows—students, immigration officers, universities, employers—but no one says it out loud,” they claimed, suggesting a systemic issue within the UK’s higher education sector.
Conclusion
The student’s candid revelations serve as a stark warning to prospective international students, encouraging them to critically evaluate the financial, academic, and social aspects before committing to studying in the UK. The concerns raised underscore the importance of thorough research and careful decision-making when considering higher education opportunities abroad.
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