1. Why did you choose the UK instead of your home country?

I chose the UK because it offers a one-year top-up degree, which is exactly what I need
after completing my Level 5 Extended Diploma. A UK bachelor’s degree is normally three
years, but since my diploma equals two years, I can join directly in the final year and finish
in just one year. Back home, I would need two more years, so studying in the UK saves
me both time and money and lets me return sooner to help manage our family ice cream
business.

Another reason is the learning style. In my country, most teaching is theory-based from
books, but UK universities focus on practical methods like case studies, projects, and
simulations. I prefer hands-on learning because I can immediately apply what I learn to
real challenges in our business.

Also, UK degrees are highly respected worldwide. Having a UK qualification will give me
stronger credibility with customers, suppliers, and potential investors, which is important
when I expand our family business. And since the UK is an English-speaking country, my
communication skills will improve, which is another big advantage for my professional life.

2. Why not study in your home country?

The main reason is time. Even with my diploma, I would need two more years to finish my
degree at home, while in the UK I can complete it in just one year. That’s a huge difference
because I want to start contributing to our family business as soon as possible.

Also, the teaching style at home is still very theory-based and often outdated. The UK uses
modern teaching with real projects and case studies, which is much more practical for
someone like me who wants to run and expand a business.

Finally, a UK degree carries more international recognition than a local degree. It will give
me an edge in business by increasing trust from partners and potential investors.

3. Why did you choose to study in the UK?

I chose the UK because it gives me the fastest and most effective route to complete my
degree. My Level 5 Extended Diploma lets me enter directly into the final year, so I can
finish in one year instead of two. That saves me time and money and allows me to return
home sooner to focus on expanding our ice cream business.

I also value the UK’s teaching style. Universities here use projects, real business
examples, and case studies instead of only textbooks. Since I come from a business
family, this practical learning will help me deal with real-world challenges.

The UK is also one of the top countries for higher education. According to QS rankings,
the UK ranks second in the world for the quality of its higher education system. That gives
me confidence that I’m studying in one of the best places.

Another benefit is improving my English. Living and studying in an English-speaking

country will strengthen my communication and confidence, which is vital for business
negotiations.

And lastly, UK degrees are recognised worldwide, so having one will boost my credibility,
attract more customers, and help me when seeking investors to grow our business.

4. Why did you choose to study in the UK instead of the USA,

Canada, or Australia?
I did consider the USA, Canada, and Australia, but the UK was the most practical option
for me. The one-year top-up degree is the key reason. In the USA or Canada, I would
need at least two more years to finish a bachelor’s degree, but in the UK, I can complete it
in one year because my Level 5 Diploma is fully recognised. That saves time and lets me
return home sooner to contribute to my family business.

Also, transferring credits to universities in the USA, Canada, or Australia can be

complicated and sometimes requires extra courses. In the UK, my qualification is directly
accepted, so the process is much simpler.

The cost is another factor. Tuition fees in the USA, Canada, or Australia can be very high
— often between $15,000 and $40,000 per year. In the UK, most top-up programmes cost
around £12,000 to £15,000 for the full year, and many universities offer automatic
scholarships of £2,000 to £5,000 for international students. That makes the UK more
affordable.

So for me, the UK is the smartest, most cost-effective, and time-efficient choice.

5. Why did you choose the University of East London (UEL)?

I chose the University of East London because it offers the exact one-year top-up
programme I need, and it directly matches my goal of expanding our family ice cream
business.

The modules are very practical. For example, in Global Enterprise and Consultancy
Practice, I’ll work on real consultancy-style projects, which will train me to solve actual
business problems. In Intrapreneurship and Entrepreneurship in Practice, I’ll test ideas like
new ice cream flavours, packaging improvements, or expansion strategies. These skills
connect directly to my business.
What makes UEL stand out is the Knowledge Dock, the only EU-recognised Business
Innovation Centre in London. It allows students to work with entrepreneurs, test their
ideas, and get expert advice. For me, this means I can experiment with strategies for our
ice cream business while I’m still studying.

UEL also has excellent student satisfaction results. According to the 2024 National
Student Survey, UEL ranked 3rd in the UK and 1st in London for overall student positivity,
as well as 1st in London for teaching quality and learning opportunities.

Finally, its location in East London is perfect. It’s a diverse business hub where I can
network with people from all over the world and gain exposure to global markets. This will
give me new ideas and contacts to take back to my business.