Guidance on how to study in Wales. Top 16 schools and universities in Wales, study fees, rankings

Wales is an extraordinary, beautiful and picturesque country, one of the four main parts of the United Kingdom. This is the edge of boundless lakes, melodic songs and a persistent Nordic character, stunning coastal landscapes and mysterious fogs. In addition to its unique historical, cultural and tourist value, Wales provides an opportunity to get a high-quality, prestigious education. Studies in Wales are becoming more popular with foreign students every year, the country has many advantages.

SMAPSE offers 15 best schools, colleges and universities in Wales, England where international students can get modern and balanced primary, secondary and higher education, as well as study various English language courses. 

The structure of education in Wales

Secondary and primary education is compulsory for all citizens from 5 to 16 years old. Traditionally, educational institutions are divided into public (usually free) and private (paid). Studies are conducted both in English and in Welsh - the choice is made by the student. The peculiarity of studying in Wales is the high variability of the programs, focus on the practical application of the acquired knowledge, personal approach to each student. 

What is the structure of education in Wales? 

1) Kindergartens and nurseries, preparatory classes for children from 0 to 5 years.

2) Elementary schools are divided into two stages: 1-2 grades (5-7 years, KS-1) and 3-6 classes (7-11 years old, KS-2)

3) Secondary schools are also divided into two stages: grades 7-9 (11-14 years, KS-3) and 10-11 classes (14-16 years, KS-4 ). At this stage, the compulsory (incomplete) secondary education (GCSE) is considered complete.

4) Sixth Form and final grades, colleges - 12-13 (16-18 years): for students who plan to continue their studies in universities and higher schools.

Admission to the university requires an A-level certificate - this programme is common to all UK universities.

As for higher education (there are approximately 20 universities in the country), studying in Wales is divided into following stages:

• Bachelor's degree (takes for 3 years)
• Master's degree (+1 year)
• Postgraduate studies, Ph.D. (+3 years)

Tuition fees, studying conditions for foreign applicants in TOP-15 schools and colleges in Wales 

It is legislatively established that foreign students living and studying in Wales can pay a maximum of 1,255 pounds per year for studies. There are also subsidies for students who have chosen Welsh as the main language of studying.

The state hospitably welcomes foreign students - the choice of studying areas is quite wide, and requirements are quite standard. It will be required to provide a school certificate (or a Bachelor's / specialist diploma if you are applying for a place in a Magistracy), all international certificates, and confirm good language proficiency by passing a profile exam.

Despite being a member of the United Kingdom, a small coastal state carefully preserves its national identity and uniqueness. The official language here is not only English, but also Welsh. It is very melodic, smooth, beautiful and pleasant - in particular, this explains the popularity of the song genre and Welsh opera all over the world. Welsh is a unique example of how historical, ancient language is actively used and developing in the modern world: many residents of remote villages even do not understand English well. On the streets of the capital Cardiff, Welsh can be heard everywhere. 

Secondary and primary education is compulsory for all citizens from 5 to 16 years old. Traditionally, educational institutions are divided into state (usually free) and private (paid). Education is conducted both in English (in this case, Welsh is studied as a second foreign language) and in Welsh - the child and his parents make the choice, the curricula are practically the same and equally well balanced. A feature of studying in Wales is the high variability of programs, a focus on the practical application of the knowledge gained, a personal approach to each student and focus on the production and business sectors.

1) Early development is all kinds of kindergartens and nurseries, preparatory classes for children from 0 to 5 years.

2) Primary schools are divided into two levels: 1-2 grades (5-7 years old) and 3-6 grades (7-11 years old)

3) Secondary schools are also divided into two levels: 7-9 grades (11-14 years old) and 10-11 grades (14-16 years old). At this stage, compulsory (incomplete) secondary education (GCSE) is considered completed

4) Sixth Form and graduation classes, colleges - 12-13 year (16-18 years): appropriate for students who plan to continue their studies in universities and higher schools.

To enter the university, A-level certificate is required - this program is common for all universities in the UK.

As for higher education (there are approximately 20 universities in the country), education in Wales is divided into the following periods:

• Undergraduate (3 years; you can get a Master's degree in the same specialty, after studying for 4 years)
• Master (+1 year)
• Postgraduate study, PhD. (+3 years)

According to the state law, students living and studying in Wales can pay for study no more than 1255 pounds annually. Subsidies are also provided for students who choose Welsh as their primary language of studying. Thus, the cost of studying here is quite acceptable.

The state cordially welcomes foreign students and applicants - the choice of study areas is quite wide, and the requirements are fairly standard. You will need to provide a school certificate for grade 11 (or a bachelor / specialist diploma if you are applying for a place in a magistracy), all diplomas and certificates, as well as confirm a high language level by passing a profile exam.

Despite belonging to the United Kingdom, a small coastal state carefully preserves its national identity and uniqueness. As an official, not only English, but also Welsh, is adopted here. It is very melodic, flowing, beautiful and pleasant to hear - in particular, this explains the popularity of the song genre and the Wales opera around the world. Welsh is a unique example how a historical, ancient language is actively used and developed in the modern world: many residents of remote villages don't even understand English well, and on the streets of the capital's Cardiff, Welsh can be heard everywhere. 

There's no unified education system for the whole of Great Britain: of course, there are many similarities, but individual differences are very strong. At the state level, all educational institutions are supervised by the ruling Wales Assembly.