There are many reasons why you should earn your degree in the UK, including but not limited to affordability, subject specialization, shorter degree length, prestigious reputation, career prospects, student life, international experience, travel opportunities, and so much more. Refer to our 'Why Study in the UK?' page to learn more about all the reasons for earning your degree in the UK.

Some notable differences between university in the UK and the USA include: Application Process: The admissions and application processes involve different components, steps, rules, strategies, timelines, and fees. UK application fees for undergraduate degrees are minimal compared to US application fees. More Predictable and Fairer Admissions: Undergraduate admissions in the UK are designed to promote fairness, predictability, and best fit. British universities make it clear what they are looking for in students, making it easier to predict where students actually have a chance of being accepted. Degree Length: Standard undergraduate honours degrees in most of the UK (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) only take three years to complete, and four years in Scotland. Many undergraduate STEM students often enroll in an integrated master’s program, allowing them to complete their combined bachelor's and master’s degrees in just four years total. Most master's degree programs in the UK only take one year to complete, whereas many master's programs in the USA require two years. Affordability: Even as an international student, tuition rates at UK universities are, on average, considerably less expensive than American private and out-of-state colleges. And because undergraduate degrees in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only take three years to complete instead of four years, American students automatically save an entire year’s worth of tuition and living costs. Similarly, master's students can also save a year's worth of costs by enrolling in a one-year master's program in the UK. Additionally, other costs of attendance (e.g., accommodation, food, books, and supplies) and the general cost of living are typically cheaper in the UK than in the USA. Degree and Subject Specialization: Students at universities in the UK choose and study their degree specializations (i.e., majors and minors) from day one and are only required to take modules in their chosen subject areas. At British universities, there are no additional classes required for graduation requirements outside of your chosen subject areas. UK universities offer a wide range of subject specializations, including many you cannot find in the USA. Teaching and Module Structure: British universities value small class sizes and personalized teaching, as evidenced by common teaching formats such as seminars and tutorials. It is also more common in the UK for students to be taught by and interact directly with professors, not just teaching assistants. This is a tremendous opportunity for students to learn personally from renowned subject experts and gives students and professors opportunities to get to know each other for academic and career networking. Depth vs Breadth: The higher education system in the UK is known to value depth in learning and skill acquisition over breadth. While American curricula and structures see students learning several subjects more broadly, British universities ensure students are given a high-quality education in which they develop a deep understanding and appreciation of their subject and mastery in accompanying skill sets. Transferable Skills: While both systems aim to teach new skills, British universities incorporate skill acquisition and mastery as integral elements in teaching. In addition to in-depth subject comprehension, universities in the UK place a great deal of focus on teaching their students transferable and practical skills that they can apply to their subsequent careers and other post-graduation endeavors. Accommodation Situation: In the USA, students are often required to live on campus for at least one or two years, have a roommate, likely share a bathroom, and be on a meal plan. In the UK, however, it is the norm for students to have their own private bedroom, and it is very common to have their own private ensuite bathroom. There are no requirements in the UK to live in university-owned on-campus halls or be on the meal plan. Accommodation and catering (i.e., room and board) are significantly cheaper in the UK. Even with your own private bedroom, your own private bathroom, and purchasing the meal plan in the UK, accommodation and catering in the UK still end up being 25-50% less expensive than in an American dorm with a roommate and shared bathroom facilities. The UK offers much more choice and flexibility to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Quintessential British Traditions: Many of the older, traditional institutions in the UK offer students the chance to participate in quintessential British traditions and events, such as formal dinners, balls, matriculation ceremonies, distinguished societies, and more. Attending these types of events and activities offers students unique and memorable experiences that they cannot get anywhere else. Historic Setting: The UK is packed with history and culture that can be seen and felt when walking down cobblestone streets, meandering through medieval town centres, and picnicking in palace gardens. With towns, cities, and even some universities centuries older than the USA, studying in the UK offers Americans a truly unique environment. International Experience: Studying in the UK gives Americans an incredible international experience that, in addition to offering amazing lifelong memories, also serves as a unique differentiator on a resume that appeals to employers and gives individuals an edge when applying for jobs. International Travel on Your Doorstep: In the USA, travel can often be expensive and less accessible due to long distances and difficult access to public transport. You could drive for hours and still be in the same part of the USA, or fly for hours and still have only crossed half of the country. When attending university in the UK, it is easy to travel throughout the UK, to Europe, and beyond. With affordable flights and trains, along with short distances between destinations, students at British universities can easily take frequent day and weekend trips to explore a huge variety of countries and cultures. See our FAQ for more information on ease of travel when studying in the UK.

The United Kingdom is a top choice for American students pursuing both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, with applications from the US rising by nearly 50% in recent years. Thousands of Americans opt to earn their degrees at UK universities due to reasons such as affordability compared to US institutions, specialized courses and degree programs, exceptional teaching at world-renowned institutions, vibrant student life, international experience, and more. Several UK campuses have student-led American and USA societies where students can meet other Americans and participate in social activities and American cultural traditions, such as Thanksgiving dinners, Super Bowl watch parties, US political debates, and more. In addition to full-time American students, UK universities also welcome thousands of American exchange and study abroad students each year.

There are over 200 higher education institutions across several regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including dozens of the most prestigious universities in the world. The UK contains traditional higher education institutions that offer a wide variety of academic subjects and degree programs, as well as specialist universities and conservatoires that focus on niche areas such as music, dance, theatre, film & screen, production, and visual arts. Specialist institutions also exist for areas such as veterinary science and agriculture. Within the UK, universities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland tend to follow a similar higher education structure and model, while universities in Scotland operate on a different system. Some students find that the model in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is most ideal for their interests, goals, and learning style, while others prefer the Scottish model. With so many different universities, programs, and structures, it can feel overwhelming and time-consuming trying to figure out which would be the best fit for you. As experts on UK universities and the British higher education landscape, Richmond Hill can help you identify UK universities that are the best fit for your interests and goals — and where you can be happiest and thrive.

Universities in the UK offer high-quality degrees designed to teach you essential skills and position you for top careers. Common qualifications offered at UK universities include: Undergraduate Bachelor’s Honours Degree (e.g., BA, BSc) Integrated Master’s Degree (e.g., MSci, MPhys, MMath) Postgraduate Master’s Degree (e.g., MA, MSc) Master of Research (MRes) Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Master of Letters (MLitt) Academic Doctorate (PhD) Professional Doctorate (e.g., EdD, DBA) Postgraudate Diploma (PGDip) Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) Not sure which qualification or degree structure is best for you? Richmond Hill can help you figure out which qualification best suits your academic interests and future goals.

A bachelor's honours degree typically takes 3 years to complete in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and 4 years in Scotland. An integrated master's degree (bachelor's + master's) takes 4 years to complete in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and typically 5 years in Scotland. A master's degree usually takes 1 year to complete in the UK, or occasionally 18-24 months. A PhD usually takes 3-4 years to complete. An undergraduate degree in medicine (BMBS/MBChB and equivalent) or veterinary medicine (BVetMed/BVM&S/BVMS and equivalent) usually takes 5-6 years to complete. An undergraduate degree in dentistry (BDS/BChD) usually takes 5 years to complete. Richmond Hill can help you decide which degree structure, duration, and location is best for you, your interests, goals, and budget.

Universities in the UK pride themselves on offering students a well-rounded and enriching student experience even beyond the classroom. British universities have dozens—or, at the larger universities, even hundreds—of on-campus societies and student clubs. You can find societies covering every interest area, including sports and fitness, performing and visual arts, academic subjects, career and professional development, student government, cultural identity, charity work, leisure activities, special interests (e.g., Harry Potter, Jane Austen appreciation clubs), and more. University sports teams and performing arts groups (e.g., theatre companies, comedy and improv troupes, music groups) are popular at universities throughout the UK. Special events such as formal dinners, grand balls, ski trips, fun fairs, regattas, holiday markets, pub quizzes, sporting events, fashion shows, art exhibitions, performance showcases, and concerts are also organized and held throughout the year at many British universities.

Outside of classes, students participate in a variety of activities, such as university-affiliated societies and clubs, sports teams, performance groups, special events, volunteering, or working a part-time job. Students also like to explore local offerings, such as culture (e.g., museums, palaces, historic landmarks), entertainment (e.g., cinema, theatre, concerts, mini golf, bowling), dining, nightlife and clubbing, shopping, and nature. Additionally, many students love to take advantage of the UK's well-connected railways, affordable airfares, and proximity to Europe for day and weekend trips.

Yes! This is a popular choice among many international students who choose to study in the UK. Although technically you are already studying abroad, many students enrolled in a variety of subjects also choose to spend a year or semester studying in yet another country (or two) through their university’s study or work abroad programs and partnerships. This is an extremely popular option for students studying languages. For example, an American student studying Spanish and French in the UK might also find it beneficial to spend a semester studying in Seville and another working in Paris. This offers you a fantastic international experience, allowing you to live, study, and work among several cultures. Students interested in studying or working abroad as part of their degree should be aware that there are additional steps and considerations when submitting their initial undergraduate application. Failing to take these steps during the application stage could result in mistakes and headaches down the road concerning their degree structure, graduation requirements, visa, and finances. Richmond Hill can help you navigate these steps so you can avoid these pitfalls and have peace of mind studying and working abroad.

Travel is very easy while attending university in the UK. Easy access to well-connected international and regional airports, train stations, and bus stations around the country gives you plenty of travel destination options. Great Britain's well-connected rail and bus services make travel throughout Britain simple, with short train journey times between popular destinations, making for great day trips and weekend excursions. Several international airlines operate out of the UK’s many airports. Airports, along with the Eurostar rail service, make travel to Europe and beyond a breeze. Due to the relatively shorter distances between destinations in the UK and Europe, flight and train times and prices are very fair, especially when accessing student deals and budget airlines. Fly from places such as London to Vienna, Manchester to Milan, and Edinburgh to Copenhagen in about 2 hours. From the UK you can fly across Europe—to countries such as Greece, Portugal, Iceland, and more—in less time than it would take to fly across half the USA, e.g., from Dallas to San Francisco. Also, US passport holders are able to use express lanes, fast tracks, and automated border control gates upon entry at several airports across Europe. And until ETIAS is implemented (expected in 2026), Americans can visit European Schengen Area countries for short-term stays without needing to apply for a visa or travel authorization. Additionally, European countries within the Schengen Area allow visitors to cross through country borders seamlessly without having to stop at checkpoints along borders. Richmond Hill is happy to provide you with more information about traveling around the UK and Europe, tips to keep in mind for safe and enjoyable trips, and access to travel discounts and student deals.

Absolutely. Universities in the UK have on-campus student disability support and wellbeing services to help students thrive academically, socially, mentally, and emotionally. If you experience a disability, disability support services can offer help such as getting you academic adjustments and concessions, ensuring you are given appropriate accommodation, providing referrals to specialist support, helping you access library support, and more. Richmond Hill can help you navigate the best ways to contact and inform university support services, determine necessary documentation, suggest supports you might need or want while at university, and recommend local resources.

Application deadlines vary in the UK and depend on several factors, including your level of study, subject and program choices, institution type, and fee status. It is extremely important for students to submit their applications before the deadline to increase their chances of receiving offers of admission. Richmond Hill can help you understand your application deadline(s) based on your individual circumstances, and can help you prepare a strong application. We can guide you through the application process to ensure all components are completed to a high standard and in a timely manner, improving your chances of receiving multiple offers of admission. Please see our FAQ to learn about the ideal time to reach out to Richmond Hill to ensure you have plenty of time to prepare a strong application.

Every student is different, has different schedules and commitments, and will require a different amount of time and planning. Please see suggested service request times for undergraduate, postgraduate, and conservatoires and performing arts (undergraduate and postgraduate). Undergraduate Most high school students applying to undergraduate programs request our services during junior year, the summer before senior year, or autumn of senior year. High school students who are planning to take a gap year and apply for deferred entry typically contact us during the above listed times as well, or during their gap year if applying in the upcoming admissions cycle. Some of our clients have contacted us during their high school freshman and sophomore years, especially when looking for guidance on standardized test planning, high school curriculum planning, and degree subject guidance. Recommended times to reach out to us: I. Applicants interested in applying to any undergraduate programs at Oxford or Cambridge, or any UK undergraduate courses in medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry: request services between September of Junior year to August before Senior year II. Applicants interested in other undergraduate programs at most universities: request services between September of Junior year to early December of Senior year III. Applicants seeking extended admissions after the main application window: request services between January of Senior year to June of Senior year In some cases, with our help, it is still possible to develop a strong undergraduate application within 1 month of the application deadline. Please be aware that we are especially busy around application deadlines. If you are unsure whether it is an appropriate time to engage our services, please contact us at info@richmondhilled.com Postgraduate As a general rule of thumb, students looking to apply for postgraduate programs in the UK should allow a minimum of 1-4 months to develop strong application components. Students should reach out to Richmond Hill 9-18 months before their intended postgraduate program start, and no later than 6 months before the program start. For example, if you intend to start a master's program in September 2025, we recommend that you request our services sometime between March 2024 and December 2024 (or March 2025 at the latest) to allow sufficient time to develop a strong application and complete additional necessary steps and logistics. We encourage students to apply for postgraduate programs as early as possible and as soon as they have developed applications they are pleased with, especially for more competitive programs and popular subjects. Some application deadlines for competitive postgraduate programs close very early, so you will want to ensure you have enough time to prepare and submit a strong application. In this case, we would recommend reaching out to us 15-18 months before your intended program start. Students applying to postgraduate courses in less popular subjects usually have less urgency to submit early and may have more flexibility to take the time to apply a bit later. Please also be aware that if you plan to apply for student loans or certain funding options, applications for these can close by June of program start year. Students planning to apply for certain postgraduate scholarships should be aware that some deadlines can be as early as September of the year preceding the program start date (though students are not always required to submit applications to British universities before applying for certain scholarships) and should plan accordingly. In some cases, with our help, it is still possible to develop a strong postgraduate application within 1 month of the application deadline. Please be aware that we are especially busy around application deadlines. If you are unsure whether it is an appropriate time to engage our services, please contact us at info@richmondhilled.com Conservatoires and Performing Arts (Undergraduate and Postgraduate) Students interested in applying to undergraduate programs at conservatoires and performing arts schools usually request our services during high school junior year, the summer before senior year, or autumn of senior year. Students interested in applying to postgraduate programs at conservatoires and performing arts schools typically request our services 8-18 months before their intended program start. Recommended times to reach out to us: I. Applicants applying for most Music programs (undergraduate and postgraduate): request services between January of the year preceding the program start year to April of the year preceding the program start year (best) or until August of the year preceding the program start year (Ex: Plan to start your program in September 2025, request our services between January 2024 and April/August 2024.) II. Undergraduate applicants applying for most programs in Acting, Theatre, Dance, Production: request services between January of the year preceding the program start year to early December of the year preceding the program start year (Ex: Plan to start your program in September 2025, request our services between January 2024 and early December 2024.) III. Postgraduate applicants applying for most programs in Acting, Theatre, Production: request services between March of the year preceding the program start year to early January of the program start year (Ex: Plan to start your program in September 2025, request our services between March 2024 and early January 2025.) In many cases, due to the competitive nature of these programs, we usually encourage students to submit applications to conservatoires and performing arts schools as soon as possible, once they have developed a strong application. Please be aware that some conservatoires and performing arts schools do not offer deferred entry. Students planning to take a gap year before their program will typically need to submit their applications during the application cycle for the year of their intended program start. If you are unsure whether it is an appropriate time to enlist our services, please contact us at info@richmondhilled.com

This depends on the student. If you would like guidance relating to standardized tests and high school curriculum planning, reaching out earlier offers more time to plan, strategize, and prepare for these. Conversely, if it is too early, some students might not yet be sure of their interests and future goals, and may be likely to change their mind as they approach junior and senior years. Reaching out too early also might not allow enough time for students to build out their high school transcript, develop a basic academic profile, or complete any standardized exams, which are key metrics for admissions. If you are a high school freshman or sophomore interested in requesting our services, please contact us at info@richmondhilled.com for more information.

It is quite common in the UK—more common than in the USA, actually—for students to take a gap year before matriculating to university. Students like to use this time to travel, volunteer, and gain work experience. Since gap years are more common in the UK, students do not have to feel anxious or worried about any common concerns when beginning university after a gap year. Also, because bachelor's degrees in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only require three years to complete, even if you take a gap year, you will still graduate at the same time as your peers back in the USA. Gap years and the UK higher education system are very compatible and will not make you feel like you are “behind” everyone else. That being said, you can typically apply for deferred entry. Please note that some conservatoires and performing arts schools do not allow students to apply for deferred entry. Richmond Hill is happy to help you navigate applications for deferred entry, as well as to offer advice when transitioning to university after a gap year.

Desired standardized tests vary greatly among universities in the UK, so knowing which standardized tests to take is very important, especially if you are looking at specific institutions and programs. Taking the wrong tests or not having certain test scores can narrow your university options. Richmond Hill can advise you on the most valuable and impactful standardized tests for your dream British universities, for the subjects you are applying to, and for highlighting your strengths. We are also happy to help you strategize a test and study plan to achieve excellent results. Additionally, we can identify UK universities that have test-optional or test-flexible policies for students who do not have the opportunity to take standardized tests. Alongside exam scores, UK universities also assess additional academic qualifications and performance.

It is well-known that the cost to attend university in the United States is very expensive and only increasing. Before financial aid, common costs of attendance for undergraduate programs at private and out-of-state schools in the USA can range between $60,000-$90,000 per year. Some undergraduate program costs of attendance are now approaching $100,000 per year, meaning by the end of a standard four-year American bachelor's degree, students and their families could end up spending nearly $400,000 to earn their undergraduate degree. That's insane! As a result, the cost of attending college in the USA can be extremely burdensome for many American students and families. Even for families who can comfortably afford to cover the total cost of college in the USA, why should they have to pay so much, especially when better options exist in the UK at a much lower price? On average, tuition fees and other costs of attendance in the UK are significantly lower than those of American private and out-of-state colleges, especially when comparing based on quality, reputation, and prospects. Additional expenses associated with attending university, such as accommodation, food, and daily living costs, are also typically much cheaper in the UK compared to the USA. Student accommodation and catering (i.e., room and board) in the UK is much less expensive than in the USA. American students and their families can save up to 75% on university accommodation in the UK, with the majority of Americans saving between 30-60% on accommodation and catering compared to American colleges. Even with your own private bedroom, your own private bathroom, and a meal plan in the UK, your expenses are typically 25-50% lower than an American dorm with a roommate and shared bathroom facilities. Moreover, students on a budget can save even more money by choosing to share a room or be self-catered. Additionally, bachelor's honours degree programs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only take three years to complete as opposed to four years in the USA, meaning you will automatically save an entire year's worth of tuition fees, accommodation fees, and other costs by earning your degree in these countries. Similarly, master's programs in the UK are often only one year as opposed to two years in the USA. It is not uncommon for American students to cover the full cost of attendance for degree programs in the UK and have college fund savings left over (without any need for loans). At Richmond Hill, we have worked with American students who were able to cover the entire cost of their undergraduate degree in the UK and still had half their 529 plan savings left over! While the amount you can save varies between individual circumstances and different universities, earning your undergraduate degree or master's degree (including MBA) in the UK instead of the USA can save you between 25-75% by the end of your degree. Students whose family earnings are not sufficiently low to qualify for significant or any financial aid and are likely to pay full sticker price at schools in the USA can expect to save between 30-75%, most likely around 50%, by earning a degree in the UK. Students who qualify for a small amount of financial aid in the USA but who might have to rely on loans will likely save between 25-60% by earning a degree in the UK. Many students who qualify for some financial aid in the USA and wish to attend a private or out-of-state school for undergraduate will likely need aid packages that cover at least 40-70% of college costs to make earning their degree in the USA more economical than in the UK. This 40-70% does not even include loans, which need to be paid back with interest. For many students and families who are caught in the middle—either because they do not earn enough to fully cover all university-related costs in the USA or earn too much to qualify for needs-based or low income aid—the pressure to obtain adequate aid means students might have to settle for a less ideal school or be burdened with astronomical loan debt. This can be heartbreaking when a student has worked so hard to get into their dream school, only to then not be able to afford to attend. Earning your degree in the UK eases so much of this pressure as it opens new possibilities of prestigious universities in a cost-effective manner. Considering the high quality of education, top graduate prospects, amazing student experience, superior accommodation, and the many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities you will get by studying in the UK—all at a fraction of the cost of attending college in the USA—earning your degree in the UK clearly offers tremendous value. Richmond Hill can help you determine a budget and the extent to which you and your family can save.

American students who earn their undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK can save a significant amount of money due to considerably lower fees for tuition, accommodation, and other costs of attendance in the UK compared to most American colleges. Please refer to this currency converter for current estimates on GBP to USD conversion amounts. Tuition While annual tuition fees for Americans vary throughout the UK and are impacted by factors such as degree subject, institution, and location, tuition fees are, on average, much cheaper than American private and out-of-state schools. Also, remember that most undergraduate programs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are only three years, meaning that you only pay three years of tuition fees and living costs instead of four years of fees in the USA. Similarly, most master's programs in the UK only take one year to complete instead of two years, meaning you can automatically save a year's worth of fees. As a general rule of thumb: Humanities degree programs cost less than STEM programs Degrees in medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry operate on a different tuition model than non-medical courses The most prestigious institutions tend to have higher tuition fees Many universities lock students in at the tuition rate they start with in year one and charge them the same rate in subsequent years, while others may charge slightly more each year to adjust for inflation. Undergraduate Tuition for most undergraduate degree programs (excluding medical programs) in the UK ranges between £12,000-£40,000 per year, while tuition fees for many undergraduate programs at the UK's most prestigious institutions typically range between £20,000-£50,000 per year. Please refer to the table below for UK undergraduate tuition fee ranges and medians by subject area per year: © 2025 Richmond Hill Education Services LLC & Ltd Please note that some tuition fees at certain universities may fall below or above these ranges. Tuition for most 5 or 6-year undergraduate medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry programs is calculated differently than most other undergraduate programs. Please contact us to learn more about these programs and associated costs. Postgraduate While it varies greatly by subject, tuition for most master's degree programs (excluding MBA and medical programs) in the UK ranges between £12,000-£30,000, while tuition fees for many master's programs at the UK's most prestigious institutions typically range between £20,000-£45,000. Please note that some tuition fees at certain universities may fall below or above these ranges. Accommodation For accommodation, the cost again varies based on university, location, room type, amenities, and catering plan. It is the norm in the UK for students living in university halls of residence to have their own private room with no roommate. It is also very common on many UK campuses to not only have your own bedroom, but also your own, private ensuite bathroom. At most UK universities, students can choose whether they would like to be catered (on the meal plan) or self-catered (responsible for preparing their own meals). Living in university-owned halls as an undergraduate typically ranges between £4,500-£12,000 per academic year, with students commonly paying somewhere between £6,500-£10,000. Students who choose to live in catered accommodation (i.e., room including a meal plan) commonly pay between £6,500-£11,000 per year. Please note that some accommodation fees at certain universities may fall below or above these ranges. Off-campus private accommodation is another option and is often cheaper than university-owned halls. As such, it is a popular option among second and subsequent-year students. Richmond Hill can help you identify universities and programs that suit your budget and can offer guidance on your best funding options. We can also help you better understand specific fees, how different factors impact fees, and areas where you can save even more money.

It is very important for students and their families to understand their various funding options so they can cover university fees in the most cost-effective and hassle-free way, especially when dealing with foreign currencies and transfers. Fortunately, American students and their families have several options when covering costs associated with attending university in the UK. Your Richmond Hill advisor will be able to help you determine your best funding options, walk you through steps to secure funding and scholarships, advise on cost-effective and secure currency transfers, payment methods to universities, and more. Students planning to use college fund savings or student loans should be aware that the process for accessing and using college fund savings and/or applying for and accessing student loans to cover university costs in the UK may differ from processes for college in the USA. Richmond Hill can guide you through how to use these funding sources, cost-effectively, and best practices for submitting for reimbursement.

While Americans can already save a significant amount of money by attending university in the UK, American students are also eligible to access certain scholarships. For undergraduate students, some UK universities offer scholarships for simply being an international student. Additional scholarships and grants can be awarded for academic merit and excellence, as well as for skills in sports, arts, or music. American postgraduate students studying in the UK are eligible for even greater scholarship and funding options than undergraduates, both through US-based and UK sources. Richmond Hill can help you identify scholarships you are eligible and qualified for, as well as how to apply for and access them.

Richmond Hill Education Services offers over 30 individual services and several comprehensive service packages for American students interested in attending university in the United Kingdom. We assist students who are seeking to earn a variety of higher education degrees and qualifications, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level, including bachelor's, integrated master's, master's, PhD, and other academic and professional doctorates. We offer services for students planning to earn their degree in traditional academic subject areas, as well as those seeking to enroll in performing arts programs at conservatoires and specialist performing arts schools in the UK. We are also happy to provide guidance to students currently enrolled in an American college who are interested in studying abroad for a semester or year in the UK, or who are interested in attending a credit-bearing summer school at a British university. Unlike other agencies, we offer extensive services beyond simply the application process. We offer thoughtful guidance on every detail and decision throughout all stages, including pre-application, application, post-application & post-offer, and transition & orientation, as well as continued support throughout your entire time enrolled in university in the UK. Please visit our Services page to learn more specifically about how we can help you.

Yes, we do! The UK is home to many of the most prestigious conservatoires and performing arts schools in the world, with several UK cities being hubs for the arts, performance, entertainment, media, and production industries. UK conservatoires and performing arts schools offer world-class training in areas such as music, dance, acting and theatre, production arts, and more. These programs are offered at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level, and result in the awarding of a bachelor's or master's degree. Depending on the program and institution, most undergraduate performance-based degrees take three or four years to earn, while master's programs typically take one to two years. Within each subject area, students can specialize in their specific areas of interest. Music programs include specializations such as instrumental performance, vocal performance, composition, conducting, and production, as well as music therapy and music education. Styles and genres range from classical, opera, and jazz to folk, pop, and contemporary. Popular dance programs include ballet, contemporary, jazz, as well as programs in choreography. Acting and theatre degrees encompass general acting programs for the stage and/or screen, as well as specialized programs for classical acting, musical theatre, and contemporary acting. Other niche acting degrees are also available. Students interested in the production arts can study and earn degrees in areas such as costume design, set design, lighting, prop making, sound design and production, stage management, technical theatre, and more. Richmond Hill can help you identify schools and programs that align with your particular interests and future goals. We can help you prepare a strong application and navigate the auditions process to increase your chances of receiving offers of admission. Conservatoires and performing arts applicants should request our performing arts packages. Prospective visual arts, design, fashion, media, and production students should request our traditional undergraduate or postgraduate packages. If you are unsure which type of service package to request, please contact us at info@richmondhilled.com

Yes! The UK is home to many top specialist arts universities and programs for students interested in areas such as fashion, visual arts and design, media, production, and other creative industries. The UK has long been a leading nation in the arts, and continues to promote a thriving arts scene. Several cities across the UK are hubs for the arts, design, fashion, media, and production industries. As a nation at the forefront of the arts, with world-famous museums, organizations, and institutions, a fashion epicenter, and vibrant media and production activities, the UK is one of the best places on the planet to study and earn your degree in the creative arts. No wonder students from around the world flock to the UK to study these subjects! We are more than happy to provide guidance to students looking to earn their creative arts degree in the UK. We can help you identify programs and institutions that align with your specific interests and goals, and assist you in preparing a strong application and portfolio to increase your chances of receiving multiple offers of admission. Prospective visual arts, design, fashion, media, and production students should request our traditional undergraduate or postgraduate packages. Conservatoires and performing arts applicants should request our performing arts packages. If you are unsure which type of service package to request, please contact us at info@richmondhilled.com

Richmond Hill is the best agency to help you navigate the UK university admissions and transition processes because of our: Specialized expertise Unique British-American experience and perspective Certified and qualified advisors Personalized student-centered approach Comprehensive services Support throughout all stages and continued support while at university Values of strong communication, respect, transparency, quality, and affordability Passion for helping students In addition to our expertise and experience, we genuinely care about our students and their futures. We want to thoughtfully guide students through these potentially life-changing decisions and see them living successful and happy lives. We stand out from other agencies due to our very specific expertise and experience, as well as our high-quality services offered at fair, transparent prices. Other agents have often graduated from university a decade or more ago, did not attend university in the UK, have not lived in the UK, or have only spent a semester studying abroad in the UK several years ago. Additionally, they may not be American and might not fully understand what it is like growing up in the US, going through the American school system, or truly understanding American culture and cultural nuances. These other agents lack the firsthand knowledge you need and want—but may charge you a lot for a limited number of services anyway. Most other agents cannot offer you the best help because they have not personally experienced the journey you are about to embark on. At Richmond Hill, our professional expertise combined with our personal experience means we are able to provide our clients with the best guidance to help them succeed when applying, transitioning to, and thriving at university in the UK. Our clients will always work with an advisor who grew up in the USA, graduated from an American high school, completed an entire 3+ year degree with honours at a top British university (within the last few years), and has spent years living in the UK. Your Richmond Hill advisor will know the specific opportunities, challenges, and questions you may have, and will be the best source to guide you through it all. Please visit Why Richmond Hill to learn more about why we are the best agency to help you.

With our unique combination of professional expertise and personal experience, we can provide you with invaluable guidance, advice, and firsthand knowledge to help you navigate all of the processes, stages, and details involved in applying, transitioning to, and attending university in the UK—in a way that only our combination of expertise and experience allows. Our guidance ensures that you not only end up at the right university for you, but also: Receive guidance navigating all major and minor steps, tasks, details, and decisions Understand essential cultural and practical differences for a smooth transition and rewarding time in the UK Avoid headaches and save countless hours trying to figure out the laundry list of things to do yourself Get insight on how to save even more money Avoid making costly mistakes And so much more! Our services offer help with all the essentials, and go far above and beyond. Our guidance simplifies and streamlines everything, making it much less stressful for you. Without us, it can all be overwhelming, confusing, time-consuming, and even costly. Your Richmond Hill advisor devotes hours of personalized time and attention to you and your individual situation, talking with you, researching, advising, coordinating, planning — whatever you need to feel confident, informed, and excited during this process. With us, you receive invaluable services for one of the most transformative and important times in your life. Importantly, you are not just getting admissions guidance services for a few weeks or months, but our comprehensive services that span several years. You will see in our comprehensive service packages that once clients enlist our services, they retain our assistance the entire time they are preparing for, transitioning to, and studying at university. This means that our service package fees entitle undergraduate students to 4-6 years of our help, and between 2-5 years for postgraduate students.* We are available to you from your initial engagement with our services; throughout the entire application and admissions process, all post-application and post-offer tasks, transition, and orientation; throughout your degree—and all the way up until graduation (and even after that, we would probably like to check in once in a while to see how you are doing!) Given that we provide high-quality, detailed services that last many years, we believe our fees are very fair and offer substantial value. This is especially true compared to others who may charge significantly higher fees for fewer services, less expertise, and lower-quality service. As an American, you will already save thousands or tens of thousands by earning your degree in the UK. With our help, you will likely be able to save even more money while also having our invaluable guidance and expertise. *For Standard, Premium, and Basic Upgrade packages only. Subject to package type and the terms of your signed service agreement.

We offer three comprehensive undergraduate packages—Basic, Standard, and Premium—which are all great options designed to offer choice and flexibility depending on your needs. Please refer to our Packages & Pricing page to see a detailed comparison of our undergraduate packages. Our undergraduate packages differ in the types of services they include and the amount of personalized advisory and consulting time the student receives. Our Standard and Premium Packages offer personalized assistance with all stages (pre-application, application, post-application & post-offer, transition & orientation, ongoing support), while Basic only includes guidance during the pre-application and application stages. With our Standard, Premium, and Basic Upgrade packages you are not just getting admissions guidance services for a few weeks or months, but our comprehensive services that span several years. Once clients register for one of these packages, they retain our assistance the entire time they are preparing for, transitioning to, and studying at university. These service packages may enable undergraduate students to receive about 4-6 years of our assistance. Since our packages are meant to be comprehensive, we do not keep a strict stopwatch running. However, a good estimate for the total number of personalized consulting hours prior to enrollment for each package is as follows: Basic - 15 hours Standard - 30 hours Premium - 50 hours Please keep in mind that our packages include additional resources and important work on the client's behalf that might not seem obvious in our service lists and packages. Our Premium Package is our most comprehensive, most personalized, and most cost-effective. It is perfect for students and families who would like to avoid as many headaches as possible and have as much taken care of by their trusted and knowledgeable Richmond Hill advisor. Clients who choose our Standard Package love that it includes everything they need, with options for additional assistance. Our Basic Package is great for students who might still be exploring their options and would like something more low-commitment. Basic is also a good option for students who are planning to apply to universities in both the UK and USA. Since Basic provides help all the way through the pre-application and application stages, students will be able to submit their applications, wait to see which universities offer them a place, and decide how to proceed from there. If the student decides they would like to attend university in the UK and wishes to continue with our services, they are able to sign up for Basic Upgrade, which grants them access to around 15 additional hours of services, similar to those offered in the post-application & post-offer, transition & orientation, and ongoing support stages of our Standard Package.* Clients may also request extra or additional services outside of their chosen package and shall be billed separately. Students who are interested in applying to undergraduate programs at Oxford, Cambridge, or programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and other select subjects will usually need to complete extra steps, tasks, admissions tests, application components, and interviews, as well as navigate different admissions processes, rules, and strategies. We highly recommend that these individuals select our Premium Package to receive specific, personalized guidance, or make sure that they select our Oxbridge Add-On when choosing our Basic or Standard packages. Alternatively, students can select Oxbridge-specific services as part of their Custom Package request. Please see our FAQ for more information about our Oxbridge Add-On. The package you choose depends on your needs. Please feel free to contact us at info@richmondhilled.com if you have any questions regarding our undergraduate packages. While our packages are designed to be the most comprehensive and cost-effective, Custom Packages are also available by request. *Subject to the terms of your service agreement. Please visit our Packages & Pricing page for more information.

The Oxbridge Add-On is an optional service add-on to our undergraduate Basic and Standard service packages. (Oxbridge Add-On services are already included in our Premium package at a discounted rate.) The add-on includes several services for students interested in applying to undergraduate programs at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge. Applying to programs at Oxford and Cambridge involves understanding and navigating different and more complex admissions processes, application components, criteria, steps, rules, and strategies compared to most other institutions in the UK. Therefore, it is crucial for students seeking to submit an application to Oxford or Cambridge to understand the additional or different steps, tasks, and timelines they will need to meet so they can increase their chances of receiving an offer of admission. Since some students are not interested in applying to programs at Oxford or Cambridge, we do not feel it is fair to make these services part of our Basic and Standard comprehensive packages and to ask any individuals to pay for services they are not going to use. We want to give each student the choice and flexibility to add these services if they so choose. Basic and Standard clients will need to select the Oxbridge Add-On to receive our guidance when applying to Oxford or Cambridge. Your advisor will not be able to help you navigate Oxbridge admissions without the add-on. Students can add the optional Oxbridge Add-On when submitting their initial Service Request Form or at a later time. The Oxbridge Add-on can only be added to comprehensive packages and is not a standalone service. Please note: individuals who register for our Premium service package do not need to select the Oxbridge Add-On, as these services are already included in your package at a discounted rate. If you have any questions about the Oxbridge Add-On, please feel free to contact us at info@richmondhilled.com.

We offer three comprehensive postgraduate packages—Basic, Standard, and Premium—which are all great options designed to provide choice and flexibility for different individuals. Please refer to our Packages & Pricing page to see a detailed comparison of our postgraduate packages. Our postgraduate packages differ in the types of services and the amount of personalized advisory and consulting time included. Our Standard and Premium Packages offer personalized assistance with all stages (pre-application, application, post-application & post-offer, transition & orientation, continued support), while Basic only includes guidance during the pre-application and application stages. With our Standard, Premium, and Basic Upgrade packages you are not just getting admissions guidance services for a few weeks or months, but our comprehensive services that span several years. Once clients register for one of these packages, they retain our assistance the entire time they are preparing for, transitioning to, and studying at university. This means that these service package's fees enable postgraduate students to receive about 2-5 years of our assistance. Since our packages are meant to be comprehensive, we do not keep a strict stopwatch running. However, a good estimate for the total number of personalized consulting hours prior to enrollment for each package is as follows: Basic - 20 hours Standard - 35 hours Premium - 50 hours Please keep in mind that our packages include additional resources and important work on the client's behalf that might not seem obvious in our service lists and packages. Our Premium Package is our most comprehensive, most personalized, and most cost-effective. It is perfect for students and families who would like to avoid as many headaches as possible and have as much taken care of by their trusted and knowledgeable Richmond Hill advisor. Clients who choose our Standard Package love that it includes everything they need, with options for additional assistance. Our Basic Package is great for students who might still be exploring their options and would like something more low-commitment. Basic is also a good option for students who are planning to apply to programs in both the UK and USA. Since Basic provides help all the way through the pre-application and application stages, students will be able to submit their applications, wait to see which universities offer them a place, and decide how to proceed from there. If the student decides they would like to earn their postgraduate degree in the UK and wishes to continue with our services, they are able to sign up for Basic Upgrade, which grants them access to around 15 additional hours of services, similar to those offered in the post-application & post-offer, transition & orientation, and continued support stages of our Standard Package.* Clients may also request extra or additional services outside of their chosen package and shall be billed separately. Students who are interested in applying to postgraduate programs at Oxford, Cambridge, or programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and other select subjects will usually need to complete extra steps, tasks, admissions tests, application components, and interviews, as well as navigate different admissions processes and strategies. We highly recommend that these individuals select our Premium Package to receive specific, personalized guidance, or ensure that they select these specific services as part of their Custom Package request. The package you choose depends on your needs. Please feel free to contact us at info@richmondhilled.com if you have any questions regarding our postgraduate packages. While our packages are designed to be the most comprehensive and cost-effective, Custom Packages are also available by request. *Subject to the terms of your service agreement. Please visit our Packages & Pricing page for more information.

While our service packages are designed to provide clients with comprehensive help and guidance with all the essentials and more, we know that some individuals might be seeking more flexibility, which is why we offer the option to request a Custom Package. To request a Custom Package, we ask clients to complete a short form in which they can select the specific services they are seeking from our general list of services. After you submit your request form, we will review your request. Once it has been approved, you will receive an email containing a Custom Package quote with additional instructions on how to proceed.

It's a mix. Many of our clients are already set on attending university in the UK and may have done some independent research. Alternatively, other clients were not even aware that earning a degree in the UK could be such a great and viable option until they spoke with us. Some of our clients apply to universities in both the UK and USA to keep their options open. Don't worry if the idea of studying in the UK is new. We are here to help walk you through everything and answer all your questions.

Richmond Hill Education Services is based in two locations: London, England and Boston, Massachusetts. We operate on London’s time zone (GMT/BST). Clients do not need to be located in these areas, as all of our services are delivered online.

All our services are delivered online, and we can accommodate different time zones. We help students across the United States, from coast to coast. We have clients from Boston to Beverly Hills and places in between.

We offer transparent pricing for our services and service packages, which you can find on our Packages & Pricing pages or in your Custom Package quote. After you submit a service request form to register, we will send you a Service Agreement to read and sign, which includes details of your payment schedule. Once we receive your payment, services will commence. Before services commence, we ask that all of our clients agree to terms laid out in our Service Agreement. This is to help promote peace of mind for everyone involved and to foster a positive, transparent, and ideal working relationship between clients and Richmond Hill. Payments are made online through a secure payment processor. Acceptable payment methods include credit card, debit card, and bank transfers. Clients can pay their service bill upfront in full, in monthly installments, or according to the terms of their Service Agreement. Clients who opt to pay their service bill in full upfront receive a discount of 5% off their total service bill. (For example, clients who sign up for our Premium Packages will save $425 by paying upfront in full.) Clients on our Standard or Premium packages can choose to spread their payments out over four monthly installments. Payments for Basic and Basic Upgrade packages may be spread over two monthly installments. Clients who employ Richmond Hill to undertake any extra or additional assistance outside of their service package (as laid out in their signed Service Agreement) will be billed according to rates and fees at the time of request. If you have any questions regarding pricing, billing, or payments, please contact us at billing@richmondhilled.com

If you find that you no longer require our services, you can cancel your service package at any time and receive a refund in line with the terms of your signed Service Agreement.

Richmond Hill Education Services prides itself on following ethical business practices. We aim to help students and provide them with skills, guidance, and confidence, but cannot do their work for them as this infringes upon our code of ethical and moral conduct. For example, we can offer guidance, brainstorming, and review with respect to a student’s personal statement, but will not write it for them. Any information or data that clients choose to share with us remains confidential.