Ever found yourself deliberating on whether to pursue your higher education in the UK

or the Philippines? In this article, we hope to help you make your decision by
showcasing the similarities, differences, and benefits between the higher education
systems of the two countries.

Requirements
Regardless of whether you choose to study at a college in the UK or the Philippines,
you need to get into that college first. To do this, you have to meet the minimum
requirements of the said institutions. To get accepted into the Philippine higher
education institution, one generally needs possession of a high school Certificate of
Graduation and, in some cases, a qualifying score in the National Secondary
Achievement Test (NSA). In the UK, on the other hand, one generally needs to
complete the Foundation Programme or A-levels Program. More requirements,
however, may be added or removed depending on each country’s university.  

Grading System Difference

Differences in grading systems often confuse students and aspiring transferees. U.K.
universities generally tend to use a letter grade scale from A to F to indicate their
students’ academic performance. Here, A is the Highest, while F indicates a failing
mark. Philippines universities, on the other hand, have a more varied selection of
grading systems. The majority of the Philippine universities utilize a 4-Point Scale,
similar to the U.S. grading system. This system uses a grade between 0.00 to 4.00,
wherein 4.00 is the highest and 0.00 is a failing mark. Other universities in the
Philippines, however, adhere to a 5-Point Scale, which considers the highest grade as a
1.00 and the lowest as a 5.00, which is considered a failing mark. 

Degree length and Major Selection

In the Philippines, students attend university for four years to get a bachelor's degree,
while in the UK, it is three years. 
 
Although they differ in years, both require their applicants to choose a course (major) at
the time of their application. 
This may allow specialized subjects of one major early on, but it also places a burden
on teenagers who change their minds frequently. 

Philippine Degrees vs UK Degrees

 
Although international recognition and market value of a degree may vary greatly on
the institution issuing the degree, and on several factors beyond location, generally, UK
degrees are put on a higher standing. A few universities place a Master's degree from
top institutions in the Philippines as comparable to British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree
standard or a British Bachelor (Honours) degree standard in their Overseas Academic
Qualifications Equivalency Chart, however this may still vary depending on the
university or job application.
Conclusion

Making the choice between studying in the Philippines and the UK can be very difficult
especially since both countries provide different and yet promising education. However,
one still has to make the decision in the end by evaluating the pros and cons mentioned
in this article. Whatever choice you choose, however, rest assured you’ll be embarking
on an educational journey of high quality.