Study Destination Comparison
Study in United States vs United Kingdom
Complete 2026 guide for Jordanian & Arab students — tuition, visa, post-study work & PR pathways
Quick Answer
Best for: Elite academic ambitions or STEM careers. Prestigious but expensive. Visa difficulty and H-1B lottery are significant drawbacks. Meanwhile, United Kingdom: Best for: Students seeking a short, prestigious degree. UK 1-year Master's is unmatched for ROI. Higher cost, but faster completion. — Contact Shatnawi for a recommendation tailored to your academic profile.
United States
80/100
Overall Rating
United Kingdom
88/100
Overall Rating
Side-by-Side Comparison
| United States | United Kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $25,000–$60,000/year | £10,000–£38,000/year |
| Living Cost | $1,200–2,500/month | £1,000–1,500/month |
| Language | English | English |
| Post-Study Work | 1 year OPT (3 years for STEM) | 2 years (Graduate Route Visa) |
| PR / Residency | Complex H-1B lottery system | 5 years + settlement route |
| Intake Months | August / January | September / January |
| Min. IELTS | 7.0 | 6.5 |
| Top Universities | MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Caltech, Yale | Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh |
| Visa Difficulty | Hard | Medium |
Who Should Choose Which?
✓ Choose United States if...
- World's top 5 universities in multiple rankings
- OPT extended to 3 years for STEM graduates
- Highest tuition globally
- Difficult visa process — embassy interview required
✓ Choose United Kingdom if...
- 1-year Master's programs save a full year vs other countries
- Top 3 globally ranked universities
- 2-year post-study work visa
- Strong alumni networks worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between studying in United States vs United Kingdom?
Best for: Elite academic ambitions or STEM careers. Prestigious but expensive. Visa difficulty and H-1B lottery are significant drawbacks. By contrast, Best for: Students seeking a short, prestigious degree. UK 1-year Master's is unmatched for ROI. Higher cost, but faster completion.
Q: Which is cheaper — United States or United Kingdom?
United States: $25,000–$60,000/year (living costs: $1,200–2,500/month). United Kingdom: £10,000–£38,000/year (living costs: £1,000–1,500/month).
Q: Which country has an easier path to permanent residency?
United States: Complex H-1B lottery system. United Kingdom: 5 years + settlement route. Consult Shatnawi for guidance tailored to your situation.
Q: What IELTS score is needed for United States vs United Kingdom?
United States typically requires a 7.0 average. United Kingdom typically requires 6.5.
Q: Can Jordanian students get scholarships in United States or United Kingdom?
Yes, both countries have scholarship programs for Jordanian students. Contact Shatnawi for currently available opportunities.
Still deciding between United States and United Kingdom?
Our advisors have reviewed hundreds of Jordanian student profiles for both countries. Book a free consultation.
Book Free Consultation