Why Study in the UK?
World-Renowned Academic Reputation. Universities in the United Kingdom are well known for their high-caliber education system, and excellent instruction, matched with cutting-edge facilities.
Top-Notch Education Providers. The UK is home to some of the best higher education institutions in the world, four of which belong to the top 10 list of 2023 QS World University Rankings.
Excellent Study Programs. You can get a great head start on a successful career by enrolling in one of the many quality courses offered by the best universities in the United Kingdom such as art and design, business and management, and media studies, amongst others.
Limitless Study Opportunities. There are more than 150 higher education institutions in the United Kingdom (UK), which draws students from all around the world to study in the UK because of its track record as a global education hub.
Shorter Degree Programs. You can save money on tuition and living expenses by earning your bachelor’s degree in the United Kingdom, which only takes three to four years, and your master’s degree in as short as two years.
Academic Excellence
When you study in the UK, you not only gain an internationally recognized degree but also get to experience everything the country has to offer.
According to the QS Best Student Cities 2023, London is the best city for students in the world. London offers a wide range of opportunities for students. The UK also takes pride in its top-notch universities that are of a high standard, ranking in the top 20 of the QS World University Rankings 2023:
- University of Cambridge, 2nd
- University of Oxford, 4th
- Imperial College London, 6th
- University College London (UCL), 8th
- The University of Edinburgh, 15th
Top Education Providers in the UK
Universities in the United Kingdom are recognized for their educational prowess, among other qualities. When you study in the UK, you allow yourself to take advantage of all the country has to offer while also earning a degree that is acknowledged around the world.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world, upholding centuries of world-class, quality education. It is composed of more than 30 colleges, around 12,000 staff, and 24,000 students. UC has produced more than a hundred Nobel laureates and boasts of a more than 90% chance of their alumni working or going into further study 15 months after graduating.
University of Oxford
Ranking first in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for six consecutive years (2017-2022), the University of Oxford is considered one of the best universities in the world. Almost half of its student population is composed of international students. The University of Oxford also contributes the most to world-class research in the United Kingdom.
Imperial College London,
or simply Imperial, is known throughout the world for its excellence and the employability of its alumni. Aside from its focus on engineering, science, medicine, and business, Imperial also has an edge over the other universities because of its location–being situated in the country’s capital and having businesses and partners nearby is a good advantage.
University College London (UCL)
University College London is a university proud of its diversity–more than half its student population is made up of international students. UCL utilizes an interdisciplinary approach in its education, making sure that students are well-rounded and geared toward innovation and research. UCL also partners with multiple institutions worldwide, placing importance on change and innovation.
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is focused on research and innovation, taking pride in being a global partner of many institutions and promoting innovation. With over 40% of its student population being international students, it is committed to being diverse and welcoming to students of different backgrounds. At this university, students learn from renowned and world-leading researchers.
Popular Study Programs in the UK
Programs of study in UK are, without a doubt, among the most sought-after study programs worldwide. There is a wide variety of degrees available at UK universities, from the easy program to the toughest ones, which include:
- Business. Due to their long and distinguished history of producing successful business leaders, the United Kingdom’s business schools have gained a high profile around the world.
- Engineering and Technology. The United Kingdom has some of the world’s best educational institutions for engineering and technology. These courses are designed to provide students with the research-based skills and competencies valued by employers.
- Nursing. It’s not surprising that this is the most sought-after academic field in the UK. Even with the demanding nature of their work, nurses show increased levels of satisfaction in their careers.
- Social Science. Courses in the social sciences taught in the United Kingdom are in high demand, likely due to the country’s reputation for providing excellent education delivered by qualified faculty and cutting-edge classroom technology.
- Arts. UK universities are desired due to their excellent course offerings and the presence of a vibrant creative community filled with well-known artists. Gaining a degree in the arts in the UK also increases your chances of landing a variety of valuable careers.
- Scholarships in the UK
- Scholarships and financial aid are in high demand in the United Kingdom because of the relatively expensive education. This makes being awarded a scholarship extremely competitive, but UK universities are offering more scholarships to invite the most deserving international students.
- Here are some government-funded scholarships available for international students:
- Chevening Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
- Securing a university-specific scholarship is also an option. Here are some you can choose from:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Edinburgh Global Scholarships
- Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University
- University of Bristol Scholarships
Cost of Studying in the UK
Taking classes in the United Kingdom can be pricey. International students in the UK can plan the finances they need to attend school in the country if they are concerned about possible tuition and living expenses.
Tuition Fee
Each school, level of study, and program has different expenses related to them. For the most part, degrees in the hard sciences, such as computer engineering, are more expensive than those in the social sciences and humanities. Hence, the cost of study in the UK depends on certain factors.
Below is an overview of the average tuition fees for undergraduate study at universities per study program.
| University | Engineering | Health sciences and medicine | Business and management | Social sciences | Humanities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | £35,517 | £35,517 to £60,942 | £35,517 | £30,537 to £35,517 | £23,340 |
| University College London | £26,600 to £35,100 | £26,600 to £43,733 | £26,600 to £32,100 | £26,600 to £32,100 | £24,000 to £29,400 |
| University of Edinburgh | £30,400 | £30,400 to £49,900 | £23,100 | £23,100 to £30,400 | £23,100 |
| University of Manchester | £25,000 to £27,000 | £23,000 to £47,000 | £26,000 | £23,000 to £26,000 | £21,500 |
| University of Birmingham | £24,600 to £27,180 | £24,600 to £44,100 | £21,420 to £23,400 | £19,020 to £24,600 | £19,980 to £20,760 |
Cost of Living
In addition to tuition, students who study in the UK must also budget for the cost of living such as rent, groceries, utilities, textbooks, laundry, transportation, and entertainment. On average, you will need a monthly budget for expenses of £800-£1,000.
| Expense | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | £421 |
| Groceries | £101 |
| Going out | £47 |
| Takeaways and eating out | £41 |
| Household bills | £40 |
| Transport | £34 |
| Clothes and shopping | £34 |
| Other | £18 |
| Course materials | £17 |
| Mobile phone | £15 |
| Health and wellbeing | £15 |
| Holidays and events | £14 |
| Gifts and charity | £13 |
| TOTAL | £810 |
What are the Requirements to Study in the UK?
To study in the UK, the entry criteria will change depending on the program you are considering. But the typical entry requirements to study in UK are the following:
- Credentials and Grades
- Foundation Certificate: at least 11 years of education
- International Year One: at least 12 years of education
- Pre-Master’s: at least 3 years of higher education or equivalent
- Pre-Doctorate: a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, or equivalent
- Entrance Exams
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
- Language Proficiency
Your level of proficiency in English will normally be a deciding factor for your entrance into a significant program. You must ensure that you understand English well, and you can achieve this by completing one of the following widely-used tests of English proficiency:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES)
- IDs
- References and Experience
- Interviews
Documents Required to Study in the UK?
To be able to study in the UK, there are requirements needed to comply. These are the following:
- Transcript of grades
- Certificate of completion of studies
- UK Student Visa
- A valid passport and IDs
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
- Recommendation letter
- Statement of Purpose
- English proficiency test results
- Bank Statements
How to Apply to a UK University
The application process to a UK university is simple.
- Choose which programs and institutions you want to study in the UK. Then, you need to learn more about them and see if you comply with the requirements.
- Sign up for and submit an application for admission to a college or university online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Note: Graduate courses have different application processes and requirements.
- Wait and accept offers made by a university in the UK.
- Make preparations for funding.
- Apply for a student visa.
Student Visa Application Process in the UK
Apply for your visa by following the steps below:
- Submit an application to the university of your choice and accept an offer.
- Your institution will issue you a certificate known as a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) once you have confirmed your offer and received it.
- You can start the visa application procedure as soon as you get your CAS. You have up to six months before the start date of your study to apply for a visa. You must have a valid passport and pay the application fee (£363 for students).
| Visa | Cost |
|---|---|
| Student visa from outside the UK | £363 |
| Student visa from inside the UK (extend or switch) | £490 |
- You must include a payment known as an Immigration Health Surcharge with your application which lets you access the National Health Service of the UK. Students pay 25% less than the standard rate, making the annual fee for those with student visas £470.
- You could be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in the English language as part of your student visa application. Verify with your university what kind of English language credentials they will want as various universities have different standards.
- Before traveling to the UK, you must complete and submit your application.