The UK has long been one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students, with around 500,000 choosing to study in the country every year. With a wide range of courses, top-quality universities and an impressive record of innovation and research excellence, it’s no surprise that the UK is such an attractive choice for students.
The UK offers a range of different study options to suit all types of learners, from undergraduate courses and postgraduate qualifications right through to specialist language courses and professional development programmes. And with world-renowned universities like the University of Oxford, Cambridge University and Imperial College London, you’re sure to find something that fits your goals and interests.
The UK also provides a wealth of exciting cultural experiences, from ancient castles and world-famous galleries to vibrant music scenes and bustling cities. And with the UK’s strong tradition of innovation in all areas of research, you can be sure that you’ll be part of something that is truly cutting-edge.
The UK also offers a range of features and benefits to make studying in the country easier. From dedicated visa support systems and English language courses, to financial aid packages for international students and even work opportunities, you’ll find that the UK has everything you need to make your time as an international student truly memorable.
Eligibility Criteria
To study in the UK, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:
- Being aged 18 years or over;
- Having an offer of a place on a suitable course and appropriate acceptance by the relevant institution;
- Having access to sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your course;
- Meeting the English language requirements for your chosen institution.
If you meet these criteria and have an offer of a place on a suitable course, you should apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa. This is the most common type of visa for international students, and will allow you to live in the UK while studying.
Top courses in UK
The UK is home to courses that span a wide range of disciplines, and students have access to specialisations at all levels. Some of the most popular courses for international students include:
- Business Management
- Medicine
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Law
- Psychology
- Education
These are just a few of the many courses available, and there’s sure to be something that fits your interests and ambitions.
Cost of Studying in UK
The cost of studying in the UK can vary depending on the course you choose and your individual circumstances. Generally speaking, tuition fees for undergraduate courses are between £9,000 and £20,000 per year. Postgraduate courses tend to be more expensive, at around £12,000 to £37,000 annually. Living expenses will also vary, depending on the city and lifestyle you choose.
Scholarships & financial aid
The UK offers a range of scholarships and financial aid packages to help international students pursue their studies in the country. Some universities also offer tuition fee discounts for students from certain countries or backgrounds, so it’s worth researching your institution’s individual offerings.
The UK government provides several different types of financial assistance, such as the Erasmus+ programme, the UK government-funded Chevening Scholarships and Awards, and the British Council GREAT Scholarship Programme. There are also a range of private scholarships available from charities, trusts and other organisations.
It’s important to note that these scholarships and financial aid packages will vary depending on your individual circumstances, so it’s important to check the specifics of each programme carefully.
Course Intakes
The UK runs three main intakes every year – September, January and April. Applications for each intake open around six months before the start date, so it’s important to plan ahead if you want to secure a place on your chosen course.
Student Visa requirements
If you’re an international student, you will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa to study in the UK. To be eligible for this visa, you must:
- Have been offered a place on a suitable course at an approved institution;
- Be able to prove that you have enough money to cover living expenses and tuition fees;
- Meet the English language requirements.
You will also need to demonstrate that you plan to leave the UK at the end of your course. You can apply for a student visa up to three months before you start your course. The visa process can take up to eight weeks, so make sure you start your application as early as possible.
Work Authorisation for students
International students in the UK are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays. To be eligible for any kind of paid employment, you must have a valid Tier 4 Student Visa.
List of Universities & Colleges in UK
Abbey College |
Arden University |
Brunel University London |
Cheshire College |
Coventry University |
Cranfield University |
De Montfort University |
Edge Hill University |
Edinburgh College |
Edinburgh Napier University |
Falmouth University |
Glasgow Caledonian University |
Kingston University London |
Lancaster University |
Leeds Beckett University |
London Metropolitan University |
London South Bank University |
Loughborough University |
Middlesex University |
Middlesex University, London |
Northumbria University |
Nottingham Trent University |
Robert Gordon University |
Royal Holloway, University of London |
St George's, University of London |
Swansea University |
Teesside University |
University for the Creative Arts (UCA) |
University of Birmingham |
University of Bradford |
University of Brighton |
University of Buckingham |
University of Chester |
University of Cumbria |
University of Dundee |
University of East Anglia |
University of Essex |
University of Exeter |
University of Greenwich |
University of Hertfordshire |
University of Liverpool |
University of Plymouth |
University of Reading |
University of Salford |
University of South Wales |
University of Stirling |
University of Strathclyde |
University of Suffolk |
University of Sunderland |
University of Surrey |
University of the West of England |
University of Warwick |
University of Winchester |
University of York |
Wrexham Glyndwr University |