Explore the UK education system, top universities, and costs for international students.
Renowned for its prestigious universities, high educational standards, and diverse range of degree programs, the UK is a top destination for studying abroad. This guide will help you select the right university, prepare you for what it's like to study in the UK and provide a breakdown of the costs of studying in the UK as an international student.
Yes, the UK is one of the best countries to study abroad. The UK hosts some of the world’s highest-ranking universities, offering world-class education entirely in English.
With diverse degree options, high academic standards, and a diverse international student community, studying in the UK provides excellent prospects for both learning and future career opportunities.
However, tuition fees in the UK can be quite steep. The cost of studying for international students often exceeds £20,000 per year.
Here's a list of the best universities in the UK for international students in 2024 based on their worldwide ranking:
Name | Ranking |
---|---|
University of Cambridge | #2 |
University of Oxford | #4 |
Imperial College London | #6 |
UCL | #8 |
The University of Edinburgh | #15 |
The University of Manchester | #28 |
King's College London | #37 |
LSE | #56 |
University of Bristol | #70 |
The University of Warwick | #64 |
The UK presents a choice between public and private universities. Public universities receive state funding to subsidise tuition, whereas private universities rely solely on tuition fees for financial support.
The UK offers various levels of higher education — from undergraduate to doctoral levels. Bachelor's degrees typically span 3 to 4 years, master's and MBAs range from 1 to 4 years, and postgraduate degrees usually take up to 4 years to complete.
The academic year in UK universities begins in September/October and runs until June/July, with some universities offering degrees starting in January. The year is divided into 3 terms over 2 semesters.
Courses in the UK are taught through lectures and seminars. Lectures are attended by your entire year and are hosted in huge lecture theatres. Seminars are smaller, interactive classes where you practice what you've learned in lectures.
Exams in UK universities can be in the form of essay writing, multiple choice questions, short answers, and open-book exams. Your exam performance significantly impacts your overall course grade.
Throughout the academic year, assignments like coursework, group projects, essays, reports, presentations, and class participation contribute to your final grade.
The grading scale ranges from First-Class Honors to Fail, with grades First-Class Honors to Third-Class Honors indicating a pass.
Grade | Score | Definition |
---|---|---|
First-Class Honors (1st) | 70%-100% | Excellent to Outstanding |
Upped Second-Class Honours (2:1) | 60%-70% | Good to Very Good |
Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) | 50%-60% | Satisfying |
Third-Class Honours (3rd) | 40%-50% | Sufficient |
Fail | -40% | Fail |
After you've done your research and selected your courses it's time to start applying. We've broken down the process into 6 easy steps so you'll have no trouble applying for a UK university as an international student.
UCAS Undergraduate application deadlines can vary, so check your dream university's website. Here’s an overview of 2024 deadlines:
Direct application (for Postgraduates): you can directly apply through the university's website. Make a profile on the website, upload your documents, and submit your application. Check the university's website for the application deadlines and details.
Pay the application fees: the price varies depending on the university
Interviews and Admissions tests: depending on your study of choice and university, you might be required to do an additional interview or a test. This requirement will be listed under the course description on the university's website.
Receive offers: once your application has been reviewed, universities will send you acceptance offers (may be conditional depending on the course requirements)
Accept an offer: after you've been accepted in the course of your choice, go on UCAS or university's website and accept it
Apply for a student visa: make sure you complete this step well in advance to your studies. You'll need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to apply. Check out our guide on student visas in the UK to learn more about the process and requirements.
Preparation and arrival: organise things like accommodation, plane tickets, and any additional documents you might need.
Now that you know how to apply for university it's time to see how much it's the cost of studying in the UK for international students.
While higher education in the UK offers world-class quality, it’s quite expensive. Tuition fees vary based on your degree and university.
Since the UK's departure from the EU and the EEA, tuition fees for all international students are the same.
Here's an overview of tuition fees based on degree level:
Degree level | Tuition fees (per year) |
---|---|
Undergraduate | £10,000 - £38,000 |
Postgraduate | £9,000 - £30,000 |
Doctoral | £16,000 - £24,000 |
Government-funded student support loans are only available for domestic students (English, Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish students). However, international students can access various scholarships and grants, including:
Keep in mind that most of the available scholarships are for postgraduate or doctoral level.
Check International Scholarships and International Education Financial Aid's websites for scholarships and bursaries for your study.
Alternatively, you can consider the Tuition Fee Loan option that covers up to £9,250 of your tuition. To be eligible, you must have lived in the UK, EEA/Switzerland or in one of the Overseas Territories for the past 3 years. Also, you must meet one of these conditions:
Any family members of the students listed above can also apply for a Tuition Fee Loan.
The average monthly cost of living in the UK for international students ranges from £900 to £1,300. If your heart is set on living in London, your monthly cost of living will range between £1,300 and £1,400 due to higher rents. This budget includes accommodation, groceries, transport, and more. Here's a breakdown of what you should expect in terms of living expenses in the UK as an international student:
Type | Monthly average |
---|---|
Student housing | £532 – £753 |
Utilities | £66 – £90 |
Groceries | £150 – £200 |
Health insurance | £39 |
Public transport (16 – 25 Railcard) | £30 (yearly) |
The best part about being a student (besides getting an education) are all of the student discounts you're eligible for by just presenting your student ID or logging through your student email. Some of the discounts depend on which city you're studying but there're plenty of options nationwide. We've selected the best student discounts in the UK:
Congratulations! Armed with the essential information about studying in the UK, you're fully prepared to apply to your dream university and begin the next exciting chapter of your life. Good luck!
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In this article
Is studying in the UK a good option for international students?
Top 10 UK universities for international students
What is university like in the UK?
How to apply for a UK university as an international student
Cost of studying in the UK for international students
Living expenses in the UK for international students
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