Study In UK Universities

All details about Study in UK Universities from top University rankings, scholarships, costs & requirements to study at a top tier institution all in one place.

The United Kingdom, which is ranked among the top 5 study abroad destinations in the world, draws over 300,000 students each year from more than 150 different countries. 

Additionally, the United Kingdom is regarded for its world-class teaching standards, with 16 UK institutions ranked in the top 100 of the QS 2022 global rankings, demonstrating the country’s ability to combine current thinking with traditional values. Which is one of the many reasons to study in UK. As a result, the nation is credited with doing 5 percent of all scientific research worldwide and having the second-highest number of Nobel Prize winners in the globe.

The government of the United Kingdom is also interested in welcoming students to study in the country and diversifying the educational system by enrolling around 600,000 foreign students by the year 2030. 

For overseas students who graduate with a degree in the United Kingdom, the government will institute a two-year stay-back program beginning in 2021.

 This move has not only resulted in an increase in foreign student applications for courses such as education, psychology, pharmacy, and social work, but also for courses in other fields.  Also, The UK has been well known to Study Law since ages.

Additionally, student visas will be changed to work visas three months before the end of their studies, regardless of the degree of study they are enrolled in at the time of their application.

Top Universities in the UK 2022

The United Kingdom features an astounding 90 institutions in the newly revealed QS World University Rankings 2022, grabbing four of the top 10 entries. It is only beaten by the USA, which has 177 entries.

uk university

The UK’s universities have inspired many works of cinema and literature. Or, you can also enhance your vocabulary or speaking by Studying English in the UK. The UK is also highly varied — it’s stated that in the UK, there’s a new accent every 30 miles you drive.

Read on as we introduce the greatest universities in the four component parts of the UK: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

10) The University of Warwick

The University of Warwick has maintained its position as the 10th best university in the United Kingdom this year, and it has also maintained its position as the 62nd best university in the world. Their success in the rankings may be attributed in large part to the university’s global vision, which is shown in the university’s near-perfect scores in the international faculty and international students ranking categories.

9) University of Bristol

Ninth in the UK is the University of Bristol, which yet dips nine positions in the worldwide rankings this year to 58th place. The institution receives strong ratings across all ranking parameters, notably for academic reputation where it ranks 74th internationally.

8) London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

In eighth position in the UK is the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), which dips five places this year to rank 49th worldwide – the first UK institution in our top 10 to make it into the global top 50. LSE is rated eighth in the world for foreign students, making it the most diverse UK institution in our list.

7) King’s College London (KCL)

Seventh in the UK again this year is King’s College London (KCL), which jumps two places in the worldwide rankings to equal 31st. One of four London-based institutions in the UK top 10, KCL earns remarkable results in all metrics, notably academic reputation where it ranks among the top 50 universities in the world.

6) The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester ranks sixth in the UK this year, securing equal 27th position in the worldwide rankings. Manchester graduates are looked on very positively by businesses – the institution ranks 21st in the world for the employer reputation metric.

5) University of Edinburgh

Ranking fifth in the UK, and still the 20th best university in the world, is the University of Edinburgh – the only Scottish institution in the UK top 10. It ranks especially strongly for academic reputation and employer reputation, ranking 25th and 31st in the world correspondingly for both metrics.

4) UCL (University College London)

Just missing out on a position in the UK top three is UCL (University College London), which loses two places in the worldwide rankings this year to 10th. Its greatest score may be seen in the academic reputation index where it stands 13th in the globe.

3) Imperial College London

Imperial_College London

Taking the bronze medal place in the UK is Imperial College London, the highest-ranked institution in the city. It climbed up one rank internationally this year to eighth place and took ninth place globally for academic repute.

2) University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge

As per usual, it’s a struggle between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge for first place in the UK rankings. Once again, it’s Cambridge in second place, rated seventh internationally. However, Cambridge is the top rated institution in the UK for both academic and employer reputation, in second position internationally for both parameters.

1) University of Oxford

University of Oxford

Taking top position in the UK again this year is the University of Oxford, which loses one spot in the worldwide rankings to sixth. Achieving strong ratings across all metrics, Oxford is the top rated institution in the UK for faculty-student ratio (eighth place) and citations per professor (44th place).

Here is a table to show the further University Rankings in the UK

QS World University Rankings 2021 – Top Universities in the UK 11-20
UK RankGlobal RankInstitution
1177University of Glasgow
1286Durham University 
1387University of Birmingham
1490University of Southampton
1591University of Leeds
1693The University of Sheffield 
1796University of St. Andrews 
1899The University of Nottingham
19133Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
20135Lancaster University

Top Universities in England: Cost & Details 

England has the greatest population amongst the four component nations of the UK. It also has the most universities.

The top rated universities in England, and the UK, this year are, of course, the Oxbridge two. Both institutions strengthened their standing in this year’s rankings: The University of Oxford jumps three places in 2022 to rank second internationally while the University of Cambridge increases five spots to equal third.

However, there’s more to UK institutions than simply Oxbridge. London provides a number of intriguing institutions, with four ranking in the UK top 10. The greatest of them is Imperial College London which scores regularly strongly in the international rankings, climbing one position to rank sixth worldwide.

Beyond London, England is home to numerous more world-leading universities and lovely sites. In the post-industrial Midlands and Northern England, you’ll find several of the country’s somewhat younger, redbrick institutions, including the University of

Manchester, University of Birmingham, University of Sheffield, and University of Liverpool.

Costing 

English institutions may charge a maximum of £9,250 for UK students at undergraduate level. However, there is no maximum amount institutions may charge foreign students, and overseas students should anticipate to spend between £10,000 and £26,000 per year at undergraduate level.

Top Universities in Wales across England’s border, Wales is famed for its rough scenery, kind people and mountainous National Parks. It also contains a group of excellent institutions that includes Cardiff University and Swansea University (ranked joint 151st and joint 440th respectively) (ranking joint 151st and joint 440th respectively).

Welsh Universities

Several Welsh institutions provide bilingual programs, taught in both Welsh and English, in acknowledgement of the need for the original language to be nurtured and maintained.

Welsh universities may charge up to £9,250 in tuition fees to students from Wales, the European Union, and Northern Ireland. All Welsh students are eligible to apply for a fee grant, which helps to defray a portion of the tuition costs. The cost of tuition for overseas students varies from university to university, but is often between £13,000 and £20,000 on average.

Postgraduate courses in England are typically priced £10,000 to £26,000 for international students annually. 

Top Universities in Scotland: Cost & Details

The country of Scotland occupies the northern part of the United Kingdom. The tranquil coastal seascapes of Scotland contrast with the busy historical cities of the country, making it a popular study location for foreign students.

Popular University Choices

Edinburgh (16th), Glasgow (73rd), St Andrews (91st), and Aberdeen (16th) are among the “old four” universities in the world, which are located in Scotland (205th). All of the universities in this category were established before the year 1600.

The University of Heriot-Watt (joint 270th), Strathclyde (302nd), and Stirling (joint 471st) are among the newer institutions in Scotland, as are specialized schools such as the Glasgow School of Art (joint 471st).

Costing

If you’re from Scotland or a member of the European Union, tuition fees for Scottish institutions are £1,820. However, the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) will cover the cost of your education, so you’ll practically be paying nothing.

If you’re from the rest of the United Kingdom, you’ll pay up to £9,250 each year for your undergraduate degree, according to the university. Students from both the EU and the United Kingdom may pursue postgraduate degrees, with tuition fees ranging between £5,000 and £15,000 per year for postgraduate studies. 

The cost of undergraduate programs for international students to study in UK from outside the EU ranges from £10,000 to £26,000 per year, while postgraduate programs cost between £15,000 and £30,000 per year.

Top Universities in Northern Ireland: Cost & Details

Belfast, Northern Ireland, continues to entice international students across the Irish Sea with its idyllic drumlins (rolling green hills formed during the last glacial period), vibrant folk culture, and a good selection of universities.

Popular University Choices

This includes Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University (joint 216th) and Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University (joint 216th) (651-700).

Costing

Students from Northern Ireland will be charged up to £4,275 in tuition fees, while students from other parts of the United Kingdom may be charged up to £9,250. Tuition prices for international students vary widely across programs and institutions in the United Kingdom, just as they do in other parts of the world. For additional information, see the university’s website.

How Much Does it Cost to Study in UK Universities?

Tuition fees in the United Kingdom are often a topic of contention, with rates for home students (from the United Kingdom and the European Union) having climbed to eye-watering amounts in recent years. Students from the United Kingdom and the European Union studying at English institutions are now compelled to pay up to £9,250 (US$13,050) every year.

Price ranging for International Students

International undergraduate tuition prices range widely, beginning at roughly £10,000 (US$14,130) and rising to as much as £38,000 (US$53,700) or more for medical degrees, depending on the country. 

Degrees in humanities and social sciences are the least expensive at all levels, whereas degree programs in laboratory and clinical sciences are significantly more expensive. 

However, when you combine these fees with the average cost of living in the UK, which is approximately £12,200 (US$16,950) per year, it becomes difficult to see how it is possible to study in the United Kingdom without it costing you a small fortune. Student life in the United Kingdom is anticipated to cost at least £22,200 (US$31,380) per year on average, with studying in London expected to be much more costly.

Alternative Short Courses

In spite of the high cost of tuition and living expenses, keep in mind that most UK universities offer shorter programs than those in countries such as the United States (an average undergraduate degree takes three years rather than four, and a master’s degree takes one year rather than two). As a result, you may be able to subtract a year’s worth of fees and living expenses from your total budget.

Cost of Living in the UK

You must have at least £1,015 (US$1,435) in your bank account for each month you want to spend in the United Kingdom, if you intend to travel outside of London, according to current UK student visa rules. This equates to £12,180 (about US$17,200) each year.

Those wishing to study in London will need to set aside much more money – at least £1,265 (US$1,800) per month, or £15,180 (US$21,500) per year, to cover the costs of living.

Student Discounts

Taking advantage of student discounts will help make the cost of living in the United Kingdom more affordable while you’re here. For example, students in London can obtain an 18+ Student Oyster photo card, which provides 30 percent off travel cards and bus/tram season tickets, and students across the country can apply for an NUS Extra Card for a small fee, which will provide them with additional benefits.

Another option for beating the bank and making your money go farther is to study in a country where the cost of living is lower. The Welsh capital Cardiff is the most affordable city for students in the United Kingdom, followed by Aberdeen in Scotland and Durham in north-east England, who round out the top three most affordable cities.

Accommodation

The majority of students live in university residence halls during their first year, before transferring into privately leased apartments during their second and third years. In addition to self-catered halls of residence, several institutions now provide catered halls of residence, with meals included in the price of rent for the latter.

According to University College London (UCL), the cost of housing in London is the most expensive component of living in the city compared to the rest of the United Kingdom. For an academic year (nine months/39 weeks), housing expenditures are estimated to be £8,073 (US$11,400). You may, however, be able to locate more cheap housing in university halls or a flat sharing arrangement if you look around.

According to the findings of Save the Student’s National Student Accommodation Survey 2017, students in the UK spend an average of £125 (US$175) per week on rent, with significant regional variation: students in Northern Ireland spent only £91 (US$129) per week, exactly half the amount spent in London (£182/US$257). You’ll probably pay an extra £70 per month (US$100) on utilities and the internet unless bills are included.

Other typical living expenses in the United Kingdom

  • It is expected that you will spend around £30/$42 each week on groceries, and a dinner at a bar or restaurant will cost approximately £12. /$17 per person.
  • It is expected that you will spend at least £30 a month on books and other course materials, depending on your degree program.
  • Your cell phone cost is expected to be at least £15/$22 each month, depending on your plan.
  • A gym membership will cost you around £32/$45 per month, although you may be eligible for a student discount.
  • Generally speaking, an average night out (outside of London) costs around £30/$42 in total.
  • In terms of entertainment, if you wish to watch television in your accommodation, you will need to get a TV license, which will cost you £147 (US$107) annually. A movie ticket costs around £10/$14.
  • Depending on your purchasing patterns, you may spend between £35 and £55 (US$49 and US$77) on apparel per month or more.

UK tuition fees – for UK/EU students

Tuition costs at publicly financed institutions in the United Kingdom are divided into two categories: home student fees (which include EU students) and foreign student fees. Institutions in England may charge up to a maximum of £9,250 (US$13,050) per year for undergraduate degree programs for students who live at home in the country. 

tuition fees

Wales has a maximum tuition of £9,000 (US$12,700), whereas Northern Ireland has a maximum charge of £4,160 (US$5,900) for EU and Northern Irish students and a maximum fee of £9,250 (US$12,700) for students from the rest of the United Kingdom.

EU Students Fees

Students from Scotland and the European Union may get an undergraduate degree in Scotland at little or no cost. This has been made possible by a grant from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). For home postgraduate students, the SAAS additionally provides a tuition cost loan of up to £5,500 (US$7,770) towards their tuition fees.

It should be noted that the Scottish definition of “home” student varies somewhat from the English meaning in that it does not include students from the rest of the United Kingdom – i.e. students from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland – as part of the term. 

Students from the rest of the United Kingdom who choose to pursue an undergraduate degree in Scotland will be required to pay up to £9,250 per year in tuition fees.

Students from Wales

For students from Wales, there’s also good news: they’ll only have to pay £3,900 (about US$5,500) a year in tuition to study anywhere in the United Kingdom, with the rest of their costs covered by the Welsh government.

Postgraduate Tuition Fees

The cost of postgraduate tuition varies greatly based on the institution and the topic being studied. Home students may be eligible for some financial assistance from one of the United Kingdom’s research councils, the institution itself, or via a career sponsorship program.

Tuition Fees- for International Students to Study in UK Universities

Undergraduate Degree

Undergraduate tuition costs for International students in 2017/18 began at roughly £10,000 (US$14,130) for lecture-based programmes and rose to £38,000 (US$53,700) or more for a top undergraduate medical degree in the UK. You can see a list of the top ten most inexpensive institutions for overseas undergraduate students here.

Postgraduate Degree

International costs for classroom-based programs at the postgraduate level began at roughly £11,000 (US$15,545) and increased up to £32,000 (US$45,200) in 2017/18, depending on the program. The average yearly price for laboratory-based programs ranges from £12,000 (about US$16,940) to £27,200 (about US$38,400), depending on the program. 

Scholarships in UK and Student Funding

International students may apply for government-funded UK scholarships.

British Chevening Scholarships 

 The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other organizations sponsor scholarships for overseas students. Full or partial financing is available for full-time graduate studies in any topic.

Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Nations 

Scholarships for master’s and doctoral studies for international students from developing Commonwealth countries. The complete list of nations that are eligible may be seen here.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme at UK Universities

flag-of-the-commonwealth-of-nations

UK scholarships for overseas students studying for a taught master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Programs studied must be clearly relevant to the student’s home country’s technological, economic, or social growth.

Marshall Scholarships

Postgraduate scholarships to study in the United Kingdom for US students with academic distinction, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. MBAs and some courses are not included.

Specific University Scholarships for International Students

There are a lot of Scholarships offered in the UK. You just have to look for the perfect one that suits your needs. Still wondering how to get a scholarship? Read on for all the relatable details.

International Scholarships at Aberystwyth University 

A variety of scholarships, bursaries, and award programmes are available to international students at Aberystwyth University in Wales.

International Scholarships at Bristol University 

UK scholarships for international students to study on any undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Bristol University.

Overseas Scholarships at the University of Birmingham 

A variety of scholarships are available for international students wishing to study at the University of Birmingham.

Cardiff University Elite International Scholarships 

International students may apply for bachelor’s and master’s degree UK scholarships to study at Cardiff University in Wales.

Clarendon Scholarships at Oxford University 

The Clarendon Fund, which is sponsored by Oxford University Press, provides UK scholarships to full-time and part-time graduate students at the University of Oxford.

University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships 

A variety of UK scholarship programs for overseas graduate students enrolling at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Scholarships are also available for students from Central and South America.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships for Overseas Students 

The University of Cambridge offers full UK scholarships to international students who want to study in the UK. Only full-time postgraduate students are eligible to apply.

Bursaries and Scholarships at Imperial College London 

Imperial College London offers undergraduate scholarships, including the President’s Undergraduate Scholarships. Postgraduate scholarships are also available at the institution.

International Scholarships at Kingston University 

The University’s international office offers scholarships at all levels of study, including undergraduate scholarships for international students.

International Scholarships at Queen’s University Belfast 

Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate scholarship opportunities.

International Scholarships at the University of Nottingham 

Various scholarships are offered at various levels of study.

International Candidates: Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University 

Merit-based UK scholarships for master’s and PhD students to study at Oxford University.

Undergraduate Scholarships at Swansea University 

Students from several locations, including the EU, Asia, and the Middle East, may apply for undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships.

Transform Together Scholarships for International and European Union (non-UK) Students at Sheffield Hallam University 

International or EU (non-UK) students taking a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught degree at Sheffield Hallam University in 2019/20 are eligible for a number of UK scholarships.

Scholarships at University College London (UCL) 

A search engine for locating financial rewards for present and prospective university students.

International Ambassador Scholarships at the University of West London 

Offering up to 50 foreign students’ scholarships to study in the UK and serve as ambassadors for their home countries. Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Westminster 

UK scholarships for master’s students at the University of Westminster. Academic merit and financial necessity are taken into account while awarding scholarships. International undergraduate students may also apply for scholarships.

Requirements to Study in UK Universities

Undergraduate Level Entry Requirements to Study in UK

Students who wish to continue further education in the United Kingdom immediately after high school must complete their 10+2 education from a recognized board and meet the minimal grades and eligibility standards to enroll in their desired program and institution.

The following is a list of prerequisites for undergraduate studies in the United Kingdom:

  • Certificate for finishing 10+2 education with minimum grades from a recognised board
  • Original academic transcripts from prior institutes of higher learning
  • Goals and Objectives
  • Recommendations Letters
  • Test results for English Proficiency
  • IELTS/ TOEFL, however, you can also study in UK universities without an IELTS score along with a scholarship as well.
  • Passports and other forms of identification are accepted as evidence of identity
  • Financial Funds need bank statements as evidence
  • Letter of Acceptance
  • Visa for students

Postgraduates requirements to study in the United Kingdom

International students from all over the world choose to study for a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom. At the master’s entry-level, UK institutions provide some of the most popular as well as distinctive courses for students.

 This helps them expand their knowledge and calibre in their respective industries, such as MBA, Finance, Business Analytics, Data Science, Psychology, English, and Computer Science. 

group-of-multiethnic-students-on-graduation-day

Students may be required to submit results from standardised examinations such as the GRE/GMAT or to undertake their own university-specific entrance exams/interview rounds in order to be admitted to certain of the programs. 

The following is a list of criteria for postgraduate study in the United Kingdom:

  • An undergraduate degree in the same or similar discipline from a recognized institution with minimum acceptable grades.
  • Official Academic transcripts 
  • Recommendation letters in the form of two letters
  • Goals and Objectives
  • Tests of English Proficiency
  • A comprehensive resume
  • Statements of Financial Position
  • A valid passport
  • Letter of Acceptance
  • Obtaining a Student Visa

PhD Scholars’ Entry Requirements in the United Kingdom

PhD students who intend to pursue their doctorate programs in the United Kingdom must have earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from a recognized institution in order to be considered for admission. 

Degrees in the same or comparable fields as the selected topic are required. A research proposal is the most crucial criterion for a PhD, which all applicants must submit in order to be approved. A round of interviews is required for all PhD programs. 

This list of prerequisites that PhD candidates must meet:

  • A bachelor’s and master’s degree from a reputable institution with minimal grades in both programs is required
  • Transcripts of academic records
  • Proposal for Research
  • Goals and Objectives
  • Tests of English Proficiency
  • A comprehensive curriculum vitae
  • Statements of Income
  • Passport that is valid
  • Letter of Acceptance
  • Obtaining a Student Visa

Final Verdict

In a nutshell, the UK is a world renowned place with the top tier degrees and world’s greatest ranking universities. However, it is not easy to get into any institute with the proper calibre as the competition to study various degrees is competitively high. Make sure you do your research and choose a degree that you are interested in. There are a lot of scopes and scholarships to choose from depending on your chosen university and the requisites you fulfil.

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