Study in the UK

Explore Your Study Abroad Options

Explore a world of opportunities with our carefully selected partner universities in the UK. We’ve chosen institutions known for their academic excellence, research opportunities, and supportive international student environment. Browse our featured universities to find the perfect match for your academic goals and personal aspirations. Let us guide you through the selection process and help you achieve a rewarding educational experience.

A UK degree is highly respected worldwide, attracting around 700,000 international students each year. With shorter postgraduate courses, you can fast-track your graduation and career. As English is the global language of business, studying in the UK also provides an ideal setting to enhance your language skills.

Beyond academics, the UK offers a rich cultural experience. Whether it’s the scenic countryside of Northumberland, the coastal beauty of Cornwall, or the dynamic cities of London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast, there’s something for everyone. Explore its deep history, vibrant nightlife, and countless opportunities for personal growth.

UK universities

The UK higher education system is divided into two main levels: undergraduate and postgraduate. Undergraduate studies typically lead to a Bachelor’s degree, while postgraduate programs include Master’s degrees and PhDs.

These qualifications are offered by both public and private universities, as well as:

Further education (FE) colleges
Conservatoires
Distance learning institutions

Most Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are delivered by universities and colleges, with degree subjects generally falling under three main faculties:

Arts and Humanities
Business and Social Sciences
Science, Technology, and Engineering

Some universities specialize in specific fields, such as:

Cranfield University – renowned for postgraduate technology and management
Falmouth University – a leading institution for the arts
Harper Adams University – focused on agriculture and rural studies
The Royal College of Music – dedicated to musical education

The UK is globally recognized for its academic excellence, as reflected in the QS World University Rankings 2025, where 90 UK institutions are listed, including five in the top ten:

Imperial College London (2nd)
University of Oxford (3rd)
University of Cambridge (5th)
University College London (UCL) (9th)

Explore our list of universities and departments to find the right qualification provider for you in the UK.

Academic calendars vary by university, typically running from September to June. While most programs start in September, some postgraduate courses offer January intakes. Key holiday periods include Christmas, Easter, and summer, with many institutions also scheduling reading weeks.

Choosing a UK university

The UK is home to many prestigious universities, with the Russell Group, including world-renowned institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, leading the way in academic excellence.

While the UK government doesn’t officially rank universities, independent league tables—such as those from The Guardian and The Times—offer valuable insights. To identify top universities in your chosen field, refer to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Choosing the Right Location

Location plays a key role in your study experience. London and the South East tend to have higher living costs compared to other regions of the UK. Popular student cities include Cambridge, Birmingham, Manchester, London, and Oxford.

You’ll also want to decide between a campus or city university:

Campus universities have most facilities—including lecture halls, accommodation, and social spaces—within a single area, making navigation easy. Examples include the University of Nottingham, the University of Warwick, and the University of York.
City universities are more spread out, meaning your accommodation and lecture halls may be in different parts of the city. However, this setup offers greater access to social and cultural opportunities. Examples include universities in Manchester, Sheffield, and London.

For a closer look at popular student cities, check out The 7 Most Popular UK Student Cities.

Verifying University Recognition

International students should ensure that their chosen institution is officially recognized as a degree-awarding body. You can verify this through Hedd, the UK’s official candidate verification service.

Other Key Factors to Consider

When selecting a university, take into account:

Student satisfaction rates
Quality of student support services
Career and employment opportunities after graduation
Teaching quality

For more guidance, explore Comparing UK Universities to make an informed decision about your study destination.

Degree Courses in the UK

The UK offers a diverse range of undergraduate degree courses across various subjects, typically categorized into four main types:

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Concentrates on humanities, social sciences, and arts disciplines.
Bachelor of Science (BSc): Focuses on scientific and technical fields.
Bachelor of Education (BEd): Tailored for those aiming to become teachers.
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng): Provides a solid foundation in engineering principles and practices.

In England and Wales, undergraduate programs generally require three years of full-time study, while in Scotland, they usually extend to four years.

Assessment methods can vary, often including assignments, coursework, exams, and a final-year dissertation. Entry requirements differ by institution but typically necessitate three A-level passes (or equivalent) to meet the required UCAS Tariff points. International students must also demonstrate proficiency in English.

If you’re seeking alternative pathways, consider:

Foundation degrees
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHEs)
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

For more information, consult our guide to qualifications. To search for Bachelor’s programs in the UK, visit UCAS – Search for Courses.

Master’s Degrees

The UK offers a variety of postgraduate study options, with Master’s degrees being the most prevalent. These degrees generally fall into two categories:

Taught Courses: Building on undergraduate knowledge, these programs are delivered through lectures, seminars, and practical work.
Research Courses: Focused on independent study, these programs offer less direct support from instructors.

Most Master’s programs can be completed in one year of full-time study, although some research-based courses may last 18 months to two years.

To apply as an international student, you typically need:

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification (generally three years in most countries, four in Scotland)
The required English language proficiency for your chosen course
A copy of your passport

To find a suitable Master’s program, search for postgraduate courses.

Other types of postgraduate study options include:

Doctoral degrees (PhDs)
MBAs
Postgraduate diplomas and certificates
Professional qualifications
Conversion courses
Teacher training

PhDs

Doctoral degrees, commonly referred to as PhDs, represent the highest level of academic qualification available. More rigorous than a Master’s degree, PhD programs usually require three years of full-time study, or six to seven years if pursued part-time.

To be eligible for a PhD program, applicants generally need a strong undergraduate degree and a relevant Master’s qualification. In some cases, work experience may also be necessary. International students must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.

It’s important to note that tuition fees for international PhD students are considerably higher than those for UK or EU students. For additional information on doctoral degrees, visit PhD Study. To search for PhD programs, look into PhD Courses.

Student Exchanges

International students have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the UK while studying. This can be achieved through independent job searches or by utilizing the career services provided by their university.

Additionally, students enrolled in a UK university can participate in the Turing Scheme, which offers opportunities for study, training, work experience, and volunteering abroad, with placements ranging from one month to an entire academic year.

Course Fees

Tuition fees in the UK vary significantly among institutions, so it’s crucial to contact each university directly for the most accurate information.

For undergraduate courses, UK students typically pay around £9,250 per year, while international students can expect fees ranging from £10,000 to £20,000. Since Brexit, EU students are now categorized as international students for tuition fee purposes.

Postgraduate courses generally have higher fees than undergraduate programs, with PhDs commanding more than Master’s degrees. Among postgraduate programs, MBAs often have the highest tuition fees.

According to UCAS, postgraduate tuition fees can vary widely, ranging from £4,900 for UK students or £8,000 for international students to over £30,000 per year. The average fee is approximately £11,000. Additionally, medicine and dentistry programs typically incur higher tuition costs than other fields.

In addition to tuition, students should also budget for accommodation, living expenses, and course materials.

Funding Your Studies in the UK

As an international student, you have several options to fund your studies. You can utilize your savings, rely on family support, or consider taking out loans. Furthermore, you may be eligible for grants from your home government to cover tuition and living expenses.

Scholarships and awards from universities, charitable trusts, and organizations such as Chevening and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission can also help finance your education. These funding opportunities vary based on the institution and your personal circumstances.

It’s essential to ensure you can cover all expenses before applying. Your university’s international office can provide specific information regarding postgraduate tuition fees and available scholarships.

Eligibility criteria may apply, so be sure to explore the various ways to fund your postgraduate study.

Student Visas

If you are not a resident of the UK and wish to apply for a course lasting longer than six months, you will need a student visa.

You can apply for a student visa in the UK if you are over 16 years old and meet the following criteria:

You have received an offer to enroll in a course.
You have sufficient funds to support yourself without needing income assistance.
You can demonstrate proficiency in English, achieving a B2 level for degree-level qualifications or a B1 level for lower-level courses, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The application fee for a student visa is £490. If you are in the UK, you can apply up to three months before your course begins, with a decision typically made within eight weeks. If you are applying from outside the UK, you can apply six months in advance, and you can expect a decision within three weeks.

For those aged 18 and over, studying at degree level permits a stay in the UK for up to five years, while courses below degree level allow for a stay of up to two years.

Additionally, you should be prepared to pay the immigration health surcharge, which grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). You can calculate the amount you need to pay at GOV.UK – Calculate your Immigration Health Surcharge.

For more information, visit GOV.UK – Student Visas.

How to Apply

All undergraduate applications in the UK are processed through the centralized UCAS system. Students must complete an online application and submit a personal statement explaining their motivation for choosing a specific course.

In contrast, postgraduate applications are typically made directly to your chosen university, often through their online application system, which allows you to track your progress easily. An exception to this is teacher training, which utilizes the centralized GOV.UK system in England and the UCAS Teacher Training system in Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, applications are made through the institution offering the qualification.

It’s advisable to apply for postgraduate studies as early as possible, particularly if you are an international student. Securing a place early can help with accommodation arrangements and scholarship funding. While most programs do not have strict deadlines, exceptions exist for teacher training, law, and medicine courses.

If your qualifications are from outside the UK and require validation, refer to ENIC-NARIC.

Language Requirements

All courses in the UK are conducted in English, so students must communicate fluently and effectively in the language.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most widely accepted test of English proficiency in the UK. International postgraduate students generally take the academic version, which assesses listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. This exam lasts two hours and 45 minutes and is graded on a nine-band scale. Most universities require a minimum score of six or seven.

To find a test center near you, visit the IELTS Worldwide Search.

Other recognized English language proficiency tests include:

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
LanguageCert
Cambridge English Qualifications

Summer Schools

Summer schools offer a cost-effective way to combine academic study with extracurricular activities and day trips. These programs allow students to:

Travel
Earn academic credits (units that quantify learning achievements in higher education)
Gain cultural experiences in the UK

Typically ranging from two to 12 weeks, summer school programs take place during the summer break (June to September). To participate, students usually need to be enrolled at a university, meet minimum grade requirements, and demonstrate English proficiency.

Most summer school programs are residential, held in boarding schools, high schools, or universities, with some offering full funding to cover travel, accommodation, and tuition fees.

Types of summer schools include:

Academic Summer Schools: Focus on specific academic disciplines like engineering, medicine, law, and humanities, involving lectures, seminars, workshops, and research projects.
English Language Summer Schools: Designed to enhance English language skills for international students, covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication skills.
Pre-University Summer Schools: Prepare students for the academic demands of university study in the UK, focusing on essential skills such as essay writing, research methods, and critical thinking.
Cultural Summer Schools: Centered on experiencing British culture through various activities, including language classes, cultural tours, and social events.

Some summer schools are accredited, meaning they offer credits recognized by an external organization, ensuring quality and transferable academic credits.

Accredited summer schools in the UK include:

Oxford Summer School for Adults: Accredited by the Board of Studies of Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, this course provides independent short courses for further and higher education.
Access to Sheffield Summer School: Accredited by Skills Builder as an Impact Level 4 program, focusing on skill progression over time.
University of Bristol Summer School: Offers accredited courses in two sessions, allowing students to choose from a variety of programs in areas such as biomedicine, environmental science, or medieval studies.

When selecting the right summer school, consider factors such as:

Course content
Teaching institution
Location
Cost
Accommodation options

Finally, gather feedback from previous participants to gain insights into the program’s quality and overall experience.

Pre-sessional Courses

Many universities offer pre-sessional courses designed to bridge the gap between a student’s current English proficiency and the requirements of UK higher education through intensive language and academic skills programs.

These courses provide concentrated instruction in academic writing, reading, listening, speaking, and study techniques, equipping international students with the tools necessary for success. They also offer valuable opportunities to acclimate to university life and connect with fellow international students.

For instance, international students aiming to attend UCL can benefit from programs such as:

International Foundation Year: An undergraduate preparatory certificate for students lacking the qualifications for direct entry into degree-level study.
International Pre-Masters: A preparatory course for international students seeking to pursue a postgraduate degree.
Pre-sessional English Courses: Intensive language programs for international students who have received an offer to study at UCL but require additional English language support, focusing on comprehensive academic and language skills development.