Hundreds of thousands of international students study in the UK each year, giving the UK a consistently high ranking in popularity. With a diverse population and a reputation for prestigious schooling, the UK is a natural location for international students to flock to. And for students worldwide seeking an English-language education, what better place to study than the country that invented the language?
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With an excellent higher-education system and hundreds of world-class universities, the UK promises a rich experience for international students. Our Study UK resource is intended to help you learn more about studying in the UK as an international student, and includes sections on choosing the UK as a destination, choosing a location within the UK, learning more about the country, its history and culture, and adapting to life in your adopted country.
The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts, primary education, secondary education, further education and higher education. Children in the UK have to legally attend primary and secondary education which runs from about 5 years old until the student is 16 years old.
The education system in the UK is also split into "key stages" which breaks down as follows:
Key Stage 1: 5 to 7 years old
Key Stage 2: 7 to 11 years old
Key Stage 3: 11 to 14 years old
Key Stage 4: 14 to 16 years old
Generally key stages 1 and 2 will be undertaken at primary school and at 11 years old a student will move onto secondary school and finish key stages 3 and 4.
Students are assessed at the end of each stage. The most important assessment occurs at age 16 when students pursue their GCSE's or General Certificate of Secondary Education. Once students complete their GCSE's they have the choice to go onto further education and then potential higher education, or finish school and go into the working world.
World renowned universities
Degrees from UK higher education providers are respected around the world, and the choice of subjects you can study is extensive. A degree from any British university will look great on a CV, and when looking for work in the future, no matter the industry and the location, having a qualification from the UK will be a great selling point.
British higher education providers are recognised internationally for their creative and challenging environments, that help push students to be their best. Their standards are highly regarded, with experts on many academic topics, and they're generally high in internationally university rankings.
The British higher education system has been the basis for higher education standards around the world for a long time, with revolutionary teaching styles and modern facilities.
The UK is multicultural
The UK is a multicultural country and is also immensely popular with international students. In fact, the UK is the second most popular destination for overseas students in the world.
This diversity means our campuses are alive with different cultures. You can mix with people from around the world and learn so much more than just what you are studying on your degree.
Studying in the UK
Watch our video to find out about the experiences of international students studying in the UK.
Brilliant work opportunities
Generally, an international student can work up to 20 hours a week during term-time, and ten hours when school is out. This allows students to take on a part-time job or an internship, to learn new skills and earn money while studying.
Your university may even help you secure an internship as part of your course, which will most certainly give you a competitive edge when you graduate.
The UK Government has also announced a new post-study visa that will allow international students who graduate from the summer of 2021 to stay and work in the UK for a further two years.
Financial benefits
International students can enjoy some financial benefits when choosing the UK.
Firstly, a degree in the UK takes less time to complete than in other countries. In many countries it takes four years, plus two or three extra years to complete a postgraduate degree. In the UK it takes three years for an undergraduate degree and then one extra to complete a postgraduate qualification (unless you are a medical or research student).
International students can also get financial help when studying in the UK, in the form of scholarships, grants and bursaries. Furthermore, living costs in the UK, especially when outside of cities like London, are reasonable.
Research the area before applying to the university to better understand the prices, but generally, entertainment, food, and rent is cheaper than the US.
Unique culture
If you decide to study in the UK, you won’t be bored, there is always something to do no matter your interests are. The UK is a unique country, filled with many families with roots from around the world. This leaves the UK with a unique mix of different cultures, food, and interests. You will not just learn about British culture, but from people from other countries and cultures too.
No matter what part of the UK you move to, you will find a mix of restaurants, nightlife, shops, and sporting activities to keep you interested. The Brits love to visit art galleries, bars, concerts, and open-air markets – so you will always find something to entertain yourself with outside of class hours.
Culture shocks
Be prepared! Find out what culture shocks international students found in the UK.
Eight things you need to know about studying in the UK
There are more than 395 universities and colleges, offering over 50,000 undergraduate-level higher education courses across the UK.
UK higher education applications are made through UCAS.
There are different deadlines for applying for different courses, and to different universities – take a look at the key dates and deadlines relevant to courses you’re interested in.
You will need to pay tuition fees – these vary depending on the uni or college and course you choose. You may be able to get financial help with your tuition fees, or a scholarship. However, EU students are not subject to tuition fees in Scotland.
The amount of money you will need to cover living costs will vary based on where you study. London and other large cities tend to be more expensive.
Many international students need to apply for a visa to study in the UK, and there are work permit restrictions and some English language qualifications you may need.
Universities advise all applicants what standard of English is required for their courses. Most course providers will ask you to demonstrate proficiency in English, or to take an approved English language test if English is not your first language.
First year students tend to live in university halls of residence (university accommodation) – but there are lots of other accommodation options.
The UK has a long-storied tradition in excellent higher education. Since around a quarter of British universities are among the most reputed and highest ranking in the world, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland manage to attract nearly half a million international students each year.
By studying in the UK, you’ll not only achieve world-class education, you’ll also get to know more about the unique British culture and perfect your English language and skills. One of the most cosmopolitan places on earth, you’ll meet all kinds of people and have an enriching study experience!
Why study in the UK?
1. UK universities are at the top of international rankings
The quality of education and academic excellency are some of the main factors that make the UK one of the most popular study destinations in the world.
Every year, international university rankings evaluate higher education institutions and create lists based on factors like international friendliness, student-focus, average income of graduates, number of published research papers, and so on.
And every year, UK universities are in the top 10, highlighting their continuous efforts and focus on providing students with the best experience and the most relevant knowledge.
2. Use scholarships and grants to support your studies
Many universities, private organisations, NGOs, and governmental institutions offer scholarships and grants to international students.
Each scholarship or grant has different criteria; some are awarded for academic success, others for financial needs, and some for students coming from developing or underdeveloped nations.
Don't hesitate to apply for financial aid or contact your university for more information. You can use the money you end up saving on other passions, interests, or a personal savings account.
3. Learn the Queen's English
The Queen's English, also referred to as BBC English, is the highest standard of English one can speak.
It includes Received Pronunciation, which is a specific accent that is used by the Queen and other people who study and achieve a certain level of English mastery. It's the kind of accent that you hear in movies, which attracts people's attention thanks to its posh quality and a perfectly correct grammar.
While you don't need to speak the Queen's English to live in the UK, it is much easier to learn it while studying there. It's also a cool way to impress your friends or acquaintances and stand out when you speak in English.
4. Develop yourself in a multicultural environment
The United Kingdom welcomes over 400,000 international students every year. These students come from all over the world, bringing in their unique habits, ways of life, and perspective.
This massive influx of international students contributes to the creation of an international-friendly environment, where anybody can thrive and learn more about other nations and cultures.
5. Discover the beauty of the United Kingdom
The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — and all of them have unique attractions for international students and tourists in general.
When you're not in classes, you can spend the time visiting the Tower of London, the British Museum, the London Eye, the Big Gen, Stonehenge, Loch Ness (famous for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster), the Snowdonia National Park, etc.
Which universities and colleges to attend in the UK?
Throughout the UK, you can enrol in universities, university colleges, or business schools.
A university college is an institution that usually does not have full or independent university status. Generally, it is part of a larger university. Most university colleges only offer around 1,000 places for students to enrol in.
British universities are also divided according to the year they have been founded, as follows:
old universities – founded during the 12th and 13th century; the oldest university is the University of Oxford
red-brick universities – founded in the late 19th century in the big industrial cities of the UK
new universities – established after 1992
Examples of top universities in England:
Imperial College London
University of Birmingham
University of Leeds
Coventry University
Brunel University London
Examples of universities in Scotland:
University of Glasgow
University of Strathclyde
Abertay University
Examples of universities in Wales and Northern Ireland:
University of South Wales, in Wales
Ulster University, in Northern Ireland
What is it like to study in the United Kingdom?
British education offers students the freedom to explore new ideas and creativity. Students are encouraged to pursue individual research work but are also expected to take part in group activities demanding peer interaction. Teachers often engage students in classroom discussions, debates and quizzes, creating an open study environment that builds student confidence and nurtures critical and creative thinking.
Courses are skill oriented and career focused, keeping up to date with current industry demands.
What to study in the UK?
Programme formats range from short courses, certificates, and diplomas, to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. British study programmes are known for great flexibility. Students may also select career centred study programmes. Intensive academic programmes are also available for students who want fewer years of study. Some graduate degree programs are less than a year long.
Here are some of the most popular study options in the UK:
Masters in Computer Science in the UK
Masters in International Relations in the UK
Masters in Psychology in the UK
Masters in Business Administration in the UK
Masters in Journalism in the UK
Where to study in the UK?
The United Kingdom has over 50 student cities, so you have a very large array of study options to choose from. In the big UK cities, you can enjoy a vibrant and rich social life, where you can visit museums, attend music concerts and plenty of other artistic events, including fashion shows.
Check out some of the student cities in the UK and learn more about what it is like to study there:
Study in London, in England
Study In Liverpool, in England
Study in Edinburgh, in Scotland
Study in Belfast, in Northern Ireland
Study in Swansea, in Wales
How to apply
When applying for a Bachelor’s degree in the UK, you can do it directly through the university platform or use application websites like UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), where you can apply to up to five courses, at the same or different universities in the UK.
If you want to apply to a Master’s or PhD degree, you can apply directly to your chosen university. For most universities, you can send your application anytime throughout the year, but some degree courses have their own deadlines. Always check the application deadline!
Make sure you qualify for a British university
Take Preparation Courses
These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.
Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course
If you’re attending a degree programme in the UK, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
English-language tests
There are over 30,000 English-taught programmes in the UK, for both undergraduate and graduate level.
Universities in the United Kingdom will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. All British universities accept these official English exams:
- PTE Academic
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- C1 Advanced
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