Study in the UK

UK universities open the door to prestigious qualifications and global employers, providing you with unparalleled flexibility and opportunities after graduation

A UK degree is globally respected, making the country a top study destination for around 700,000 international students annually. Postgraduate courses are typically shorter, allowing you to graduate and start your career faster. As English is the global language of business, the UK offers an ideal environment to enhance your language skills.

Beyond study, the UK is a cultural melting pot. From the idyllic countryside of Northumberland and coastal retreats of Cornwall to the vibrant cities of London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast, there's something for everyone. Immerse yourself in history, enjoy its vibrant nightlife, and discover countless opportunities for personal growth.

UK universities

UK higher education is structured into two main levels - undergraduate and postgraduate. Undergraduate study typically leads to a Bachelors degree, while postgraduate study encompasses both Masters degrees and PhDs.

These qualifications are offered by a mix of public and private universities, as well as:

Most Bachelors and Masters programmes are based in universities and colleges. Degree subjects fall into three main faculties:

arts and humanities
business and social sciences
science, technology and engineering.

Some universities excel in specific areas. For instance:

Cranfield University is renowned for postgraduate technology and management.
Falmouth University is a leading arts institution.
Harper Adams University specialises in agriculture and rural studies.
The Royal College of Music focuses on musical education.

The UK's reputation for educational excellence is well-deserved, as reflected in global rankings. Ninety UK institutions appear in the QS World University Rankings 2025, with five in the top ten.

Imperial College London (second)
the University of Oxford (third)
the University of Cambridge (fifth)
University College London (UCL, ninth).

Explore our list of universities and departments to discover different qualification providers in the UK.

Academic calendars vary between universities but typically span from September to June. While most programmes begin in September, some postgraduate courses start in January. Major holiday periods include Christmas, Easter, and summer, with many institutions also incorporating reading weeks.

Choosing a UK university

The UK boasts a number of prestigious universities, with the Russell Group, including Cambridge and Oxford, standing out as world-renowned institutions.

While the UK government doesn't officially rank institutions, independent rankings like those from The Guardian and The Times can provide valuable insights. To discover which universities excel in your chosen field, explore the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Location is a crucial consideration. Living costs in London and the South East are generally higher than in other regions of the UK. Popular student cities across England include Cambridge, Birmingham, Manchester, London, and Oxford. Also think about whether you would prefer a campus or city experience:

Campus universities have the majority of their buildings, accommodation and social facilities in one particular area, making getting around easy. Examples of campus universities include the University of Nottingham, the University of Warwick and the University of York.
City universities are more spread out. Lecture halls could be on one side of the city and your accommodation on the other. On the plus side, you get more options when socialising. You'll find city universities in Manchester, Sheffield and London. For more details, see the 7 most popular UK student cities.

International students should check that the institution they're applying to is recognised by the government as a degree-awarding body. To do so, visit Hedd, the UK's official candidate verification service.

Other things to consider when choosing a study destination include:

student satisfaction rates
level of student care
career/employment opportunities once you graduate
teaching quality.

To explore this further, see comparing UK universities.

Degree courses in the UK

There are hundreds of undergraduate degree courses available across a wide range of subjects. These qualifications typically fall into four main categories:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Focuses on humanities, social sciences, and arts subjects.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Emphasises scientific and technical subjects.
Bachelor of Education (BEd) - Specifically designed for those aspiring to become teachers.
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) - Provides a strong foundation in engineering principles and practice.

Undergraduate programmes in England and Wales usually take three years to complete full time, while in Scotland, they typically last four years.

Assessment methods vary but often include assignments, coursework, exams, and a final-year dissertation. Entry requirements differ between institutions but typically involve achieving three A-level passes (or equivalent) to meet the necessary UCAS Tariff points. International students will also need to demonstrate proficiency in English.

If you're looking for alternative options, consider:

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

For more details, read our guide to qualifications.

To search for a Bachelors programme in the UK, visit UCAS - Search for courses.

Masters degrees

The UK offers a range of postgraduate study options. Masters degrees are the most common and fall into two main categories:

Taught courses - These build upon undergraduate knowledge and are delivered through lectures, seminars, and practical work.
Research courses - Focusing on independent study, these programmes provide less direct support from teachers.

Most Masters programmes take one year to complete full time, although some research-based courses may extend to 18 months or two years.

To apply as an international student, you typically need:

a Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification (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 Masters, search postgraduate courses.

Alternative types of postgraduate study include:

PhDs

Doctoral degrees, also known as PhDs, are the highest academic qualification attainable. More demanding than a Masters degree, PhD programmes typically require three years of full-time study or six to seven years if you're looking to do one part time.

To be considered for a PhD programme, applicants generally need a strong undergraduate degree and a relevant Masters qualification. In certain cases, work experience is also required. International students must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.

It's important to note that tuition fees for international PhD students are significantly higher than those for UK or European Union (EU) students.

For more information on Doctoral degrees, see PhD study.

To find a PhD, search PhD courses.

Student exchanges

International students can benefit from gaining work experience in the UK while studying. This can be achieved through independent job searching or by utilising the career services offered by their university.

Additionally, students enrolled in a UK university can participate in the Turing Scheme. This programme provides opportunities for study, training, work experience, and volunteering internationally, with placements ranging from one month to a full academic year.

Course fees

Tuition fees in the UK vary significantly between institutions, so it's essential to contact each university directly for the most accurate information.

For undergraduate courses, UK students typically pay around £9,250 annually, while international students can expect to pay between £10,000 and £20,000. Since Brexit, EU students are now classified as international students for tuition fee purposes.

Postgraduate courses generally cost more than undergraduate degrees, with PhDs commanding higher fees than Masters programmes. MBAs often have the highest fees within this category.

According to UCAS, postgraduate tuition fees can range widely from £4,900 (for UK students) or £8,000 (for international students) to over £30,000 per year. The average fee is around £11,000.

It's important to note that medicine and dentistry courses typically have higher tuition fees than other subjects.

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

Funding to study in the UK

As an international student, you have several options to fund your course. You can use your savings, rely on family support, or take out loans. Additionally, you may qualify for grants from your home government to cover tuition and living expenses.

Scholarships and awards offered by universities, charitable trusts, and organisations like Chevening and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission can also contribute to your funding. These opportunities vary based on the institution and your personal circumstances.

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

Eligibility criteria will apply but take a look at the different ways you could fund postgraduate study.

Student visas

If you are not a resident in the UK and want to apply for a course longer than six months then you'll need a student visa.

You can apply for a student visa in the UK if you're over 16 years old and you:

have been offered a place on a course
have sufficient income (from any source) to live without needing income support
can speak, read, write and understand English to a B2 level for degree-level qualifications, or a B1 level for anything below. Use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale to understand the requirement.

The student visa has an application fee of £490. The earliest you can apply for a student visa is three months before the start of your course if you're in the UK, with a decision usually being made within eight weeks. If you're applying from outside the UK, the earliest you can apply is six months and you'll usually get a decision within three weeks.

If you're 18 years old or over, and your course is at degree level, you are permitted to stay in the UK for five years. If below degree level, it's up to two years.

Be prepared for an additional fee called the immigration health surcharge. This covers your access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Work out how much you need to pay at GOV.UK - Calculate your immigration health surcharge.

Find out more at GOV.UK - Student visas.

How to apply

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

Postgraduate applications, however, are not handled by a central body. In most cases, you'll apply directly to your chosen university. Applying online through the university's website is usually the simplest method for tracking your application progress.

An exception to this is teacher training, which uses the centralised GOV.UK system in England and UCAS Teacher Training system in Scotland and Wales. Those in Northern Ireland can apply through the institution providing the qualification.

It's advisable to apply for postgraduate study as early as possible, especially if you're an international student. Securing a place is often necessary for arranging accommodation or obtaining scholarship funding. While most courses don't have strict deadlines, teacher training, law, and medicine programmes are exceptions.

If your qualifications are from outside the UK and you're applying for a course or job that requires validation, see ENIC-NARIC.

Language requirements

All UK courses are taught in English, so students must be able to communicate fluently and effectively in the language.

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

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

Other recognised English language proficiency tests include:

Pre-sessional courses

Offered by many universities, these courses bridge the gap between a student's current English language proficiency and the demands of UK higher education through intensive language and academic skills programmes.

By delivering concentrated instruction in academic writing, reading, listening, speaking, and study techniques, these courses equip international students with the tools necessary for success. Additionally, they provide invaluable opportunities to acclimate to university life and forge connections with fellow international students.

For example, international students aspiring to attend UCL can benefit from programmes such as:

International Foundation Year - an undergraduate preparatory certificate designed to equip students without the necessary qualifications for direct entry to degree-level study.
International Pre-Masters - a preparatory course for international students seeking to pursue a postgraduate degree.
Pre-sessional English courses - intensive language programmes for international students who have received an offer to study at UCL but require additional English language support. These courses provide comprehensive academic and language skills development.

It's important to check with the specific institution to determine the exact courses and support services available.

Find out more

Discover what it's like to work in the UK.
Learn about living in the UK.
Read WorldRemit's guide to money management for international students.