The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, also known as the UK or Britain, is regarded as one of the world’s most popular international study destinations. Having built a world-class education system, higher education in the UK is a model for many countries around the globe.
The UK, which is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, has more than 160 higher education institutions across the UK, and a generous range of degree types. It is a popular destination in international education. The education system varies depending on where in the UK you choose to study, with some subtle differences. Regardless of where you study, you will receive high quality teaching from leading professionals.
There are several types of universities in the UK, including the Russell Group universities, which are the group of top research universities in the country. You can find out more about the types of universities on our Universities in the UK page.
Located close to Europe, there are plenty of opportunities for you to travel outside of your studies. This ability to travel is useful for international students as you will be able to see different parts of the world and experience different cultures.
As a member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the UK follows the Bologna Process and ECTS. This not only assures you that your degree will be recognised throughout Europe, but also helps if you want to look for a job in the UK, as your degree will be highly regarded by employers.
The UK has many notable cities for international students to consider, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Cardiff, Swansea and Belfast.
| Continent | Europe |
|---|---|
| Language(s) of tuition | English |
| Universities on StudyLink | 251 universities |
| Major Student Cities | London (capital), Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool |
Can I study in the UK for free?
Higher education is not state funded for international students in the UK. This means that each university is allowed to set their own tuition fees for their courses. Whilst this can be off putting, you should keep in mind that there are many scholarships available for international students that can help to make studying in the UK much more affordable. For more information about fees to study in Germany, see our Costs of Studying and Living in the UK section.
Can I study in the UK as an international student?
The UK is a fantastic place to study in as an international student. You will be receiving a world leading education from some of the most prestigious universities and renowned teachers and professors. As an international student, you will need to gain a visa in order to study in the UK. For more information about this, take a look at our UK Student Visas section.
Can I work and study in the UK?
As an international student, you are able to work up to 20 hours per week (during term time) on a student visa, provided you are studying full-time. Outside of term time, you are permitted to work full-time, and if you are required to take part in a work placement as part of your course, this is also permitted to be over 20 hours per week.
Applying to a university in the UK is a relatively straightforward task. International students can apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) for bachelors degrees, and apply directly to each university for masters and research degrees.
Common admission requirements for studying in the UK include:
More information about applying to study at UK universities can be found on our Degrees and Masters in the UK pages.
The currency used in the UK is the Pound Sterling (GBP/£).
Tuition fees for international students are not fixed in the UK, meaning that each university decided how much to charge for degrees and masters programs. The tuition fees you pay will depend on your home country. Students from the EU/EEA will be charged the same as international students at most universities throughout the UK.
In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the maximum undergraduate fee for UK students is £9,250. In Wales the maximum fee for UK students is £9,000. Tuition fees for UK students can be changed each year, as they are dictated by the government. Fees for masters degrees are not fixed for UK students or international students, so can be anywhere from £5,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on where you are from and what degree you are studying. If you choose to study an executive course such as an MBA, or a competitive course like medicine, your fees will be at the higher end of the scale.
In terms of living costs, it is recommended that you budget for at least £16,000 per year. This should cover your rent, groceries, travel and any other necessary expenses. If you choose to study and live in London, you need to budget for higher living costs, as it is more expensive than the rest of the UK. This is reflected in the proof of funds requirements for your student visa.
Many retailers and companies offer student discounts as long as you can prove that you are a student either by showing your student card, or present an accepted student discount card, such as the ISIC card.
Depending on your home country, you might be able to work part-time. This is usually dictated by your visa, and might have restrictions, like how many hours you can work per week during term-time. Have a look at our part-time student job article for more information about working during your studies.
You may be able to apply for a scholarship to help fund your studies. This might be rewarded by your university, or a separate funding body. Check out our scholarships and funding articles for more information.
If you are an international student looking to study in the UK for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a valid student visa. This requirement also applies to students from the EU/EEA who weren't eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme.
There are two types of student visa for the UK. These are the short-term study visa and the (long-term) student visa. You can find more information about UK student visas and how to apply as an international student on our UK Student Visa Guide.
The official and national language of the United Kingdom is English. There are other recognised languages also spoken across the country. These include Welsh, Irish, Cornish, Scots, Ulster Scots, and Scottish Gaelic.
Courses at UK universities are delivered in English. If your first language is not English, it is likely that you will have to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as part of your application. This can be done through IELTS or TOEFL test results. If you do not meet the required standards, it is common for institutions to offer English language courses to help you improve.
If your first language is not English, you should make the most of your opportunity to learn a language as you study. Communicating with locals and other students is the perfect way to practise. Having advanced ability in English is a great skill to add to your CV/resume.
University of Kent, Kent
SOAS University of London, London
Swansea University, Swansea
University of Derby, Derby
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