Studying in the UK: top universities, how to apply and costs

Explore the UK education system, top universities, and costs for international students.

Ivandzhelin

7 minute read

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21 Sep 2023

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Studying

Renowned for its prestigious universities, high educational standards, and diverse range of degree programs, the UK is a top destination for studying abroad. This guide will help you select the right university, prepare you for what it's like to study in the UK and provide a breakdown of the costs of studying in the UK as an international student.

Yes, the UK is one of the best countries to study abroad. The UK hosts some of the world’s highest-ranking universities, offering world-class education entirely in English.

With diverse degree options, high academic standards, and a diverse international student community, studying in the UK provides excellent prospects for both learning and future career opportunities.

However, tuition fees in the UK can be quite steep. The cost of studying for international students often exceeds £20,000 per year.

Here's a list of the best universities in the UK for international students in 2024 based on their worldwide ranking:

The UK presents a choice between public and private universities. Public universities receive state funding to subsidise tuition, whereas private universities rely solely on tuition fees for financial support.

Higher education structure

The UK offers various levels of higher education — from undergraduate to doctoral levels. Bachelor's degrees typically span 3 to 4 years, master's and MBAs range from 1 to 4 years, and postgraduate degrees usually take up to 4 years to complete.

When does the academic year start in the UK?

The academic year in UK universities begins in September/October and runs until June/July, with some universities offering degrees starting in January. The year is divided into 3 terms over 2 semesters.

What are UK university classes like?

Courses in the UK are taught through lectures and seminars. Lectures are attended by your entire year and are hosted in huge lecture theatres. Seminars are smaller, interactive classes where you practice what you've learned in lectures.

Exams and assessments

Exams in UK universities can be in the form of essay writing, multiple choice questions, short answers, and open-book exams. Your exam performance significantly impacts your overall course grade.

Throughout the academic year, assignments like coursework, group projects, essays, reports, presentations, and class participation contribute to your final grade.

Grading system

The grading scale ranges from First-Class Honors to Fail, with grades First-Class Honors to Third-Class Honors indicating a pass.

After you've done your research and selected your courses it's time to start applying. We've broken down the process into 6 easy steps so you'll have no trouble applying for a UK university as an international student.

1. Check entry requirements: typically include academic qualifications and English language proficiency
2. Prepare the required documents: generally universities ask for these documents:

• Application form
• Statement of purpose (Motivation letter)
• Academic transcripts (10th and 12th grade)
• Proof of English (IELTS, TOEFL, C1, PTE, Duolingo or in some cases Medium of Instruction Certificate)
• Specific entrance exams (LNAT Exam (for law), MAT (BSc in science & engineering), BMAT (medicine, biomedicine, dentistry) and SAT)
• Birth certificate
• Passport
• CV
• Proof of financial capacity (bank statement showing you can cover 1 year’s worth of tuition fees)
• Reference letters (if required)
• Copy of your degree or equivalent (if required)
• Research proposal (if required)
• Portfolio (if required)

3. English Language Proficiency: take the required test and achieve the results needed to be accepted into your course
4. UCAS Application (for Undergraduates): your application is only valid if you apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS). Create a UCAS account, fill in your application details, and submit it to multiple universities (max. 5 courses).

UCAS Undergraduate application deadlines can vary, so check your dream university's website. Here’s an overview of 2024 deadlines:

• October 16th 2023, for Oxford, Cambridge, and several studies (medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry)
• January 31st 2024, for all other universities and undergraduate degrees (June 28th is the final application deadline)

5. Direct application (for Postgraduates): you can directly apply through the university's website. Make a profile on the website, upload your documents, and submit your application. Check the university's website for the application deadlines and details.

6. Pay the application fees: the price varies depending on the university

7. Interviews and Admissions tests: depending on your study of choice and university, you might be required to do an additional interview or a test. This requirement will be listed under the course description on the university's website.

8. Receive offers: once your application has been reviewed, universities will send you acceptance offers (may be conditional depending on the course requirements)

9. Accept an offer: after you've been accepted in the course of your choice, go on UCAS or university's website and accept it

10. Apply for a student visa: make sure you complete this step well in advance to your studies. You'll need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to apply. Check out our guide on student visas in the UK to learn more about the process and requirements.

11. Preparation and arrival: organise things like accommodation, plane tickets, and any additional documents you might need.

Now that you know how to apply for university it's time to see how much it's the cost of studying in the UK for international students.

UK university fees for international students

While higher education in the UK offers world-class quality, it’s quite expensive. Tuition fees vary based on your degree and university.

Since the UK's departure from the EU and the EEA, tuition fees for all international students are the same.

Here's an overview of tuition fees based on degree level:

Financial aid for international students in the UK

Government-funded student support loans are only available for domestic students (English, Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish students). However, international students can access various scholarships and grants, including:

• Academic and merit scholarships
• Subject-specific scholarships
• Performance-based scholarships
• Equal access or sanctuary scholarships (for refugees and asylum seekers)
• Disability scholarships

Keep in mind that most of the available scholarships are for postgraduate or doctoral level.

Check International Scholarships and International Education Financial Aid's websites for scholarships and bursaries for your study.

Alternatively, you can consider the Tuition Fee Loan option that covers up to £9,250 of your tuition. To be eligible, you must have lived in the UK, EEA/Switzerland or in one of the Overseas Territories for the past 3 years. Also, you must meet one of these conditions:

• You have a pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• You have a pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme and hold an EU nationality
• You have a Gibraltarian status as an EU national
• You were living in the UK since the 1st of the month in which your course started. (e.g. if your course starts on October 1st, you were living in the UK by then)

Any family members of the students listed above can also apply for a Tuition Fee Loan.

The average monthly cost of living in the UK for international students ranges from £900 to £1,300. If your heart is set on living in London, your monthly cost of living will range between £1,300 and £1,400 due to higher rents. This budget includes accommodation, groceries, transport, and more. Here's a breakdown of what you should expect in terms of living expenses in the UK as an international student:

Student discounts in the UK

The best part about being a student (besides getting an education) are all of the student discounts you're eligible for by just presenting your student ID or logging through your student email. Some of the discounts depend on which city you're studying but there're plenty of options nationwide. We've selected the best student discounts in the UK:

• Check whether your bank has a points system allowing you to purchase items at a discounted price through your account
• Sign up for websites like StudentBeams and UniDays, where you can find discounts on everything (e.g. Dominos, Deliveroo, ASOS, Levi's, Gramarly, Co-op).
• Get Microsoft Office 365 for free by signing up through your email.
• Collect points from your weeky grocery shopping and get discounts
• Get a Totum card (Young Scot in Scotland) allowing you to ger discounts at selected stores, collect points, and earn rewards
• Get 6 month's free Amazon Prime membership by signing up for Prime Student (after the period, your membership is £4.49).
• Use your student email or bring your student card to the store when buying electronics (Apple and Samsung have 10% student discounts)

Congratulations! Armed with the essential information about studying in the UK, you're fully prepared to apply to your dream university and begin the next exciting chapter of your life. Good luck!

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