Study in UK
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, also known as the UK or Britain, is regarded as the world’s second most popular international study destination. The UK welcomes almost 460,000 international students from around the world each year. Having built a world-class education system, higher education in the UK is a model for many countries around the globe.
Why Study in the UK?
With around 162 higher education institutions and a generous range of degree types, Britain 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 choose to study, you receive high-quality teaching from leading professionals. Any qualification gained in the UK is highly regarded internationally.
Many of the UK universities and colleges have made their way to the leading education ranking tables. According to the QS World University Rankings, 2019, 4 UK institutions rank among the top 10. There are also 18 UK institutions in the top 100. The highest ranked is the University of Oxford, which occupies 5th place. It is followed by the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, occupying the 6th and 8th place respectively.
Quick facts
- The UK undertakes 5% of the world’s scientific research and produces 14% of the world’s most frequently cited papers
- UK welcomes over 400,000 students every year
- Post study work visa of 2 years
- 12 of world’s top 100 universities are in The UK (QS World Rankings 2023)
- 14 of the best student cities in the world are in The UK (QS Best Student Cities 2023)
- UK offers 131 universities of international repute to study from
- Admission without IELTS possible
- Masters courses with 1 year work placements are available
About the UK:
An island nation, the UK is surrounded by 4 different oceans or seas and is made up of four countries, namely England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Britain is one of the few countries to still be ruled by a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II currently standing as the longest-serving monarch in recorded history. Home to 66 million people, the UK is the 78th most populous country in the world.
The terrain and climate in the UK can vary, but the difference is not very significant. The UK is known for having relatively cold winters, and warm summers, with 4 obvious seasons.
The UK’s university systems is sometimes referred-to in groups or categories. These include:
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Ancient Universities – refers to institutions founded before the year 1600. E.g., Oxford University, Cambridge University, St. Andrews University, etc.
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Red Brick Universities – refers to institutions founded in UK industrial cities. The term ‘red brick’ is due to the Victorian architectural style of the buildings. E.g., the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, and the University of Leeds.
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Plate Glass Universities – refers to institutions established or granted university status in the 1960s. The term ‘plate glass’ is due to the modern architectural buildings. Some examples are: the University of York, the University of Warwick, and the University of Lancaster.
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Russell Group Universities – refers to a group of 24 public research universities. These universities endeavour to maintain the best research, teaching and leading standards. Some examples are: the University of Birmingham, the University of Edinburgh and Durham University.
Cost of Study
The cost of study in UK mostly depends on the tuition fees which varies depending on the level of study and the institution. In general, undergraduate courses are more expensive than postgraduate courses as the duration of study is more. The average tuition fees for international students in the UK is as follows:
| Level of Study | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
Undergraduate |
£12,000 - £35,000 |
|
Postgraduate |
£15,000 - £40,000 |
|
MBA |
£20,000 - £60,000 |
It is important to note that these are just average figures, and some courses may be more expensive. For example, medical courses can cost up to £50,000 per year.
One of the aspects that is the most beneficial if you choose to study in the UK is many Postgraduate degree programs can be finished in one year of full-time study. The cost connected with a one-year master’s program is typically lower compared to a conventional two-year master’s degree. It provides the opportunity for quicker entry or re-entry into employment.
Living Expenses
In addition to the cost of study international students also need to consider their living expenses. The cost of living in the UK can vary depending on the location and the lifestyle of the student. As a general guide, the following table shows the average monthly living expenses for an international student in the UK:
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
£500 - £1,500 |
|
Food |
£200 - £300 |
|
Transportation |
£100 - £200 |
|
Miscellaneous |
£200 - £300 |
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses for students in the UK. The price of Accommodation differs based on the place and the kind of accommodation. On-campus accommodation can be more expensive than off-campus accommodation.
Food and transportation expenses can also add up. Public transportation is generally cheaper than owning a car in the UK.
Other Expenses
There are extra expenses to think about if you plan on staying in the UK for longer than six months to complete your studies.
- A UK student visa will cost you £363 and grant you the right to reside and study in the UK for the duration of your program (this is a one-off charge)
- After a 25% discount, the annual expense of the Immigration Health Surcharge to use the National Health Service in the United Kingdom is £470 for students.