Study in UK - Top Universities, Cost, Admissions, Funding, Visa & Scope for International Students
The United Kingdom is one of the top five study abroad destinations, attracting over 300,000 students representing more than 150 nationalities annually. In addition to its exceptional blend of modern thought and tradition, the United Kingdom is renowned for its world-class teaching standards, with 16 UK universities ranked among the top 100 in the world by QS 2022. The nation is responsible for 5% of the world’s scientific research and has the second-highest number of Nobel Prize recipients.
In addition to attracting students to study in the United Kingdom and diversifying the education system, the government of the United Kingdom is eager to enrol approximately 600,000 international students by 2030. Beginning in 2021, the government implemented a two-year stay-back policy for international students upon graduation. This decision has not only led to an influx of applications from international students, but also for courses such as Education, Psychology, Pharmacy, and Social work. Regardless of the level of study, students will be able to register for a work visa three months prior to graduation and convert their student visa to a work visa.
Top Universities in the United Kingdom
Throughout the years, a number of British universities have distinguished themselves among both domestic and international students. According to QS’s 2022 World Rankings, approximately ninety universities in the United Kingdom are ranked among the top one thousand in the world, with the University of Oxford being the highest-ranking British institution. Listed below are the top 15 UK universities as per QS and THE:
| Name of the university | QS Ranking 2022 | THE Ranking 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 2 | 1 |
| University of Cambridge | =3 | 6 |
| Imperial College London | 7 | 11 |
| University College London | =8 | 16 |
| University of Edinburgh | 16 | 30 |
| University of Manchester | =27 | 51 |
| King’s College London | 35 | 35 |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science | 49 | 27 |
| University of Warwick | 61 | 77 |
| University of Bristol | 62 | 91 |
| University of Glasgow | 73 | 92 |
| University of Southampton | 77 | 127 |
| Durham University | =82 | 149 |
| University of Birmingham | 90 | 169 |
| University of St. Andrews | 91 | 201-250 |
Student Life in UK
Moving abroad to a completely new nation is both thrilling and terrifying. The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s greatest capitals, and its society is diverse and multiethnic. The country is known for welcoming pupils from all backgrounds and nationalities, as it is home to over 330,000 international students. Among the leading UK cities for international pupils are the following:
| QS Ranking | UK City | Cost of Living (GBP per month) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | London | 843 |
| 2 | Edinburgh | 646 |
| 3 | Manchester | 658 |
| 4 | Glasgow | 745 |
| 5 | Coventry | 653 |
| 6 | Nottingham | 712 |
| 7 | Birmingham | 647 |
| 8 | Aberdeen | 698 |
How to Find Accommodation in UK?
After receiving confirmation of admission, students initiate travel arrangements. No matter who you are or where you’re from, locating housing will be at the top of your priority list. A hassle-free platform for locating student housing in the United Kingdom guarantees a safe and stress-free stay.
Their catalogue features a vast selection of private studios, shared en-suites, and other single & dual occupancy accommodations located close to the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, etc. They offer a free, hassle-free, end-to-end service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a cancellation policy designed to assist students during Covid-19.
Admission Procedure for UK Universities
To study in the United Kingdom, applicants must submit an application to their preferred institution and obtain a student visa from the UK government. Typically, students applying to universities in the United Kingdom begin the application process at least one year in advance. The admissions process and prerequisites for studying in the United Kingdom vary by programme type. However, all prominent institutions adhere to a standard criterion.
Where Should Applicants Apply?
- Undergraduates can apply through UCAS.
- Postgraduate students must submit their applications through the university’s online portal or through a representative.
Acceptance Fees?
- 20 for solitary courses and 26 for multiple courses at the undergraduate level.
- Postgraduate: 50-150 GBP
Supporting Materials?
- Transcripts
- Tests for studying in the United Kingdom,
- IELTS, TOEFL,
- GMAT Valid visa Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letter
Prerequisites for Commonly Studied Courses in the UK
Business, Engineering and Technology, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Media and Communication, Hospitality, and Tourism are among the most popular MS programmes in the United Kingdom. The following table provides information about some of the options conveyed in the selection of programmes for international students.
| Popular Program | Admission Requirements | Program Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 50-60% in UG GMAT score of 600+ minimum 2 years of work ex. IELTS score above 6.5 1-3 LORs and 500-word personal essay | 65,000-90,000 |
| Civil Engineering | GPA above 3.0 | 25,000-32,000 |
| Masters in Law | 65-75% in UG IELTS score above 7.0 SOP and 2 LORs | 25,000- 45,000 |
| MS in Computer Science | 65-75% in UG IELTS score above 6.5 SOP and LOR | 30,000-45,000 |
| MS in Psychology | Above 60% in UG SOP and 2 LORs IELTS score over 6.0 | 20,000-45,000 |
| MS in Education | IELTS score above 6.0 50% or above in UG SOP and LORs | 20,000-30,000 |
| Masters (MS) in Architecture | Above 60% in UG | 20,000-40,000 |
UK Student Visa
Prior to submitting a visa application to study in the United Kingdom, international students are required to obtain CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). CAS is a unique reference number that confirms that the selected university in the United Kingdom will sponsor the Tier 4 UK student visa.
International students may initiate the visa application process no earlier than three months prior to the programme start date. When applying for the visa online, students must submit the following documents:
- CAS quantity
- Current passport
- Financial statement
- Tuberculosis Test results
- English Proficiency Documentation, minimum Level B
The visa application charge for the United Kingdom is 348 GBP and is required for all international students. Decisions on UK student visa applications are rendered within three weeks.
Cost of Education in the United Kingdom
An international student’s cost of living in the United Kingdom consists of a variety of factors, including fundamental tuition, food, transportation, and housing, among others. Following is a breakdown of the cost estimate, which will assist you in budgeting:
Tuition by Study-level
| Level of program | Estimated Fee (in GBP, per year) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate level | 10,000 to 26,000 (58,600 for medical programs) |
| Postgraduate Level | 14,096 (21,767 and 18,914 for clinical and MBA courses, respectively) |
| Doctoral Level | 15,000 to 24,000 |
Tuition fee for Top Universities
| University Name | Avg Annual UG Fees (in GBP) | Avg Annual PG Fees (in GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | 28,000 | 37,000 |
| University of Oxford | 33,880 | 33,000 |
| University College London | 24,780 | 26,000 |
| Imperial College London | 43,500 | 42,900 |
| University of Manchester | 31,200 | 31,200 |
| University of Edinburgh | 34,700 | 34,700 |
| King’s College London | 35,200 | 28,000 |
Cost of Living in the United Kingdom
The cost of housing and other expenditures in the country will depend greatly on your personal preferences and the city in which you reside. For example, while the average price of student housing in the United Kingdom is approximately 125 GBP per week, a similar rental will cost a student in Northern Ireland approximately 91 GBP per week and a student in London nearly 182 GBP per week, which is exactly double.
Thus, although it is difficult to calculate the precise amount, the following is an estimate of the average cost of living and other expenses for a student planning to study in the United Kingdom:
| Types of Expenses | Cost (in GBP, per month) |
|---|---|
| Housing | 500 |
| Food | 160- 200 |
| Entertainment | 100-150 |
| Mobile phone | 15-50 |
| Clothes and Leisure | 40-50 |
| Books & supplies | 30 |
| Transportation | 35-40 |
Awards for Study in the UK
UK institutions provide hundreds of scholarships, grant programmes, and bursaries. In designated UK universities, international students can receive up to a 100 percent tuition waiver. In addition, to encourage international students to enroll in British universities, the government has already established partnerships with organizations such as the British Council. Universities and outside organizations also offer scholarships and bursaries to alleviate the financial burden of students.
Scholarships by UK Universities
| Name of Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial Women Scholarship | Meritorious female candidates with high and well-balanced GMAT | Variable |
| BK Birla Scholarships- LBS | Academic excellence and honoring legacy and values of BK Birla. | Partial or full tuition |
| St. Catherine’s Benavitch Cambridge MBA Scholarships | Minimum GPA score of 3.7 and a GMAT score of 700 | 10,000 GBP |
| Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship | Full-time Ph.D. student pursuing research work on any course of their choice from the University of Edinburgh | Varies |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | Commencing Ph.D., M.Sc. or M.Litt. or PG course of 1 year at University of Cambridge | Upto 20,000 GBP |
| International Postgraduate Scholarship at University of Sheffield | Commencing PG-level courses at the university | 2000-2500 |
Scholarships by Organizations
Some of the popular scholarships, available for Indian students, to study in UK are:
| Name of Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | Member of Chevening-eligible country; above 70% in UG degree program | Tuition fees, airfare, monthly stipend |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Commonwealth citizen with above 70% in an Honors degree | Covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and travel costs |
| Saltire Scholarships | Commencing masters degree in Science, Medical Science, Technology, Healthcare, Renewable & Clean Energy, or Creative Industries | 50 scholarships worth 8,200 GBP |
| GREAT Scholarships | Offer for a course at any one of the participating universities | Total 150 scholarships worth 10,24,667 GBP |
| Inlaks Scholarship | Undergraduate degree, offer letter from a ‘top-ranking’ institution | 100,000 USD |
Jobs After Studying in the United Kingdom
The government’s two-year swayback policy for international graduates is, as one might assume, one of the primary attractions of studying in the UK. The policy enables graduates to work or seek employment in the United Kingdom without fear of deportation. With a market of 6 million private sector organizations, it is not difficult for top-tier graduates to find employment in the United Kingdom. According to the statistics provided by salary explorer 2021, a recent graduate working in the United Kingdom can earn up to 55,000 GBP per year.
Top paying jobs in the UK for international students are:
| Industry/Business sector | Average Salary (in GBP) |
|---|---|
| Accountant | 49,400 |
| Charted Accountant | 66,200 |
| Architect | 82,800 |
| Business Analyst | 91,300 |
| Civil Engineer | 68,700 |
| Nurse | 54,000 |
| Biomedical Engineer | 64,000 |
| Pharmacist | 82,000 |
When compared to other prominent study destinations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, etc., studying in the United Kingdom will provide a variety of opportunities to explore, job and research opportunities, a multicultural environment, and much more at a lower cost. By providing international students with impeccable English language skills, the country unquestionably opens doors to magnificent career opportunities. These characteristics are desired by the majority of employers and will help you secure a position in your field shortly after graduation. For international students, studying in the United Kingdom offers the best of both worlds: a fun-filled environment and an excellent education.