The UK offers a rich experience for foreign students with an outstanding higher-education system and hundreds of world-class universities. Our Research UK resource is designed to help international students learn more about studying in the UK. It includes sections on selecting the UK as a destination, selecting a location within the UK, and learning more about the country.

Why Study in the UK
The United Kingdom has become one of the most popular study destinations in the world. The United Kingdom has plenty to give foreign students that other English-speaking countries cannot, including hundreds of years of excellence, high-class institutions on every corner, and far more versatility than many other countries.

But what distinguishes the United Kingdom? Why do you consider the United Kingdom as a place to continue your foreign education?

Growing Destination
International students have always been a major presence in the United Kingdom, and their numbers have gradually grown over time. After the United States, the United Kingdom is the second most popular destination for international students. The United Kingdom has worked hard to take advantage of the rising demand for English language instruction and the post-9/11 visa restrictions in the United States.The top ten countries sending students to the UK are:

  • China
  • Malaysia
  • USA
  • India
  • Hong Kong
  • Germany
  • Nigeria
  • France
  • Italy
  • Ireland

Worldwide Recognition
UK higher education degrees and certificates are recognised around the world as high quality and world class. Some of the older universities with well-known names, such as Oxford and Cambridge, set the bar for excellence, but the practise is carried on by many universities and colleges around the UK.

Education Costs are Lower
You could save money compared to a US school because your degree would take less time to complete in the UK than in other countries. Despite the fact that four-year programmes are becoming more common, most degree programmes in the UK are three years long, and masters programmes are usually one to two years long.
Loans/Scholarships

It can be difficult to pay for a foreign education. The best strategy requires a great deal of planning, a detailed review of your budget, and a lot of time spent studying and applying for scholarships. Students who want to study in the United Kingdom will apply for a variety of scholarships and loans.
Europe’s entry point

Europe is now easier to reach than ever before, thanks to the Channel Tunnel and low-cost airlines. Most parts of Europe are just a few hours away by train or direct flight from the United Kingdom. If you’re a student in London or Manchester and want to spend a weekend in Italy, you can travel directly to Rome, Milan, Pisa, Genoa, Venice, or a variety of other Italian cities.
UK Education System
Primary education, secondary education, further education, and higher education are the four core components of the UK education system. Children in the United Kingdom are required to attend primary and secondary school from the age of five until they reach the age of sixteen.
In the United Kingdom, education is divided into “primary levels,” which are as follows:
  • Key Stage 1: 5 to 7 years old
  • Key Stage 2: 7 to 11 years old
  • Key Stage 3: 11 to 14 years old
  • Key Stage 4: 14 to 16 years old

Generally key stages 1 and 2 will be undertaken at primary school and at 11 years old a student will move
onto secondary school and finish key stages 3 and 4.

At the end of each point, students are graded. At the age of 16, students take their GCSEs, or General Certificate of Secondary Education, which is the most relevant examination. After completing their GCSEs, students have the option of continuing their studies and potentially pursuing further education, or finishing school and entering the workforce.
Requirements for Admission

Learn more about the education entry requirements for the UK. Each level of education in the UK has its own set of requirements that must be met in order to gain admission to that level.
Financial Aid for the UK
The most frequently asked questions by international students include the need for financial assistance in some manner.
The following are some of the questions that arise:

What are the best places to search for scholarships?
Is it possible to get a scholarship to study abroad?
Are there any loans available?
What expenses will I be liable for?
Of course, this is only a small sampling of the questions we receive on a regular basis, but this section is intended to address certain questions and assist you in your search for financial assistance and a clearer understanding of the funds needed to study in the United Kingdom.
If you want to study in the UK, you’ll need to provide evidence of financial support while you’re there, much like almost any other country in the world. This is because the UK government won’t have to pay or support you while you’re there.
So, the first question you’ll probably have is how much money you’ll need to study in the UK, and the answer isn’t straightforward. If you’ve read some of our other UK study advice pages, you’ll find that, despite its limited size, the UK is very diverse. When comparing the south and London to the north of the world, you’ll notice significant differences, which means the south can be a lot more expensive.
In the United Kingdom, common degree subjects include:
In the United Kingdom, you can study a range of topics. Here are a few of the most common choices to think about:

In the United Kingdom, you can get a master’s degree in health sciences.
In the United Kingdom, you can get a master’s degree in language studies.
In the United Kingdom, you can get a master’s degree in design.
In the United Kingdom, you can get a master’s degree in computer science.
In the United Kingdom, you can get a master’s degree in environmental management.
In the United Kingdom, you can get a master’s degree in international relations. 
 
Get ready to apply

1. Make certain you choose the required degree. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the United Kingdom are highly advanced, catering to a wide variety of student interests.

2. Taking into account the cost of the course: 
At UK universities, foreign students from outside the EU (European Union) and EEA (European Economic Area) pay full tuition. Students from outside the EU/EEA would also be ineligible for loans and grants.
EU/EEA students used to pay the same fees as British citizens. However, this advantage, as well as the option to apply for student loans, will end in 2020 (and the first half of 2021).
3. Decide whether you are eligible for a scholarship. Scholarships for studying in the United Kingdom can be found here. You should also look into the Studyportals Scholarship for financial assistance with your studies abroad.

4. Research the university’s admission criteria, particularly if any language tests, such as the IELTS or TOEFL, are required.
5. Appoint a trained adviser to assist you with the application process.
 
Undergraduate students should apply to the following places:

The UCAS application website is used to submit all Bachelor’s degree applications in the United Kingdom (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Most universities will only approve your application if you submit it via the UCAS system.

To apply through UCAS, simply follow these basic steps: 
On the UCAS website, you can register and develop your application.
Apply to up to five programmes in the United Kingdom, at the same or different universities.
Personal data in its entirety
Include any prior educational credentials.
Include financial details.
Make your own personal comment.
Additional examinations, such as the UCAT or BMAT for medicine or the LNAT for law, may be required by some universities.

 

Postgraduate students
1. Future Master’s and PhD students may apply to their preferred university directly. While most universities allow you to submit your application at any time of year, some degree programmes have strict deadlines. It’s best to get in touch with your preferred university to learn more about their graduate application process. 

2. Use the UKPASS system to apply. You can complete all of your application information online and search and upload any necessary documents, such as a copy of your passport and previous Bachelor’s degree certificates.

3. Candidates for PhD programmes are typically required to choose a suitable supervisor from the university.