Top Universities in UK
The universities in UK are internationally acknowledged for their academic prowess, resulting in a huge influx of international students each year. There are several best universities in UK. Among the top universities in UK are Imperial College London, Oxford University, Cambridge University, and University College London, renowned for their top-notch instruction, vast array of courses, multiculturalism, state-of-the-art research possibilities, and safe atmosphere for international students.
What to study in the UK?
The UK education system, higher Education comprises of three levels of courses:
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Three to four years
- Postgraduate Courses: Typically, one to two years
- Research or Doctoral: Three Years
Postgraduate Courses that lead to doctorate, a master’s degree (taught or research), postgraduate diplomas, postgraduate certificates of Education and professional degrees and bachelor’s degree as well.
Why study in the UK?
- UK universities are at the top of the international rankings
- Scholarships and grants are more and can be used for your education
- Develop a multicultural environment
- Learn the Queen’s English
- Discover the beauty of the Country
List of the 5 Best Universities in the UK
University of Edinburgh
- The University of Edinburgh in world league tables is ranked 20th according to QS and 30th according to THE-Time Higher Education.
- The university is divided into three colleges that in total host 21 schools. These colleges are namely College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine and College of Science and Engineering.
- Founded in 1583, it offers intakes in January and September. Located in Edinburgh, the University has top rankings in the UK for adding value to students.
University of Manchester
- Part of the prestigious Russell Group of Universities, not only is University of Manchester’s teaching recognized across the globe, but its research is also revered. Moreover, they are known for the international student support they offered.
- The university’s current world rankings place it 36th in the world according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (2020) and 27th in the world by QS (2021).
- In the UK it is ranked 5th, 6th and 4th by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (2020), QS (2021) and Reuters Top 100: Europe’s most innovative universities (2019) respectively.
Kings College London
- Kings College London has 9 faculties, which are namely Arts & Humanities, Business, Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Law, Life Sciences & Medicine, Natural & Mathematical Sciences, Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and Social Science & Public Policy.
- Apart from offering a range of scholarship, it offers over 200 undergraduate programs, 230 postgraduate taught programs and a range of research opportunities.
- It is now the largest center for the education of doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals in Europe and home to six Medical Research Council centers.
University of Bristol
- One of the most successful and popular universities in UK, University of Bristol it is ranked in the world’s top 60 in the QS World University Rankings 2021.
- Its academic schools and research faculties include Arts, Engineering, Health Science, Life Sciences, Science and Social Sciences and Law.
- It is amongst the top 10 UK University (QS World University Rankings 2021) and the fourth most targeted university by top UK employers by High Fliers Research.
University of Warwick
- University of Warwick is ranked 8th in the UK according to the Guardian 2021 league table. Moreover, the QS World University Rankings 2021 ranks Warwick 62nd in the world and 10th in the UK.
- The University has three major faculties these include Science, Engineering and Medicine, Arts, and Social Sciences. Apart from that, it also equipped with research centers.
- The university is located in England a few miles away from the center of Coventry on the border with Warwickshire. Warwick is home to over 9,500 students from 147 countries.
How to choose the Right University in the UK
There are several UK universities for international students to study at. Choosing the right university in the UK requires one to follow the steps mentioned below:
- Course Selections: Make sure the university offers your preferred program with top-notch instructors and facilities.
- Location: Take into account the way of living in the city, living expenses, and closeness to home or landmarks.
- Rankings and Standing: For quality benchmarks, inspect university and subject-specific rankings.
- Accreditation: Check the university’s credentials and collaborations with pertinent organizations.
- Cost and Scholarships: Assess the tuition costs and availability of scholarships or monetary assistance.
- Multiculturalism and Belonging: Evaluate the inclusion, student organizations, and networking possibilities.
- Campus Amenities: Examine laboratories, libraries, accommodation, and recreational areas.
- Student Guidance: Check for services such as mental health assistance, career counselling, and instructional resources.
- Graduate Success: Look into job rates and alumni achievement in your preferred field.
- Feedback and Testimonials: Read about both past and present students’ experiences.
Additionally please have a look at the Russell Group of universities – a group of 24 research-intensive universities located in every region and nation of the UK
Entry Requirements for Universities in the UK
UK colleges for international students requires them to fulfill the eligibility criteria mentioned below:
- The student must fulfill certain A-Level or comparable credentials (e.g., International Baccalaureate, BTEC).
- Adhere to certain grade standards in pertinent subjects, in accordance with course prerequisites.
- Non-native English speakers need to prove their fluency in English through appearing for English proficiency test like the IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
- Pertinent experience for professional courses like teaching, medicine.
- A written essay outlining motivation and compatibility for the selected course.
- Recommendation letters from instructors to employers.
- Supplementary tests like UCAT, BMAT, or LNAT for medicine, law, or other competitive courses may be demanded by certain courses.
- An interview is required for certain courses like medicine or Oxbridge programs.
- Creative courses such as design or architecture require a portfolio.
- Evidence of adequate finances to pay for tuition fees and living expenses.
- Overseas students require a valid student visa.
Cost of Studying at UK Universities
Based on the institution, program, and whether the student is an international or domestic student, the cost of studying at universities in UK differs. Undergraduate tuition fees for overseas students generally cost between £10,000-£38,000 annually. Postgraduate programs cost between £12,000 and £25,000 per year.
The reputation of the British Higher Education goes hand to hand with its costs. The tuition fees may vary from university to university. Here is the list of cheapest universities to study in the UK.
University | Tuition Fee |
Staffordshire University | 10500 GBP |
Teesside University | 10250 GBP |
Harper Adams University | 11000 GBP |
Leeds Trinity University | 11000 GBP |
University of Cumbria | 10500 GBP |
University of Bolton | 11000 GBP |
Buckinghamshire University | 9500 GBP |
Coventry University | 11200 GBP |
York St. John University | 11000 GBP |
University College Birmingham | 10000 GBP |
Besides tuition, students should also set aside money for living expenses, which based on the city and way of living, can cost between £1,000-£1,500 per month. These costs entail food, housing, transport, and individual costs. Monetary assistance, scholarships, and employment opportunities may help alleviate some of these expenses.
Top 10 Universities in the UK
University Name | National Ranking | Global Ranking |
University of Oxford | 1 | 5 |
University of Cambridge | 2 | 7 |
Imperial College London | 3 | 8 |
University College London | 4 | 10 |
London School of Economics and Political Science | 5 | 49 |
University of Edinburgh | 6 | 20 |
King’s College London | 7 | 31 |
University of Manchester | 8 | 27 |
University of Warwick | 9 | 62 |
University of Bristol | 10 | 58 |