10 Best Universities in the UK for International Students

The United Kingdom is not only popular for travelers who want to revel in its history of royalty, iconic music scene, and welcoming pubs, but it is a highly popular destination for international students. 

In addition to embracing British flair, international students in the UK will be able to study at some of the most prestigious universities in a range of different locations.

The United Kingdom is a compelling destination for studying abroad and gaining a comprehensive university experience. Here are some of the reasons which you may want to consider studying abroad in the United Kingdom:

• Renowned universities: Some of the best universities in the world are located in the United Kingdom, and it is home to over 160 universities that offer a vast range of subjects to international students.
• Accredited institutions: Most universities in the United Kingdom are internationally recognized, equipping students with reputable qualifications from accredited institutions.
• Thriving international communities: While you can come to the United Kingdom to embrace British culture, you’re very likely to find large communities of international students. In fact, it is estimated that there are over 650,000 international students in the UK at any given time.

• Location: Cambridge, England 
• Average tuition for a semester through direct enrollment: $16,000 - $24,500 USD 
• Average tuition for a semester through a third-party provider: $30,000 - $50,000 USD 
• Cost of living: $1,000 - $1,305 USD per month 
• Percentage of international students: 40% 

Consistently ranking among the best in not only the UK - but in the world - Cambridge University's academic excellence needs no introduction. Since its foundation in the 12th century, Cambridge and Oxford have been jostling for the top spot, and it’s unlikely that it will be resolved anytime soon. 

While it's impossible to mention Cambridge without Oxford - and vice versa - Cambridge may appeal to those looking for a more serence location. As one of the oldest universities in the world surrounded by bountiful meadows and Georgian architecture, Cambridge is alluring to both UK and international students, with around 40% of students coming from abroad. Most notably, Stephen Hawking, King Charles III, and Sir David Attenborough are among the alumni list at this world renowned university.

• Location: Manchester, England 
• Average tuition for a semester through direct enrollment: $8,000 to $15,000 USD 
• Average tuition for a semester through a third-party provider: $20,000 to $25,000 USD 
• Cost of living: $780 - $1,300 USD per month 
• Percentage of international students: 33.6% 

Not only has Manchester had a substantial influence on British music and global football culture, it's estimated that over 100,000 students are enrolled at any of its 5 universities! The city is tailored to a vibrant student lifestyle, whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert. In addition to the options available for students in and around the city, Manchester is known for a relatively friendly cost of living which can sustain an exciting and busy lifestyle. 

The University of Manchester ranks among the best universities in England, offering excellent standards of education, particularly for subjects such as business, economics, and marketing. Each year, it opens its arms to over 10,000 international students, matching the city’s reputation of warmth and inclusivity.

• Location: Bristol, England 
• Average tuition for a semester of direct enrollment: $9,500 to $13,000 USD 
• Average tuition for a semester through a third-party provider: $20,000 to $25,000 USD 
• Cost of living: $1045 - $1300 USD per month 
• Percentage of international students: 28% 

Located on the southwest of England, Bristol is known for its inclusivity, with iconic world class LGBTQIA+ festivals and award-winning villages. With a strong presence of LGBTQIA+ community members, there are many venues and supportive organizations making it an especially welcoming destination for LGBTQIA+ students. 

Bristol’s creative spirit is manifested through its university namesake, placing great emphasis on practice-based and creative education, with departments such as drama, music, English, and more having strong reputations at this university.

• Location: London, England 
• Average tuition for a semester of direct enrollment: $22,000 to $30,000 USD 
• Average tuition for a semester through a third-party provider: $25,000 to $35,000 USD
• Cost of living: $1,500 - $2,000 per month
• Percentage of international students: 54.3% 

London has an incredible international presence, thriving economy, history of royalty, and quality of schools that attracts foreign visitors from each corner of the globe. And with these qualities, it's no wonder that London has some of the best universities in England. 

University College London (UCL) - commonly referred to as London’s Global University - is also consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world. UCL’s campus lies in the heart of the capital, making it an extremely competitive yet very desirable institution to study at. With over 18,000 international students at any given time, UCL can offer a vast range of popular courses to study, including but not limited to medicine, psychology, and biological sciences.

• Location: Liverpool, England 
• Average tuition for a semester of direct enrollment: $16,000 to $20,000 USD 
• Average tuition for a semester through a third-party provider: $25,000 to $30,000 USD 
• Cost of living: $850 - $1,200 USD per month 
• Percentage of international students: 22.4% 

Football stadiums, green spaces, unique accents, and indie bars where the Beatles used to perform - Liverpool has it all. With nearby transportation links to Manchester, small coastal towns, and northern Wales, Liverpool is in an excellent location for those who want to see the rest of the UK - if you want to leave the city at all, that is! 

The University of Liverpool is part of the Russell Group, a group of highly prestigious research universities that are on par with the American Ivy League. The University of Liverpool has over 100 partnerships globally, making it accessible for international students. International students can also stretch their budget in this thriving liberal city without sacrificing excitement.  

• Location: Loughborough, England 
• Average tuition for a semester of direct enrollment: $16,000 to $20,000 USD 
• Average tuition for a semester through a third-party provider: $25,000 to $30,000 USD 
• Cost of living: $1,000 - $1,200 USD per month 
• Percentage of international students: 13.1% 

Although less populous, Loughborough is a small town offering international students more intimacy than bigger cities. Studying in Loughborough offers a student-centric community in a compact and idyllic town. 

Loughborough University is not only high-ranking, but is one of the best in the world for sport-related subjects such as sport and exercise science, sports management, coaching and physical education, sport psychology, and more. Many national sports governing bodies such as British Athletics, British Triathlon and British Weightlifting base themselves on Loughborough’s campus so you’ll be sure to have access to important industry links during your studies.

• Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
• Average tuition for a semester of direct enrollment: $19,500 to $26,000 USD 
• Average tuition for a semester through a third-party provider: $25,000 to $30,000 USD 
• Cost of living: $1,100 - $1,400 USD per month 
• Percentage of international students: 33.4% 

The hilly, medieval city of Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland, but it is one of the greenest and most historic places in the UK. As a UNESCO World Heritage City, Edinburgh offers 12th century architectural marvels, and a beautiful storybook aesthetic that makes it an ideal destination for history lovers. 

The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top 50 best universities in the world, with the Quality Assurance Agency awarding it the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience. When it comes to studying history, The University of Edinburgh ranks among the top 25 of all history departments in the world according to the QS World University Rankings.

• Location: Cardiff, Wales 
• Average tuition for a semester of direct enrollment: $12,000 to $24,000 USD 
• Average tuition for a semester through a third-party provider: $18,000 to $30,000 USD 
• Cost of living: $1,200 - $1,400 USD per month 
• Percentage of international students: 12% 

As an urban center packed with rugby fanatics and a thriving arts and music scene, Cardiff is a popular option for those wanting to experience Welsh culture. Between its medieval castles and waterfront lies the Millenium Centre - Wales’ national arts center. As a microcosm of Welsh culture that combines the medieval past with innovation, Cardiff caters to every student’s needs. 

Cardiff University has established itself not only as a top global university but one which boasts of research excellence. Its world leading research departments make it especially desirable for students seeking unwavering innovation and education quality. Cardiff University caters to over 7,500 international students from around 140 countries who come to embrace Welsh culture every year.

• Location: St. Andrews, Scotland 
• Average tuition for a semester of direct enrollment: $22,000 to $29,000 USD 
• Average tuition for a semester through a third-party provider: $22,000 USD 
• Cost of living: $1,000 USD per month 
• Percentage of international students: 39.7% 

St. Andrews is a peaceful seaside town located on the east coast of Scotland with a population of less than 20,000. With its cobblestone streets and ancient castles, St. Andrews can offer a change of pace and a more distinct British and Scottish experience for international students. 

Founded in 1413, St. Andrews University is long-standing and has established itself as one of the top universities in the world, particularly for studying modern languages. Students at St. Andrews University can choose from a variety of international languages. Its modern language department ranks among the top 100 universities in the world, and St Andrews has also ranked the best in the UK for languages such as Spanish in recent years, with other notable languages such as Arabic, Persian, Mandarin, and more.

• Location: Oxford, England
• Average tuition for a semester of direct enrollment: $19,000 - $30,000 USD (housing is typically provided for undergraduates in their first year)
• Average tuition for a semester through a third-party provider: $20,000 - $40,000 USD
• Cost of living: $1,200 - $2,000 USD per month 
• Percentage of international students: 40% 

Oxford University’s reputation precedes itself. Despite annual shifts in rankings, it has held the #1 global spot for 10 consecutive years according to Times Higher Education. One of its defining features is the tutorial system, where students meet in small groups of one to three, allowing for highly personalized learning and direct academic feedback alongside traditional lectures and seminars. Among the "famous Oxonians" includes Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, J.R.R. Tolkien, and an abundance of prime ministers. 

While Cambridge and Oxford offer world-class education, the latter may appeal more to students looking for a livelier city atmosphere. With 400+ clubs and societies, a large international community, medieval architecture, renowned museums, and riverside pubs, student life at Oxford extends well beyond the classroom.

Before jumping into studying abroad in the UK, you’ll need to do a bit of planning and tick a few boxes.

• Achieve the necessary grades: Firstly, you will need to achieve the grades required to study at your desired university. While the UK uses A-levels to assess student qualifications, the US equivalent is the high school diploma. Universities have different requirements according to their reputation and competitiveness, and some may offer you an unconditional place, whereas others will grant your place based on your final grades and GPA.
• Apply for a student visa: To study abroad in the United Kingdom, you will need to obtain a student visa. The requirements to obtain a student visa include having English proficiency (if you’re a non-native speaker), being offered a place on a university course, proof of funds to pay for your course and to support yourself throughout your studies, and parental consent.
• Take an English proficiency test: You may need to prove your English proficiency by passing a standardized language exam like the IELTS or TOEFL. This is for the university to understand whether your English level is sufficient to succeed on a particular course.
• Check for partnerships: Be sure to check whether your home university has partnerships with universities in the UK. This can make the study abroad process much easier (and maybe cheaper, too!).

International students can expect to pay around $14,000 to $40,000 USD (£11,400-£32,081 GBP) per year for tuition fees. Your cost will vary based on the university, cost of living in the city itself, and also whether you go through a program provider or direct enrollment. 

Typically, direct enrollment is cheaper than going through a third party program because you are only paying for tuition and fees. However, going through a third party program provider can benefit international students by supporting them throughout the application and departure process and including things like housing, meals, and other amenities in the overall program fee. 

To reduce this cost, there are many universities and study abroad providers that offer study abroad scholarships and grants to international students.

There are many ways which you can maximize your experience of studying in the UK, whether you are there only for a semester or for the full duration of your studies! Here are some top tips for studying in the UK:

• Search and apply for funding: There are a range of scholarships and grants available through universities, study abroad providers, government agencies, and more for international students studying abroad.
• Make use of student discounts: In the UK, there are many ways you can cash in on student discounts, whether you are getting the bus, ordering from Amazon, listening to music on Spotify, or even grabbing a coffee! Use websites such as UNiDAYS or Student Beans to help you discover how you can save money.
• Join a society: Joining a society (AKA student club) is a great way to not only keep yourself busy but to make new friends who share common interests. You can join societies ranging from topics like football, boxing, chess, or even Harry Potter! If your preferred society doesn’t exist, you can create it!
• Get travel insurance: While health insurance is included when international students are paying for their university fees, you should also consider getting travel insurance. This will cover you in the event of any travel disruptions, theft, and so on throughout your stay in the United Kingdom.
• Grab a railcard: Getting around by train is a popular method of transportation in the United Kingdom. This will allow you to get to and from your campus as well as help you see everything that the UK has to offer! Getting a 18-25 or 26-30 railcard will get you far cheaper train fares while exploring everything from the Scottish highlands to the southern English coast.
• Search for household items using online ad platforms: Moving to a new country means that you may need to invest in some household items and furniture to make your house a home. Using websites such as Gumtree, Craigslist, or Ebay will help you find the best deals on things like desks, bikes, kitchenware, and appliances.

Whether you’re looking for the crème de la crème when it comes to academic qualifications, student communities, nightlife, or idyllic British architecture and countryside, the United Kingdom draws international students for good reason. Regardless of where you choose to study, your employability and opportunities will grow by obtaining a high quality UK education – all while making memories with new friends during your immersive British experience!

Read more about studying abroad:

• Where to Study Abroad: England vs Ireland
• How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in England?
• 11 Secrets Every Student Should Know to Win Study Abroad Scholarships