The Ultimate Guide to Studying in United Kingdom in 2024

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Why study in United Kingdom

Universities in the UK are well known in the world for their top-quality education. Critical thinking, creative methods of teaching, and quality-control merge successfully in British higher education.

Here are the top reasons why the uk is the best place to study:

  • The highest number of ranked universities. The UK has the highest number of ranked universities in relation to the size of the country: 111 ranked universities. University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London constantly feature in the world’s Top10.
  • Quality of teaching regulated by the government. The UK is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. This doesn’t happen by chance. Bodies such as the Office for Students (OfS) and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) make sure that universities meet national standards for academic quality.
  • Big focus on independent learning and creative thinking. As a student in the UK you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning and develop critical thinking skills. This is different from other countries where lecture-based learning is considered more important. This approach encourages you to take an active role in your learning, rather than simply listening to lectures and memorizing information, which can help you develop a deeper understanding of your subject matter.
  • Nightlife for many tastes and interests. Big cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow have a well-established nightlife scene with many clubs, bars, and music venues that cater to different tastes and interests. However, smaller cities and towns may have a more limited nightlife scene, but will still offer a range of student-friendly places like museums, cinemas, and live music venues.

The country offers some of the best and most comprehensive support systems for international students, both as part of the university and through government or independent bodies and organisations. It’s no wonder why so many international students choose to study in the UK.

At the same time, while they do have high tuition fees and living costs which won’t be easy to meet, the UK also provides students with a lot of scholarships and funding opportunities.

What’s more, British universities excel in all fields of study (Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, and Natural Sciences) but what matters most is that here you can find study areas that are unique in Europe, like Creative Writing or innovative interdisciplinary courses that may sound like this: “Are We Alone? The Search for Extraterrestrial Life.” or “From Sherlock Holmes to CSI : a History of Forensic Science and Medicine.”

Culture in United Kingdom

People in the UK are generally friendly and polite, with a strong sense of humour and an appreciation for social etiquette. They usually think that it’s important for people to have their own freedom, be able to do things on their own, and keep some things private. They also have a deep respect for tradition and history. Some of the most iconic aspects of British culture and traditions include the monarchy, teatime, pub culture, the London Underground, and the Beatles.

With a population of almost 68 million, the UK is not one of the world’s biggest countries. In fact, having a size just 60% of California, it only ranks 80th in the world. UK culture and traditions are “a melting pot of cultures”, with a long history of immigration and diversity. The Kingdom itself is actually made up of four different countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and each of these four has its own cultural identity and unique traditions.

Cultural diversity in the UK

The UK is a diverse and multicultural society, with people from many different cultural backgrounds living and working in the country. Approximately 14% of the population of 68 million people belongs to an ethnic minority. Some of the largest cultural groups are from India, Poland, and Pakistan. This diversity is reflected in everything from food and music to arts and literature. Of all the cities in the UK, the highest diversity is in London, where 40% of the population comes from an ethnic minority background. Apart from the capital, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leicester are also great examples of high cultural diversity.

How to choose a university in United Kingdom?

Deciding where you want to study is a deeply personal choice, but there are a few general ideas you should consider. To make things simpler for you, we put together the following Choosing a university checklist:

  1. Think about which of the following experiences you want to have during your studies and choose what fits best with you:
    • A big-city life and cultural diversity in large university hubs like London, Birmingham, or Manchester
    • A more relaxed lifestyle where you could experience the more traditional aspects of British culture specific to smaller cities like Bath, York, or Southampton
  2. Decide how important a university’s reputation is to you:
    • A high-ranking university, like the ones belonging to the Russell Group, will look more impressive on your CV because these are universities that have a reputation across the world for being very good and teaching the smartest and most talented people. Attenting one of them will give you more opportunities, but it will be harder to get in, more expensive, competitive, and more focused on academic results.
    • A university that doesn’t rank as high will probably offer you a more inclusive and relaxed environment. These universities are often top quality as well, but less famous. You will face easier admission and enjoy a more flexible schedule
  3. Read student reviews to learn how other students feel at that university. If you access a programme of study on our portal, you can read tens of student reviews for each study programme. And if you’re still in doubt, try chatting with students who are currently studying at universities you are interested in.
  4. Research how well a university performs in your particular field of study by checking Meta-rankings in the UK, which combines the latest data from the most prestigious university ranking systems in the world.  

Tuition Fees in United Kingdom

British students pay different tuition fees from international students (including EU students). Fees are also different depending on the university or study programme you choose.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students range between £9,000 and £33,500 per year, while tuition fees for international students at postgraduate level cost between  £7,000 – £36,400 per year, the average programme being £20,000. For UK nationals, tuition fees at undergraduate level range between £1,820 and £9,250, while postgraduate courses cost between £3,350 and £22,300.

If cost is a big factor for you when choosing a university, the cheapest tuition fees for international students according to QS TopUniversities are Coventry University, Royal Agricultural University, and University of Suffolk. Also, keep in mind that online programmes are usually cheaper than campus-based ones. We have over 700 online Bachelor’s programmes in the UK, the cheapest only £1,784 per year and over 2,500 online Master’s programmes, starting at £540 per year.

Sometimes, students can benefit from a tuition fee waiver, meaning a discount applied to your overall tuition fee. However, this is usually available only for UK and sometimes EU students. Check on your university’s page to be sure. Also, remember that there are plenty of scholarships available for both national and international students.

Use the ‘Tuition fee’ filter on the left menu of our Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD search pages to find the programme best suited for your budget. You can also sort the list of available programmes by Lowest tuition fee, by clicking the top right Sort button.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Do international students need a visa to study in the UK?

    Yes, international students need a visa to study in the UK. The type of visa required depends on the length and level of study, as well as the student’s nationality and individual circumstances.

  2. Is studying in the UK worth it?

    The UK offers high quality education, an extensive portfolio of courses taught in English, the option to have a part time job while studying, many scholarships and other types of funding opportunities, as well as a dynamic and multicultural environment. All these make for very good reasons for studying in the UK.

  3. What is the cost of studying in the UK?

    Tuition fees for international students at undergraduate level cost between £11,400 – £38,000 per year while tuition fees for international students at postgraduate level cost between £9,000 – £30,000 per year.

  4. How much money is required to study in the UK?

    The average cost of living in the UK with rent, food, transport, and entertainment included is around £12,000-£15,000 per year.

  5. Can I study in the UK without IELTS?

    If you apply to a university in the UK as an international student, you will need to show proof of English Language skills. You can take the IELTS, but also other tests like TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English Advanced.

  6. What are the requirements to study in the UK?

    To study in the UK, you have to send all the required documents in your application, including education history, proof of English language test, personal statement, and references. On top of that, you will need to get a Student Visa and be able to prove that you can support yourself financially during your studies.

  7. What exams are required to study in the UK?

    To start studying in the UK, you need to take the A Levels in subjects required for your particular degree. If you are from a country where you don’t take A Levels, you will need the equivalent of that. You will find the approved exam qualifications for each country on your university’s website.

  8. How to get permanent residency while studying in the UK?

    To get permanent residency in the UK, you can apply for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) visa after five years of working a graduate job. You also need to take the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and one of the approved English language tests.

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