The United Kingdom has a long-decorated history of giving international students a warm reception. With the world's most prestigious universities, it is one of the sought-after destinations for students. Studying in the UK also provides ample opportunities for cultural immersion, with a rich history and diverse population. Furthermore, the UK offers numerous scholarships and funding options for international students, making it an accessible destination for those seeking financial support.
This blog is for students keen to pursue education in the UK. The following sections delve deeper into what makes the UK an attractive destination for international students and provide insights into the application process, scholarships, and visas. Dive in!
Benefits of Pursuing Higher Education in the UK
Being an international student in the UK for higher education opens the door to more exposure, broadens network, and lucrative career options. Let’s delve deeper into the benefits of studying in the UK.
- Academic Excellence: UK universities are globally recognized for their high academic standards and rigorous coursework, providing students with a top-notch education that is respected worldwide.
- Career Prospects: UK degrees are highly valued by employers worldwide, giving graduates an edge in the job market. Additionally, many UK universities have strong career services departments that offer support and guidance to help students find employment.
- Cultural Diversity: Studying in the UK allows students to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, expanding their worldview and gaining valuable cross-cultural skills.
- Research Opportunities: UK universities are at the forefront of research in various fields, providing students access to cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities to work alongside renowned scholars and researchers.
- Quality of Life: The UK is a safe and welcoming country with a rich history and culture, offering students a high quality of life with excellent healthcare, public transportation, and social services.
![Explore More About Studying In The UK - Top Study Abroad Destination]()
Best Universities in the UK for International Students
England is a top destination for study abroad opportunities as it boasts world-renowned universities that impart and maintain world-class education standards. Most of the universities in the UK are government-funded and highly competitive, thus requiring persistent efforts to get admission. For an international student, there will be a plethora of cross-cultural skills, gain valuable career bits of advice, and engaging with diverse cultures. These universities offer solid academic departments to offer students support to find employment. As we have highlighted what the universities offer in common, why not jump to the important part? Here are the top 8 universities in the UK for international students.
- University of Oxford - One of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, known for its academic excellence, research opportunities, and historical significance.
- University of Cambridge - A world-renowned institution with a reputation for academic rigor and excellence, offering a wide range of programs and research opportunities in various fields.
- Imperial College London - A science-focused university with a strong reputation for research and innovation, offering engineering, medicine, and business programs.
- University of Edinburgh - One of the top universities in the UK, known for its academic excellence, research facilities, and multicultural environment.
- University of Manchester - A leading research university with a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, from engineering and science to humanities and social sciences.
- University of Warwick - A highly regarded institution focusing on research and innovation, offering programs in various fields, including business, engineering, and the arts.
- University of Bristol - A prestigious university with a strong reputation for research and teaching, offering programs in various fields, including science, engineering, and social sciences.
- University of Glasgow - Aworld-class institution focusing on research and innovation, offering programs in various fields, including medicine, law, and social sciences.
Student Intake for International Universities in the UK
As mentioned earlier, the universities in the UK are majorly administered by the hands of the government, and this gives rise to a stiff student intake for international students. Considering the ocean of applications received by universities annually, cutting is highly competitive, tests students’ mettle, and raises anxiety levels. A few students, sadly, need to prepare themselves for heartbreaks. Thus, it is imperative to meet several qualification criteria set by the universities. However, when it comes to influencing universities’ decisions, knowing the ‘how’ and ‘when’ can help students stand out from their competitors; in this section, we will highlight the significant international student intake seasons.
There are two major seasons in the UK with tentative deadlines where most international students are welcomed to universities for education. They are,
Fall Intake: September/ October 2023
This season is one of the most accessible times for admission to top universities. Every university in the UK prefers fall intake over any other season. Furthermore, every degree/course is wide open in the fall intake, with maximum applications rigid and a lower acceptance rate, leading to stiff competition for students. But this is also a sigh of relief for many students as they can join tier-2 colleges in case of setbacks. International students prefer this season as several financial organizations like banks and student-edu scholarships will likely be accepted.
![Explore More About Studying In The UK - Top Study Abroad Destination]()
Winter intake: December/ January/February 2023
The January/February, otherwise winter intake, is nothing short of a second chance to kick-start students’ study abroad dreams. In this session, universities offer a brief number of courses and specializations, although the options are narrow compared to the September intake. Also, not many universities actively participate in admitting students, but not to rule out the possible policy changes. This is less competitive, enabling students to plan diligently. In addition, students can catch up with the syllabus without a gap.
Application Procedures for International Students to Apply to Universities in the UK
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – A famous quote from Walt Disney that emphasizes “take risks” to get successful outcomes.
This is a fine example of study-abroad dreams, where students hesitate to make a move, giving importance to potential setbacks. However, to break the barriers, students need to get started with the application, and there’s no looking back after that. It is also essential to be well-versed beforehand to make the process effective. Consider the following straightforward practices for applying to universities in the UK.
- It’s recommended that students do some groundwork to decide on a university and course: Planning to study in the UK is an opportunity to procure valuable skills, outlook, and wealth. To ensure that to choose the right university and course, they should read as much as possible about the university and courses from their official website and compare. This helps them get a clear idea of the requirements.
- Register and apply: Keep the quote in mind, and make a decision. Students must apply for what is right and wait for a reply from their desired university. They should also prepare an accurate SOP LOR and support their decisions.
- Accept the right offer: Students must leverage decision-making skills and choose an unconditional or conditional offer that suits their academic needs.
- Seek scholarships: International students should support their studies financially to cover the costs of tuition fees and student accommodation.
- Apply for a visa: As an international student, it is essential to get visa approval to hit the final stages.
- Ready for accommodation: The final step is to plan for student accommodation to stay and make a living in the host country.
Cost of Studying in the UK for International Students
The UK is a top destination for international students to pursue undergraduate, post-graduation, and Ph.D. studies because of its flamboyance and academic quality. But with quality comes a great price, meaning students must be financially well-heeled to combat the exorbitant cost of studying, living, and other expenses. The cost of studying in the UK has dramatically risen in recent years. International students, especially Indians pursuing higher education in reputed universities, must allocate funds for at least £9,250, which is INR 9,45,360.71, as of 2023. The fees also depend on various specializations and types of courses students want to pursue. The following are the latest fees structure for UG and PG courses offered in UK universities,
- International undergraduate tuition fees vary from £11,400 - £50,000 per year. The average tuition fee for international students can hit the mark of £45,000 per year. The courses are three, four, and sometimes five-year, like MBBS, Physiotherapy, etc.
- International postgraduate course tuition fees vary from £9,000 to £30,000. The average tuition fee for international students can be estimated at around £19,000 per year, depending on the specializations students choose.
Financial Aid and Scholarships Available for International Students
The UK is a highly welcoming land with a grand reception for international students. However, students require excellent academic scores to get admission to top universities. Considering its active participation in enrolling international students, several scholarships are awarded to pupils studying in the UK. These scholarships can cover part or all of the tuition fees and other expenses, such as accommodation and living expenses. This section covers the top 5 government-funded scholarships awarded in the UK.
- Chevening Scholarships: These scholarships are funded by the UK government and cover the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. The value of the scholarship is up to £18,000.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: These scholarships are available to citizens of Commonwealth countries and cover the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. The value of the scholarship varies depending on the program of study and can range from £10,000 to £26,000.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships: These scholarships are available to outstanding students from any country outside the UK and cover the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. The value of the scholarship is up to £40,000 per year.
- Rhodes Scholarships: These scholarships are available to outstanding students from selected countries and cover the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. The value of the scholarship is up to £17,000 per year.
- University-specific scholarships: Many UK universities offer scholarships to international students based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. The value of these scholarships varies depending on the university and program of study.
Post-Degree Options for International Students
Studying and trying to make a living abroad go hand-in-hand, considering the comfort and exposure the host countries offer students. The UK is also one of the best destinations to plan for a career post-degree due to its friendly relations with many countries.
Check what options international students can explore to make a living in the UK.
- One of the most popular post-degree options is to apply for a work visa and gain valuable work experience in the UK. The Tier 2 (General) visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to five years after graduation, depending on their eligibility. This visa is open to graduates who have secured a job with an employer who is a licensed sponsor under the UK's point-based system. The application fee for the tier 2 visa is currently £610, and the minimum salary requirement is £20,800 PA.
- Another option for international students is to continue their studies in the UK and pursue a postgraduate degree. Postgraduate degrees are available, including Master’s, PhDs, and research-based programs. The cost of doctoral studies in the UK varies depending on the course and institution. For example, the tuition fee for a one-year master's program in Computer Science at the University of Edinburgh is approximately £23,200 for international students. International students can also explore setting up their own business in the UK. The Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa is designed for individuals who want to set up or take over a business in the UK. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must access at least £50,000 in investment funds. The Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa application fee is currently £1,277.
To sum up, international students can choose to return to their home country and apply their UK education and experience in their local job market. Employers in various industries highly value the education and knowledge gained in the UK, making international students sought after.
Wrapping Up
Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students, and rightfully so. With its prestigious universities, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes, the UK offers an unparalleled study abroad experience. This blog has explored the top universities for international students in the UK, the benefits of studying in the UK, the upcoming student intakes for 2023-2024, the cost of studying in the UK, and the financial aid and scholarships available for international students. If you are a student seeking education in the UK, contact Sulekha.com to connect with the best study in UK education consultants with decades of experience in overseas education and provide comprehensive services to help international students.
733
.jpg)
