The UK’s academic reputation is world-renowned and it was built on a heritage that is now centuries old. There are schools for international students in UK whose approach to education applies the very latest learning theory through their outstanding programs that routinely top tables.
Their innovative teaching methods are second to none and oftentimes they produce successful, versatile graduates that are highly sought -after by employers around the globe. In this article, we will be talking about the schools for international students in UK and about the higher standard of education in the United Kingdom.
The system of education in Great Britain
There are four types of schools in England that can provide higher education and they are:
- Universities
- University colleges
- Higher Education (HE) colleges
- Private colleges.
At the age of 18, students can go for undergraduate courses. Most times these courses range from certificates of higher education and diplomas to bachelor’s degrees as well as foundation degrees.
These awards are ranked in Levels. For instance, a diploma of higher education is level 5, meanwhile, a degree in dentistry, medicine, or veterinary science is level 7.
Once a student has completed his/her undergraduate degree, such a student can go for Postgraduate study.
The postgraduate study comes in a variety of forms such as:
- graduate diplomas
- postgraduate certificates, and
- master’s degrees.
Many English schools also offer what we call integrated masters degree which bridges the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Once you have received your undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, then you can decide to study for a PhD or professional doctorate, which is regarded as the highest level of education in England.
Countries in the United Kingdom have a similar higher education system but you might notice some slight differences if you are studying in Wales, Scotland and even Northern Ireland.
The higher standard of education of the United Kingdom
- World-ranked universities
- Quality that’s government-guaranteed
- Innovative teaching methods
- World-leading research
World-ranked universities
The United kingdom has featured strongly in world rankings over the years. According to Times Higher Education World Rankings, two universities from the UK made it to the list of the top ten universities in the world, including the world’s top university-the the University of Oxford.
Quality that’s government-guaranteed
The higher institutions in the United Kingdom, including the schools for international students in UK are all held to strict standards by the government. Therefore, when it comes to the best teaching, support and resources available, the UK is the right place to choose.
The Register of Regulated Qualifications contains details of Recognized Awarding Organizations and Regulated Qualifications in England (Ofqual), Wales (Welsh Government) and Northern Ireland (Ofqual for vocational qualifications and CCEA Accreditation for all other qualifications).
For Scottish qualifications, please visit the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework website.
Innovative teaching methods
The schools for international students in UK are also known for their very innovative teaching techniques which are specifically designed to encourage independent thinking, build problem-solving skills amongst students as well as self-motivation.
Therefore whether in the classrooms or field trips, you will be working in small groups solving real-life problems from your future career.
Not just that, you will also have access to leading technology, from state-of-the-art laboratories to interactive screens and online learning.
World-leading research
The consistently high-quality education of the schools in the UK, more especially the schools for international students in UK has attracted so many students from different parts of the world.
The United Kingdom is ranked second in the world when it comes to science and research so when you study nursing in the UK, Medicine or another course, you can be sure you’ll be working alongside some of the best minds.
The cost of studying in the UK
The tuition fees of the Universities in the United Kingdom has risen to an eye-watering level in recent years.
EU students and the UK students who are studying in the UK are required to pay up to £9,250 (~US$13,050) per year.
International undergraduate tuition fees varies also, starting at around £10,000 (~US$14,130) and going up to £38,000 (~US$53,700).
Medical degrees in the UK costs more than the regular program[ms.
The total average cost of studying in the UK is estimated to be at least £22,200 (~US$31,380) per year, with studying in London likely to be significantly more expensive.
Though these costs may be daunting, it is very important to point out that the UK offer shorter programs.
Students’ cost of living in the UK
For individuals who are searching for schools for international students in UK, it is very important to note that the current UK student visa requirements stipulate that you must have at least £1,015 (~US$1,435) in your bank account for each month you plan to stay in the United Kingdom anywhere outside of London.
This works out as £12,180 (~US$17,200) per year.
However, if you wish to study in London, you will need to budget considerably more-at least £1,265 (~US$1,800) per month.
Going with that, the equivalent becomes £15,180 (~US$21,500) a year.
There is a way to make the cost of living affordable and that is by taking advantage of students discounts-for example, students in London can get an Oyster Photocard that gives them 30% off travel cards and bus or train season tickets. Also, students all over the country can apply for an NUS Extra Card for a small fee.
As a student who is searching for schools for international students in UK, considering places where the cost of living is cheaper is another way to make your studies very affordable.
The best universities in the UK for international students
Are you searching for schools for international students in UK? below are the best universities in the UK for international students. We will take the first ten out of the 20 in this section.
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
- University of St Andrews
- Imperial College London
- Durham University
- Loughborough University
- UCL (University College London
- University of Warwick
- University of Bath
University of Oxford
Oxford has a diverse community. International students make up over a third of those studying at the University with about 138 nationalities present.
Their teaching and supervision are personalized and that means that students will be able to work closely with academic staff who are experts in their topic.
This university is famous for the exceptional teaching, research and learning opportunities that it offers.
The university has a very long history of excellence. They have a strong focus on tutorials and other types of small-group learning such as master’s seminar groups.
Being one of the available schools for international students in UK, students and staff come from around the globe representing an incredible range of backgrounds and interests, to be a part of a very supportive college community.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209; it has a global reputation for outstanding academic achievement and world-class original research.
With a global reputation and a diverse community where more than 25% of undergraduates are from overseas, international students quickly settle in.
London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
This institution is a community of students and faculty from over 140 different nations in the heart of London.
Students are able to receive dedicated academic, wellbeing and career support throughout their time at this institution.
Being a specialist university, this is a school where students get the opportunity to study social science courses.
Its campus is at the heart of London, one of the world’s liveliest capital cities.
It is the only university that is focused on the study of social sciences with subjects across 28 academic departments and institutes. The population ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 students.
University of St Andrews
St Andrews is a Scottish university that has a global orientation and it is also a school that is rooted in European traditions.
Over 45% of their students and staff come from outside the United Kingdom.
The University of St Andrews is one of the ancient universities that has flourished for over six centuries.
It is one of the schools for international students in UK with a flexible degree structure that is based on student’s choice of subject specialism.
Imperial College London
This is one of the schools for international students in UK that has one of the most diverse students communities in the UK.
Students come from over 130 countries of the world to study here. They are ranked among the world’s top 10 universities in the QS World University Ranking.
This simply means that an Imperial College degree is highly valued by global employers.
They focus exclusively on engineering, science, medicine and business.
Imperial is also consistently ranked among UK’s top 5 universities by Complete University Guide.
The student’s body ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 students.
Durham University
This institution is not just one of the schools for international students in UK, but also it is a globally outstanding Centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people and above all, a school with a unique and historic setting.
Beyond studies, Durham offers a student experience and college life that is truly unique.
Loughborough University
The research community of this institution is made up of over 1,160 research students spanning over 90 nationalities and over 680 members of staff supporting them.
It is a home for over 20,000 students from more than 145 different countries.
It is one of the schools for international students in UK where 1,070+ students are based at the London campus, over 80% are international.
The university hosts one of the UK’s largest annual careers fairs with more than 260 exhibitors, along with hundreds of other employer events, boosting employability prospects.
UCL (University College Lond
At UCL over 18,000 students come from outside the UK, and many tutors are known to be world-leading academics in the field.
UCL’s students come from over 150 countries, providing a truly global perspective.
It is a multidisciplinary university in central London that was founded in 1826.
It was the first university in England to welcome students of any religion or social background and also the first to welcome women to university education.
University of Warwick
This is a world-leading campus university that is ranked in the UK’s top ten and the sixth most targeted university by UK’s top 100 employers.
This institution promotes unbounded learning and encourage students to take modules outside their main department.
The students’ population is over 25,000.
University of Bath
The University of Bath includes students and staff from all over the world.
Over 130 nationalities are represented among nearly 4,000 international students and therefore the University of Bath can be regarded as one of the schools for international students in UK.
They offer extra support for international students when they arrive and that includes collecting them from Heathrow Airport and organizing a welcome program of events.
English language support is available to non-native English speakers, helping them to continue building their language skills while they study.
One of the first universities to win a national police-approved security award, it has one of the safest campuses in the UK.
Find other schools on the league table here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best universities for law in the UK?
- University of Law
- University of Cambridge
- University College London
- Glasgow University
- Durham University
what are some of the best business universities in the UK
- University of St Andrews
- King’s College London
- University of Exeter
- Loughborough University
- University of St Andrews
What are some of the best universities for psychology in the UK
- University of Bath
- University of St Andrews
- University College London
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
What are some of the best universities for medicine in the UK?
- University of Oxford
- Swansea University
- University of Edinburgh
- Glasgow University
- University of Dundee
What are some of the best engineering universities in the UK?
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University of Manchester
- University of Warwick
What are some of the best universities for economics in the UK?
- London School of Economics
- The University of Warwick
- University of St Andrews
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
What are the top 10 best student cities in the UK
While considering the schools for international students in UK, it is important to check out what cities are best for international students.
- London
- Edinburgh
- Manchester
- Glasgow
- Coventry
- Nottingham
- Birmingham
- Aberdeen
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Brighton
London
London is a top student’s city in the United Kingdom. The city has no less than 17 ranked institutions in the QS World University Rankings® 2018, including two in the global top 10.
Most students love the city because of the diversity of things to do and try. It is the city where you can meet all kinds of people and even though the cost of living is high, there are quite a few things to do for free and at a very cheap rate.
Edinburgh
This institution is ranked 16th overall in this year’s best students cities ranking. Edinburgh is known for its historical and cultural attractions and events. From the survey, Edinburgh is rated by students for its beautiful architecture and setting. It is a friendly city and also very accepting. This city, therefore, is definitely a city to consider while thinking about the schools for international students in UK.
Manchester
Manchester is ranked 24th in the Best Student Cities ranking in 2018, earning the UK’s fourth-best score for student view.
Students think it is a big enough city with a lot of things to see and do at the same time. When considering schools for international students in UK, Manchester is inclusive enough with a sense of community among everyone in the city.
Glasgow
Glasgow is in the top 50 for the rankings, student view and student mix indicators. Glasgow has a fairly large and mixed student population. Glasgow is the home of two universities that was featured in the top 300 of the world ranking.
Coventry
This is the fifth-highest ranking of the UK’s 10 entrants in the Best Student Cities ranking.
They are ranked 44th overall, just one place behind Glasgow. 40 per cent of students come from outside the UK, making it a very diverse place to study.
Nottingham
Nottingham is ranked 47th in the Best Student Cities this year and is one of the most vibrant cities in the UK.
Usually referred to as the ‘Queen of the Midlands’ and known for its proud connection to the Robin Hood legend.
The city earns the third-highest score in the UK for student view (21st), with students here rating it highly for its nightlife, ease of getting around and above all, their award willing public transport system.
Birmingham
This is one of the UK’s most exciting cities and of course, it is a home for the schools for international students in UK. It has excellent restaurants, history, entertainment, shopping, and culture. It is a city famous for its industrial heritage.
Aberdeen
The highest-ranked of the eight new entries in this year’s Best Student Cities index, at 55th, Aberdeen is also a fantastic choice of study destination for nature lovers, with miles of nearby coastline and countryside to explore.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Brighton are also cities with schools for international students in UK.