How to Study in United Kingdom for International Students

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The United Kingdom is in second place as the top destination worldwide for students who want to pursue their studies abroad. It is definitely an excellent choice for international students as it houses outstanding institutions that have generous grants. While studying there, you will get to explore and learn about its unique customs and culture which will surely enrich your experience!

When it comes to the choices that are available, United Kingdom currently has 164 universities, from which 150 universities are a part of the public sector and 14 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in United Kingdom you should definitely check out are University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University College London.

Being able to study in United Kingdom as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in United Kingdom, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in United Kingdom

When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in United Kingdom, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 9,725 GBP to 62,900 GBP, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 6,875 GBP and 130,000 GBP.

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in United Kingdom

To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in United Kingdom, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
Georgia Southwestern State University 18,500 GBP 18,500 GBP
Norwich University of the Arts 18,500 GBP 18,500 GBP - 24,000 GBP
Northern School of Contemporary Dance 17,500 GBP 17,500 GBP - 20,000 GBP
Birmingham Newman University 12,500 GBP 13,500 GBP
Royal Northern College of Music 26,200 GBP - 31,000 GBP 29,300 GBP - 39,600 GBP
University of Suffolk 14,600 GBP - 17,900 GBP 16,500 GBP - 18,500 GBP
Walbrook Institute London 12,500 GBP 12,500 GBP
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London 27,300 GBP - 27,800 GBP 23,900 GBP - 30,100 GBP
Arts University Bournemouth 20,000 GBP 20,000 GBP
Harper Adams University 16,500 GBP - 19,000 GBP 12,500 GBP - 19,800 GBP
Ravensbourne University London 17,000 GBP 18,000 GBP - 24,000 GBP
Buckinghamshire New University 15,200 GBP 15,500 GBP - 19,000 GBP
University of Chichester 16,400 GBP - 17,800 GBP 15,900 GBP - 17,300 GBP
Queen Margaret University 9,725 GBP - 17,400 GBP 17,600 GBP - 19,300 GBP
Wrexham University 11,800 GBP 12,500 GBP - 16,000 GBP
University of West London 13,300 GBP 6,875 GBP - 16,800 GBP
Guildhall School of Music and Drama 25,000 GBP - 26,500 GBP 18,100 GBP - 31,100 GBP
University of Winchester 16,700 GBP 17,500 GBP
Royal Academy of Music 29,900 GBP 23,900 GBP - 38,800 GBP
Cardiff Metropolitan University 16,000 GBP 17,600 GBP - 19,500 GBP
Solent University 17,800 GBP 17,800 GBP - 19,500 GBP
Leeds Trinity University 12,000 GBP - 14,500 GBP 12,000 GBP - 19,000 GBP
University College Birmingham 16,500 GBP - 19,800 GBP 17,500 GBP - 20,800 GBP
Royal Agricultural University 17,000 GBP 22,000 GBP
Hartpury University and Hartpury College 16,200 GBP - 18,200 GBP 17,200 GBP - 21,800 GBP
Bishop Grosseteste University 14,400 GBP 17,000 GBP - 17,500 GBP
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine 24,200 GBP
University of Gloucestershire 17,500 GBP 18,000 GBP - 18,700 GBP
York St John University 12,100 GBP - 14,700 GBP 11,800 GBP - 18,400 GBP
Falmouth University 20,000 GBP 20,000 GBP
St Mary’s University, Twickenham 17,100 GBP - 18,200 GBP 17,000 GBP - 18,800 GBP
University of Worcester 16,700 GBP 17,900 GBP
Glasgow School of Art 24,400 GBP 25,900 GBP - 32,500 GBP
Scotland’s Rural College 17,000 GBP 19,000 GBP
University for the Creative Arts 17,500 GBP 11,700 GBP - 18,500 GBP
University of Cumbria 14,900 GBP - 17,900 GBP 14,900 GBP - 16,900 GBP
Liverpool Hope University 14,500 GBP 15,300 GBP - 16,500 GBP
University of Greater Manchester 17,500 GBP 17,500 GBP
St George’s, University of London 20,100 GBP - 22,300 GBP 16,800 GBP - 26,500 GBP
University of the West of Scotland 15,500 GBP 15,500 GBP
University of Wales Trinity Saint David 15,600 GBP 16,800 GBP
Canterbury Christ Church University 15,500 GBP 15,500 GBP
Edge Hill University 17,000 GBP 17,000 GBP - 21,500 GBP
Royal Veterinary College University of London 18,900 GBP - 26,200 GBP 29,000 GBP - 33,700 GBP
Robert Gordon University 17,000 GBP - 18,300 GBP 18,600 GBP - 19,100 GBP
University of Huddersfield 16,500 GBP - 17,300 GBP 17,600 GBP - 18,700 GBP
University of South Wales 16,800 GBP - 17,200 GBP 17,900 GBP - 19,000 GBP
Courtauld Institute of Art 27,000 GBP 31,600 GBP - 35,000 GBP
University of Derby 16,900 GBP 14,900 GBP - 21,000 GBP
University of Bradford 21,900 GBP - 26,300 GBP 21,500 GBP - 25,400 GBP
University of Plymouth 18,200 GBP - 19,200 GBP 18,700 GBP - 19,500 GBP
Ulster University 17,100 GBP 17,900 GBP - 20,000 GBP
Royal College of Music 31,300 GBP 21,700 GBP - 40,100 GBP
School of Advanced Study 15,000 GBP - 20,500 GBP
Brunel University London 20,400 GBP - 24,800 GBP 24,800 GBP
Staffordshire University 16,800 GBP - 19,000 GBP 14,000 GBP - 19,000 GBP
Bath Spa University 16,500 GBP - 18,400 GBP 16,700 GBP - 18,600 GBP
Glasgow Caledonian University 15,200 GBP 16,200 GBP - 18,800 GBP
Teesside University 17,000 GBP 10,000 GBP - 17,000 GBP
University of Wolverhampton 16,000 GBP - 17,000 GBP 17,000 GBP - 18,100 GBP
University of Northampton 15,700 GBP - 17,000 GBP 17,500 GBP
University of Roehampton 17,000 GBP - 19,500 GBP 18,300 GBP - 19,300 GBP
University of Bedfordshire 16,800 GBP 17,900 GBP - 21,000 GBP
Royal College of Art 20,500 GBP - 42,900 GBP
University of East London 15,600 GBP 15,600 GBP - 19,000 GBP
London South Bank University 15,500 GBP - 17,600 GBP 16,000 GBP - 19,900 GBP
Abertay University 17,000 GBP - 18,000 GBP 19,000 GBP - 20,000 GBP
University of Sunderland 16,500 GBP 17,000 GBP - 21,000 GBP
University of London 12,000 GBP - 14,000 GBP 9,180 GBP - 16,000 GBP
University of Westminster 17,600 GBP 14,000 GBP - 20,000 GBP
University of Chester 14,500 GBP 15,000 GBP - 15,200 GBP
Kingston University 18,500 GBP - 21,400 GBP 17,700 GBP - 21,400 GBP
University of Lancashire 17,400 GBP - 18,000 GBP 17,900 GBP
Bournemouth University 18,700 GBP - 19,700 GBP 17,000 GBP - 22,000 GBP
City, University of London 19,600 GBP - 22,500 GBP 22,300 GBP - 35,700 GBP
SOAS, University of London 22,900 GBP 25,400 GBP - 27,800 GBP
Manchester Metropolitan University 20,000 GBP - 21,500 GBP 20,500 GBP - 22,000 GBP
Queen’s University Belfast 22,400 GBP - 26,600 GBP 23,000 GBP - 29,400 GBP
University of Leicester 19,700 GBP - 24,500 GBP 19,000 GBP - 23,700 GBP
Liverpool John Moores University 17,800 GBP - 18,300 GBP 17,800 GBP - 18,300 GBP
Aston University 21,500 GBP - 23,500 GBP 21,800 GBP - 23,500 GBP
University of Greenwich 17,500 GBP 18,000 GBP - 18,700 GBP
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 29,000 GBP - 39,300 GBP
London Business School 50,000 GBP - 130,000 GBP
University of Brighton 16,100 GBP - 18,900 GBP 17,100 GBP - 21,600 GBP
University of Hull 17,500 GBP - 20,000 GBP 12,000 GBP - 16,000 GBP
Cranfield University 18,000 GBP - 31,800 GBP
Northumbria University 19,900 GBP - 21,500 GBP 19,400 GBP - 24,000 GBP
University of Lincoln 16,900 GBP - 22,100 GBP 16,900 GBP - 22,100 GBP
London Metropolitan University 19,500 GBP 20,000 GBP
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) 17,000 GBP 16,200 GBP
Bangor University 18,000 GBP - 21,000 GBP 19,000 GBP - 26,000 GBP
Royal Holloway, University of London 23,700 GBP - 29,900 GBP 20,800 GBP - 31,100 GBP
Birmingham City University 15,200 GBP - 29,600 GBP 15,200 GBP - 29,600 GBP
University of Salford 14,400 GBP - 21,600 GBP 14,400 GBP - 21,600 GBP
University of the West of England 16,000 GBP - 17,000 GBP 16,000 GBP - 18,000 GBP
Anglia Ruskin University 17,500 GBP - 18,400 GBP 17,500 GBP - 21,200 GBP
Keele University 16,600 GBP - 28,900 GBP 16,600 GBP - 28,900 GBP
Birkbeck, University of London 18,500 GBP 20,400 GBP
University of Hertfordshire 16,000 GBP 17,300 GBP - 19,800 GBP
Edinburgh Napier University 17,600 GBP 19,800 GBP - 21,500 GBP
University of Stirling 18,100 GBP - 23,700 GBP 21,500 GBP - 30,100 GBP
Leeds Beckett University 16,900 GBP 18,500 GBP - 19,100 GBP
Oxford Brookes University 17,300 GBP - 19,700 GBP 18,300 GBP - 21,400 GBP
Goldsmiths, University of London 20,700 GBP - 28,900 GBP 20,000 GBP - 30,800 GBP
Coventry University 16,800 GBP - 19,900 GBP 18,600 GBP
Nottingham Trent University 17,500 GBP - 18,300 GBP 16,800 GBP - 24,500 GBP
Aberystwyth University 19,200 GBP - 21,900 GBP 20,900 GBP - 22,500 GBP
University of East Anglia 22,000 GBP - 27,900 GBP 10,700 GBP - 27,000 GBP
De Montfort University 16,300 GBP - 16,800 GBP 15,800 GBP - 18,500 GBP
Sheffield Hallam University 18,000 GBP - 20,000 GBP 18,600 GBP - 21,400 GBP
University of Bath 25,400 GBP - 32,000 GBP 28,900 GBP - 34,600 GBP
University of the Arts London 30,000 GBP 26,400 GBP - 33,900 GBP
University of Reading 25,900 GBP - 30,700 GBP 26,500 GBP - 31,700 GBP
Swansea University 19,600 GBP - 24,000 GBP 19,200 GBP - 26,500 GBP
Loughborough University 24,700 GBP - 33,000 GBP 26,300 GBP - 30,900 GBP
University of Essex 20,500 GBP - 23,900 GBP 22,800 GBP - 23,500 GBP
University of Exeter 24,900 GBP - 31,200 GBP 25,600 GBP - 32,300 GBP
University of Bristol 24,800 GBP - 32,500 GBP 28,700 GBP - 35,300 GBP
University of Dundee 22,500 GBP - 27,400 GBP 23,000 GBP
University of Strathclyde 21,600 GBP - 30,300 GBP 21,600 GBP - 33,500 GBP
University of Birmingham 22,900 GBP - 34,600 GBP 24,200 GBP - 42,800 GBP
University of Nottingham 24,700 GBP - 34,000 GBP 17,300 GBP - 33,800 GBP
Imperial College London 40,700 GBP - 43,300 GBP 31,800 GBP - 42,900 GBP
University College London 29,800 GBP - 43,500 GBP 33,000 GBP - 47,100 GBP
University of Edinburgh 23,100 GBP - 32,100 GBP 23,100 GBP - 30,400 GBP
University of Surrey 21,800 GBP - 27,000 GBP 18,600 GBP - 29,200 GBP
Durham University 15,200 GBP - 28,300 GBP 28,000 GBP - 34,000 GBP
University of Leeds 26,500 GBP - 29,800 GBP 29,800 GBP - 35,500 GBP
University of Portsmouth 16,200 GBP - 19,200 GBP 16,200 GBP - 19,200 GBP
University of Glasgow 26,600 GBP - 31,800 GBP 25,400 GBP - 33,500 GBP
University of York 26,900 GBP - 32,400 GBP 26,900 GBP - 32,900 GBP
University of Sussex 22,600 GBP - 26,300 GBP 22,600 GBP - 26,300 GBP
University of Warwick 26,300 GBP - 33,600 GBP 24,000 GBP - 42,800 GBP
London School of Economics and Political Science 28,900 GBP - 35,700 GBP 30,400 GBP - 43,000 GBP
Lancaster University 24,700 GBP - 29,900 GBP 21,000 GBP - 27,600 GBP
Cardiff University 23,700 GBP - 29,500 GBP 23,700 GBP - 28,500 GBP
Middlesex University 16,600 GBP 17,100 GBP - 20,900 GBP
University of Aberdeen 20,800 GBP - 24,800 GBP 22,000 GBP - 26,300 GBP
University of St Andrews 33,300 GBP 27,200 GBP - 31,500 GBP
Heriot-Watt University 20,100 GBP - 25,900 GBP 21,900 GBP - 30,000 GBP
University of Sheffield 23,900 GBP - 30,600 GBP 25,700 GBP - 33,000 GBP
Queen Mary University of London 25,000 GBP - 30,000 GBP 25,000 GBP - 30,000 GBP
University of Cambridge 27,100 GBP - 41,200 GBP 37,200 GBP - 48,200 GBP
University of Liverpool 22,400 GBP - 29,900 GBP 24,100 GBP - 33,800 GBP
University of Manchester 27,800 GBP - 37,800 GBP 26,300 GBP - 36,800 GBP
University of Kent 19,300 GBP - 23,500 GBP 19,300 GBP - 23,500 GBP
King’s College London 29,000 GBP - 38,300 GBP 30,000 GBP - 43,000 GBP
Newcastle University 24,500 GBP - 29,900 GBP 25,900 GBP - 32,000 GBP
University of Southampton 23,400 GBP - 32,000 GBP 25,400 GBP - 35,200 GBP

Cost of Studying in Private Universities in United Kingdom

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
Rose Bruford College 22,800 GBP - 24,200 GBP 24,200 GBP
Arts University Plymouth 17,300 GBP 17,300 GBP
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts 20,300 GBP - 22,800 GBP 21,000 GBP - 22,800 GBP
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance 22,600 GBP - 26,100 GBP 24,200 GBP - 25,800 GBP
The University of Law 16,700 GBP - 22,200 GBP 17,700 GBP - 19,100 GBP
Plymouth Marjon University 14,500 GBP - 14,600 GBP 14,600 GBP
Richmond American University London 17,500 GBP 18,500 GBP - 20,000 GBP
Leeds Conservatoire 20,300 GBP - 20,700 GBP 14,400 GBP - 22,500 GBP
Leeds Arts University 18,000 GBP - 18,900 GBP 18,300 GBP
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 28,000 GBP - 29,000 GBP 14,700 GBP - 38,700 GBP
Regent’s University London 23,000 GBP - 26,000 GBP 27,000 GBP - 39,000 GBP
University of Buckingham 14,800 GBP - 22,200 GBP 14,500 GBP - 22,200 GBP
University of Oxford 37,400 GBP - 62,900 GBP 34,700 GBP - 54,500 GBP

If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in United Kingdom, check out the Cheap Universities in United Kingdom!

Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.

2. Requirements to Study in United Kingdom for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in United Kingdom, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In United Kingdom, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in United Kingdom may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in United Kingdom are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in United Kingdom and their required minimum scores for each program level.

Georgia Southwestern State University

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Norwich University of the Arts

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Northern School of Contemporary Dance

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in United Kingdom

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in United Kingdom have online applications available on their websites, like University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in United Kingdom.

University of Oxford

University of Cambridge

University College London

Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.

After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!

The admission process in United Kingdom differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.

The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in United Kingdom.

The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.

4. Visa Application for International Students in United Kingdom

Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in United Kingdom. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to United Kingdom as an international student.

In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in United Kingdom. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Tier 4 (General) student visa

To start your student visa application in United Kingdom, you will need to present the following:

  1. Valid passport
  2. Evidence of financial means to fund studies
  3. Colored passport-sized photos
  4. Tuberculosis screening, if required
  5. CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) reference number
  6. An ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate

Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in United Kingdom is 363 GBP.

After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:

  1. Prepare all your visa requirements.
  2. Prove your identity prior to starting your application. Depending on your nationality, you will either need to provide your biometric information to a visa application center in your country or log into your UK Visas and Immigration account and scan your proof of identity there.
  3. You will be given further instructions after providing your proof of identity.
  4. Complete the rest of the application

For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.

That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in United Kingdom. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!