There are many universities in the UK for international students, but the number of choices can be a little overwhelming at first glance. While many higher education institutions in the UK can be an excellent academic choice, there are other factors like cost of living, lifestyle, and accommodation options that can influence your decision. So, how do you know which one is most worth your investment?
In this post, we’ll discuss the best universities in the UK for international students and what to consider when choosing your perfect UK university. Let’s get right to it!
The system of universities in the UK for international students
If you want to study at one of the best universities in the UK for international students, a useful place to start is by understanding the higher education system. There are a few different types of higher education schools in the UK:
From 16 years old, you can study various academic or vocational courses at higher education colleges, which prepare you for university. Examples of college programmes include A levels, BTECs, and Higher National Certificates. Whilst the terms ‘college’ and ‘university’ are used interchangeably in America, this is not the case in the UK – you do not study for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in UK colleges!
A university is an institution where individuals study at higher education levels. They are given the legal authority to award academic degrees by the government and typically conduct research across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. In the UK, students typically enter undergraduate courses at 18 years old. These tend to last for three years, although some courses, like medicine, require students to study for longer.
At university, you can earn bachelor’s degrees and foundation degrees, along with diplomas and certificates of higher education. Once you have completed your undergraduate studies, you can move on to postgraduate study. This can come in the form of master’s degrees, graduate diplomas, and PhDs.
A university college is an institution that provides further education programmes but lacks full or independent university status. The college may be part of the university, including its own resources, academic facilities, and staff members. Additionally, some universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, have college systems. These systems aim to create a community feel and improve the student experience.
How to choose a university in England as an international student
Choosing just one of the many universities in England for international students can be tricky. So, we’ve put together a list of a few factors you could use to base your decision on.
- View the rankings
Take a look at the UK university league tables to see where your preferred universities currently rank. These resources can give you an idea about which universities have the best facilities, the greatest student experiences, and the most outstanding teaching methods.
One of the best ways to get a feel for a university is to visit an open day. An open day lets you talk to staff members, see where you could be having your lectures, and visit some halls of residence. If you are not going to visit the UK at this time, you could also try out a virtual open day or tour or even contact the university directly. A good university will always be happy to help answer your questions.
Some universities provide more unique courses than others. Certain universities may specialise in something you want to study, while others may not offer it. Do your research and find out how your course ranks in the UK.
In addition to researching university websites, you may want to turn to social media and student forums to explore genuine opinions and insights. The Student Room is one of the most popular forums out there to discuss UK universities!
Our list of the best universities in the UK for international students
The University of Cambridge has a long-term rivalry with the University of Oxford for the UK’s best overall university spot. Established in 1209, this institution is the third oldest worldwide, which has given it a chance to establish its world-class reputation. As one of the best universities in the world, it is extremely competitive.
Students: According to the university’s statistics, around 25% of undergraduate and more than half of the postgraduate students are international students. This includes more than 9,000 students from over 140 countries.
Best subjects: Cambridge has 42 top-ten-ranking subjects, 33 of which take the number