Best Universities in the UK for International Students

Why the UK Is a Top Destination for International Students

The universities in the UK are internationally acknowledged for their academic prowess, attracting a large influx of international students each year. Many of the best universities in the UK are known for:

Globally recognised degrees
World-class faculty and research output
A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses
Multicultural campuses with strong international student support
Safe, student-friendly environments

Among the top universities in the UK, institutions such as Imperial College London, Oxford University, Cambridge University, and University College London are consistently ranked for teaching quality, innovation, and employability.

UK universities combine academic excellence with strong post-study work opportunities, making them a preferred destination for overseas students.

List of the 5 Best Universities in the UK

1. University of Edinburgh

Global Rankings:

QS World University Rankings: 20th
Times Higher Education (THE): 30th

Academic Structure:

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine
College of Science & Engineering
21 academic schools in total

Key Highlights:

Founded in 1583
January & September intakes
Strong reputation for student value addition
Located in Edinburgh, a historic and student-friendly city

Is the University of Edinburgh good for international students?

Yes, it consistently ranks among the world’s top universities and offers strong academic, research, and international student support systems.

2. University of Manchester

Why Manchester Stands Out:

Member of the Russell Group
Globally recognised teaching and research excellence
Strong international student support services

World Rankings:

ARWU (2020): 36th
QS (2021): 27th

UK Rankings:

ARWU: 5th
QS: 6th
Reuters Europe’s Most Innovative Universities: 4th

Is the University of Manchester good for research-focused students?

Yes, it is internationally respected for research output and innovation across disciplines.

3. King’s College London (KCL)

Academic Scope:

9 faculties, including:

Arts & Humanities
Business
Law
Medicine & Life Sciences
Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

Programs Offered:

200+ undergraduate programs
230+ postgraduate taught programs
Extensive research opportunities

Healthcare Excellence:

Largest centre in Europe for training doctors and healthcare professionals
Home to six Medical Research Council centres

Does King’s College London offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, KCL provides a wide range of scholarships across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

4. University of Bristol

Rankings & Reputation:

QS World University Rankings 2021: Top 60 globally
Top 10 UK universities

Academic Strengths:

Arts
Engineering
Health Sciences
Life Sciences
Law & Social Sciences

Graduate Employability:

4th most targeted university by top UK employers.

Is the University of Bristol good for employability?

Yes, it is highly targeted by employers due to strong academic-industry links.

5. University of Warwick

Rankings:

Guardian UK League Table 2021: 8th
QS World University Rankings 2021: 62nd globally, 10th in the UK

Academic Structure:

Science, Engineering & Medicine
Arts
Social Sciences
Multiple research centres

International Profile:

Over 9,500 international students
Students from 147 countries

Where is the University of Warwick located?

It is located near Coventry, on the border of Warwickshire in England.

How to Choose the Right University in the UK

Choosing from the many UK universities for international students requires a structured approach.

Key Decision Factors:

Course Selection: Availability of preferred program and faculty quality
Location: Cost of living, safety, lifestyle
Rankings & Reputation: University and subject-specific rankings
Accreditation: Recognition by professional bodies
Cost & Scholarships: Tuition fees and financial aid availability
Multiculturalism: Inclusion, student communities, networking
Campus Facilities: Labs, libraries, accommodation
Student Support: Mental health, career services, academic guidance
Graduate Outcomes: Employability and alumni success

This checklist helps students compare universities side-by-side before applying.

Entry Requirements for Universities in the UK

UK colleges for international students typically require:

A-Levels or equivalent qualifications (IB, BTEC, etc.)
Subject-specific grade requirements
English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Relevant experience for professional courses
Personal statement or motivation essay
Letters of recommendation
Additional tests (UCAT, BMAT, LNAT) for specific courses
Interviews (medicine, Oxbridge)
Portfolio (creative courses)
Proof of funds
Valid student visa

Cost of Studying at UK Universities

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate: £10,000 – £38,000 per year
Postgraduate: £12,000 – £25,000 per year

Living Expenses

£1,000 – £1,500 per month, including:

Accommodation
Food
Transport
Personal expenses

Cost-Reduction Options

Scholarships
Financial aid
Part-time work opportunities

How to Apply to Universities in the UK

Undergraduate Applications (UCAS System)

Research universities and courses
Create a UCAS account
Complete application form
Write personal statement
Submit references
Pay application fee
Receive and respond to offers

Postgraduate Applications (Direct to Universities)

Research programs
Compile documents
Submit online application
Pay application fee
Attend interviews if required
Accept offer

Scholarships to Study in UK Universities

Popular scholarships include:

Rhodes Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
Fulbright Program
GREAT Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
Marshall Scholarships
University-specific scholarships

Visa and Immigration for Studying in the UK

Key visa types and requirements:

Tier 4 / Student Visa
Graduate Route Visa (2 years post-study)
Short-Term Study Visa
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Proof of funds
University visa sponsorship

FAQs: Best Universities in the UK

Which universities in the UK offer Master’s programs?

Top universities include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, and King’s College London.

Which are the affordable universities in the UK?

Affordable options include:

University of Bedfordshire
University of Lincoln
University of East London
University of Sunderland
University of Hertfordshire

Which universities in the UK are best for Indian students?

Universities with strong Indian student communities include:

University of Manchester
University of Warwick
University of Birmingham
University of Leeds
King’s College London

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore, study in Ireland, study in France, study in Germany and many other countries.