UCAS - Studying in the UK

Studying in the UK

UK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world. British universities and colleges provide a diverse, creative and inviting environment, which will encourage you to reach your full potential.

Courses in the UK must meet strict academic criteria and universities and colleges will encourage and motivate you to excel in your subject. Many universities and colleges provide international offices, international student societies, planned social activities, academic support, counsellors and advisers to make you feel welcome and supported throughout your time in UK higher education.

Why choose the UK?

Increasing numbers of international students, from over 180 different countries, are choosing to study towards a higher education course in the UK. Some of the reasons students choose to study here are listed below:

A good international reputation

The quality of UK education is recognised all over the world by employers, universities and governments, making it a popular destination for international students. UK higher education is well-respected for the standard of its research and teaching.

A good quality of education

UK universities are monitored closely to ensure that they uphold the high standards of teaching, learning and research set by the government. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is the key body charged with maintaining these standards. See the Quality Assurance Agency website for more details.

A wide range of courses

UK universities and colleges offer a wide range of higher education courses. Whatever your career goals or interests might be, there will a higher education course for you. Use our Course Search to search for over 40,000 courses.

An interesting place to live

The UK is full of diverse cultures and people and this is what attracts many students to come here from other countries.

From cosmopolitan cities to smaller towns and villages, the UK is a place of contrasts - a place where historical buildings mix with the latest contemporary architecture.

By coming to the UK to study you are likely to develop good language skills. English is arguably the most important language in today's global business world. Studying in the UK will develop your language skills each day, when chatting to friends, in seminars and lectures and out and about.

Most UK universities offer language support to international students too.

Financial benefits

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK are generally shorter than in other countries which can help to keep the cost of tuition fees and living expenses down. Most undergraduate courses take three years to complete, although in Scotland it would be typically four years, and postgraduate courses can be from one year upwards.

International students typically are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays. If you are from an EU country, there will be even more flexibility. Full details about the conditions for working are on the UK Border Agency website and also on the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website.

As well as being a good way to help you fund your studies, working in the UK provides a great opportunity to improve your language skills and gain useful experience. Some courses offer sandwich work placements or internships to help you put your studies into practice as well as earning money.

You will want to know more about the cost of living in the UK, and other information about settling in. Make sure you have a good look at all the helpful sections on the UKCISA website and at the information provided by the British Council, both on their website and through the local office in your own country.