Choosing the right university is crucial for international students looking to study in the UK. University of Oxford, University Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, are among the best Universities in the UK for international students. Factors such as graduate prospects, student satisfaction, research excellence, and overall ranking play significant roles in this decision. In the following you can find a comprehensive list of the best UK universities for international students, including why they are chosen, their average tuition fees, support systems, acceptance rates, and top courses.
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University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and world-class research. It consistently ranks among the top universities globally and offers a diverse and inclusive environment for international students.
Tuition Fees
- Average Tuition Fees: £24,750 – £34,678 per year
International Students
- Percentage of International Students: 45%
- Number of International Students: Over 10,000
Support for International Students
Oxford provides extensive support including orientation programs, language support, visa advice, and dedicated international student advisors.
Acceptance Rate
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
Best Courses for International Students at Oxford
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Law
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Medicine
Key Factors
- Graduate Prospects: 91%
- Student Satisfaction: 88%
- Research Excellence: Top-ranked globally
- UK Ranking: 1st
- QS World Ranking: 2nd
- Teaching Satisfaction: High
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is celebrated for its academic excellence, historic legacy, and innovative research. It’s an excellent choice for students aiming for a prestigious education.
Tuition Fees
- Average Tuition Fees: £21,732 – £58,038 per year
International Students
- Percentage of International Students: 41%
- Number of International Students: Over 9,000
Support for International Students
Cambridge offers comprehensive support including pre-arrival information, induction programs, academic support, and health and wellbeing services.
Acceptance Rate
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
Best Courses for International Students at Cambridge
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Law
- Economics
- Computer Science
Key Factors
- Graduate Prospects: 89%
- Student Satisfaction: 89%
- Research Excellence: Top-ranked globally
- UK Ranking: 2nd
- QS World Ranking: 3rd
- Teaching Satisfaction: High
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a leading institution in science, engineering, medicine, and business. It’s known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation.
Tuition Fees
- Average Tuition Fees: £31,750 – £45,300 per year
International Students
- Percentage of International Students: 56%
- Number of International Students: Over 10,000
Support for International Students
Imperial offers support services such as visa advice, English language courses, financial guidance, and a dedicated International Office.
Acceptance Rate
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
Best Courses for International Students
- Engineering (various disciplines)
- Medicine
- Computer Science
- Business
- Mathematics
Key Factors
- Graduate Prospects: 88%
- Student Satisfaction: 84%
- Research Excellence: High
- UK Ranking: 3rd
- QS World Ranking: 7th
- Teaching Satisfaction: High
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
LSE is world-renowned for its research and teaching in social sciences, particularly in economics, politics, sociology, law, and anthropology.
Tuition Fees
- Average Tuition Fees: £21,570 – £24,456 per year
International Students
- Percentage of International Students: 70%
- Number of International Students: Over 8,000
Support for International Students
LSE provides extensive support including visa advice, language support, academic assistance, and dedicated international student housing.
Acceptance Rate
- Acceptance Rate: 8.9%
Best Courses for International Students
- Economics
- Political Science
- Law
- Sociology
- International Relations
Key Factors
- Graduate Prospects: 86%
- Student Satisfaction: 85%
- Research Excellence: High
- UK Ranking: 4th
- QS World Ranking: 49th
- Teaching Satisfaction: High
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University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers a vibrant student life combined with high academic standards, making it a popular choice for international students.
Tuition Fees
- Average Tuition Fees: £20,950 – £32,100 per year
International Students
- Percentage of International Students: 40%
- Number of International Students: Over 10,000
Support for International Students
Edinburgh provides a wide range of services for international students, including pre-arrival guides, induction programs, academic support, and visa advice.
Acceptance Rate
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
Best Courses for International Students
- Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business
Key Factors
- Graduate Prospects: 84%
- Student Satisfaction: 86%
- Research Excellence: High
- UK Ranking: 5th
- QS World Ranking: 20th
- Teaching Satisfaction: High
Read More: Study in the UK: Scholarships and Funding Options You Can’t Miss
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is known for its research output and diverse student population, making it an attractive choice for international students.
Tuition Fees
- Average Tuition Fees: £19,500 – £46,000 per year
International Students
- Percentage of International Students: 38%
- Number of International Students: Over 11,000
Support for International Students
Manchester offers comprehensive support services such as visa guidance, financial advice, academic support, and a dedicated International Society.
Acceptance Rate
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
Best Courses for International Students
- Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Business and Management
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science
Key Factors
- Graduate Prospects: 82%
- Student Satisfaction: 87%
- Research Excellence: High
- UK Ranking: 6th
- QS World Ranking: 27th
- Teaching Satisfaction: High
King’s College London
King’s College London is renowned for its world-class teaching and research, particularly in the fields of humanities, law, science, and health.
Tuition Fees
- Average Tuition Fees: £19,800 – £45,000 per year
International Students
- Percentage of International Students: 49%
- Number of International Students: Over 11,700
Support for International Students
King’s offers a range of support services, including pre-departure advice, orientation programs, language support, and personal tutors.
Acceptance Rate
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
Best Courses for International Students
- Law
- Medicine
- Humanities
- International Relations
- Psychology
Key Factors
- Graduate Prospects: 81%
- Student Satisfaction: 83%
- Research Excellence: High
- UK Ranking: 7th
- QS World Ranking: 35th
- Teaching Satisfaction: High
Read More: Living Costs in the UK: Essential Tips for Expats and Newcomers
UK Universities with Best Scholarships for International Students
University of Oxford
Scholarships: Rhodes Scholarship, Clarendon Fund, Reach Oxford Scholarships
University of Cambridge
Scholarships: Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Cambridge Trust Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships
Imperial College London
Scholarships: President’s Scholarship, GREAT Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship
London School of Economics (LSE)
Scholarships: LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme, Graduate Support Scheme, Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
University of Edinburgh
Scholarships: Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarships
Read More: Can You Study in the UK Without an IELTS Certificate?
Conclusion
Choosing the right university in the UK involves considering various factors such as tuition fees, support systems, acceptance rates, and course offerings. The universities listed above are some of the bests for international students, providing excellent support, diverse courses, and welcoming environments. By evaluating these factors and researching available scholarships, international students can find the best UK university to achieve their academic and career goals.
Read More: Studying in London, The Ultimate Guide to a World-Class Education
