Last Updated on December 13, 2024
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular choices for international students. In the UK, there are many top universities, where you can pursue the best course to enhance your future. Along with that, you can choose to get part-time work opportunities. Additionally, the availability of scholarships, and so on all contribute to this country’s popularity among international students.
There are more than 165 universities in the United Kingdom. It is home to some of the world’s top universities, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh, and UCL. Some popular courses in the UK include BBA, MIM, BE / BTech, MSc, and MBA / PGDM. According to a local newspaper, nearly 5 lakh students received visas last year. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the number of Indian students studying in the United Kingdom will exceed 55,000 in the coming years. In this article, we will learn about the List Of Top Universities In the UK in detail so that you can easily plan your education in the UK.
Highlights Of The Universities in the UK
Most of the Universities in the UK open their admission in the September and October admission intake. At the same time, another admission intake that the best universities in the UK have is in January.
You can learn about admission to the top universities in the UK By looking at the highlights of the top universities in the UK below:
| Selections | Details |
| No. of Universities in the UK | 167 |
| Tuition fees of universities in the UK | Up to INR 10 L: 65Up to INR 40 L: 167 |
| Popular courses in the UK | Law, Business Management, Computer Science, Sociology, Communications / Media |
| English language exams required | IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo |
| Entrance exams required | GMAT / GRE / SAT |
List Of Top Universities In UK
Some of the UK’s top universities include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Warwick. Check the UK University Ranking from the table below:
| University | Location |
| University College London | London |
| University of Oxford | Oxford |
| University of Cambridge | Cambridge |
| Imperial College London | London |
| University of Bristol | Bristol |
| The University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
| King’s College London | London |
| The University of Manchester | Manchester |
| University of Warwick | Coventry |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | London |
Why Should You Study In The UK?
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular countries among international students. International students choose the UK as their study destination for various reasons, including the availability of diverse courses, high-quality education, rich cultural experience, part-time work opportunities, scholarships, and so on.
Part-Time Work Options in UK
All International students who want to study at an undergraduate degree level at top universities in the UK can also work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Additionally, the fields of Marketing, Accountancy, Health Services, Retail, Customer Service, etc. are some high-paying job sectors for students studying in the UK.
Here are some of the best part-time jobs in the UK for international students:
- Teaching Assistant
- Event Planner
- Library Assistant
- Babysitter
- Tutor
Student Visa in the UK
International students wishing to pursue higher education at some of the best universities in the United Kingdom must obtain a UK Student Visa, also known as a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa or Tier 4 Student Visa. The UK Student Visa fee is Pound 363 (approximately INR 37,000). To apply for a UK Student Visa, you must have a completed student visa application form, proof of parental or guardian consent, original mark sheets / provisional certificates, proof of funds, and more.
Post-Work Permit in UK
After finishing their studies in the UK, students can apply for a UK Post-Study Work Visa. International students who obtain this work permit will be able to stay in the UK for two years after completing their graduate studies to look for work. Graduate students with a PhD or other doctoral degree will be eligible for a three-year Graduate Visa.
Top Job Sectors in the UK and Economy
Accountancy, Banking and Finance, Business, Consulting and Management, Energy and Utilities, Healthcare, and Law are some of the most popular job sectors in the UK. According to the OECD, the UK’s GDP growth in 2023 is expected to be 0.3%. Furthermore, it is expected to increase moderately to 1.0% by 2024.
List of the top universities in UK Course Wise
You can choose to pursue the best course at the best university. However, you will be required to have documents to get the admission. Here is the list of the top universities in the UK Course Wise
| Courses | Universities |
| Best Engineering Universities in UK | University of CambridgeUniversity of OxfordImperial College LondonThe University of ManchesterUCLThe University of EdinburghUniversity of SouthamptonUniversity of LeedsUniversity of Bristol |
| Best Business & Management Universities in UK | London Business SchoolUniversity of CambridgeUniversity of OxfordLSEThe University of WarwickImperial College LondonThe University of ManchesterThe University of Leeds |
| Best Law & Legal Studies Universities in UK | University of OxfordUniversity of CambridgeLSEUCLKing’s College LondonThe University of Edinburgh Durham UniversityUniversity of GlasgowThe University of ManchesterUniversity of Bristol |
Top Cities to Study in the UK
The majority of the best universities in the UK are located in London and the West Midlands. Other UK universities are located in cities such as Scotland, Hampshire, and West Yorkshire.
| Particulars | QS Best Student Cities 2024 |
| London | #1 |
| Glasgow | #36 |
| Bristol | #44 |
| Coventry | #44 |
| Edinburgh | #16 |
| Manchester | #30 |
Top Courses in the UK
A number of the best universities in the UK offer courses such as BBA, MIM, BTech, MSc, BSc, MA, MBA / PGDM, BA, BJMC, LLM, and so on. Check the number of UK universities offering these courses in the table below:
| Courses | No. of Universities |
| BBA | 142 |
| MIM | 141 |
| BE / BTech | 121 |
| MS | 120 |
| BSc | 117 |
| MBA / PGDM | 101 |
| BA | 96 |
| BJMC | 80 |
| LLB | 78 |
| LLM | 78 |
Admission Requirements in UK
To study at UK universities, international students must submit test scores from some standardised exams. In addition, students must provide proof of their English language proficiency.
Entrance Exams Accepted by Universities in UK
GMAT, GRE, and SAT are some of the entrance exams accepted by universities in the UK. The number of UK universities that accept these tests is given below.
| Tests | No. of Universities |
| GMAT | 16 |
| GRE | 9 |
| SAT | 2 |
English language Requirements by Universities in the UK
One of the admission requirements for Indian students to study in the UK is to submit English language proficiency scores. English language test scores accepted by UK universities include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and OET.
| Tests | No. of Universities |
| IELTS | 167 |
| PTE | 147 |
| TOEFL | 31 |
| Duolingo | 31 |
Documents Requirement for Top Universities In the UK
The list of various documents required at the top universities in the UK are:
- Academic transcripts
- Test scores of standardised exams like GMAT / GRE / SAT
- English language proficiency test scores like IELTS / TOEFL / PTE
- Completed application form
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Passport size photographs (if asked)
- Copy of the passport
- Relevant certificates of extra-curricular activities
Cost of Studying in the UK
The majority of UK universities charge first-year tuition fees of INR 20 lakh to INR 40 lakh. Tuition fees for studying in the UK typically vary by university, course, and city. International students in the UK pay tuition fees that range from £10,000 to £38,000 per year. The average cost of studying in the UK is around £22,200 (approx. INR 23 lakh).
| Range of 1st-Year Tuition Fees | No. of Universities |
| Max 10 Lakh | 65 |
| Max 20 Lakh | 160 |
| Max 30 Lakh | 165 |
| Max 40 Lakh | 167 |
| 40 Lakhs | 31+ |
Cost of Living in UK
The average annual cost of living in the UK is around £12,000 (roughly INR 12 lakh). Note that the average cost of living in London will be higher than in other UK cities. According to Numbeo, the average cost of living in the United Kingdom is 171% higher than in India.
Scholarships in UK
Several universities in the United Kingdom provide scholarships to international students. The following is a list of scholarships offered by UK universities.
- Rhodes Scholarship – MBA
- Felix Scholarships – MBA
- Kent Graduate Scholarship
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship – MBA
- WBS Scholarship
Jobs in the UK
Legal professionals, marketing and sales directors, medical practitioners, financial managers and directors, IT and telecommunication directors, and so on are among the highest-paid jobs in the UK. The average salary for graduates of some of the top-ranked universities in the UK is as follows:
| University | Average Salary |
| University of Oxford | £78,895 (MBA Class of 2020/21) |
| University of Cambridge | £75,198 (MBA Class of 2021/22) |
| Imperial College London | £68,441 (MBA Class of 2022) |
| The University of Warwick | £70,746 (MBA Class of 2020/21) |
Conclusion
With a lot of options for the List of Top Universities In the UK, you can choose to be admitted to the best university that suits your needs and requirements. The top university in the UK is the one which offers you a lot of opportunities and options to get a successful career. The requirement for most of the top universities in the US is common and is discussed in the article above. You can also contact us at the admissify student support to get admission to the top universities. Our experts help to arrange all the documents that you need for your admission along with they prepare you for the different examinations that are needed.
FAQs
How are the top universities in the UK determined?
Top UK universities are considered based on factors like academic reputation, research excellence, faculty quality, student satisfaction, and the employability of graduates. Rankings by organisations such as QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, and the Complete University Guide consider these criteria.
Are Oxbridge universities the only top-tier institutions in the UK?
No, besides Oxford and Cambridge, other top-tier UK institutions include Imperial College London, University College London, and the London School of Economics, all renowned for their academic excellence and research contributions.
Do rankings of top UK universities change over time?
Yes, university rankings can change due to shifts in research output, funding, faculty, and global reputation, necessitating regular consultation of updated rankings.
How can students select the best-fit top university in the UK?
Students should consider factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, facilities, financial aid, and career prospects, visiting campuses, speaking with current students and alumni, and thoroughly researching each institution.
I am an MBA Professional with a total experience of 6 years in the field of Sales, Marketing & Management. Currently working with Admissify as an Admission Counselor, helping students achieve their Dreams of Study Abroad with end-to-end support.
