Best UK Universities for International Students

When it comes to pursuing higher education abroad, the United Kingdom has long been a favoured destination for international students seeking top-notch academic programs and a rich cultural experience. From their vibrant student life to the invaluable international experiences that await those who embark on their educational journey in Her Majesty’s land, we’re going to explore why the UK is a prime destination for those pursuing Erasmus, study abroad programs, or full-time degrees.

In this guide, we’re going to dish out on the best international universities in the UK, giving an overview of what makes them exceptional choices for students from around the world. We'll also introduce you to your future best friend when it comes to studying abroad: Wise, a multi-currency account designed to make your life easier.

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Why study in the UK?

There are a few factors you want to wrap your head around before going abroad to study anywhere. First off, the course offerings. UK unis serve up a ton of subjects, from maths to arts, classics to cutting-edge tech, so pick a uni that offers what you’re hungry for in terms of academics.

We don’t even need to talk about the international experience - the UK’s a melting pot of cultures, so you’ll have contact with people from around the globe. London, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff… Each one has a unique vibe, so choose wisely the city to set the tone for your adventure.

Not only your groove needs to be aligned with the city, though, but also your wallet. The cost of living can be a bit of a head-scratcher, but it varies depending on where you're planning to go. So considering all this, let’s check a top 5 universities in the UK for international students. Although, if you’re more focused only on how much this would cost you, check our other articles ranking the cheapest and the most expensive universities in the UK.

Best UK Universities For International Experience

1. University College London¹

University College London (UCL), also known as London's Global University, is always positioned as one of the world's premier universities. Being right in the heart of the bustling capital, UCL enjoys a worldwide reputation for its exceptional standards in teaching and research, with their international programs being among the finest in the UK

With an impressive enrolment of over 18,000 international students at any given time, UCL offers an extensive array of sought-after courses, including but not limited to medicine, psychology, and biological sciences. With a percentage of international students around 54%, UCL certainly is the best about international student community.

2. University of Cambridge²/University of Oxford³

When it comes to renowned universities, it's impossible to mention Cambridge without thinking of Oxford, and vice versa. That’s why they’re sharing this rank. These two institutions must be the top ones for best academic qualifications. Oxford boasts a student body of over 20,000, while Cambridge caters for more than 18,000 students across six academic schools.

These two academic giants, Oxford and Cambridge, continue to draw students from around the globe, adding to their rich legacy in the world of higher education, with approximately 40% of their student body hailing from international backgrounds.

3. University of Manchester⁴

Manchester is a city teeming with students, catering beautifully to the student lifestyle, be it for the party enthusiast, sports aficionado, or the devoted bookworm. Moreover, the city has a student-friendly cost of living, allowing for an exhilarating and bustling life on a budget.

The University of Manchester, a stellar institution, boasts an impressive portfolio of over 1,000 degree programs, spanning from foundational courses to PhDs, and particularly shines in fields like business, economics, and marketing, delivering a top-notch education. In line with the city's welcoming and inclusive reputation, the university opens its doors to more than 10,000 international students each year, with around 34% of the student body being international.

4. University of Edinburgh⁵

The University of Edinburgh is usually placed among the world's top 50 universities, earning the highest rating from the Quality Assurance Agency for its exceptional student learning experience. When it comes to history studies, it ranks within the top 25 globally, as per the QS World University Rankings.

Drawing in outstanding individuals from across the world, including industry pioneers and Nobel Prize laureates, the University of Edinburgh stands as a magnet for top-tier talent. Approximately 30% of the student body at this institution are from international backgrounds, adding to its diverse and dynamic academic community.

5. Cardiff University⁶

Situated in a vibrant urban setting teeming with rugby enthusiasts and a thriving arts and music scene, Cardiff stands out as a popular choice for those eager to immerse themselves in Welsh culture. Cardiff University, in addition to its global reputation, has earned acclaim for its cutting-edge research initiatives. With world-leading research departments, it becomes particularly appealing to students in pursuit of unwavering innovation and top-notch educational quality.

The university plays host to a thriving international community, with over 7,500 students hailing from approximately 140 different countries, corresponding to around 12%, all converging to embrace and be part of Welsh culture each year.

Wise, the best friend of international students

Wise is a perfect solution for students living abroad. This multi-currency account helps you handle your finances across different countries. In a world where conventional banks are a real bummer with unfavourable exchange rates and an array of fees, Wise stands out.

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It provides you with the mid-market exchange rate, the very rate you see on Google, and has no cap about its fees. This translates to the ability to optimize your savings when sending money back home or converting currency to cover your college-related expenses.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Sources used:

1. University College London
2. University of Cambridge
3. University of Oxford
4. University of Manchester
5. University of Edinburgh
6. Cardiff University

Sources last checked on date: 04-October-2023