Every year, over 420,000 international students from about 200 nations chose to study in the United Kingdom for their higher education, joining over two million local students. In addition, over 500,000 international students gain a UK qualification outside the UK.
With outstanding teaching and facilities, UK universities and colleges offer you a world-class higher education and qualifications that are respected by employers and academics worldwide.
UK higher education students are generally aged 18 or over (17 in Scotland), and have usually already achieved further education qualifications, such as A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, Scottish Higher or an equivalent qualification from the UK or another country. Many have completed a foundation or access course too.
UK higher education is split into two levels:
Undergraduate programmes include bachelors' degrees, foundation degrees, higher national diplomas (HNDs) and more.
Postgraduate programmes include masters' degrees, MBAs, PhDs, doctorates and more. Usually, you need an undergraduate qualification to enter a postgraduate programme.
Why choose UK higher education?
• UK higher education offers you inspiring teaching, excellent facilities and a world-class research environment.
• UK education is all about giving you the inspiration to help you develop your skills, the freedom to be creative, and the support you need to achieve your best.
• UK universities and colleges invest in excellent facilities– from libraries, computer and science labs to sports centres, theatres and art studios. Class sizes are restricted to ensure that you have access to equipment and enough time to talk to your tutors and lecturers.
Achieve an internationally recognised qualification:
UK higher education qualifications are recognised and respected by employers and academics worldwide.
Prepare for the career of your dreams:
UK qualifications are a great boost to your CV and to your earnings. According to the Tracking International Graduate Outcomes survey by BIS, UK-educated international graduates achieve markedly higher average salaries than if they had been educated at home.
Employers are increasingly looking for multilingual graduates with multicultural experience. UK higher education gives you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, providing an excellent introduction to global business environments.
UK universities and colleges have strong links with industry. Many courses offer you the option of a year in industry too, which is an excellent way to prepare you for the world of work.
Perfect your English language skills:
English is widely regarded as the language of international business. Studying on a UK course helps you learn the language through your study, friends and everyday life. You will find that your skills improve rapidly, and you might even start dreaming in English after a few days! If you need any additional support, there are lots of English language classes on offer across the UK.
A unique cultural adventure:
Studying in the UK is an opportunity to discover the UK’s unique culture, countryside and cities. There’s also lots of adventure on offer, from music festivals and football matches to ancient castles and vibrant nightlife.
Join an international community:
In 2012, over 420,000 international students from over 200 nations came to the UK for their higher education, joining over two million local students. The UK is a truly multicultural society, with a great mix of people from different backgrounds. As a student, you’ll get to know people from all over the world and be inspired by many cultures. Many universities and colleges provide international offices and advisers to ensure you feel welcome and are supported throughout your time in UK higher education.
Quality assured:
UK universities and colleges are regularly reviewed to ensure high standards of academic education, teaching, accommodation, welfare support and facilities.
UK Qualifications:
UK qualifications are respected and recognised by employers and academics worldwide. You can find thousands of UK courses with the Search tool at www.educationuk.org/global.
English language courses may be studied at any age, on their own or alongside your other studies.
Further education is for students aged 16 and over. This includes:
Academic courses, which help you prepare for higher education (e.g. A-levels and the International Baccalaureate). They aim to develop your analytical skills, critical thinking and knowledge.
Vocational courses, which are career-focused and give professional training (e.g. BTECs and NVQs). They give you the skills and qualifications needed for a successful career.
Higher education is for students aged 18 and over (17 in Scotland). There are two stages of higher education:
Undergraduate qualifications, which include bachelors’ degrees, foundation degrees, HNDs and more.
Postgraduate qualifications, which include masters’ degrees, PhDs, MBAs and more. This level is for students who have already completed their undergraduate studies, and want to gain a higher qualification.
Education in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:
In the UK, there are different education systems for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
In England, legislative responsibility for education lies with the UK Parliament at Westminster.
For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, responsibility for education law and guidance has been devolved to the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh and Northern Irish Assemblies.
In general, these four systems are very similar and offer many of the same courses and qualifications, but there are some differences.
If you would like more detailed information about each national education system, please visit the relevant government website for England, Northern Ireland and Wales. For university-level education in Scotland, visit the Study in Scotland website, or for general information about other types of education in Scotland, visit the government website for Scotland. For information on further and higher education in Northern Ireland visit www.delni.gov.uk
English Language Requirements:
To study for a UK University courses you need to meet the course entry requirements.
You must prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.
This usually means passing a secure English language test (SELT).
Where you’re studying
What you’re studying
Knowledge of English needed
Level
Higher Education Institution (HEI)
Degree Level or Above
Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
Equivalent to CEFR (Common European Framework for Languages) Level B2
Institution that’s not HEI
Degree Level or Above
SELT in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
CEFR Level B2
Any Institution
Below Degree
SELT in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
CEFR Level B1
CEFR Level B2 if you’re studying at a degree level or higher
SELT in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking and CEFR Level B1 if you’re not studying at a degree level.
Your test needs to be from an approved provider. To know more about latest English language requirements please visit
Don't have well enough English language qualifications? If you don’t have the required English language skills, Most of the University offer several short English for Academic Purposes pre-sessional courses.
