Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions you will make in your academic journey. It is like choosing a new home – it is a place where you will grow, learn and create lifelong memories. There are countless universities in the United Kingdom to choose from, each with its unique blend of culture, academics, and history. The UK welcomes close to 680,000 international students, and this number is growing perennially by 12%.
We know that, as an international student, navigating this decision can be even more daunting, but fear not! We have done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the top five universities in the UK. These universities are like five planets in the galaxy of UK higher education, each with its distinct atmosphere, terrain, and character.
We will take you on a journey through these five distinct worlds, exploring their unique characteristics, and highlighting their strengths. Whether you are looking for a bustling city vibe or a peaceful countryside retreat, these universities will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your academic journey. So, without further ado, let’s blast off into the world of the UK’s top universities!
1. Oxford University
There is a high chance that you have heard the name of this university once in your lifetime. The hype is worth it because the university topped The Higher Education and Sunday Times Good University 2023 ranking and never missed a spot in the top 3 in the last 12 years. The university is a part of Oxbridge and has won over 10 Queen’s higher education prizes.
Home to 30,000 students, Oxford is considered the most prestigious university of all. Having acceptance criteria of only 20% makes it an extremely competitive university to get in.
The university offers courses such as Medical sciences, Humanities, History, Linguistics, Mathematics, and Social sciences, amongst many others!
| Location | Oxford, England |
| QS World Ranking | 4 |
| Average Tuition Fees | £24,750 – £26960/ year |
2. Cambridge University
Cambridge University is renowned for its academic excellence, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. It offers undergraduate and graduate courses across numerous disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The university also has a strong research culture, with many of its faculty members conducting cutting-edge research in their fields.
With a long history of academic excellence, Cambridge was founded in 1209, and it boasts 109 Nobel Laureates, 14 British Prime Ministers, and countless other notable alumni.
| Location | Cambridge, England |
| QS World Ranking | 2 |
| Average Tuition Fees | £22,000 – £70,000/ year |
Imperial College London
The college was established in 1907 as the Royal College of Science and has since merged with several other institutions to become one of the leading universities in the world.
Imperial College London is renowned for its excellence in science, engineering, medicine, and business. It has a strong reputation for research and innovation and has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Fields medalists, and Turing award winners.
Some notable alumni of Imperial College London include Alexander Fleming (the discoverer of penicillin), Brian May (guitarist for the band Queen), and Heston Blumenthal (Michelin-starred chef).
| Location | London, England |
| QS World Ranking | 6 |
| Average Tuition Fees | £31,000 – £35,700/ year |
University College London
UCL is considered one of the top colleges for international students. The university admits students based on their entrance exam and has an acceptance rate of 40-50%. It offers a variety of top undergraduate and postgraduate programs taught by some of the best faculty in the country, serving a student body of around 43,900. The university offers top courses such as clinical studies, medical science, brain science, engineering, law, etc.
| Location | London, England |
| QS World Ranking | 8 |
| Average Tuition Fees | £21,000 – £25,000/ year |
University of Edinburgh
This is the largest university in Scotland, serving around 30,000 students. It was founded in 1582 and is the sixth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the United Kingdom and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities.
This university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across these colleges, including business, law, engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences.
If you have ever heard about Charles Darwin (the founder of evolutionary theory), Alexander Graham Bell (the inventor of the telephone), and J.K. Rowling (author of the Harry Potter series), then you will certainly want to enter this realm as they were some of the alumni of this university.
| Location | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| QS World Ranking | 15 |
| Average Tuition Fees | £21,000 – £25,000/ year |
Bottom Line
Choosing the right university is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your future career and personal development. Therefore, it is significant to consider various factors such as academic programs, facilities, location, and student life before making a final decision.
Overall, the UK offers a diverse range of universities that cater to different interests and academic goals. Whether you are looking to study science, engineering, arts, or business, you will find a university that meets your needs.
If you are wondering how to proceed with the decision to study abroad, DreamanDo is here for you. Our team will hold your hand and guide you through every stage of your new adventure.
Confused? Have questions about moving and studying abroad? Get in touch with us for a free consultation call.