Did you know, there was over 685,000 international students in the UK in 2024/25?
The choice of subjects and prestigious universities makes it a great destination for those looking to further their education.
British universities are recognised globally for their high standards and teaching styles. If you’re already studying in the UK or contemplating it, you’ll be aware that the social and cultural aspect of living in some of the UK’s largest cities is as enticing as the plethora of courses on offer.
With so many benefits to studying in the UK, it’s not surprising that so many international students apply to courses.
Are you one of those applicants? Or maybe you’re thinking of becoming one? We’ve compiled this guide to help you understand everything you need to know about studying in the UK.
Learn about how to apply to study in the UK, what living in the UK is like for international students, and more.
This is the ultimate international student guide for the UK.
The education system in the UK
Children in the UK are legally required to attend school after their fourth birthday until they turn 16. During this time, children will attend two schools – primary and secondary (also known as high school). The UK education system is divided into four key stages:
- Key Stage 1 (primary school) for ages 5 to 7
- Key Stage 2 (primary school) for ages 7 to 11
- Key Stage 3 (secondary/high school) for ages 11 to 14
- Key Stage 4 (secondary/high school) for ages 14 to 16
To determine their progress, UK pupils are assessed at the end of every key stage, with the Key Stage 4 assessment being the all-important GCSEs.
Once pupils have completed their GCSEs at aged 16, they will have the choice of what to do next out of the following:
- Finding full-time employment
- Starting an apprenticeship (equivalent to a Level 4 or 5)
- Studying A-Levels, a BTEC course or similar qualifications at sixth or college. These courses normally take two years to finish. Students must complete further education to be eligible to apply for university.
Study Preparations
Now you know a little bit more about pre-university education in the UK, let’s talk about what studying is really like.
Before applying to study in the UK, here are all of the things you need to know.
types of undergraduate courses
A lot of international students looking to study in the UK don’t realise that there’s a lot of different types of undergraduate courses.
Here’s a brief overview of the main examples:
Bachelor degree courses – full-time courses that usually last three or four years. You can either choose a single-subject Bachelor’s degree, combine two subjects in a single course (often called dual or joint honours courses), or choose several subjects (combined honours).
Foundation years – usually a one year, full-time course offered by college or university. This course can be offered as a standalone year or as part of a wider degree. Most students who study a foundation year typically choose to stay at the same university to complete the full degree.
Diploma in Foundation Studies (art and design) – often referred to as ‘Art Foundation’, this one-year qualification is widely recognised as the gateway into some of the most prestigious art and design degrees in the world.
Foundation degrees – typically a two-year course which is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree. Not to be confused with a foundation year. Foundation degrees are ideal for students who are looking for a more vocational degree and lower entry requirements.
Finding a university and course
One of the main reasons UK university courses are so well respected worldwide is because they’re extremely specialised. These schools enable students to focus on their chosen subject from the outset.
When looking for a course to apply for, ensure it’s right for you by reading up on the course and the topics/areas it covers. Make sure you look at the modules included in the course, the examination style, and the full scope of what the degree entails.
Found a course you like the sound of? Now it’s time to find the best university that offers it.
One thing you could do is find out how many international students from your country attend the university and even reach out to some of them to see if they enjoy their course.
There are lots of prestigious universities in the UK, including in cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Sheffield. We recommend researching the city and area you intend on studying in to see what life there is like.
Admission requirements for international students
To study in the UK, you’ll need to have the right qualifications.
However, you’ll also need to demonstrate that you can speak and write English to a good level. In fact, you may need to take an English language test to be eligible for the course.
If your course lasts for longer than six months (or less than six months, but you want to work while studying), you’ll need a student visa. If you’ll be studying in the UK for less than six months, you’ll need a standard visa, but you won’t be able to work if you have this visa.
A student visa costs £558 to apply for from outside the UK or £558 to extend or switch to a student visa from inside the UK.
The application process
Typically, most international students apply to UK universities independently, but you can apply via UCAS.
UCAS is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, which UK students apply to universities through.
When you apply to study in the UK, the required qualifications may be written in UK terms, e.g. A-Levels, so you’ll have to make sure you have your nation’s equivalent qualification.
If you come across this while searching for a course, don’t worry. Most universities will accept equivalent qualifications.
As we have previously mentioned, you’ll likely need to take an English language test to prove your proficiency. Any certificates or registration numbers should be added to your application to allow universities to verify that you have passed the relevant tests.
Next, you’ll need to prepare your personal statement. This should explain:
1. Why you want to study in the UK
2. How good your English language skills are, including mentioning any English courses or tests you’ve passed
3. Why you want to be an international student as opposed to studying in your home nation
4. Why you want to study the specific course you are applying for
Once you have written your personal statement and compiled all of the necessary information, it’s time to apply and wait to hear back from the admissions committee.
financial aid opportunities
Before you can properly start dreaming of studying in the UK, you need to make sure you have the money in place to fund your degree. If you don’t have the correct existing funds in place, you won’t be eligible to apply for a student loan.
Students from outside of the UK will have to pay higher fees than UK students, with degrees costing anywhere from £10,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on the course and university.
You may be able to seek financial support from your chosen university in the form of a bursary or scholarship. Explore the universities that offer scholarships on the British Council website.
student accommodation options
At Vita Student, we know a thing or two about what makes great accommodation for students.
Here are the five key things to consider when picking your student accommodation in the UK.
1. Book it early
Leaving your accommodation to the last minute is a gamble. It could mean that all the most cost-effective, high-quality options have already been booked.
2. Does it have everything you need?
Student life is amazing but it’s intense. If you want to set your studies are the best path, it’s crucial that you have space to study, relax, socialise and de-stress. It’s highly likely that you’ll be living at your accommodation for at least eight months, so it needs to be comfortable.
3. Is it secure?
Ensuring you and your valuables are safe is one of the most basic needs when you’re looking for somewhere to live. When you’re looking for the perfect accommodation, check what security measures are in place. Do they have cameras? Will staff be on-site at all times? Is there secure key fob access?
4. What’s the Wi-Fi like?
You’ll likely not notice if your internet connection is good, but if your Wi-Fi is slow and unresponsive you won’t be able to ignore it. Whether you’re streaming something online, staying in touch with family back home or just trying to revise, a slow internet connection is painful.
5. Where is it?
Location is key to having a good time and making the most of university life. If you want to get out and enjoy the nightlife, living far out of the city isn’t going to be helpful to you. Make sure you have a look at what’s near to your accommodation before moving in.
If you want to minimise your transport costs as much as possible, living close to campus is the best option.
And that’s where Vita Student comes in.
Our buildings are located centrally, allowing you to immerse yourself in your university city. We also have superfast internet to help you keep up with work and catch up with family and your favourite shows, 24-hour service to keep you safe and sound, and private study areas for those late-night revision sessions.
Interested in living with us? Discover what life at Vita Student is like.
Living in the UK
Once you’ve been accepted onto your university course and your visa and finance are all sorted out, it’s a good chance to get to grips with what living in the UK is like.
With such a large number of international students in the UK, universities are keen to help people integrate into their new home and city. We recommend going to any events for international students. This is a great way to meet new people and get to grips with studying in the UK.
It’s also a good idea to seek out any Facebook or Instagram groups relating to your course and university, too. Chatting with like-minded students is a great way to make friends before you’ve even arrived.
Studying abroad and adapting to a new environment and culture can be difficult, but there are things you can do if you’re feeling homesick or anxious about studying in the UK. Explore our Managing Stress When Studying Abroad blog for more tips on coping as an international student.
For more information and advice on studying in the UK as an international student, take a look at our dedicated international students page.
FAQs
What are the admission requirements for international students in the UK?
International students must meet the academic qualifications equivalent to UK standards and demonstrate English language proficiency, often through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Specific requirements can vary by university and course, so it’s essential to check the details for your chosen program.
Do I need a visa to study in the UK?
Yes, international students typically need a student visa to study in the UK. If your course lasts more than six months, you’ll require a student visa, which costs £558 to apply from outside the UK or £558 to extend or switch from within the UK.
Can international students work while studying in the UK?
If you have a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, this is subject to the conditions of your visa and the type of course you are enrolled in.
What financial aid options are available for international students in the UK?
International students are generally not eligible for UK government student loans but can apply for scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid offered by universities. It’s advisable to explore these options on the British Council website or directly on the university’s financial aid page.
What should I consider when choosing student accommodation in the UK?
When selecting accommodation, consider booking early, checking amenities (study areas, cooking facilities, exercise options), ensuring security, verifying Wi-Fi quality, and assessing the location’s proximity to your university and city amenities.
