When it comes to studying in a country with a diversified population and a reputation for outstanding education, what other place could be a better choice than the UK? The UK has always been the primary choice for students aspiring to study abroad. Each year, the UK welcomes nearly 100,000 foreign students, maintaining the country's high popularity in international education.
The UK promises a rich experience for overseas students with an exceptional higher-education system and hundreds of world-class universities, giving all the more reasons to want to study in the country. In the following sections, we'll discover more about the facets of studying in the UK – such as the best cities, courses, student visas, housing, living costs, the university application process, etc. which should give you a comprehensive understanding of studying in the UK and help you make the right decision.
Ancient universities
These are universities that have been offering a wide range of programs across a variety of subjects since the 1000s. They are often research-focused and have a long history, such as Oxford and Cambridge.
Redbrick or Civic universities
Red Brick originally consists of 6 civic universities that were given charters in the late 19th Century (1830 - 1930) in the big industrial cities of the UK. The term Red Brick indicates a building at the University of Liverpool that was built from red bricks, but it also refers more generally to "new" buildings/institutions.
Plate glass universities or 1960's universities
Plate glass universities were the next batch of universities to be given royal charter between 1960 and 1992. The term 'plate glass' reflects their modern architectural design, which often contains wide expanses of plate glass in steel or concrete frames.
New universities or polytechnic and metropolitan universities
These are a group of universities that were previously called Polytechnics and then given university status. These institutions are referred to as "modern universities".
Recently created universities
Recently, several further education and teacher training colleges have been given university status and these are generally referred to as "recently created universities".
The United Kingdom has a rich and diverse higher education system, with universities that have a long established history, as well as modern institutions that offer cutting-edge programs.
| University | 2024 Rankings |
| University of Cambridge | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 22 |
| The University of Manchester | 32 |
| University of Bristol | 55 |
| The University of Warwick | 67 |
| University of Leeds | 75 |
| University of Glasgow | 76 |
| Durham University | 78 |
| University of Southampton | 81 |
| University of Birmingham | 84 |
| University of St Andrews | 95 |
| University of Nottingham | 100 |
| The University of Sheffield | 104 |
| Newcastle University | 110 |
| Lancaster University | 122 |
| Queen Mary University of London | 145 |
| University of Bath | 148 |
| University of Exeter | 153 |
| Cardiff University | 154 |
| University of York | 167 |
| University of Reading | 169 |
| University of Liverpool | 176 |
| Queen's University Belfast | 202 |
| University of Aberdeen | 208 |
| Loughborough University | 212 |
| University of Sussex | 218 |
| Heriot-Watt University | 235 |
| University of Surrey | 244 |
| University of Leicester | 272 |
| University of Strathclyde | 276 |
| Institution | Ranking |
| University of Oxford | 1 |
| University of Cambridge | 3 |
| Imperial College London | 10 |
| University College London | 22 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 29 |
| King's College London | 35 |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |
37 |
| The University of Manchester | 54 |
| University of Bristol | 76 |
| The University of Glasgow | 82 |
UK universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of fields, including the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and more. Many UK universities are internationally recognised and are consistently ranked among the best universities in the world.
Here are some general guidelines to make note of, that can help you through the university application process:
The UCAS (University and College Admission Service) is the organisation that operates all college and university applications in the UK. Most institutions will only accept your form if submitted through the UCAS system.
Follow these simple steps to apply via UCAS for undergraduate study:
Top universities in the UK offering bachelor's courses:
Postgraduate:
Future master's and Ph.D. students can apply to their preferred university directly. Although most institutions allow you to submit your application at any time of year, some degree programs have specific deadlines. It's essential to get in touch with your preferred university to learn more about its application procedure.
Use the UK PASS system to apply. You can complete your application information online and scan and submit any essential papers, such as a copy of your passport and previous bachelor's degree certificates.
Applicants for Ph.D. programs are typically expected to select a qualified supervisor from the university.
All UK universities will ask you for an English language test certificate as part of your application. The level you need to achieve depends on the course and university you are applying for.
All UK universities accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as proof of English ability. Generally, undergraduate courses require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or 6.5, while postgraduate courses require a minimum score of 6.5 or 7.0.
The TOEFL (Test Of English as Foreign Language) is also accepted for admission by all UK universities. Undergraduate courses require a minimum TOEFL score of 72-80 iBT (internet-based test), while postgraduate courses require a minimum score of 79-90 iBT.
If you are looking to study in one of the top universities, connect with us today. Our expert AECC counselors will guide you through the process.
The difficulty of getting into a UK university can vary depending on several factors, including the reputation and ranking of the university, the competitiveness of the program you are applying for, your academic background and qualifications, and the number of available places.
Yes, the UK is an ideal study destination for Vietnamese students for several reasons. The UK is home to world-renowned universities with a long tradition of providing high-quality education. Vietnamese students can choose from a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study.
Studying in the UK can also help Vietnamese students improve their English language skills, which is essential for career advancement and global communication. Additionally, studying in the UK provides an opportunity to experience a new culture, meet new people, and gain a global perspective.
The UK is home to many cities that offer great opportunities for students. Here are five of the top cities to study in the UK:
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