Earning a degree in the UK might just be one of the most incredible experiences you will have—and you’ll more effectively do so with some essential advice for international students in the UK! This country simply shimmers with culture, history, beauty, and diversity, each of which contributes so much to personal and professional growth and fulfillment.
Can you picture yourself here already?
Not only is it the birthplace of Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, but it is also the place where so many great minds have taken their first steps towards their genius. The top worldwide universities are located in the UK’s picturesque towns, where streets simply bustle with excitement, and fellow students move back and forth gaining knowledge with every step.
We’re here to help you find out what studying in the UK is like and about the requirements to study in the UK for international students...plus a few pieces of advice for international students in the UK. Fancy yourself a student explorer in the country of Shakespeare?
5 FAQs for international students in the UK
The latest statistics have shown that currently the UK is home to 485,645 international students, with the numbers growing steadily over the years. Many of these students have a wide range of questions at the beginning of their student journey, starting from requirements (either related to their visa or university admission), or they simply want to hear some advice on what it’s like to be an international student in the UK.
1. Do I need a student visa to study in the UK?
If you are not a national of the EU/EEA/Swiss, you will need a visa to enter the UK and pursue an education. Starting 1 January 2021, when Brexit takes full effect, nationals of the EU/EEA/Swiss will likely have to abide by new arrangements, which includes providing a visa to enter the UK for study purposes.
As a non-EU national, Brexit will not change anything for you and you will still need a visa to enter the UK, as you do now. The bottom line, one of the main requirements to study in the UK for international students is the student visa.
2. What is the average living cost in the UK for international students?
The average living cost in the UK for international students is approximately £12,000/$15,000 USD per year, depending on the type of accommodation you have (without considering tuition fees). The average weekly budget you are expected to have in order to live comfortably in the UK is around £250/$322 per week, including rent.
You’ll need to balance your budget as an international student.
Getting your finances in order is one of the crucial steps of studying in the UK, and some do so through scholarships, parental income, or part-time jobs.
3. What is the average cost of a Masters degree in the UK for international students?
As an international student in the UK, you will pay more than domestic students for a Master’s degree program. Currently, the average cost of a Master’s degree in the UK for an international student is approximately £15,000. This is not a set cost, since fees vary depending on the degree program or higher education institution.
For example, a business degree in the UK costs more compared to other degrees like engineering or fine arts (but still 27% of international students enrolled at UK universities were seeking a degree in business & administrative studies). As a general rule, international students pay approximately twice as much in Master’s tuition fees as domestic students in the UK.
4. Is there free education in the UK for international students?
There is no free education, by definition, in the UK. What counts as free education, however, is studying in the UK through a scholarship. UK higher education institutions, as well as numerous other organizations, offer scholarships for international students, which largely cover many of the expenses international students have, including tuition fees and monthly expenses in certain cases. Many international students manage to fund their education entirely through scholarships.
5. Can international students stay in the UK after graduation?
Fortunately, international students who are interested in staying in the UK after graduation can do so through the new Graduate Route, also known as the post-study work visa. This visa allows students to stay in the UK and look for employment up to two years after graduation.
If you find employment that meets the “skilled work” requirements, graduates can switch into skilled work and remain in the UK. Besides, UK graduates tend to be quite successful in the job market quickly after finishing their studies so the chances of finding employment are not low.
Take the next step! Get matched with 5 degree programs in the UK—for FREE
7 essential pieces of advice for international students in the UK
Don’t forget to enjoy your time abroad!
If you are planning to study in the UK sometime soon or are simply looking for study abroad options and the UK has caught your attention, the following information will help you get an idea of how you can take yourself to the UK and make the most of your experience while you are there. Make sure not to underestimate the importance of starting early!
1. Cross off each admissions requirement
The university admission requirements are the starting point of your journey, so make sure you go through them carefully and see the requirements you should meet in order to gain admission.
Higher education institutions in the UK typically ask students to provide proof of English proficiency, through TOEFL or IELTS, and most universities will ask that you have passed your A-levels or attained the equivalent. You should also be able to provide all earlier education certificates and similar documents.
2. Make use of scholarship opportunities
Many international students head towards the UK with the financial aid of a scholarship, so set your mind to scholarship hunt as soon as you decide to study in the UK. You can make use of the numerous scholarships either offered by government universities or private institutions.
You will be able to find scholarships which pay for tuition fees as well as living expenses, while some will partly cover the cost of tuition, depending on the scholarship type.
3. Start early on your visa application
If you come from countries that require a visa to enter the UK, you should prepare for a bit of paperwork and appointments at the embassy. As soon as you gain admission to your preferred university, head over to the nearest UK embassy/consulate in your country and set an appointment.
You will be asked to provide a specific list of documents and attend an interview. It’s important that you provide each of the required documents and prepare for the interview as best as you can.
It can be a lot of work to apply for a visa—so start ASAP!
4. Open a bank account in the UK
Many students arrive in the UK with the plan of using their bank account from back home only to change their mind later on and see it’s more convenient and cheaper to open a bank account in the UK. Opening a bank account is no big deal and you should not stress about it!
Simply search through the financial institutions in the UK and find the one most suitable for you, with regards to advantages and disadvantages as well as cost. You can easily make tuition payments, pay rent, or purchase goods with a local bank account.
5. Explore the UK in all Its glory
The UK simply has a wide range of explore-worthy destinations, be them parts of the natural world, such as landscapes and beaches, or the numerous art galleries, museums, and other tourist attractions.
As a Beatles fan, you will find yourself recreating the legendary album cover of The Beatles in the Abbey Road Crossing in London. If you’re into literature, you will find yourself visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. And if you’re into sports, well you will likely find yourself visiting one of the many football stadiums in England such as Anfield, Wembley Stadium, or Old Trafford.
6. Learn how to manage time and finances
Another important piece of advice for international students in the UK is to learn how to manage time and finances. Set a time limit for most of the tasks you need to get done, and schedule meetings thoughtfully. Create to-do lists and plan your day or week ahead.
When it comes to managing finances, you also have to keep track of what you do, but this time, regarding your (unnecessary) spending. Plan the amount of money you will spend on certain things like groceries, entertainment, school supplies, or travel, and this way, you will become a pro at budgeting.
7. Make public transport your best friend
As an international student, you will find public transport pretty necessary in order to get from one place to another. For example, in London, the underground railway station (“The Tube”) is a great way to get around.
You may also travel by means of trams, taxis, trains, and even sightseeing buses. If you do not feel like walking, you can always use public transport, so you should start getting familiar with it as soon as possible. Finding a flat that is accessible by various modes of transportation or located in a convenient neighborhood can greatly enhance your daily commute and overall living experience.
Ready to get your degree in the UK?
Do you hear London, Edinburgh, or Dublin calling?
Despite the wide range of requirements to study in the UK for international students, eager minds from all over the world head towards the UK every year to get their degrees and create their dream careers—and you can be one of them too!
So, grab your books, go scholarship hunting, cross off all the university admissions requirements, ace that visa interview, and you will be in the UK in no time. Keep in mind the aforementioned pieces of advice for international students in the UK once you start your journey, and you will be perfectly fine.
Browse ALL Degree Programs in the UK on GoAbroad.com
Look for the Perfect Degree Program Abroad Now
Start Your Search