The United Kingdom is a top destination for international students, and it’s easy to see why. The country is home to some of the world’s best universities, offers a wide range of courses, provides opportunities for part-time work, and has plenty of scholarships available. With over 167 universities, the UK has prestigious institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, The University of Edinburgh, and UCL. Popular courses among students include BBA, MIM, BE/BTech, MSc, and MBA/PGDM.
Universities In The UK Overview
| Parameter | Statistics |
| No. of Universities in UK | 167 |
| Tuition fees of universities in the UK | Up to INR 10 L Up to INR 40 L |
| Popular courses in UK | Law, Business Management, Computer Science, Sociology, Communications / Media |
| English language exams required | IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo |
| Entrance exams required | GMAT / GRE / SAT |
Why Study in the UK?
The UK is a top destination for international students, offering world-renowned universities, a vibrant cultural scene, and numerous opportunities. Here’s why studying in the UK is a great choice:
- Global Recognition: UK degrees are highly valued worldwide, ensuring strong career prospects.
- Shorter Courses: Undergraduate programmes are typically 3 years, and postgraduate programmes 1 year, saving on tuition and living costs.
- Work Opportunities: Students can work part-time with equal rights as full-time employees, adhering to the National Minimum Wage.
- Financial Aid: Scholarships, bursaries, and grants from the UK government and universities ease the financial burden. Explore options on platforms like UniScholarz.
- Cultural Diversity: The UK has a tolerant society and attracts students from all over the world.
- Travel & Exploration: Proximity to iconic cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam makes it a hub for travel enthusiasts.
- Language Skills: Studying in an English-speaking country enhances language proficiency and offers exposure to neighbouring cultures.
Best Universities in the UK
Whether you are drawn to the cultural vibrancy of London, the historic charm of Oxford and Cambridge, or the innovative hubs in Scotland and beyond, the UK promises a transformative educational experience. Below we have given a list of some of the top-ranked universities in the UK.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a world-renowned institution specializing in science, medicine, engineering, and business at the graduate level. Ranked 9th globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, it is one of the most respected UK universities for masters programs. Imperial is celebrated for its exceptional academic and research excellence and is recognized as the UK’s most international university, attracting students from over 140 countries annually, with more than 59% of its student body hailing from outside the UK. As one of the UK’s top-ranked universities, it continues to shape leaders and pioneers in various disciplines, offering a transformative educational experience in the heart of London.
| Category | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | 15.5% for undergraduate programmes and approximately 21.4% for postgraduate taught courses. |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Type of University | Public |
| Average Tuition Fees | Approximately £32,000 + per year for international students |
| Popular Programmes | Engineering, Medicine, Business, Natural Sciences, Computing |
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford, being the oldest University in the UK, and is known for its unique teaching methodologies. The university offers over 49 specialised undergraduate programmes and 350 odd graduate programmes. It is known for its rich cultural museums, huge libraries, and studies on arts and humanities, engineering, sciences, and social studies. Oxford University is known to have a huge international profile in terms of its students, academic staff, and faculty. Students can also choose their course of choice based on the duration of the particular course and their convenience.
| Category | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 16-17% for undergraduate programmes; varies by course. For postgraduate programmes, acceptance rates are typically higher, around 20-25%, depending on the programme. |
| Location | Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Type of University | Public |
| Average Tuition Fees | Approximately £30,000 – £52,500 per year for international students. |
| Popular Programmes | Undergraduate: Medicine, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Engineering, Law.Postgraduate: MBA, MSc in Computer Science, MSc in Data Science, DPhil in Engineering Science. |
University of Cambridge
Cambridge University is the world’s fourth oldest university and hosts around 9,948 international students from over 140 countries every year. 50% of the graduate students are from other countries at this University. There are a number of postgraduate programmes from different fields in this University. Being one of the top archaeology universities in the UK, the university offers a wide range of courses, including archaeology, history, music, mathematics, medicine, philosophy and many more. It also has a separate portal for international students listing the different courses available along with the guidelines to be followed.
| Category | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 20-21% for undergraduate programmes; and around 34% for postgraduate programmes. |
| Location | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Type of University | Public |
| Average Tuition Fees | Approximately £24,507 to £63,990 per year for international students. |
| Popular Programmes | Undergraduate: Medicine, Engineering, Law, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences. Postgraduate: MBA, MPhil in Finance, MPhil in Economics, and DPhil (PhD) in various fields. |
UCL (University College London)
UCL is a part of the Russell group and one of the top universities in the UK, along with Cambridge University and Oxford University. It has gained worldwide recognition for being the first university of its kind to accept students from other religions and to accept women for University education. It is also the first University to start teaching English, Chemistry, and Engineering. The University College London enables students to gain a balance between academic and professional commitments. They are also flexible with their degree programmes offering a wide range of courses from architecture, arts, and clinical dentistry to teaching, surgery, and so on.
| Category | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 45% for undergraduate programmes, around 20-30% for postgraduate programmes. |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Type of University | Public |
| Average Tuition Fees | Approximately £26,000 – £37,000 per year for international undergraduate students; £20,000 – £40,000 for postgraduate students. |
| Popular Programmes | Undergraduate: Architecture, Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Social Sciences.Postgraduate: MSc in Data Science, MBA, MSc in Economics, and MSc in Public Health. |
The University of Edinburgh
Established in 1582, the University of Edinburgh was initially founded as a college of law. It has since expanded to offer a broad range of disciplines. It offers various subjects that are divided into three colleges which give students opportunities to choose amongst the courses as per their interest. The categories are Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, and the College of Science and Engineering. Students also have the opportunity of working with professionals to gain on-field practical experience.
| Category | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 40-50% for undergraduate; and around 48% for postgraduate programmes. |
| Location | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Type of University | Public research university |
| Average Tuition Fees | Undergraduate: £24,000 – £38,000; Postgraduate: £20,000 – £35,000. |
| Popular Programmes | Medicine, Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Computer Science. |
The University of Manchester
One of the best colleges in the UK, its roots can be traced back to 1824 when the Manchester Mechanics Institute was established. Officially launched as a modern institution in 2004 through a merger, it is now one of the largest universities in the UK. Known for its strengths in science and engineering fields, Manchester boasts notable alumni such as Ernest Rutherford and Brian Cox. The university emphasises research-led teaching and has significantly contributed to various academic disciplines.
| Category | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 56% for undergraduate, around 30-50% for postgraduate programmes. |
| Location | Manchester, England |
| Type of University | Public research university |
| Average Tuition Fees | £25,000 – £58,900 |
| Popular Programmes | Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Humanities. |
King’s College London
King’s College London, one of the best public universities in the UK is known for its strong emphasis on research and has numerous partnerships with leading organisations and institutions worldwide. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines. KCL has a diverse student population with a significant percentage of international students, contributing to a lively academic environment.
| Category | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 13-15% for undergraduates, around 20-30% for postgraduate programmes. |
| Location | London, England |
| Type of University | Public |
| Average Tuition Fees | Undergraduate: £28,500 – £40,000; Postgraduate: £20,000 – £40,000 . |
| Popular Programmes | Law, Medicine, International Relations, and Health Sciences. |
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a leading institution for students interested in social sciences, economics, and related fields. Its competitive acceptance rates and high-quality education make it a top choice for aspiring scholars globally. LSE has a diverse student body, with approximately 71% coming from outside the UK. This international environment enhances the academic experience and fosters global perspectives. The university has produced many notable alumni, including 18 Nobel Prize winners and 37 past or present world leaders.
| Category | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 8-10% for undergraduate and around 20-30% for postgraduate programmes. |
| Location | London, England |
| Type of University | Public research university |
| Average Tuition Fees | £28,500 – £40,000 |
| Popular Programmes | Economics, Politics, Sociology, and Law. |
General Eligibility Criteria For Undergraduate Programmes
This section provides a detailed overview of the general eligibility requirements for undergraduate programmes, covering academic qualifications, language proficiency, supporting documents, and any additional assessments. By understanding these criteria, students can better prepare their applications and improve their chances of admission to their dream universities.
| Category | Details |
| Academic Qualifications | – Minimum 80 – 90% in Class XII (higher secondary education). |
| – Specific A-level requirements or equivalent qualifications (e.g., IB, BTEC). | |
| English Language Proficiency | – IELTS: Minimum 6.5 – 7.5. |
| – TOEFL: Minimum score of 90 – 110. | |
| Supporting Documents | – Personal Statement. |
| – Letters of Recommendation (LORs). | |
| – Curriculum Vitae (CV). | |
| – Additional materials (e.g., essays, portfolios) for certain programmes. | |
| Interviews and Tests | – Interviews may be required for some courses. |
| – Entrance tests for specific programmes (e.g., BMAT for Medicine, LNAT for Law). |
General Eligibility Criteria For Postgraduate Programmes
A postgraduate programme is an excellent way to deepen your expertise in a specific field, advance your career, or explore academic research opportunities. Admission to these programmes typically requires meeting particular eligibility criteria demonstrating your academic preparedness, professional experience, and commitment to further study.
| Category | Details |
| Academic Qualifications | – Recognised undergraduate degree, typically with a minimum classification (e.g., Upper Second Class Honours). |
| – Some programmes may require a relevant Master’s degree. | |
| English Language Proficiency | – IELTS: Score of 6.5 – 7.0 (minimum component scores 5.5 – 6.0). |
| – TOEFL or PTE scores with equivalent requirements. | |
| – Waived if prior education was in English or completed in an English-speaking country. | |
| Supporting Documents | – Academic transcripts. |
| – Personal statement or statement of purpose. | |
| – Curriculum Vitae (CV). | |
| – Two letters of recommendation. | |
| Work Experience | – Required for certain programmes (e.g., MBAs). |
| Interviews and Tests | – Interviews may be required for some programmes. |
| – Standardised tests like GMAT for business-related programmes. |
Scholarships For International Students
These scholarships are offered by governments, universities, and organisations, catering to students from diverse backgrounds and fields of study. From fully funded programmes to partial tuition waivers, these financial aids support academic pursuits and recognise merit, leadership potential, and the commitment to positively impacting the world.
This section explores some of the top scholarships available for international students.
| Scholarship Name | Details |
| Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust | – Provides around 500 annual scholarships for international students. |
| – Awards range from £10,000 to £15,000 per year towards tuition fees. | |
| Chevening Scholarships | – Funded by the UK government for one year of master’s degrees. |
| – Covers tuition fees, airfare, and living costs. | |
| University of Manchester Scholarships | – Offers over EUR 2.9 million in scholarships for international students. |
| – Includes Global Futures Scholarships, providing up to £5,000. | |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | – For students from select developing countries. |
| – 50% grant and 50% loan for graduate studies. | |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Programme | – U.S. government-funded programme for international graduate students (excluding medicine). |
| MPOWER Financing Scholarships | – Includes the Global Citizen Scholarship Programme for international and DACA students. |
| P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship | – For women pursuing graduate degrees in the USA. |
| Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme | – Comprehensive financial coverage for students from developing countries in development-related master’s programmes. |
| Clark University Global Scholars Programme | – Scholarships of no less than US$10,000 and a guaranteed internship stipend. |
| American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship | – For undergraduate international students with leadership potential. |
The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, each offering unique opportunities and experiences. From the innovative research at Imperial College London to the rich traditions of the University of Oxford, there’s something for every student. Choosing one of these top universities means you will get a top-notch education and have a chance to explore a new culture and make the most of your university years. Take the time to explore your options, and you will be on your way to an exciting and fulfilling academic adventure in the UK.
FAQs
Which university is best for masters in the UK?
Imperial College London, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are among the top UK universities for their master’s programmes, making them excellent choices for international students to consider.
Which part of the UK is best for international students?
According to the QS ranking, London is one of the safest cities in the UK for international students.
How to get a 100% scholarship in the UK?
To secure a 100% scholarship in the UK, consider government-funded programmes like Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarships. Additionally, explore university-specific scholarships awarded for academic excellence or financial need.
What is the age limit for masters in the UK?
There is no upper age limit for pursuing a master’s degree in the UK. However, some funding options, like postgraduate loans, have an age limit of 60 years at the start of the academic year.
Which college has the highest placement in the UK?
Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge, and St George’s, University of London, are known for excellent graduate employability in the UK.
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1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further