Study in the UK
Country guides for international students applying to UK universities. Qualification equivalencies, student visa pathways, and the courses available across 203 UK institutions.
Pick your country
Study in the UK from India
UK courses for students applying with CBSE Class XII or ISC.
Study in the UK from Nigeria
UK courses for students applying with WAEC/WASSCE or NECO.
Study in the UK from China
UK courses for students applying with Gaokao or Senior High School Diploma.
Study in the UK from Vietnam
UK courses for students applying with Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông.
Study in the UK from Pakistan
UK courses for students applying with HSSC or Intermediate Certificate.
Study in the UK from the United States
UK courses for students applying with High School Diploma + AP or High School Diploma + SAT.
Study in the UK from Hong Kong
UK courses for students applying with HKDSE.
Study in the UK from the United Arab Emirates
UK courses for students applying with UAE Secondary School Certificate or IB Diploma.
Why study in the UK?
The UK has more than 160 universities, and four British institutions — Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, and UCL — sit inside the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings. UK undergraduate degrees take three years (four in Scotland), and postgraduate taught Masters take one year full-time, making the UK one of the fastest routes to a recognised degree in the English-speaking world.
International students apply through UCAS for undergraduate courses and directly to universities for postgraduate study. Once admitted, you'll need a UK Student visa, sponsored by your university through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). After graduating, the Graduate Route visa lets you live and work in the UK for two years (three for PhDs) without employer sponsorship.
Frequently asked questions
Do international students need a visa to study in the UK?
Yes. Most international students need a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) to study a full-time course at a UK university. The visa is granted once a UK university has issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). EU and EEA students no longer have free movement and also need a Student visa for full degree courses.
Are UK degrees recognised internationally?
UK degrees are recognised globally. UK universities are regulated by the Office for Students (in England) and equivalent bodies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and many appear in the top 200 of global rankings such as QS World, Times Higher Education, and ARWU (Shanghai).
How long does a UK undergraduate degree take?
A standard UK undergraduate degree takes three years in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and four years in Scotland. Integrated Masters programmes (such as MEng, MSci, MPharm) typically take four years. Postgraduate taught Masters take one year full-time.
Can international students work in the UK after graduating?
Yes. The Graduate Route visa allows international graduates of UK universities to live and work in the UK for two years after graduating (three years for PhD graduates), without needing employer sponsorship.