Top 20 UK Universities for International Students
Did you know there are approximately 1.8 million university students in the whole of the UK?
That’s 1,799,999 other students just like you, avoiding going to lectures, spending their entire student loan on clothes/cheap wine and freaking about about what they’re going to do after graduation.
Of those 1.8 million UK university goers, can you guess how many are international students?
400,000. Yep – there are over 400,000 foreign students at university in the UK. That’s mad isn’t it? Almost a quarter of all university students in the UK come from one of 180 countries elsewhere in Europe or even further afield.
If you’re one of those international students, then ta very much for choosing the UK as your place of study. It’s greatly appreciated. International students are hugely beneficial to UK universities, as recruiting students beyond geographical borders gives a university the opportunity to dip into a worldwide pool of talent, rather than just a small little national pond. Having a higher quality of diverse students, allows the university to perform better and become globally recognized, which is basically the main thing that any university wants.
So, if you’re one of those 400,000, how the heck do you choose a university in the UK when there are so many incredible establishments just yelling ‘pick me’?
Well, handy for you, we have a list of the best ones. You see, every year the Times Higher Education website takes a look at universities from all over the world, to produce statistics which reveal the most international universities, based on its own ‘international outlook indicator’.
And because all of that sounds too darn complicated to care about, we’ve dipped into these stats to comprise an easy-to-read list of the top 20 international unis in the UK for your convenience and enjoyment.
Tadaaahhh.
20. University of Southampton
As well as being situated in a lively and energetic city that’s perfect for student life (and just an hour from London), Southampton Uni offers an excellent level of support for international students. With 6,500 students from 135 different countries, Southampton goes above and beyond to ensure that foreign students receive a quality education AND have a good time while they’re at it.
19. University of Sussex
First up, the city of Brighton (where the university is located) is just flat out fantastic. Everyone falls instantly in love with the place. Referred to as ‘London-by-sea’, it’s cosmopolitan and bustling with the most amazing, relaxed, quaint atmosphere. You HAVE to visit. Then there’s the university itself which really effectively caters to international students. It has a great support scheme in place and puts a lot of emphasis on its international partnerships.
18. University of Leicester
Leicester has a very unique approach to learning and, having been described as ‘elite without being elitist’, is perfect for the student who wants an outstanding level of education in an environment that’s inclusive and focuses on a personal experience.
17. University of Aberdeen
Rather impressive is the fact that Aberdeen is the fifth oldest university in the English speaking world. Being renowned across the world for this, means that Aberdeen attracts a huge percentage of international students which it welcomes and supports with open arms.
16. University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a beautiful and dynamic city and the university has a pretty outstanding reputation. Offering around 500 degree programmes, it’s easy to see why this place is a favourite among foreign students.
15. Birbeck University of London
Birbeck is known as a ‘global elite’ university, which is reason enough for many international students to attend. But combine that with its attractive central location in London, its diverse range of courses AND the level of satisfaction often recorded by its students and you’re onto a winner.
14. University of Lancaster
Lancaster welcomes a staggering 3,000 international students from around 100 different countries. It is ranked among the top 10 universities in the whole of the UK and have recorded that 93% of its students get jobs in their field of study within six months of graduating.
13. University of Warwick
At Warwick Uni, EVERY student is recognized as International. They promote intercultural learning, meaning that all graduates leave equipped with experiences to help them live as citizens on the global stage.
12. University of Essex
This university has a longstanding history of welcoming students from all over the world. Being less than 50 years old, the uni has a modern approach to diversity and is known for its exceptional student experience.
11. King’s College, London
King’s College is one of the leading research universities, dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, learning and understanding in the service of society. The academic culture and structure is quite informal and is welcoming to students of all backgrounds and cultures. The uni’s website offers a wealth of advice to international students, covering absolutely everything you need to know before studying in the UK.
10. London School of Economics and Political Science
As the name probably suggests, LSE specialises in economics and political science. (If you didn’t already assume that, you should probably rethink university altogether). However, the uni also offers sought after courses in a range of social sciences. It’s an esteemed establishment which is why students from all over the world apply there.
9. University of Cambridge
Pretty much everyone in the world has heard of Cambridge University, so we obviously don’t need to tell you much about it. Despite being criticised for only admitting a small number of ethnic minorities, Cambridge can boast an extremely diverse range of students from a variety of countries and is, in fact, the 23rd most ‘international university’ in the world for 2015.
8. Queen Mary University, London
Queen Mary’s campuses are home to students and staff from over 150 countries. It’s a truly multicultural university and its international community, activities and research reflect this.
7. Queen’s University Belfast
International students at Queen’s not only receive a life-enhancing education, they also provide vital links that help the university maintain its position as a world-class establishment with a global outlook.
6. Brunel University, London
Located on the outskirts on London, Brunel is a fantastic place for international students to study. The university is committed to attracting international students and has a great International Pathways and Language Centre to accommodate their needs.
5. St Andrew’s University
St Andrews’s is Scotland’s first university and has a certain prestige that appeals to international students. (*cough* William and Kate studied, met and fell in love there *cough*)
4. University College London
UCL was first established in 1826 to open up education in England for the first time to students of any race, class or religion. Nowadays it’s also known as London’s Global University, so not entirely surprising that UCL acts as a bit of a hub for international students.
3. University of Oxford
Like Cambridge, most people on the planet know all about Oxford University and its reputation as being one of the world’s leading elite academic institutions. Today, one third of its students, including 17% of undergraduates, are international citizens, and come from 138 countries.
2. Imperial College, London
Imperial College is a premier destination for any prospective business students. Its International Student Support team work hard all year round to set up activities, such as day trips, to promote internationality.
1. Royal Holloway University, London
Aaaannnd at number one on the list is Royal Holloway – a highly regarded British university, with an international student community that positively thrives. Not only is it the number one international UK university, it also ranks 5th most international university worldwide. Studying at Royal Holloway will allow you to meet and interact with a more diverse range of people than you’ll probably ever encounter in your lifetime.
