Study in the UK

Courses in the UK combine the best elements of tradition and modernity, have a solid vocational foundation and enjoy strong links with industry

The UK education system

In the UK, there are 165 higher education institutions to choose from. To explore more than 55,000 postgraduate courses at these institutions, search courses and research.

The majority of postgraduate degrees are taken at universities or colleges, and there are numerous types of study available, including Masters programmes and PhDs. For more information, visit qualifications explained.

All subjects in the UK can broadly be categorised into the following faculties:

• Arts and humanities.
• Business and social sciences.
• Technology, science and engineering.

Universities have numerous departments covering a wide range of subjects in these faculties. Some universities specialise in selected subject areas, such as University College Falmouth, which is recognised as a specialist arts college.

Entry requirements

To study a postgraduate course in the UK, you need to have gained a Bachelors degree (usually completed over three years, except in Scotland where it takes four years) or an equivalent qualification in another country. Professional awards such as law, medicine and veterinary medicine take longer to complete as they involve compulsory periods of industry placement.

In some cases, work experience may count towards entry on to a postgraduate course.

You need to ensure you can meet the required level of English language to participate fully on your chosen course. For information on language tests, see test your English language skills.

UK NARIC provides information and advice about qualifications and skills to individuals from overseas with services that are designed to assist you when applying for jobs and courses in the UK.

If you are applying for a course, or a job in the UK and have qualifications from another country, for more information and guidance on how to satisfy the neccessary requirements, go to UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) .  

Course fees

These vary across all institutions so it is important to contact each university individually. Studying medicine or dentistry will cost considerably more than other courses, and fees for an MBA (Master of Business Administration) will be more still. 

A breakdown of fees across all levels and types of degrees for students coming from outside the EU is available at Universities UK - International Student Tutition Fees .

Funding to study in the UK

As an international student, you can fund your study through savings, family support and loans. You could also secure grants from your home government to pay for fees and living costs.

Scholarships and awards from institutions and charitable trusts can help, and these vary depending on the university and your personal circumstances. To find grants and scholarships for UK courses, search for postgraduate funding.

Make sure you cover all of your costs when applying and speak to your international office about postgraduate tuition fees and scholarships, which are specific to you.

UK exchanges and placements

International students may find it useful and cost effective to find placements in the UK, while studying here. These can be organised with independent research and with help from your university careers service.

Students attending a UK university can take part in the EU's flagship educational exchange programme Erasmus . The scheme offers work placements, study opportunities and language assistantships, which last from three months to one academic year in EU countries.

Financial support is also available to selected Masters and Doctoral students through the Erasmus Mundus initiative.

Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in another EU country. Check that your university is involved in the programme and offers the Erasmus scheme in your subject.

It isn't always necessary to speak the language of your host country, although you can arrange intensive language courses before you go and when you arrive. Speak to the Erasmus coordinator at your university about available opportunities.

Student visas

As an EU citizen, you are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as you:

• are studying for more than three months;
• are enrolled at an approved university or other educational institution;
• have sufficient income (from any source) to live without needing income support;
• have comprehensive health insurance cover.

In the UK, student visas are part of the tier 4 visa category and you will need to show:

• proof of sufficient funding;
• a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) reference from a tier 4 highly trusted university or institution sponsor;
• English language proficiency to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

International students coming from outside of Europe will have to meet these requirements when applying to institutions. For a list of institutions that sponsor migrants under tier 4 of the visa category, go to UK Border Agency - Register of Sponsors (Tier 4) . 

As an international student coming to the UK, the Home Office also advises you to:

• make sure you are familiar with the conditions of your visa, including the number of hours you are allowed to work; 
• declare any sums of cash of €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency) if you are travelling from a country outside the European Union.

Find out more at UK Border Agency - Studying in the UK .