Did you know that the UK is the second most popular destination for international students in the world?
With an interesting mix of cosmopolitan cities and countryside villages, the UK offers students a punch of history, culinary, music and even culture to entertain you endlessly.
The UK is also a multicultural country which allows international students to immerse themselves with cultures from around the world.
Ready to take the next big step in your life by studying in the UK?
Read on to learn about everything you need to know before you pack your bags for the experience of a lifetime.
International Students Can Work While Studying in the UK
Many students opt to work during their time in the UK for extra pocket money, experiences, to pass time or even to meet new people.
While a UK student visa permits international students to work in the UK, there are some restrictions to keep in mind:
- International students enrolled in full-time degree programmes are limited to work 20 hours a week.
- International students only can work 10 hours a week during a language course term.
- International students can work 40-hour weeks, 8 hours a day during their semester break.
- International students cannot work as a freelancer or on a contract basis.
- International students cannot work as a full-time employee unless they have acquired a post-study work visa.
Part-time jobs in the UK pay a minimum of £6.15 an hour and can go up to £15 an hour, depending on the job chosen.
Generally, there are 2 types of part-time jobs available for you to choose from:
- On-Campus Part Time Jobs: These jobs are a popular choice among international students because of its locationwithin the university campus.
Students may work in the library, computer laboratories, receptions, gyms and cafeterias.
- Off-Campus Part Time Jobs: Off-campus jobs give students more flexibility and opportunities to build skills/experiences.
These jobs are relatively easy to find but might not be easily accessible.
Examples of jobs that you could opt for are office assistant, receptionist, waiter, data entry, supermarket cashier and many more.
Post-Graduation Work Options for International Students in the UK
The UK is the 6th largest economy in the world with a working population of 32.4 million people and an employment rate of over 75%.
International students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree will be eligible for a two-year work experience in the UK through the Graduate Route.
Students get the opportunity to work, earn and live in the UK before returning back to their home country or potentially settle down in the UK.
Here is a list of average yearly salary for various jobs in the UK:
Pharmacists: £43,723
Psychologists: £42,937
Primary and nursery education teaching professionals: £36,737
Legal professionals: £77,212
Dental assistants: £18,621
Graphic designers: £29,391
Marketing associates: £28,732
Electrical engineers: £50,886
IT support technicians: £30,791
Waiter/Waitresses: £17,633
Cost of Living for International Students in the UK
The cost of living for international students in the UK varies depending on an individual’s lifestyle and basic requirements.
Generally, students are encouraged to prepare a budget of £1,100 – £1,300 per month for housing, travel, food, laundry, entertainment and other miscellaneous needs or wants.
Universities in bustling cities would typically cost more than choosing universities in suburban areas.
Here is a brief breakdown of the average monthly living expenditures to help you plan your financial needs whilst living in the UK:
|
Average Monthly Expenditure |
London |
Other Cities |
|
Housing |
£800 |
£550 |
|
Utility Bills |
£45 |
£40 |
|
Transportation |
£56 |
£45 |
|
TV + WiFi |
£50 |
|
|
Mobile Phone (Prepaid SIM Package) |
£10 |
|
General Entry Requirements for International Students to Study in the UK
You will be required to fulfill the minimum entry requirements for international students that vary depending on various factors. Here are some of the requirements needed to begin your journey in the UK:
Academic Qualification Requirements
Here are the academic requirement guidance for undergraduate applicants:
|
Academic Qualification |
Scores |
|
STPM |
Min. 3.67 GPA (3 subjects) |
|
Malaysian Matriculation |
Min. 3.75 CGPA |
|
A-Levels |
Min. A*AA |
|
IB Diploma |
Min. 39 (A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5.) |
|
Senior Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) |
Min. 80% |
For further questions regarding other academic qualifications for varying universities in the UK, contact Uni Enrol today!
English Language Requirements
Here are the English language requirement guidance for undergraduate applicants:
|
English Language Qualification |
Scores |
|
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
Standard: Min. 6.5 Good: Min. 7.0 Advanced: Min. 7.5 |
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
Standard: Min. 92 Good: Min. 100 Advanced: Min. 109 |
|
Pearson Test of English (Academic) |
Standard: Min. 62 Good: Min. 69 Advanced: Min. 75 |
|
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced (CAE) |
Standard: Min. 176 Good: Min. 185 Advanced: Min. 191 |
Do keep in mind that the information stated above are based on general entry requirements for universities in the UK.
For more detailed entry requirements for your desired course, feel free to contact us!
Top 8 Universities in the UK for International Students
Here are the top 8 universities in the UK, based on the QS World Rankings:
1. University College London (UCL)
Ranked 8th in the world in the QS World Rankings 2022, UCL is one of the world’s leading research universities in London.
UCL offers over 422 undergraduate and 675 postgraduate coursework and research programmes across a wide range of disciplines.
With over 18,000 international students from 150 countries choosing UCL as their dream university – you get the best learning opportunities with a global perspective.
Besides that, UCL also encourages a diverse community of students and peers with the freedom to pursue academic excellence, break boundaries and make a positive impact in the real world.
Here are UCL’s top subjects offered based on the QS World University Ranking by Subject:
|
Top Courses Offered |
Duration (Full-time) |
General Intake |
Indicative Annual Fee for International Students (2022) |
|
Education and Training |
3 years
|
January and September |
£24,000 |
|
Architecture |
£26,600 |
||
|
Archaeology |
£29,400 |
UCL also sits in the world top 10 for Anthropology, Geography, Arts & Humanities, Psychology, Anatomy, Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry.
Contact Uni Enrol for more information regarding university entry requirements, course structure, scholarships availability, detailed fee structure.
2. University of Manchester
Ranked 27th in the world, the University of Manchester is a prestigious public research university in Manchester that is a member of the Russell Group, a select network of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Today, the University of Manchester is at the forefront of cutting edge research in science and engineering, particularly in discovering new treatments for life-threatening diseases.
The University of Manchester is also ranked 35th in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2017 with a 94% employability rate for students upon graduation.
It is also known to have the highest percentage of international students in the UK; making up 25% of the student population with 180 nationalities represented on campus.
Here are University of Manchester’s top subjects offered based on the QS World University Ranking by Subject:
|
Top Courses Offered |
Duration (Full-time) |
General Intake |
Indicative Annual Fee for International Students (2022) |
|
Engineering |
3 years
|
January and September |
£24,500 |
|
Sociology |
£24,500 |
||
|
Dentistry |
£46,000 |
Contact Uni Enrol for more information regarding university entry requirements, course structure, scholarships availability, detailed fee structure.
3. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is a world-leading university with the highest academic and research standards.
Ranked 61st in the world, this university was founded in 1965 as part of a government initiative to expand higher education.
Since then, it has grown to house more than 28,000 students enrolled from over 147 countries worldwide.
University of Warwick is located in a very prime location in England where the students get to enjoy a busy modern city and a beautiful English countryside all at once.
Here are University of Warwick’s top subjects offered based on the QS World University Ranking by Subject:
|
Top Courses Offered |
Duration (Full-time) |
General Intake |
Indicative Annual Fee for International Students (2022) |
|
Statistics and Mathematics |
3 years |
January and September |
£28,410 |
|
English and Literature |
£22,280 |
||
|
Business and Management |
£28,410 |
Contact Uni Enrol for more information regarding university entry requirements, course structure, scholarships availability, detailed fee structure.
4. University of York
The University of York is a leading UK university that prides itself on academic excellence and ground-breaking innovative research work.
Ranked 151st in the QS World University Rankings 2022, University of York is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 leading UK universities and prides themselves on maintaining high research and teaching standards.
The University of York is also located in a beautiful city offering international students ease and convenience to explore other UK and European or even Yorkshire’s stunning countryside.
Here, you can also meet people from all over the world with a community of over 200,000 international students through 200 social, cultural and religious student-led societies.
Here are University of York’s top subjects offered based on the QS World University Ranking by Subject:
|
Top Courses Offered |
Duration (Full-time) |
General Intake |
Indicative Annual Fee for International Students (2022) |
|
Archaeology |
3 years |
September |
£19,600 |
|
English Language & Literature |
£19,600 |
||
|
Arts & Humanities |
£24,000 |
Contact Uni Enrol for more information regarding university entry requirements, course structure, scholarships availability, detailed fee structure.
5. University of Portsmouth
Located in the sunny south coast of England, the University of Portsmouth received a 5 star rating for excellence in the QS World University Rankings 2022.
Besides that, The University of Portsmouth takes pride in being one of the universities in the south east to achieve the highest Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Today, Portsmouth offers more than 200 undergraduate degrees, 150 postgraduate degrees, and 65 research degree programs.
The University of Portsmouth is composed of five faculties: Business and Law, Creative and Cultural Industries, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Health, and Technology.
The best part is, Portsmouth is also committed to tackling climate change not only through research by working towards becoming climate positive by 2030!
Here are University of Portsmouth’s top subjects offered based on the QS World University Ranking by Subject:
|
Top Courses Offered |
Duration (Full-time) |
General Intake |
Indicative Annual Fee for International Students (2022) |
|
Geology |
3 years |
September |
£18,300 |
|
English Language and Literature |
£16,200 |
||
|
Physics and Astronomy |
£18,300 |
Contact Uni Enrol for more information regarding university entry requirements, course structure, scholarships availability, detailed fee structure.
6. University of Huddersfield
Located in West Yorkshire, the University of Huddersfield is home to 20,000 students as it offers a modern yet supportive learning environment for international students.
It is gold-rated for teaching excellence and is renowned for helping students achieve their study aspirations in their chosen career paths.
Many of the programmes in Huddersfield include industry placements and specialist careers advisors for international students to assist in developing skills and building a remarkable CV.
Huddersfield also boasts a vibrant community with plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants for international students to explore.
It also has a relatively low cost of living which is ideal for students who are on a budget.
Here are University of Huddersfield’s top subjects offered based on the QS World University Ranking by Subject:
|
Top Courses Offered |
Duration (Full-time) |
General Intake |
Indicative Annual Fee for International Students (2022) |
|
Performing Arts |
3 years |
September |
Contact us for more details. |
|
Communication and Media Studies |
|||
|
Education and Training |
Contact Uni Enrol for more information regarding university entry requirements, course structure, scholarships availability, detailed fee structure.
7. Keele University
Keele University is a public research university with over 10,000 students in Staffordshire.
Established in 1949, this university is one of the largest campus universities in the UK with over 600-acre of beautiful estate.
This rural campus is catered to students who prefer a more calm environment for their learning experience away from the hustling city.
It is known to be a pioneer in research where 80% of their research is deemed world-leading or internationally excellent as awarded in the Research Excellence (2021).
With its research seeking to improve lives and address pressing social challenges in the world, students can contribute to the studies of food security, climate change, global health and sustainability.
Keele has also set a very high standard for teaching – proven by earning top 10 in England for overall student satisfaction by NSS (2021).
Here are Keele University’s top subjects offered based on the Times World University Rankings 2022:
|
Top Courses Offered |
Duration (Full-time) |
General Intake |
Indicative Annual Fee for International Students (2022) |
|
Psychology |
3 years |
September |
£17,900 |
|
Law |
£16,800 |
||
|
Education and Social Science |
£16,800 |
Contact Uni Enrol for more information regarding university entry requirements, course structure, scholarships availability, detailed fee structure.
8. University of West of England (UWE Bristol)
The University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE Bristol) is a well-known public research university located in Bristol, England.
This modern and dynamic university is home to over 30,000 students from over 140 countries.
UWE Bristol has earned its popularity proven by the Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2021 with scores above 4.0 in 8 categories including overall satisfaction, student-teacher interaction, quality of student life, student diversity, career development and more.
Here are University of West of England Bristol’s top subjects offered based on the QS World University Ranking by Subject:
|
Top Courses Offered |
Duration (Full-time) |
General Intake |
Indicative Annual Fee for International Students (2022) |
|
Business and Management |
3 years |
January and September |
£14,250 |
|
Economics |
|||
|
Social Science |
Contact Uni Enrol for more information regarding university entry requirements, course structure, scholarships availability, detailed fee structure.
How to Apply to a UK University as an International Student?
Now that you are fully equipped with everything you need to know about pursuing your studies in the UK, it’s time to send in your application!
All applications for undergraduate students in the UK are submitted via an online portal known as UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Here is a step-by-step process on how UCAS applications are submitted:
- Register and create an application on the UCAS website.
- Apply for your desired universities, up to five programmes.
- Complete personal information.
- Attach previous academic and English language qualifications.
- Attach financial documents.
- Attach a personal statement.
- Hit send and hope for the best.
Feeling overwhelmed with the application process for universities in the UK? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Schedule an appointment with our counsellors and we’ll answer all your questions and help you with your application!