World-leading universities
Home to four of the world's top ten, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and UCL, plus the 24 research-intensive Russell Group universities.
- Home
- Study Abroad
- United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Study in the UK
Centuries of academic heritage, four of the world's top ten universities and shorter degrees that get you into your career sooner. AMET's London office supports applications to the Russell Group, the G5 and beyond.
160+universities
4of the world's top 10 universities
700,000+international students
1 yearfor most master's degrees
Why study in the UK?
World-leading academic excellence, centuries of heritage and a vibrant multicultural society, in degrees that take less time than almost anywhere else.
Shorter, efficient degrees
Undergraduate degrees typically take three years and most master's degrees just one, saving you a year of tuition and living costs.
Work during and after study
Work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full-time in holidays, then stay on the Graduate visa to work in any job or sector after you graduate.
History and culture
Historic universities, world-class museums, theatre, music and sport, and the rest of Europe a short flight away.
A welcoming, diverse society
Students from more than 200 nationalities study in the UK, so campuses and cities are genuinely international.
Research that leads the world
UK universities are global leaders in medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence and the sciences, with deep industry and government partnerships.
The UK's leading universities
All eight below are members of the Russell Group; five of them, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and LSE, form the G5. AMET's Russell Group and G5 program is built around applications to exactly these institutions.
The oldest university in the English-speaking world and consistently in the global top five, with world-class programmes across the humanities, sciences, medicine and business.
26,000+ students39 colleges
Ask about OxfordOne of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, renowned for the sciences, mathematics, medicine and economics, with a unique collegiate system.
24,000+ students31 colleges
Ask about CambridgeA world-leading specialist in science, engineering, medicine and business in the heart of London, ranked among the very top globally for STEM.
22,000+ studentsSTEM powerhouse
Ask about Imperial College LondonA multidisciplinary powerhouse in central London, excelling across medicine, engineering, law and the arts with a strong global outlook.
44,000+ studentsResearch intensive
Ask about University College LondonOne of the world's leading research universities, excelling in medicine, informatics, artificial intelligence and the humanities, in Scotland's capital.
40,000+ studentsGlobal top 40
Ask about EdinburghA leading civic university with programmes across engineering, science, business and the humanities, and strong industry links.
46,000+ studentsRussell Group
Ask about ManchesterOne of the oldest universities in England, renowned for medicine, law, the humanities and the health sciences, in central London.
40,000+ studentsHealth sciences
Ask about King's College LondonThe world-leading social sciences university, globally renowned for economics, politics, law and finance.
12,000+ studentsSocial sciences
Ask about London School of EconomicsPopular fields of study
UK universities lead in these fields, with strong graduate outcomes for international students. Pick one and tell us what you have in mind.
Business and managementFinance and economicsMedicine and health sciencesLawEngineering and technologyComputer science and ITArtificial intelligence and data scienceArchitectureCreative arts and designFilm, media and journalismInternational relations and politicsPsychologyBiomedical sciencePharmacy and dentistryEducationEnvironmental scienceFashion and textilesHospitality and tourism
UK student visas
International students need a Student visa issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These are the main pathways; AMET prepares and lodges the application with you.
Student visa
For students aged 16 and over on a full-time course at a licensed student sponsor. Allows part-time work of up to 20 hours a week in term time and full-time work in holidays.
Graduate visa
Stay and work in any job or sector after your degree: currently up to two years (three for PhD graduates), reducing to 18 months for applications made from January 2027.
Dependant visas
Partners and children can join students on eligible courses, typically postgraduate research programmes or government-sponsored study.
Estimated study and living costs
Approximate annual figures in pounds sterling. Tuition varies by programme and university, and London costs more than the rest of the UK; your counsellor will confirm exact fees for the courses you shortlist.
| Expense | Estimated annual cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | £11,000 – £26,000 | Varies by programme and university |
| Postgraduate tuition | £12,000 – £30,000 | Higher for medicine, law and MBAs |
| Accommodation | £7,000 – £15,000 | Halls of residence or a city flat; London is higher |
| Food and groceries | £2,500 – £5,000 | Self-catering keeps costs down |
| Transport | £600 – £1,500 | Student railcards and bus passes |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 | Per year, paid with the visa; gives access to the NHS |
| Books and supplies | £400 – £1,000 | Digital resources widely available |
| Personal and leisure | £1,500 – £4,000 | Entertainment, travel and personal expenses |
| Total estimate | £21,000 – £50,000 | Tuition plus living costs, per year |
Funds for your visa
£1,483 a month in London
UKVI asks you to show living costs of £1,483 a month in London or £1,136 a month elsewhere, for up to nine months, on top of your first year's tuition. Funds must be held for 28 days. Check the current figures with your counsellor before you apply.
Admission requirements
Requirements vary by university and programme; these are the standard requirements for international applicants.
- Academic qualificationsUndergraduate: completion of Year 12/13 or equivalent, often via a foundation year for some school systems. Postgraduate: a bachelor's degree, typically a 2:1 or equivalent GPA depending on the programme.
- English language proficiencyIELTS 6.0–7.0 overall (no band below 5.5–6.0), TOEFL iBT 80–100 or PTE Academic 50–65. Some universities accept the Duolingo English Test; UKVI-approved tests may be required for the visa.
- Financial evidenceProof of funds for first-year tuition plus living costs, held for at least 28 days, through bank statements, scholarships or a sponsor letter.
- Health requirementsA tuberculosis test certificate is required for applicants from some countries, and the Immigration Health Surcharge is paid with the visa application.
- Personal statementA statement explaining your academic background, career goals and reasons for choosing your course and the UK; undergraduate applications go through UCAS.
- Letters of recommendationPostgraduate applicants usually need two to three academic or professional references; research programmes may ask for a proposal.
- Valid passport and CASA passport valid for your stay, and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by your university once you accept an unconditional offer.
- Genuine student assessmentUKVI may interview you about your study plans; supporting documents may be required from some countries.
How to apply, step by step
Most courses start in September, with a smaller January intake. Undergraduate applications go through UCAS, with a January deadline for most courses and mid-October for Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.
AMET's London office and our counsellors worldwide handle every step below at no cost to you.
- 1Research and choose your programme
Compare universities, programmes, fees and locations against your career goals.
- 2Check entry requirements
Confirm academic prerequisites, English requirements and any extra documents for your programme.
- 3Prepare your application
Transcripts, English test scores, personal statement, references and financial evidence, certified where required.
- 4Submit through UCAS or the university
AMET lodges undergraduate applications through UCAS and postgraduate applications directly, and follows them through to a decision.
- 5Receive your offer and CAS
Meet your conditions and pay your deposit; the university then issues the CAS you need for the visa.
- 6Apply for your Student visa
Apply online to UKVI with your CAS, financial evidence, TB test if required and supporting documents, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- 7Arrange accommodation and travel
Book your accommodation, insurance and flights, and plan for welcome week.
- 8Arrive and begin your studies
Collect your BRP or eVisa details, attend orientation, enrol and make use of your university's international student support.
Ready to study in the UK?
AMET's counsellors have more than three decades of experience placing students at the UK's top universities. Let us guide you every step of the way.
Got a question about studying in the UK?
Tell us a little about your plans and a counsellor from AMET's London team will get back to you within one working day.
Enquiry sentThanks for contacting AMET. A counsellor will reply within one working day.