Advice for International Students

Applying for UK Higher Education as an International Student

Applying for universities and colleges in the UK as an international student can be daunting, but our experienced team is on hand to offer support and advice so that you don’t have to struggle to navigate the complexities of the application system alone.

In the UK the typical academic year starts in September, although some universities have additional intakes during the year for a smaller number of students and with fewer courses available. The application process for international students will vary for each university, but you should think about applying for your preferred university at least a year before the course start date.

There are a limited number of scholarships available for international students, and these a highly sought after. We can guide you through the process and help you make your application stand out to increase your chances of being successful.

Studying in the UK as an International Student

The UK is home to many prestigious and internationally recognised universities and colleges, which can give you the edge over other candidates when you begin to set out on your chosen career path. UK courses and degrees can be shorter than in other countries, providing a cost saving that when combined with the ability to work part-time during your studies opens up fantastic opportunities for new experiences.

Wherever you choose to study in the UK, you will find inclusive social groups as well as those that are tailored for international students, helping you to make friends and find support.

Many universities offer English language support to international students, helping you to succeed socially and academically while you study in the UK. If you to reach a higher level of English before you begin your studies, we can help you find the support you need.

To study in the UK, your chosen university or college will have to confirm your visa status before you can enrol and verify that you have the Right to Study in the UK. We can help guide you through this process. 

UK International Student Visas

To study in the UK you will need the correct visa. A UK student visa costs £365 from outside the UK, or a fee of £490 to change an existing visa to a student visa from within the UK. You will also need to pay a healthcare surcharge to cover any potential medical costs. Typically, a student visa will allow you to move to the UK up to 1 month before your course begins if the course lasts longer than 6 months.

To apply for a UK student visa, you must: be over 16 (and have parental consent if younger than 18); have a place on a course offered by a licensed student sponsor; have enough money to fund the course and living expenses; be able to understand English (speaking, reading, and writing).



You can apply for a UK student visa 6 months before the date your course is due to start, and you should be informed of your visa status within 3 weeks. The length of your visa will be based on the type of course you have chosen; this is up to 5 years for degree level, or usually up to 2 years for courses below degree level.

To travel in Europe while studying in the UK, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa, depending on your nationality.  To apply for a Schengen vias for international students in the UK you must have at least 3 months remaining on your student visa.

Costs for International Students studying in the UK

International students looking to study in the UK can expect a wide range of fees from universities depending on their chosen field of study. UK university costs for international students typically cost between £11,000 - £40,000 per year for undergraduate courses, or between £9,000 - £30,000 per year for postgraduate courses. Prices vary, with courses in the arts and humanities typically being cheaper than those in the sciences, for example.

Undergraduate degrees in the UK usually last 3 years (4 years in Scotland), with postgraduate degrees being completed over 1 or 2 years.

Full or partial funding options are available for international students in the UK, and scholarships are often available for a select number of students. Some funding options may also cover the cost of accommodation, so it’s crucial to find the right support. Our experts can help you navigate these options and help find the one that works best for you.