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IELTS guide to studying in the UK
The UK is home to many top-ranked universities, attracting hundreds of thousands of overseas students every year. Discover more about this top destination if you plan to take IELTS for UK study.
Why study in the UK?
The UK is well known for its strengths in science, innovation and creativity. With a global reputation for academic excellence, a degree from a UK university could help you face your future with confidence.
Academically respected
If you choose to study in the UK, you’ll specialise right from the start of your degree. You’ll build valuable teamwork, critical thinking and analytical skills through lectures, seminars, collaborative projects and independent study.
Many lecturers in the UK have vast industry experience, so you’ll learn from academics who are experts in their field. Plus, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and valuable resources.
Vibrant cultural scene
Student life in the UK is full of diverse social experiences. Beyond your studies, you can explore historic cities, visit festivals and food markets, or enjoy the UK’s famous music, arts, and sports scenes.
Most universities have active student unions that host regular events, including quiz nights, film screenings and music nights. Clubs and Societies are also an important part of university life, offering a place where you can meet other students with shared interests.
Educating generations of changemakers
The UK’s higher education system has produced many of the world’s greatest minds, including 100s of Nobel Prize winners, famous inventors and respected heads of state.
With its enviable reputation for academic success and industry collaboration, a degree earned in the UK will certainly help you open the door to exciting opportunities.
Download our brief guide to Studying in the UK
Get your copy of our Guide to Studying in the UK for an in-depth look at life in the UK. Find out more about the country’s universities, learn about daily life on campus, and discover how IELTS can help prepare you for academic life.
Which are the best UK universities, by industry?
You’ll find hundreds of courses for most industry sectors to choose from in the UK. In particular, the UK stands out as a study destination for these specialist areas.
Business and Finance
The London School of Economics is one of the world’s most respected institutions for business and finance. The UK is also home to the Saïd Business School (Oxford), with its student-led business networks. The University of Warwick is another popular destination, thanks to its innovative teaching and strong employer links.
Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences
Imperial College London is a leading university for science, technology, engineering and medicine. Also respected for medical research and innovation is the University of Cambridge, which is closely linked to Cambridge’s global biotech cluster, and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Engineering and Manufacturing
The University of Manchester is well respected in Materials Science and Advanced Manufacturing, with ambitions to become a hub for Industry 4.0. Further North, universities in Scotland have strong links to the energy sector, including the University of Glasgow, which offers cutting-edge programmes in renewables and data science.
Healthcare
The University of Bristol is recognised for excellence in public health and neuroscience, while Cardiff University in Wales is celebrated for its focus on patient-centred care. King’s College London is a pioneer in medicine, partnering with major hospitals to offer hands-on experience and research opportunities for medical students.
Education and Teaching
University College London is home to the respected Institute of Education, which shapes teaching policy and practice worldwide. The University of York is recognised for its Master's programmes in Education, with a focus on social responsibility, preparing students to make a real difference in classrooms around the world.
Creative Arts
The UK is well known for creative excellence, educating some of the world’s best art and design talent at institutions such as the Royal College of Art, Central Saint Martins and the Glasgow College of Art. It is also home to the Bartlett Institute (UCL), widely recognised as one of the most influential architectural schools in the world.
What visa do I need to study in the UK?
If you’re studying with a higher education provider in the UK, you will need to take an IELTS for UKVI test. For more information on student visas, visit the UK government website (opens in a new tab).
IELTS test for UK study: what score do I need?
IELTS scores for UK universities
Undergraduates typically require 6.0-7.0, but courses for careers that are language-intensive – such as healthcare, law or journalism – may ask for 7.0-7.5. You can also expect top-tier universities, such as those in the Russell Group, and postgraduate courses to ask for a higher score of 6.5-7.5.
Component scores matter
Some universities set minimum requirements for component scores, as well as your overall band score. For example, an institution may ask for a 7.0 score overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. Make sure you check the requirements of your chosen institution before you take the test.
How much does it cost to study in the UK?
Tuition fees in the UK vary, and top-ranked universities tend to charge higher fees. With no cap on fees for international students, a degree from a UK university can cost anything from £34,000 to over £150,000.
Undergraduate tuition fees
Fees range from £11,400 to £38,000 per year for most courses. Classroom-based topics like humanities typically start at the lower end of the scale, while laboratory-based subjects cost £20,000 to £30,000 per year. Medical degrees cost from £38,000 to £60,000 per year, depending on the institution.
Postgraduate tuition fees
A one-year Master’s degree typically costs between £9,000 and £30,000. However, you can expect to pay considerably more for an MBA or a specialist medical degree, which can cost over £50,000. PhD programmes usually take a minimum of three years and range from £22,500 to £26,500 per year.
How much does it cost to live in the UK as a student?
As a student in the UK, expect to spend between £900 and £1,300 monthly on living costs, depending on location. To find out more about the cost of living in the UK, check out our essential guide.
Accommodation
’Halls’ and house shares are cheaper. Private rentals cost up to £1,200 p/m
Groceries
Groceries account for £100-£250 monthly, depending on food choices
Travel
Costs vary by city and lifestyle. In London, you’ll pay up to £180 monthly
Are scholarships available to study in the UK?
University-sponsored scholarships
Between £1,000 and £10,000 is typically on offer, per university scholarship, to go towards tuition fees. Scholarships are available across a number of fields, so you will need to do some research to find out what is available for your area of study.
Government-sponsored scholarships
In the UK, the Government runs the prestigious Chevening scholarships for international students. This programme is designed to give potential future leaders the knowledge and skills they need to make a difference in their communities when they return home.
The UK Government also partners with the British Council to offer around 140 GREAT Scholarships annually. These are on offer to students from 18 countries to cover the fees of a one-year postgraduate course.
It is also worth researching scholarship opportunities that may be on offer from the government in your home country.
Intense competition for scholarships
Scholarships in the UK are in high demand, with thousands of applicants for each one. If you want a scholarship, apply for ones that you are eligible for, but make sure that you have a realistic financial plan should you be unsuccessful.
Can I work in the UK while I study?
Working while you study can be a great way to earn money, get some work experience, and meet new people.
Get a part-time job
In the UK, you can work part-time, depending on your course level and visa. Jobs in retail, hospitality and customer service are popular with students
One-year industry placement
Some degrees come with a year in industry as part of the course. Placements offer a chance to gain valuable experience in your field of interest
Find a summer Internship
An internship is a great way to get on-the-job experience, while also earning money. These are more common in the finance, tech and marketing sectors
Join a volunteering programme
Volunteering gives you the chance to get involved with something that matters to you, while also meeting people and learning new skills
Study in the UK with IELTS
Once you’ve decided where you want to study and have done the research on your course, it’s time to book your IELTS test.
Book now with the British Council and get ready to succeed, from preparing for your test to starting your new life abroad. Don’t forget you get free access to our IELTS Ready Premium preparation platform too.
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