How to Study In London |25 Best Schools in London For International students 2023

INTRODUCTION

Do you want to know How to Study In London?? This article is a complete student guide for international students. it is a long read, so I suggest you relax and take a glass of water as I take you on this expository journey.

Studying in a popular destination known for high academic excellence is the dream of students.

Every student wants to be an alumnus of a school and destination they will be proud of. London is a destination that meets the above criteria and dreams of students.

London is the second most popular destination aside the USA for studying abroad.

Generally, in 2017-2018, approximately 20% of the students in the tertiary institutions were International students.

Are you a student seeking an ideal destination for studying abroad or you applied to study in London, this highly informing article is for you? We have compiled the information of great value here for you as regards studying in London.

WHY STUDY IN LONDON?

London is known for its rich education prowess in diverse fields. British scientists and institutions have won almost a hundred Nobel Prizes.

Students that take up careers in arts, fashion, communication are considered the best around the globe.

Institutions like Oxford and Cambridge ring a bell of astronomical achievements for so many years now.

These institutions have maintained their great standard over the years and also climaxed to meet up with the evolving world of academics.

The British Library has more than one hundred and fifty million books with three million added every year.

Studying in London affords you the privilege of studying for a shorter time. This enables you achieve a lot in the academic world within a shorter time compared to other destinations.

This is also an advantage to someone feeling he or she is running out of age. In a relatively shorter while, such a person can catch up with the dreams.

Bachelor’s degree for most institutions is three years, Masters, one year or more but hardly up to two years as obtainable in several other destinations.

Post-Study Work (PSW) visa allows you to stay back after graduation for up to two years seeking employment. If you land yourself a good job then you get the visa that allows you to stay back.

This is a genuine way of getting to stay in London for many who dream of settlling in London.

MORESO,

You have several good courses to choose from. There are upto thirty-thousand courses. London institutions have numerous courses that you have the chance to pick the one of your dreams and the one that suits you best.

You have the opportunity of merging courses. You can choose more than one course and merge them. The school system allows this and it is helpful as it enables you to achieve more at a time.

Increased employment prospect. You have a wide range of countries to work in if you do not want to settle in London.

A degree obtained in London is respected and many employers believe you would suit in best as their employee. You may choose to settle in London after your studies. Whichever is your choice, you are at an advantage.

The institutions treats you nicely. Many institutions help you to settle in well. Some will help you get to the airport, accommodation and some gurantee accommodation for first year.

Several institutions have international students’ societies that help international students adapt to their new environment and connect with others.

London ranks high among the destinations that most students want to study in. As a result you will get to meet students from diverse cultures and countries of the world. You learn about many cultures and make friends with other internaional students.

FURTHER MORE

You can work while studying. On the average the tuition fee and cost of living in London is high compared to surrounding other UK cities.

There is a way out which is to work while you study. However, you will need to plan your time effectively so no aspect suffers in the end. You can also save for life after school.

There are several scholarships and grants from the UK government to the internaional students. The students who meet the requirements, are awarded these scholarships. This eases the financial stress on the students and those who sponsor them.

Greater than 20,000 internaional students get financial aid from the UK government.

London offers you an eventful time while you study. London has cinimas and theatres for your pure pleasure. There are special restaurants that offers you delicacies that leaves you longing for more.

There is a great number of museums. You will have a great relaxation period to calm your nerves from the load of school work.

HOW TO APPLY TO STUDY IN LONDON

The Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) is of immense relevance in your pursuit to getting a UK-based institution. Here are the steps for getting into a university in London:

• Ensure you meet all requirements: Do not miss the deadline. Check out for dates for application. Failure in meeting up with the deadline might lead to extra year of waiting. Get your Passport, an English language proficiency qualification certificate, proof of funding for the duration you will be studying, Tuberculosis (TB) Test result (for certain countries). Intending students, are to show a funding proof of 1,020 Euros (1,430 USD) per month for living expenses. This is aside school fees, the students also show a proof for school fees payment.
• Find the course of your choice and select your universities of choice. You are expected to choose four Universities of your choice. Choose a course and search on UCAS and make a note of its unique code.

FURTHER MORE

• Write your personal statement. Excellent personal statements give you a huge advantage over several others with the same grade and or background as you. You have 47 lines that are 4000 characters (not words) to convince your potential school that you are qualified to be their student. Include your reason for choosing the institution, course, and what the university stands to benefit from you.
• Apply through UCAS. Visit the website and submit details of your personal information, UCAS codes, personal statement. The same application goes to all schools you are applying for. For a course and a university, UCAS charges 13 Euros while more than one course or university costs 24 Euros. If any of the schools accept you, you will get a confirmation of Acceptance of Studies- CAS which is a virtual document from the University. The CAS is needed for your student’s visa. It has information concerning your program, tuition fees, start date, and your official confirmation of a place at the university.
• Pay for Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You will pay a sum of 150 Euros to IHS which is for one year. This can be paid online.
• Apply for Visa: You need Tier 4 (General) student visa. Your application for Visa should not be above six months from when you received your CAS form neither should it be less than three months from when your course will begin. Tier 4 visa costs about 310 Euros.

That Not withstanding

• Visa Interview. This will be based on your University of choice and course and financial situation. Ensure you have all your documents available. Talk confidently. The interview can be physical or online. The essential documents you may need are CAS form, current passport, financial proof, two passport photographs, original birth certificate, proof of payment for Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Start planning your journey. Check for accommodation with the school or private accommodations. You will be given a temporary visa that allows you to go thirty days ahead if your program is more than six months or one week if it is less than six months. You will use this period to settle in and get ready for studies.
• Start your studies.

READ ALSO: How to Study in Berlin |A Complete Student Guide 2021

TUITION FEE IN LONDON

The tuition fees for international students differ from one University to the other. You can check the site of your dream school to know the exact school fees for the course you want to study.

Undergraduate fees ranges from 10,000 Euros upwards for lecture based courses and 38,000 Euros upward for medical degrees.

Postgraduate studies costs 11,000-32,000 Euros or even more. Laboratory based programmes have annual fees of 12,000-27,200 Euros. The fees are subject to changes.

COST OF LIVING IN LONDON

London is the capital city and the cost of living in the city is higher compared to other UK cities like Liverpool and Birmingham.

Working part-time, applying for scholarships, cutting expenses and effective planning eases financial stress.

Accommodation: Students have options as regards accommodation. You can choose to live in the school dormitory/university residence or private flats or house sharing.

Residence in the university has its advantage which is closer proximity to school and this saves the cost of transportation for you.

It also saves time for you. School residence fee also includes other costs – food and utility bills and this saves you from grocery shopping, cooking, electricity bill, water bills.

Private accommodation offers you more comfort and privacy. You may share accommodation with other students. This allows you to help each other and to make friends with others. You buy your meals or make them and you pay other bills that goes with private accommodation. You also pay council tax which is for waste management and maintenance.

MORE SO

University residence costs about 727 Euros, private housing costs 848 Euros. The utility bill costs 45 Euros.

Transportation: Transportation is expensive. There are buses and trains. Cycling and walking will offer you the privilege of exercising and also reduce cost of transportation for you. Use travel cards when traveling across cities. Hiring cabs is usually expensive. Average cost of transport is 56 Euro per month.

Cost of food: If you opt for private accommodation, you will pay for meals or make your meals. Using store cards will help you shop in peace. Enquire around and get suggestions.

Make a grocery list, create a meal plan and buy items from appropriate places. Making your food yourself costs less. Leave out expensive items and imports.

Bread (1 pack) costs 0.71 Euros, milk (1.13 L) costs 0.81 Euros, Eggs (6) costs 1.51 Euros, water (1.5 L) costs 0.81 Euros. These costs are prone to change.

Entertainment/social connectivity: Balance remains key. While studying, it will be good to have time for relaxation and get energized again.

• Movie tickets- 10.12 Euros
• Concert/theatre – 50.57 Euros
• Restaurant ( table for 2) – 40.46 Euros.
• Per month, you will likely spend:
• Prepared SIM package – 10.12 Euros
• TV License – 156.25 Euros
• TV + WiFi package – 50.54 Euros
• Call costs – 0.15 – 0.46
• Netflix – 8.10 Euros
• Other Expenses
• Clothes – 30.34 Euros
• Household items – 30.34 Euros
• Toiletries – 20.23 Euros
• Stationery – 20.23 Euros
• Insurance – 50.57 Euros

Internaional students will spend more than 12,180 Euros or more in London per year. The costs presented here are prone to changes.

LIST OF UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY IN LONDON.

If you are interested in studying abroad in london, these list of schools should be on your mind.

1. Oxford University

This is the oldest university in London.    One-third of her students are international students, and sixty-three percent of post-graduate students are non UK citizens. The institution is known for profound research. The environment is peaceful for students to study in.

2. Kingston University

It is situated in Kingston-upon-Thames. Postgraduate scholarship opportunities are available.

Kingston is a blissful town on the River Thames and a choice destination to study in.

3. University of Manchester

This great institution houses more than eight thousand students from diverse countries.

There is a privilege of airport pickup for students and host information sessions in countries around the world, including Brunei, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Accommodation is guaranteed for all fee-paying international students.

Manchester is a fun filled place in northwest England. It has made name in the football world, music and architecture.

4. University College London

It is also known as ‘London’s Global University.’ UCL is located smack-dab in London’s Bloomsbury. It is situated near the British Museum.

5. University of Southampton

In a survey carried out few years ago, Southampton ranked 7th in the UK for students’ satisfaction. About 5,000 students in the institution are international students. There is a career guide for the students for some years after graduation.

6. Bristol University.

This is the first UK University to admit women on an equal basis with men.

It also prides itself as the first University in the UK to establish drama department. Bristol is located in Southwest England.

7. University of Buckingham.

This remains the only private university with a Royal Charter. There are more than ninety different countries represented in the school. Five schools of teaching: Law, Humanities, Arts & Languages, Business, and Science & Medicine.

8. University of Nottingham

The university largely welcomes internaional students. Nottingham is situated in the midlands, among rolling green field. The environment is suiting for academics.

9. Coventry University, London.

The tuition fee for undergraduate international students is  £12,924. Therefore, this is cheap compared to some other universities in London. The main campus is located in Coventry, England. The London campus is more befitting for international students. In fact, the campus was founded in 2010 with the purpose of fostering and catering to a higher population of international students.

10. Ulster University

The main campus is in Ireland, and a branch is in Holborn precisely.

The region has several beautiful churches and museums, including Charles Dickens Museum. The student community plays a huge role in connecting her students and providing them with diverse opportunities.

11. University of West London

The approximate tuition fee for international undergraduate students is £12,500. There are privileges of a flight simulator, hospital simulators, and a mock courtroom. Hence, greater than half of the graduates get employed few months after graduation. There is residential accommodation for her students and it is well furnished for comfortability.

12. Middlesex University

International Undergraduate Tuition = Varies by Program, approximately £13,000

The campus is located in north London.  Art, museums, theatre, food, are only a short walk or bus away for students in the institution. There are lots of clubs and societies students can join. There are eventful programmes like game night organized by the campus.

13. University of Sunderland.

The standard courses and topics ranges from business, management, health and social care. The school is close to the British Library and this is of immense advantage to the students. There are closeby parks where students can relax- Hyde Park and Regents Park. The tuition fees for undergraduate internaional students is about 12,500 – 13,500 Euros. This is ideal for students seeking cheap schools in London.

14. University College of London

Hence, Studying an education course is cheaper than medicine. The tuition fees for international students (undergraduate) ranges approximately 18,430 – 34,660 Euros. The institution is located in the district of Bloomsburg. There are local museums closeby like Pollock’s Toy Museum and The Founding Museum.

15. Ravensbourn University

This is a design institution. The courses ranges from music production, animation to fashion. It is ideal for students who wants to venture into the above carreers. It is relatively cheap to study in the institution. The tuition fees for undergraduates from other countries is about 14,500 Euros. It is located in Greenwich Peninsula.

16. University of East London.

Established in the year 1892. It is a public university in London. A great institution to study in for excellence.

17. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

This institution does not exclude those without a medical degree. It is open to all those working in the field of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

The official website is www.rcog.org.uk

18. City Literary Institution.

The institution was founded in 1919. It is a college for adult education. It is located in central London.

School website: www.city.ac.uk/

19. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

The institution was founded in 2005. It has produced celebrities such as Fela Kuti. Two institutions were merged- Trinity College of Music and Laban Dance Centre to give birth to the school.

The school website is www.trinitylaban.ac.uk

20. London School of Business and Finance.

The institution is for profit private business school in London. It was established in 2003. It is a choice school if you want to study courses related to business and or finance.

The school website is www.isbf.org.uk

21. City of Westminster College.

It is located in Westminster in central London. They have great and modern facilities for training the students.

The website is www.cwc.ac.uk

22. Central Saint Martin.

It was established in 1854. World wide, it topped as the best fashion school. It is a public institution and is relatively affordable.

24. London College of Fashion.

The courses offered include business training in diverse areas like fashion, make-up, lifestyle and therapies that has to do with beauty. It was founded in 1906.

25. University of Roehampton.

It is a public institution that was established in 1975. It is cost effective studying in this school if you are considering finance as a challenge to studying in London.

SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY IN LONDON

It is evident that studying in London takes a toll on students’ and parents’ finance. There is a way out to your achieving your dreams of studying in London. You can apply for scholarships in London. Here is a list of scholarships you can apply for studying in London.

CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP

It is usually for a year masters degree. It is only for countries that are among chevening eligible countries. Check online if your country is eligible. Most times, it covers: Tuition fees, living allowance, economy class return airfare to the UK and grant for important expenses.

Commonwealth Masters School

This scholarship is for students from developing countries that belongs to Commonwealth countries seeking to pursue a Masters Programme. This Scholarship usually is paid by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). It extends to tuition fees, examinations fee, personal expenses allowance. Thesis grant is available if it is part of your programme. There is initial allowance on arrival and airfare to and fro UK.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship:

This is awarded to students outside the UK with excellent performance to pursue a post-graduate degree at the University of Cambridge. It covers the full cost of studying and some other expenses.

Brunel University – Local Boroughs Scholarship

The value is £6,000 a year. It is for  students who attended a maintained school or college in one of six London Boroughs, achieve 360 UCAS points and meet one of the “under-represented criteria”.

LSE – Betty MacQuitty Scholarship.

The value is £15,000 a year. It is for female undergraduate students to start at LSE but must be above 21 years.

Imperial College – Imperial Bursary

This is for any UK undergraduate with  a household income not not more than £60,000. The amount could be up to £6,000 a year.

Staying back in London after Studies.

Now, you know How to Study In London, your question now is staying back option after your study in London. There is good news for you if you intend to stay back in London after graduation.  The UK Post-Study Work (PSW) visa allows international students to stay back for two years while seeking employment. This takes effect with students who started school in the UK in autumn (September 2020). The graduate is expected to land work that will enable him or she gets the general work visa within this given duration.

The requirement is the same as the original student visa rules except in cases where there is personal changes. Moreso, This privilege is open to Bachelors, Masters and PhD graduates that studied in UK, London inclusive. The general visa requires that you will be paid at least 30,000 Euros per year.

This is open to all UK universities so long as the university is recognized as a “trusted institution- licensed sponsor.”

PSW applies to all disciplines. The exception is for those studying short courses- an English Language Training course, A-Levels or the likes.

Getting work experience, internship, entrepreneurial skills, language skills and more gives you an edge in landing a job.

CONCLUSION

Studying in London affords you excellent and world standard education. The ice on the cake is the peaceful and adventurous life you will experience in London as an international student. The cost of studying in London is high but we have provided you with tangible information on how you can navigate your way to achieving your lofty dreams. Start today to plan your studying in London. Best of luck.

REFERENCES

• www.study.eu – Guide: the UK Post-Study Study Work Visa for graduates.
• www.student.com – How to Work in the UK after Studying.
• www.scholars4dev.com – Top 15 + UK Schools for International Students.
• www.idp.com – Living Costs in the UK for International Students.
• www.studyin-uk.ng – The Cost of Studying in the UK as a Nigerian Student.
• www.studyinternational.com – Step by step: How to get into a UK University as n International Students.
• www.topuniversities.com – How much does it cost to study in the UK?
• www.studying-in-uk.org
• www.thescholarshiphub.org.uk – Scholarship to Study in London Universities.
• www.worldscholarshipforum.com – 30 Most Affordable Universities in London.
• www.edarabia.com – List of 85 Best Universities in London (2020 fees).
• www.gooverseas.com – The 8 Best Universities in England for International Students.
• www.uscollegeinternational.com – 7 Cheapest Universities in London for International Students.
• www.studyaboad.com – 10 Cheapest Universities in London for International Studies; UK Universities Entry Requirements.
• www.kaplanpathways.com – Top 9 Reasons Why You Should Study in the UK.
• www.soas.ac.uk – 10 Reasons Why London is the Best City for International Students.
• www.britishuni.com – Student Destination Guide 2020. Study in London.