How to Study Abroad in the UK

Sit in a classroom at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Get into nature in the Scottish highlands or rugged Welsh coast. Go for walks between classes on city streets in London or Belfast. The United Kingdom consistently ranks as one of the top study abroad destinations, and you’ll have so many possibilities once you know how to study abroad in the UK.

Great for first-time travelers and seasoned globetrotters alike, the UK means English-speaking students can get abroad without worrying about a language barrier. You’ll find courses for all sorts of majors that keep you on track for your degree, too. From big cities abuzz with modern life and rich history, to scenery and architecture right out of a storybook, the United Kingdom has something to draw in just about any student settling on a study abroad destination.

We know you’re eager to choose from all those universities and programs across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. But once you get past the dreaming stage, planning your study abroad adventure comes with asking yourself plenty of questions:

How much does it cost to study abroad in the UK? Do I need a visa to study in the UK? Wait, what’s the first thing I should do to get there? Let’s get those questions answered and get you ready to study abroad in the UK.

Do I need a visa to study in the UK?

Whether or not you need a visa to study in the UK depends on a few factors.

UK student visa requirements depend on how long you plan to study in the UK and where you’re from. You’ll take one of these routes:

• Visitor route: If you’re studying in the UK for under six months, you might not need a visa at all (though you will still have to meet Standard Visitor eligibility requirements). Citizens of some countries will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. You may also want to apply for this visa even if it’s not required for your nationality if you have previously been refused entry to the UK or you have a criminal record.
• Student route: If you’re planning to study in the UK for longer than six months on a further or higher education course, you’ll most likely need to apply for a Student visa.
• Short-term study visa for studying English: If you’re going to the UK for an English language course that runs for between six and 11 months, you’ll apply for a Short-term study visa instead of a regular Student visa.

Don’t let figuring out student visa requirements in the UK stop you following your study abroad dreams. The UK government website makes it easy to check if you need a UK visa—just put in your nationality, why you’re going to the UK (AKA to study!), and how long you’re planning to study in the UK to find out if you’ll need a visa and the type of visa you’ll need.

5 other requirements to study abroad in the UK

Make sure you meet all requirements before booking a program to study in the UK!

Besides understanding UK student visa requirements, you’ll want to keep a few other requirements to study in the UK in mind:

• GPA: Most study abroad programs have a minimum GPA, though the exact requirement will vary depending on the program you choose. Whether you’re doing an exchange program at a university in the UK through your home university or studying abroad for a semester via a third-party provider, verify you meet that program’s specific GPA requirement. Programs for students with low GPAs do exist in the UK, so do your research no matter your GPA to find the best fit.
• Class standing and/or prerequisites: Programs may require you to have completed a certain number of credits or to be in a certain year. Classes within those programs, especially upper-level classes, may also have prerequisites. You might need to show you’ve completed the equivalent prerequisites at your home school.
• Approval or nomination from your home school: If your university has an exchange agreement with a university in London, you may first need to apply at your home school so they can nominate you to the exchange program. Even if you’re studying through a third-party provider, your home school may have their own requirements for students going abroad. No matter the way you’re studying abroad, make sure you check all the boxes and have your home school’s approval before you finalize your plans—some programs even require you to submit documentation showing your school’s approval.
• Language: Good news, English-speakers. You’re already eligible to take classes in the UK, without grappling with a language barrier (even if you don’t know what a boot is!). While you may have to prove you have a certain level of English if you attend a university where the language of instruction isn’t English, most students at US universities automatically meet any language requirements to study in the UK.
• Additional documents: Some programs may ask you to submit supporting documents, like letters of recommendation from professors or essays detailing why you want to study abroad in the UK, when you apply.

How to study abroad in the UK

Here’s how to study abroad in the UK and go from daydreaming about what studying in another place is like to opening up your books in your first class:

1. Decide where and when you’ll go abroad

Scotland? Wales? England? Ireland? Or all of the above?

Choosing where you’ll study abroad will set the stage for your entire study abroad experience. Whether you’re soaking in the history of cities like London or Edinburgh, hitting the books at a prestigious institution like Oxford or Cambridge, or creating your own fairytale by exploring the nature around you, the UK has so much to offer international students.

You have some big decisions to make! Good thing the UK has you covered with a range of program options.

When thinking about when to study abroad, consider the availability of courses you need to take both abroad and at your home university and your personal preferences. You can study abroad in fall or spring or even for an entire year in the UK, so this decision is all about what you want to get out of your time across the pond.

Can’t get abroad for a full semester? It’s totally worth it to study abroad in the UK for a summer (or winter!) between regular academic semesters.

2. Talk to your university

Make sure you’re setting yourself up for success abroad—and staying on track for graduation back home—by talking to folks at your home school about your plans.

Speak with your academic advisor and financial aid advisor during the planning process so you can build in their advice and requirements as you pick a program. Ask your study abroad advisor about programs your university has approved, including any exchange programs with institutions in the UK.

Figuring out these details ahead of time will help you stay on top of credit transfers and other requirements so you don’t find yourself scrambling later on.

3. Select a program and confirm you meet requirements

Now that you have the details of what your home university expects, it’s time to pick a program!

Maybe you picture yourself diving into a stack of books as you study literature with castles as your backdrop. Maybe you’re looking to jumpstart your career by doing an internship while you study abroad in a world city like London.

Whatever your dream, make sure you meet the requirements to study in the UK at the university or program you choose.

4. Apply for programs and scholarships

Don’t miss out on funding opportunities to go abroad!

Gather documents like your transcript, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation, then plan ahead so you meet the application deadline for the programs you’re interested in attending. And don’t forget to apply for scholarships while you’re at it!

Scholarships for study abroad in the UK are out there. Sure, the UK has a pricey reputation, but the funding you get will make experiencing it a whole lot more affordable.

READ: The Complete Guide to Study Abroad Scholarships

5. Create your budget and figure out financial aid

Think about what you’ll pay in tuition and program fees as well as one-time costs (like your flight) and day-to-day living expenses as you create your budget for your time in the UK. It is possible to get financial aid for study abroad, but you need to do your research ahead of time. You may also be able to work while studying abroad in the UK if you have Student immigration permission.

6. Decide what classes you’ll take

From history to STEM fields to theatre and beyond, you’ll find a wide range of subjects to study in the UK. Select the classes you want to take, and choose some backups in case you can’t get into your first choices. Get your courses approved at your home university (and do any other paperwork your school requires before jetting off) to ensure your credits will transfer.

Pro-tip: Look out for the word “module” when browsing for potential classes. UK universities typically use “course” to mean a whole set of topics covered in a degree, while “module” refers to what universities in the United States call a course.

7. Apply for a visa (if necessary)

Your program coordinator or advisor should be able to guide you through this process.

Again, student visa requirements in the UK vary depending on where you’re from and how long you plan to study abroad. (TL;DR: Students from many countries, including the United States, can enter the UK as a Visitor if they’re studying abroad for under six months. Students studying abroad for longer than six months will most likely need a Student visa.)

Make sure you start the process well in advance if you do need a visa so you don’t hold up your study abroad dreams waiting for this essential document.

8. Confirm your housing

Consider the experience you want abroad when deciding where you’ll live. You have options when choosing international student housing—but it’s important to stay on top of this step as student housing can be hard to come by in many UK cities. When comparing study abroad programs, check if each program includes housing or offers support with arranging where you’ll stay.

9. Book your flight—and have the time of your life!

You’ve got your classes picked and your wellies packed. Time to book your flight to the UK and the start of your study abroad adventure! You’re well on your way to building skills like adaptability, empathy, and independence in one of the best destinations for study abroad.

Talk to our Online Advisor and get matched with 5 study abroad programs

How much does it cost to study abroad in the UK?

Don’t get stuck on sticker price—financial aid, scholarships, and fundraising are all options for covering costs.

Starting to count up those pence and pounds to pay for study abroad? The cost of studying in the UK varies depending on where you’re studying, but there are some general factors to consider when figuring out how much it will cost to study abroad in this academically enriching environment:

• Tuition/program fees: International undergraduate tuition fees at UK institutions range from around £11,400 to £38,000 per year, with the average cost around £22,200. How you’ll pay tuition and program fees depends on the program you choose. For instance, if you’re participating in an exchange program through your university back home, you may pay your regular tuition but then cover additional costs separately. If you’re studying abroad through a third-party provider, you may pay one bigger program fee that covers things like tuition, housing, insurance, and more in one lump sum.
• Day-to-day expenses: Plan to spend about £1300 to £1400 per month if you’re living in London, or about £900 to £1300 if you’re studying somewhere else in the UK, for housing, groceries, and other bills and living expenses. Again, depending on the structure of your program fee, you may pay for some of that up-front.
• Flight: You’ll find a wide range of flight prices depending on when you book and where you’re flying from, so do your research and make sure to build flight prices into your budget.
• Visa and health surcharge: If your study abroad plan keeps you in the UK for more than six months, you’ll have to pay the application fee for the Student visa. Right now, it costs £363 to apply from outside the UK. You’ll additionally pay your health surcharge, which gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service, as part of your visa application.
• Passport: Don’t already have a passport? Now’s the time to apply. You’ll need a passport to get your visa and enter the UK.

All in all, you can expect a semester program to cost up to around $25,000 to $30,000 total. That’s a comprehensive estimate that covers tuition, housing, flights, books and supplies, personal expenses, and more, based on living in London (one of the more expensive destinations in the UK).

As you’re saving up, keep in mind that where you study abroad in the UK will impact your budget. The cost of living in big cities (like London) is typically higher compared to rural areas in the UK. And don’t forget to apply for scholarships, no matter where your study abroad journey takes you—you might surprise yourself by how much you ultimately lower the cost of studying abroad.

3 study abroad programs in the UK to consider

Go abroad with the best of the best!

Looking to directly enroll at a world-renowned university? Seeking a study abroad experience you can truly customize? There’s something for everyone in the UK. Here are three of our top picks:

1. CIEE Open Campus Block in London, England

• Why? CIEE’s Open Campus programs let you choose academic tracks (including Art and Architecture, International Relations, STEM, and more) and piece together one, two, or three six-week blocks per term in up to three destinations. Study for a full semester within walking distance of Theatreland and Buckingham Palace, or combine your experience in London with cities like Cape Town, Dublin, Shanghai, or Sydney (to name only a few of your options!).
• Where? London
• Read CIEE reviews

2. Summer in London - University of Westminster

• Why? Whether you’re looking to get ahead and fulfill graduation requirements or you can’t find time to study abroad during a full academic semester, you can’t beat London for a summer study abroad destination. This program places you at a historic campus in the heart of the city, where you’ll take classes in subjects like international business, media, arts, and design alongside international students from all over the world.
• Where? London
• Read CIS Abroad reviews

3. IES Abroad - Study Abroad in England

• Why? We get it. You’ve been imagining studying abroad in an iconic destination like Cambridge, Oxford, or London since you were a little kid. With IES Abroad, you can find a study abroad experience that brings the libraries and city streets of your dreams to life as you learn alongside other international students and explore England through cultural activities and field trips.
• Where? Cambridge, London, or Oxford
• Read IES Abroad reviews

Compare these programs side-by-side with a free MyGoAbroad account

Studying abroad in the UK will be a once in a lifetime experience!

No matter if you choose a big city like London or go for nature and culture in a laid-back UK destination, your time abroad will help you figure out your future while you learn and grow in the present. Discover all the benefits of studying abroad and let the United Kingdom change your life.