Bachelor’s degree in the UK for international students 2024-2025

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

The United Kingdom is a popular destination for students seeking higher education due to its strong economy, high standards of living, and prestigious universities. It is the second most popular destination for international students pursuing a bachelor’s degree after the United States. The UK is a global leader in fields like engineering, science, art and design, business and management, law, and finance. Many of the world’s top researchers, professors, and thinkers are drawn to the country because of its reputation and history as a hub for scientific research. Despite having only 1% of the world’s population, the UK produces 8% of all scientific publications. The UK education system is known for producing degrees that can have a major impact on a student’s career prospects. Each year, more than 600,000 international students come to the UK to study a variety of programs, from English language classes to PhDs. The UK education system allows students to mix and match classes and subjects from different areas of study, which means that students can personalize their degrees to match their interests and goals. This blog will provide information for international students on how to study in the UK, including what they need to consider, what requirements they must meet, which universities and courses are available, and how to navigate the student visa process.

Why study Bachelor’s Degree in the UK?

1-Top institutions: 90 UK institutions are listed in the QS. World University Rankings, four of which are among the top 10: the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London.

2-Funding opportunities: It is worth noting that you may be eligible for merit- and need-based scholarships offered by institutions that can partially cover the cost of your tuition. Furthermore, in the UK, part-time employment is allowed for students, allowing them to work up to 20 hours per week. This can significantly improve their quality of life.

3-Multicultural atmosphere: It is estimated that there are over 5 million foreign students from more than 100 countries pursuing their education in the UK. Networking opportunities and a development mindset when faced with different traditions and cultures are key aspects of student life in the UK, which can be advantageous for your future career.

4-Brilliant job opportunities: Upon graduation, you can expect to find employment opportunities in the UK due to its high employment rate of over 75% and a rapidly expanding economy. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the UK provides you with practical training and essential skills, which prepare you to handle real-world situations with ease.

5-Staying after graduation: International students can apply for a new Graduate visa. This visa permits them to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies. It applies to all bachelor’s and master’s degrees, regardless of the field of study.

Important parameters before studying Bachelor’s degree in the UK?

Once you decide to study bachelor’s in the UK, the question that emerges is how you should discover a suitable bachelor’s degree in the UK. Well, it’s a significant choice that must be taken after great thought. Keep the following in mind when looking for a bachelor’s in the UK:

1-Geniune interests and skills: The first degree awarded in the UK is a bachelor’s, which is unquestionably the first step in your academic career. When narrowing down Bachelor’s degrees, keep in mind your interests, skills, and final academic or professional goals.

2-Future purposes: Always consider your eventual aim and the industry or academic environment in which you want to work. Whatever you are enthusiastic about, you will always be successful. Whatever you are enthusiastic about, you will always be successful. If you intend to apply for a master’s degree in the UK, seek institutions that provide that opportunity. However, search for institutions with higher employment prospects or placement rates if you want to explore job opportunities after graduation.

3-Admission requirements: There are different admission requirements for prestigious universities. Therefore, reviewing the admission requirements for your preferred program is crucial before deciding to apply.

4-University location: There are many large urban and suburban areas in the UK to select from, even if you already know you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree there. A university may be found in a student’s preferred location, such as London, or it may be tucked away in a peaceful suburban community.

Type of the Bachelor’s Degree in the UK

Once you have considered all the important factors for pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in UK universities, it is essential to understand how the undergraduate degree courses in the UK are designed. These degrees are structured in a way that allows you to gain a thorough understanding of a particular topic or area of study. The average duration of a Bachelor’s degree in the UK is approximately three years, although there may be exceptions where it could take four years. Additionally, some colleges and universities offer part-time Bachelor’s degrees.

In the UK, various Bachelor’s degree programs are available so that you can continue your education there. Some of these well-known courses are listed below:

1- Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.): Engineering applicants choose the BE degree, which is equivalent to the B.Tech. You will receive practical training and experience that will help you acquire jobs. Among the many options available, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and chemical engineering are prominent possibilities.

Course duration	Prestigious universities	Courses
3-4 years	Imperial College London. University of Cambridge. University of Oxford. University of Manchester. University of Nottingham. University College London. Brunel University.	Typical engineering courses such as Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering etc.

2. Bachelor of Science (B.SC.): Biology, physics, chemistry, and other relevant subjects were previously covered in Bachelor of Science programs. BSc programs are now available in a variety of fields in the UK, including environmental studies, accounting and finance, computer science, banking, management, economics, and product design.

Course duration	Prestigious universities	Courses
3-4 years	University of Cambridge University of Oxford University College London Imperial College London University of Edinburgh University of Manchester King’s College London	Environmental Studies, Accounting and Finance, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc.

3-Bachelor of Arts (BA): One of the most liked Bachelor’s degrees in the UK is the Bachelor of arts, which offers a variety of specializations in the social sciences, business, liberal arts, fine arts, etc

Course duration	Prestigious universities	Courses
3-4 years	University of Oxford  University of Cambridge  University College London University of Edinburgh  King’s College London	Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Education, Literature, Journalism, Computer Science, Business Management etc.

4-Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): The AA BBA program is similar to a foundational course for admission to an MBA school. This curriculum is chosen by business-minded students who want to apply for an MBA in the UK.

Course duration	Prestigious universities	Courses
3-4 years	University of Essex Loughborough University University of Strathclyde Heriot-Watt University Coventry University	Finance, Marketing, HR, Entrepreneurship, Global Management

Admission requirements for international students in the UK

The standards for entrance and eligibility for Bachelor’s degrees in the UK are quite straightforward. Depending on the curriculum and university chosen, the prerequisites could change. Here are the typical admission criteria for a UK bachelor’s degree:

1-Required documents: The following general material is needed to apply for admission to Bachelor’s programs in the UK:

• Official transcripts from high school
• Certificate of graduation from school Evidence of English language proficiency
• SAT/ACT results (optional)
• Statement of purpose
• Recommendation letter
• Passport photocopy
• Recent pictures
• A statement of funds

2-Eligibility condition: You must prove some of the academic or language minimum requirements to be eligible for applying for a Bachelor’s degree in the UK.

-You must obtain a minimum score of 70 to 80 % on the regular XII test in a relevant subject from a prestigious institution.

-If English is not your first language, you must submit your English language competency exam results to be admitted as an international student. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is required, with no band lower than 5.5.

-Depending on your program, you could also be required to submit the results of standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, a typical ACT score of 26–29, or SAT score between 1290–1380.

-To study in the UK for a period longer than six months, you must additionally apply for a Tier 4 student visa.

The application process for a Bachelor’s degree in the UK

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) simplifies the admissions process by allowing students to submit applications to multiple UK universities and colleges at once. The application fee is £22 for a single institution and £26.50 for several institutions. Please refer to the table below for the application deadlines to apply through UCAS.

Program type	Application deadline
All courses, excluding those offered by the universities of Cambridge and Oxford and dentistry.	January 26
For applying to courses in medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford	October 15

Let’s take a closer look at the procedures to be followed to apply for admission to undergraduate programs in the UK:

• Firstly, look up universities in the UK for your preferred undergraduate degrees. Make a note or Excel sheet of the program’s eligibility requirements and admission standards. Check out the deadlines and possible intakes for international students. Next, use UCAS or the university’s online application portal to apply.
• Make arrangements for the submission of required documents, and carefully examine each one to see if any need further evaluation or translation process.
• If you require financial assistance, you would need to find the available opportunities and submit an application separately for that.
• Keep track of your finances and maintain all financial records updated.
• Monitor the progress of your application while you wait to be admitted.
• Monitor the progress of your application while you wait to be admitted.
• If a position is offered, accept it and start applying for a student visa.

Tuition & fees of Bachelor’s Degrees

It is important to note that the cost of living and attending universities in the UK can vary widely, depending on factors such as the university’s ranking, location, program level, and type. The cost of a bachelor’s degree in the UK includes tuition fees, living expenses, and personal costs. For international students, the cost of an undergraduate degree in the UK ranges from £10,000 to £38,000.

“To cover your living expenses in the UK, you will need to have at least £1,100 in your monthly bank account. However, if you plan to live in London, these expenses can increase up to £1,300. These numbers are based on the criteria mentioned for obtaining a UK student visa and may vary depending on your location, housing type, and lifestyle. On average, you can expect to spend between £1,400 to £1,800 each month considering various factors like location, housing type, and lifestyle.”

UK student visa for Bachelor’s students in the UK

If you are an international student seeking admission to a bachelor’s program in the UK, you must apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. The cost of applying for a student visa to the UK is £348. You can submit your application up to six months before the program’s start date. To apply, you need to send an application to the UK visa application center in your own country.

Check the list of documents needed to apply for a student visa to study in the UK :

• A copy of your travel documents and passport
• Proof of having enough money to pay for your program and living expenses in the UK.
• If you are under 18, you must have your parent’s or guardian’s permission.
• Acceptance letter from the UK university
• Healthcare surcharge receipt
• Results of your TB test if you are from one of the countries on the list in this link. Note that you must apply for a biometric

Frequently Asked Questions: Studying Bachelor’s degree in the UK