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In fact, according to the , seven universities are ranked in the top 50 worldwide, with Imperial College London and the University of Oxford securing positions in the top five. With approximately 400 universities and colleges nationwide, students can select from various study fields.

The English higher education system

Higher education in England follows secondary school (aka high school). After high school, British students take a national examination to be university candidates. The difference between a further education institution and a university is that the latter issues degrees, whereas the former prepares students for a degree.

Types of universities

There are two types of universities in England:

• , which includes ‘red brick' universities,
• And metropolitan universities.

Metropolitan universities are more substantial in practical courses, accept lower grades, and are generally low-ranked. Getting a job in specific industries is possible thanks to hands-on courses, especially when practical knowledge is required.

On the other hand, you need high grades to get into a Russell Group or a red brick university. The required grades depend on the university and the subject of study. The competition is fierce and tight due to the high volume of applications and limited seating availability. Some universities, such as Cambridge and Oxford, select students according to the applicant's school records, submitted essays and interview results.

Qualifications

A university can offer different levels of higher education: Bachelor's degree, Master's degree and Doctorate. Also, some universities award Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip) and Postgraduate Certificates of Education (PGCE), which are professional degrees for teachers.

A Bachelor's degree is usually a three-year study programme, with the exception of sandwich courses, which are four years because they include one year in a workplace. Master's degrees typically last one year, but if they are research-based, they can be two. Doctorates are known to last for three years.

The universities design most syllabi, and the government doesn't have a say in the curriculum. However, this is not the case for the teachers' qualifications, which are supervised by the Office for Standards in Education and Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted). The Office for Fair Access (OfFA) has a lot of say on the admission procedures of each university, promoting fair access to higher education with inclusivity in mind.

Good to know:

If you haven't taken the GCE A-Level UK exams, you can be accepted in a Bachelor programme in an English university based on your European Baccalaureate diploma, International Baccalaureate or SATs in the US. Additionally, you must have a good command of English and may be asked to give an IELTS or TOEFL certificate.

Read also Education and international schools in England

University admission in England

Applications for undergraduate courses in the UK are made online on the . Along with the application form, you will also get complete information about registration procedures.

To find the right subject codes and fill in your form correctly, check out the courses' directory classified by subjects.

When choosing your university, you are advised to consider the following:

• Which courses are you interested in?
• What are the grades needed to be accepted?
• Is an interview or an essay required?
• Can you afford the tuition fees?
• What is the cost of living, especially in terms of accommodation?
• Are there any available grants and bursaries for international students?
• Where is the university located?
• Is it a campus-based university or a city university?

You will have better chances of admission into England when applying to the maximum number of institutions (five). Ensure that at least one of them accepts students with lower grades as a backup plan.

Remember that there is stiff competition, and the lower your grades are, the harder it is to beat the competition.

UCAS application forms must be submitted by January 31st of the academic year. If you apply after this deadline, you will be processed through the clearing system. If you haven't received your grades yet, you can still apply through UCAS. If you meet the requirements, you will receive a provisional offer.

Postgraduate students can apply directly to the chosen university if they meet the set requirements.

Here's a checklist for applying to a UK university:

• Know your deadlines.
• Fill in your application form carefully, and ask for advice if needed.
• Write a compelling personal statement.
• Obtain your academic references.

Read also Study in London

International and EU students in England

The main reasons international students choose to study in the UK are the high standards of education offered at UK higher education institutions and the recognition and respect a UK degree gains worldwide, making your CV stand out when applying for jobs. Degrees in England also take less time to complete and cost less than US degrees, for example.

Choosing a university from the many available is a challenging task and requires a lot of research. University rankings cover many elements, such as student satisfaction and teaching effectiveness. However, it may be more important to see how highly ranked the university is for the specific subject you want to study. You can find alumni groups on social media, read alumni reviews, or contact students for feedback. Íæż½ã½ã has a thriving expat community in England, with whom you can contact via the forum and inquire about a university of your choice.

It's not always possible for international students to attend a university open day. However, attending an open day in person will help you understand the university's culture and decide whether it is a good fit for you, your values, and your aspirations. Besides getting a feel for the university, you will have the chance to explore the university's location and surroundings, too.

Good to know:

The British Council regularly organises higher education events in the 40 countries it operates. At these events, you can meet university staff, attend presentations, meet UCAS specialists, and learn more about the English university experiences. Admission to these events is usually free, but registering online might be essential.

Language requirements for degree courses in England

Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in all British universities and higher education institutions require international students to prove a specific English language level, which varies from one study programme to another.

Therefore, if you wish to study in England, take the time to research the language entry requirements from your preferred institution and find English courses that will give you the required certification.

The most popular certificates British universities accept as proof of English language skills are:

• IELTS;
• TOEFL;
• PTE Academic or Cambridge English;
• Advanced (otherwise known as the Certificate in Advanced English/CAE, or Cambridge ESOL).

The IELTS certificate is the most popular among international students in England and expats who wish to work here.

It's worth mentioning - make sure to read all terms and conditions before you sign up for a course. Some seemingly affordable courses may require higher fees to receive the certification.

Good to know:

The TOEFL test is more commonly accepted in the United States, while the IELTS is preferred in England and international institutions, including universities, employers and immigration offices.

Useful links:

Student visas in England

International and EU students 16 years old or above who have been accepted to a university in England must apply for a student visa at the British embassy or consulate in their home country. The university must be licensed to sponsor students and, therefore, be listed in the register of student sponsors.

To submit your student visa application, you must have an unconditional offer from a recognised university that has a sponsor licence, have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number, have enough money for your course fees and to support yourself during your studies, pay for UK healthcare (healthcare surcharge) and prove a good level of English.

If you are applying for a student visa from outside England, you can apply six months or less before the start of the course. The student visa costs £490 and usually lasts between two and five years, depending on the course level and the applicant's age. The student visa takes about three weeks to be issued or rejected. Once you have the student visa, you can arrive in England one month before your course starts.

Good to know:

A student visa can be extended, switched to a two-year Graduate visa, or can replace another visa if the applicant is already in the UK.

Study English visa

The (or Short-term Study visa) is for students who are at least 16 years old and costs £200.

To apply for the visa, you must have a letter of acceptance from an accredited English language school for a course that is of a maximum length of 11 months. Also, the acceptance letter must indicate that the subject of study is merely English and no other subjects will be taught during this time.

In addition, you should be able to provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in England since you won't be allowed to work with a study visa.

Important:

Student applicants under 18 should show their travel and accommodation arrangements in advance before arriving in England and have a letter of consent from a parent or guardian who approves of their studies in the country.

Useful links:

Read also Visas for England

Tuition fees and student loans in England

There's no way around it - tuition fees are pretty high in England. However, students can benefit from scholarships offered by universities or private organisations and from government-funded student loans.

According to UCAS, fees can be as high as £38,000 per year for at an undergraduate level and up to £9,535 per year for home students studying in England.

Tuition fees cover lectures and seminars, access to campus libraries and facilities such as laboratories, but they don't cover textbooks, living costs and non-compulsory field trips.

For studies at a Master's level, the cost is between £11,000 and £30,000.

Students considering applying for financial support with tuition fees and living expenses or research funding should research their options early on, as deadlines for scholarships can be even a year before the course's start date.

Important:

Tuition fees vary from one university to another, so don't do any budgeting before you consult the international student office at your university. Offers of acceptance are always conditional on paying the tuition fees.

Different award types help with living and tuition costs, and even though the terms are used interchangeably, they offer different types of support from different awarding bodies. A scholarship, for example, is provided to students who excel in academics, sports, or music and covers tuition fees and some or all living costs. On the other hand, a bursary covers some living costs, and it is awarded to students from low-income households, students with dependents, students from underrepresented backgrounds, or disabled students as a one-off payment.

The UK government student loans can be tuition fees or living costs loans covering rent, travel, books and other expenses. These student loans must be repaid, but not before the student has completed their studies, and when their employment income is over a certain amount of money. Hence, the monthly amount paid back is based on the graduate's income, not how much they borrowed.

Tip: When you look for funding, check companies and professional bodies in your industry of interest (e.g., engineering, technology, science, etc.) and charities that work with groups and backgrounds that may match yours.

Useful links:

Work for students and graduates in the UK

A student visa in England allows you to work up to 20 hours per week. Then, when your student visa expires, you can apply for a work visa provided you can get a sponsorship from an employer. For more information about working in England, check our article, which covers everything from job hunting to starting a new job and adapting to the UK work culture.

Useful links:

Learning English in England

Learning English in England offers a unique advantage due to the immersive environment.

Daily interactions necessitate the use of English, facilitating rapid language skill development. Additionally, your stay in England allows you to delve into local culture and the nation's rich literary and historical heritage, enriching your language journey.

To learn English in the country, you can opt for summer schools, international English language institutions or private tutors. Your choice of location, whether in a vibrant city, coastal area, or serene countryside, will be influenced by your goals, English proficiency level, and budget.

Assess your English language level

Most tutors and schools will require you to take a preliminary test to know in which class you would fit best and which curriculum is most appropriate for you. It is best to inform them of any prior studies and qualifications you have acquired.

You can also take an English online test to determine your current level. Understanding your English proficiency level (see the above section about language requirements) will help with the process of selecting an appropriate course with a suitable duration.

If you want to boost your confidence before getting to England, you can start improving your English language skills in your home country. Here are some helpful tips to prepare for your language lessons after you arrive:

• Watch English movies and series, preferably with English subtitles. This will teach you the accent as well as the tone, body language and hand gestures.
• Interact with English-speaking people around you, and attend events in English in your town or city. Visit the local British Council for information on online or face-to-face events.
• Refresh your grammar by reading new books, visiting websites, and using phone apps like Duolingo and Memrise. If you want to expand your vocabulary, read English literature or magazines and newspapers, spot new words and create a vocabulary list or flashcards with unfamiliar words to practice them in the future.
• Practise your speaking, listening, and writing skills with your private English teacher or an English-speaking friend, who can spot your weaknesses.

Good to know:

Most schools and teachers use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to describe your language ability based on a six-point scale. A1 and A2 are classified as beginner, B1, and B2 are for independent language users, and C1 and C2 are the levels of proficient speakers, writers and listeners.

Useful links:

The different ways to learn English in the UK

There are limitless options for learning English in England, but your choice will generally be determined by your goals, budget, level of English and social life preferences.

Here are some options to consider before enrolling in an English language study programme in England:

English language summer schools

English language summer schools are all around England. They are often found in universities or operate as private schools during the summer holidays.

Courses are held in a picturesque atmosphere with options on accommodation, meals and more included in the package. It's a good idea to explore the summer school option if you are:

• A parent who wants their child to learn English in a safe and engaging environment;
• A student who wishes to improve their English language skills during the school holidays;
• An adult who intends to do an extensive course over a short period.

Important:

The school you choose must be accredited by the British Council and employ qualified teachers. Don't hesitate to ask as many questions as you have before committing to a programme.

International language schools

International language schools are similar to summer schools. They have a set curriculum and also offer accommodation and dining packages. They are open year-round and are tailored to the needs of English language students only.

Make sure that the international school is accredited and employs only teachers with recognised qualifications to teach English and foreign languages.

Good to know:

Both international and summer schools offer cultural activities that make it easier to socialise and share knowledge about language, culture and the country overall.

Private English language courses

If you live and work in England or travel regularly to the country, you can hire a personal tutor to help you improve your language skills.

Private tutors are generally more flexible regarding the learning schedule and hourly rate. Seek an accredited tutor, especially if you need a recognised English language certification such as the IELTS or TOEFL.

Feel free to ask for proof of their affiliation with prominent educational institutions in the UK, like the British Council, EFL or TEFL.

English language course fees

Even though it's not the law, it's expected that the more you pay for someone's services, the higher your chances are of getting a higher quality and more personalised experience.

Prices may vary according to the length and type of English course you pick. The average fees for private tutors can be between £20 and £35 per hour, but this is often negotiable. In London, be prepared to come across tutors with higher prices compared to the rest of the country.

The price of English language schools (summer and international schools) depends on the chosen package. If you want accommodation, excursions and meals included in your package, you will pay more.

Depending on your budget, make sure to compare prices from different schools before making the final choice. If accommodation is not included, you can look for short-term rentals around the school. Renting a studio flat or sharing a bigger apartment with other students has benefits. For example, you have more control over your budget, wider options regarding the type of property and the neighbourhood and more opportunities to expand your social network.

Reflect on your goals as you decide. If it is for personal development, the intensity of study might be minimal and the course length shorter than those requiring a skills upgrade for international studies or workplace communication.

Good to know:

You can view ratings and reviews of each school on several websites and forums, including Íæż½ã½ã's forum, where you can inquire about English language schools in England.

Useful link:

Things to know before moving to England to study

Moving to England for studies here can be a life-changing experience - one that will help you develop personally and professionally. To make the most of it, make sure you take all the necessary steps before arriving in England.

Budgeting and finances

The official currency in England is the Pound Sterling (£), so other currencies are not accepted in stores and businesses. Remember to exchange your money before departure and to keep some cash with you. You may want to contact your bank to get an international debit card that acts as a credit card with no charges or to prevent your card from being blocked by the bank for security reasons. Other things to consider are your rent and groceries, which will take most of your monthly budget unless they are already included in your study package.

Important:

Euros are not accepted anywhere in England (or the UK, for that matter) except at international airports, ferries, mainland Europe and Eurostar train stations in London, Paris or Brussels.

UK travel insurance

The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC, you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you'll need to apply for to replace it.

The card allows you to access necessary medical healthcare, meaning you don't have to postpone your care until you return to your home country. A healthcare provider decides whether your healthcare is medically necessary.

For expats moving here, purchasing the appropriate health insurance before coming to study in England is essential. Feel free to use insurance comparison websites before choosing.

Important:

The EU insurance card is not a replacement for travel insurance. It does not provide coverage in case of loss or damage to your personal items, such as electrical equipment, money, or property, or if you engage in extreme sports.

Packing for your move

England has a rainy and cold climate that varies from region to region so some places can be warmer.

You should bring the appropriate clothing for the season and the area you will live in. The country uses G-Plug sockets, so most international sockets won't work unless you have an adapter.