How to Study in the UK

The UK has long been one of the most popular destinations for MBA and Master’s students. The UK education system is frequently heralded as one of the best in the world, and many of its business schools are represented in the Financial Times’ global MBA and Master’s in Management rankings.

There are also ample career opportunities in cities such as London and Manchester, as the UK is a popular choice for global company headquarters. Multinationals such as HSBC, Unilever, AstraZeneca, and GlaxoSmithKline operate their headquarters in the country. 

If you’re wondering how to study in the UK, this guide will give you all the key information you need to know. We’ll cover: =

• The benefits of studying in the UK
• Where to study business in the UK
• How to apply for business schools in the UK
• How to get a UK student visa
• The cost of studying in the UK

What are the Benefits of Studying Abroad in the UK?

Between 2023 and 2024, more than 730,000 international students were enrolled in UK institutions. They come for the highly regarded education system (US News & World Report ranks the UK third-best country in the world for the quality of its education) and the diversity of life, which makes for a rewarding study experience. 

Finally, the UK is a compact country, making travelling while you study easy. As an international student in the UK, it’s possible to experience life in a big city like London and find pristine nature on your doorstep in national parks and coastal spots. France is just a train-ride away from London.

Prospective business students certainly think so. According to data from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the UK was the third most popular destination for GMAT scores worldwide last year, behind the US and India.

The UK is home to several top-ranked business schools, including two top-30 MBA programs in the world, at the London Business School and the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. Other highly ranked business schools include the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School, Alliance Manchester Business School, and Imperial Business School.

Aside from attending a top-ranked business school, studying business in the UK will also enable you to practice your English language skills, which will be all-important if you’re aiming to have a career in international business. 

Additionally, numerous job opportunities are available to business school graduates in the UK. It is the world’s sixth-largest economy, and has particular strengths in the professional services, aerospace, and insurance industries. 

In London, there are also significant opportunities for those targeting finance jobs, as the city is the world's second-most important financial center, after New York. Budding entrepreneurs will also find the UK a fruitful environment—London has the third-best startup ecosystem in the world, while Bristol, the Manchester-Liverpool, and Edinburgh-Glasgow regions are considered emerging ecosystems.  

How Do I Apply to Study in the UK?

The application process for business schools in the UK is very similar to that in other countries. For example, many business programs in the UK accept the GMAT Exam, which is a key step in applying for an MBA program.

For bachelor’s programs, international students apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). For master’s and MBA programs, you’ll apply directly through your chosen university or business school.

The university or business school will require specific documents from you to process your application. UK student visa requirements usually include:

• A personal statement/personal essay
• University transcripts
• Professional references (typically two) 

If English isn’t your first language, you will also need to take an English language exam, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, which is a requirement for a UK student visa.

What are the UK Study Visa Requirements for International Students?

All international students are required to apply for a UK student visa. This costs £524 (approximately US$700), plus a healthcare surcharge of £776 (approximately US$1,045) per year of your visa.

To apply, you need to have already been offered a place on a UK course, have enough money to support yourself during your stay, and be able to prove you have a good knowledge of the English language—unless you are from one of the exempted countries.

You can apply for a UK student visa from six months before the start of your course, or three months if you’re already living in the UK. The student visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to five years, after which you can switch to a graduate visa.

What is the Average Cost of Living in the UK for Students?

While costs will differ depending on where in the UK you choose to study, overall, the cost of living in the UK is reasonable. It ranks 29th out of 135 countries for the overall cost of living, and it is currently less expensive than nearby study destinations such as France, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

Studying in a large city will come with higher costs than in a smaller town—London, for example, is ranked among the world's top ten most expensive cities. Elsewhere, rent will vary considerably depending on whether you’re living in the south or north of Britain, or in Northern Ireland.

To give you an idea of the cost of living as an international student in the UK, here are some typical monthly costs.

• Rent: £500-£900
• Groceries: £150
• Transport: £65
• Restaurant meal: £16
• Gym membership: £20

Data gathered from study-uk.britishcouncil.org and savethestudent.org

What are Tuition Fees for International Students in the UK?

As an international student considering studying abroad in the United Kingdom, your first thought is likely to be about funding your studies. The average tuition fees for international students in an undergraduate program in the UK are approximately £10,000 to £40,000 (US$13,500–US$54,000) per year, with most programs lasting three years.

For postgraduate programs such as a business master’s, tuition fees average £16,000–£20,000 (US$22,000–US$27,000) per year. Fees for MBAs are significantly higher, starting from around £50,000 (US$68,000) per year.

However, tuition fees will vary depending on the business school you attend. As an example, a master’s program at Bayes Business School costs £33,100 (US$45,000), while a similar program at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) costs £41,000 (US$55,400).

What Types of Scholarships are Available in the UK for Foreign Students?

If you’ve found your ideal program but can’t afford the cost, don’t panic: there are scholarships available for international students studying in the UK. 

Some of the most popular competitive scholarships include the Chevening Scholarships and the Commonwealth Scholarships. Most scholarships will contain a stipulation about the country of origin; for example, the GREAT scholarships are available to students from countries including France, China, and Italy. 

If you don’t get a scholarship to study in the UK, you may be able to cover the cost of your tuition through a loan from a private company such as Prodigy Finance. Additionally, your university or business school may offer financial assistance, so it’s always worth checking their website or speaking with the international students' office.

TL;DR: How to Study in the UK

• The UK is a popular destination due to its highly regarded education system and the presence of some of the world’s best business schools. It also offers ample career opportunities in a large economy, with particular strengths in professional services, aerospace, and insurance.
  
  
• For master's and MBA programs, you'll apply directly to the university or business school and will likely need to submit a GMAT score. Required documents include a personal statement or essay, university transcripts, and professional references.
  
  
• All international students must apply for a UK student visa. As part of your application, you are required to demonstrate your English language ability and provide proof of financial support.
  
  
• The cost of living in the UK is reasonable, ranking 29th out of 135 countries, but studying in a major city like London can be more expensive. Average annual tuition fees can reach US$50,000 for master’s programs and around US$70,000 for MBAs.

Interested in studying in the UK? Connect with top business schools and learn about your study options at a GMAC Tour. Find out more