The best universities in the UK for international students

PTE Author

PTE Author July 6, 2021

Image of Cambridge University

Reading time: 4 minutes

The UK has plenty of respected and renowned universities. Most of these schools are welcoming to foreign students, but some are particularly good at providing a world-class education for students coming from abroad.

In this article for international students in the UK, we cover:

An overview of the British education system
The best universities in the UK for international students
Some of the best unis in the UK for specific fields (e.g. law, medicine, business, psychology).

The UK education system: A quick overview

Higher-Education-Students-in-the-UK

There technically isn’t one overarching United Kingdom education system. Rather, each nation (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) has its own system.

For simplicity, we’ll just cover the English higher education system, and this is what we’re referring to when we use “British education system” or “the education system of Great Britain” here.

The system of education in Great Britain

There are four types of schools in England that can provide higher education. These are:

Universities
University colleges
Higher Education (HE) colleges
Private colleges.

Students can usually enter undergraduate courses from age 18. These courses range from certificates of higher education and diplomas to bachelor’s degrees and foundation degrees. These awards are ranked in levels. For example, a diploma of higher education is level 5, whereas a degree in dentistry, medicine, or veterinary science is level 7.

Postgraduate study is available to any student who has completed a degree. These come in a variety of forms including graduate diplomas, postgraduate certificates, and master's degrees.

Many English schools also offer integrated masters degrees, which automatically bridge the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Once you have both an undergraduate and postgraduate qualification, you may be able to study a PhD or professional doctorate (the highest level of university education in England).

Other countries in the UK have a similar higher education system to this, but you might notice some slight differences if you study in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

The best universities in the UK for international students

Image - Oxford University

With so many prestigious colleges in the UK, it’s difficult to identify the “best”. But these five universities are consistently ranked among the top schools around the world:

University of Oxford
The English-speaking world’s oldest university is perhaps the UK’s most well-known and reputable institution. Over 20,000 students attend Oxford, with around 40% of them being international students.
University of Cambridge
This storied school caters to over 18,000 students with six academic schools. It has over 100 libraries, more than 80 sports offerings, and a plethora of extracurricular activities and societies.
University College London
UCL has a reputation worldwide for high-quality teaching and research. Its location in central London is convenient and ideal for international students who wish to embrace English culture between lessons. The University of London’s international programmes are among the best available in the UK, and this college is commonly regarded as one of the best universities in London.
University of Edinburgh
From industry pioneers to Nobel Prize winners, the University of Edinburgh attracts top talent from around the globe. About 30% of the cohort here is comprised of international students.
University of Manchester
This university offers over 1,000 degrees ranging from foundation courses to PhDs. It’s at the forefront of research in several industries including science, engineering, and medicine.

The best unis in the UK by academic field

Studying-Law-or-Medicine

Some universities in the UK have particularly strong offerings in specific fields. Here’s a brief overview of some schools that stand out in certain areas, based primarily on league tables from the Complete University Guide.

Keep in mind that these lists are far from exhaustive. Speaking with an international education agent may help you find the most appropriate institute for your studies.

Some of the best universities for law in the UK

Some of the best universities for medicine in the UK

Some of the best engineering universities in the UK

Some of the best universities for economics in the UK

Some of the best universities for psychology in the UK

Some of the best business universities in the UK

As the two top-ranked UK universities in general, it’s unsurprising to see Oxford and Cambridge represented in most of these lists. But, as you can see, there’s a wide range of prestigious universities in the UK to consider – no matter what field you’re looking to study.

Related Content

Answering "Retell Lecture" effectively in PTE Academic
By PTE Author
Reading time: 4 minutes
With the right approach, you can answer the “Retell Lecture” question type in PTE Academic with confidence. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare:
Dos
1. Take effective notes
- As you listen, jot down key words and phrases. Use punctuation like ‘-, =, &, +, arrows’ and bullet points to show connections between ideas. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all important points.
2. Highlight key points and relationships
- Discuss the main points, but also include characters, actions, aspects, and relationships between the information. This will make your response more comprehensive.
3. Speak for up to 40 seconds
- Aim to speak for up to 40 seconds. The longer you speak, the more likely you are to cover the content requirements for this question. Ensure your response is detailed and covers all necessary aspects.
4. Use linking words and relative clauses
- Incorporate linking words (so, then) and relative clauses (which, who, that) to connect your ideas and show relationships between them. This will make your response more fluid.
Don'ts
1. Avoid memorized responses
- Do not use memorized responses or templated sentences. If there is a significant amount of pre-memorized content, a score of 0 will be given, and fluency and pronunciation will not be scored.
2. Don't just mention key words
- Avoid mentioning key words from the lecture (e.g., recipe, food, cook) in a disconnected way. You need to describe characters, aspects, actions, and their relationships to provide a coherent response.
3. Don't try to mention everything
- It won’t be possible to mention everything the lecture covered in 40 seconds. Focus on the most important points to provide a concise and relevant summary.
4. Avoid filler words
- Do not add filler words that do not connect to the lecture. Stick to the content of the lecture to ensure your response is relevant and focused.
Need more advice? We have lots of official resources to help you prepare, including the chance to take a mock test with our scored practice tests. Visit our PTE Academic Preparation page to find out more.
December 11, 2024
Your guide to PTE test centers in Perth
By PTE Author
Whether you need to prove your English for an education, work, or migration visa application, we’re here to make your PTE test booking in Perth quick, easy, and stress-free.
Find your perfect test center in Perth
Perth offers multiple test centers equipped with modern facilities to ensure a smooth testing experience. Popular test centers include:
- Navitas English Perth on Newcastle Street
- Pearson Professional Center on William Street
- New North Perth test center on Fitzgerald Street!
Wherever you are in Perth, there's a PTE test center near you — check availability and book now.
Why choose PTE?
PTE is the faster, fairer and simpler English language test.
- Get your results typically in just 2 business days
- Our unique combination of AI scoring and human expertise reduces the risk of bias
- Test all your language skills in just one short, computer-based test
Tips for success
Prepare for your PTE test like a pro:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your test time
- Bring a valid ID for verification
- Practice with mock tests to build confidence
- Stay calm and focused – you’ve got this!
Don't wait — book early!
Popular test dates fill up fast so book your PTE test in Perth today! Secure your spot at a convenient location and start the journey to your education, work, or migration aspirations.
December 4, 2024
G’day opportunity: Why so many people are moving to Australia
By PTE Author
Reading time: 5 minutes

From world-famous beaches to stunning coral reefs, hopping wildlife to bbq-loving locals, it’s no wonder that Australia claims two top ten spots in the Global Liveability Index.
Whether you’re looking for bustling cities or quiet countryside, Australia is full of potential, with education, career opportunities and a sense of community being the biggest draws.
But how did people choose their new life down under? We talked to over 3000 PTE test takers who’ve migrated to Australia to find out why they made the move and what they love about their new home.
High-quality education
According to our survey, over 64% identify Australia’s high-quality education system as a major pull. Australia takes in a huge number of international students, with over 810,000 enrolled to study in Australia from 2023.
A warm welcome and support for their existing international student population only encourages more to apply, creating a strong international community.
Those looking to study in Australia have a choice of more than 40 universities offering huge choices in academic programs.
On a student visa, you have the option to work part-time during your studies, allowing international students to support themselves while learning, and making Australia an affordable option for those looking to study in an English-speaking country.
Career opportunities
One of the most appealing aspects of moving to Australia is the number of career opportunities. Top sectors shaping the economy and providing great employment opportunities include mining (14.3%), health and education (12.8%), and finance (7.4%).
Our PTE test takers told us they were able to find well-paid work, with some even going on to start businesses and buy a home down under. More than nine in ten (91%) are working full-time, with 72% employed in skilled professions with a median income of $93k.
Over 87% said they were looking to progress their careers in Australia, suggesting they’re feeling fulfilled in their work and optimistic about their long-term career options in the country. PTE Academic is recognized by a wide range of professional bodies for their skills assessments, including engineering, nursing and midwifery and accounting to name a few. This opens many doors for pursuing a career in Australia.
Sense of community
A warm welcome and sense of community are what makes a new place become home. Beyond education and career opportunities, social integration was one of the main advantages of migrating to Australia.
We found that 84% of people that had moved to Australia say they’ve successfully built community connections, with 89% having experienced acts of kindness from others. Movers also report wanting to contribute to their new communities, with more than 1 in 10 taking part in volunteer activities.
This two-way integration makes Australia an attractive place to put down roots and become a part of the country’s diverse social fabric.
A long-term move
So many respondents shared their positive experiences of moving to Australia, with 8 in 10 saying Australia met or exceeded their expectations and 9 in 10 encouraging others to make the move and join them.
Many see it as a long-term move with 70% wanting to stay and gain permanent residency.
From education and employment opportunities to vibrant international communities, it’s easy to see why so many English-speakers are saying “G’day” to a new chapter in Australia.
Making it happen with PTE
It takes ambition and commitment to start a new life abroad — along with the right support.
Our survey found that 66% of migrants felt their success at work in Australia was down to their English language skills.
PTE Academic is recognised by the Australian government for all visa categories and is accepted by 100% of universities in Australia.
Designed to be faster, fairer, and simpler, 87% prefer PTE over similar tests. So, if the Great Australian Dream sounds like the right fit for you, take the first step with PTE.
November 5, 2024