Which UK university is best for you?

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image - University of Glasgow
Reading time: 8 minutes

People study abroad for many reasons - to see new places, to experience a different culture, and maybe most importantly, to get access to student life and educational opportunities not available at home. If you want to study at a UK university, you’ll not only have access to some truly innovative teaching and research - you’ll also be joining one of the most multicultural student bodies in the world. 

Within the UK, there’s a huge range of universities and courses to choose from. So, how do you choose between over 160 institutions, and thousands of courses? Research finds that half of students who drop out of university early do so because they chose the wrong course, so it’s important to be completely happy with your choice.  

So, let’s have a look at what you need to consider before you make your university application, so that you can make the right choice. 

Choose your subject   

The first step in the process of choosing a university is deciding what you want to study. Your UCAS personal statement will be sent to all your university choices, so it should be relevant to all the courses you apply for. This means that all of your course choices must be the same or in a similar field. 

Think about the school subjects you’re good at, but also think about what you could spend the next three or even four years studying.  

Is there a subject that you want to continue and deepen your knowledge in? Or do you want to study something completely new?  

Do you want to study a subject like law or medicine that relates to a specific job? Or perhaps you want to take a course like history that can be used in a wide range of careers? Think carefully about these questions, and the rest of the process will become a lot easier. 

Do as many events and online taster sessions, and sign up for as many free online courses as you can. Futurelearn has a great range of taster courses from universities all over the world. This can really help you decide where your interests lie.  Above all, keep notes on what interests you, and what doesn’t. 

If you think you want a broader degree, then you’ve always got the option of doing a joint honours degree. This means you combine two different courses. Many joint honours courses combine a language with another subject, giving you the possibility to use your learning around the world, or even do a study placement in another country.  

Consider the competition 

When thinking about what course you could do, it’s important to consider the competition. Some courses have many more applicants than places, but there are also hundreds of ‘hidden’ courses which get far fewer applicants. For example, the University of Oxford gets 16.9 applicants per place on its Economics course, but it’s closer to 3 applicants per Classics place. Classics covers a range of areas like politics, history, linguistics, social sciences and more, and really challenges your intellect.  

Economics might be competitive, but Classics might be just as valuable. There are thousands of ‘hidden’ courses, which, just because they’re not famous, don’t attract as many applicants. Check out the full range of courses on the UCAS Explore site, and the Uni Guide, and do it with an open mind. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of courses, it’s time to think about where to study. 

Think about location and compare universities in the UK 

The UK might be a small country, but it’s incredibly diverse. There are large, international cities like London or Glasgow, smaller towns and cities like Cardiff, Belfast or Nottingham, rural universities like Lancaster, coastal towns like St. Andrews or historic cities like York, Oxford or Cambridge.  

So, when you’re deciding on a UK university, you need to first ask yourself: what’s important to you? Would you prefer to live in a busy city or in the quiet countryside? Are you going to be doing a lot of exploring or will you stay near campus? These factors will make a difference to your decision. 

You’ll also need to think carefully about costs. Different parts of the UK have different costs of living, depending on things like rent, transport, and the cost of entertainment. Check out property websites to see what rents are like, to get an idea of how expensive life will be.  

For more information, check out our article on the cost of living in the UK.  

Finally, the type of university itself is important. Some universities have campuses where the whole of university life takes place, like the University of York. Others are more spread out, such as the University of Manchester, which has buildings all over the city. Each has its own atmosphere and you should think about which you prefer. 

Look at the rankings: How to choose a university in the UK 

Find out how your preferred universities rank in the league tables. Rankings of the top universities in the UK don’t just measure teaching quality. They show data on student satisfaction, post-graduation employment rates, and staff to student ratios. 

The best universities in the UK and courses with higher rankings will be more competitive to gain entry to. You can apply for up to five courses on your UCAS form, so it’s a good idea to choose a range of courses and universities. Include an ambitious choice which you may or may not get the grades for, and safe choices that you know will accept you. 

You can check the Guardian university rankings, or the Times Higher Education rankings to see which universities are the most highly rated. 

That being said, student life in the UK is about balance. You need to consider both rankings and what’s right for you. It’s no use going to a top ranking UK university in a location you hate, studying things that don’t interest you, and where the culture on campus doesn’t appeal to you.  

Sometimes it might be better to move down the rankings if you know that the university will really help you to shine.  

Remember, the reason that there are so many different kinds of university is because everyone is unique. If you’re applying to somewhere that you know really matches your values and interests, you’ll be much more likely to make a success of your university career. 

Research the teaching style  

It’s a good idea to look at the style of teaching and assessment at your chosen university. Some courses focus more on final exams, some on coursework, and some on projects, dissertations and independent research.  

See whether your university’s exams are open book or closed book. If they’re closed you have to remember a lot more, but if they’re open you will probably have to give more detailed answers in your exams.  

If you can attend open days and chat to other students and potential professors, do so. But if you can’t, remember that each university course website will tell you about the course content and how it is assessed. You need to make a choice based on what type of assessment will suit you best. 

Some courses are taught in large lectures and seminars, and others, such as many Oxbridge colleges, will teach you in small groups or one-to-one with a tutor. The teaching style that works best for you will be decisive in your choice. 

Consider your hobbies   

Every university has its own culture and social life based around the student unions and societies. University life is about more than studying, for local and international students alike.   

You will have a more balanced student experience if you make time for your hobbies. Look on the university website to learn about student societies and clubs, and see which activities are available to you. But don’t worry if you don’t see anything that appeals - you can always be proactive and start your own society.  

Do you have a sport that you love to do? If you do, and you’re really good at it, you might even be eligible for a scholarship. There are all sorts of funding and awards available, so even if you think you won’t get anything it’s a good idea to check. 

Read about sports scholarships at UK universities.   

Make sure you fulfil the English language requirements 

You’ll need to pass a test of English for your UK student visa requirements. You can take any Secure English Language Test (SELT) that’s been approved by the Home Office, the UK government department responsible for immigration.  

PTE Academic can be used for UK student visas for degree level courses, and to access 99% of universities in the country. The test takes two hours, covers reading, speaking, listening and writing and is entirely done on a computer. Results usually come back within 48 hours, making it convenient and reliable.  

Choosing a UK university requires a lot of thought. Luckily, choosing an English test to get the visa is easy.

Related Content

  • Image - students using computer 1080px
    10 part time jobs for international students in Canada
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    In Canada, the average cost of living for an international student is S12,000 CAD per year. So, it makes sense to both work and study in Canada to help cover some costs - as well as to enrich your professional experience abroad. 

    Now, what’s the job market like for international students? There are plenty of jobs out there that will allow you to work while you study. In this blog, we’ll outline our 10 top picks for part-time student jobs in Canada:  

    1. Jobs on campus   

    What you could make: about $11.45-$16 CAD/hour across Canada 

    Looking for a job close to university? Well, why not work right at your university? There are a whole range of jobs for international students on campus - such as at the athletic center, the library, or with an organization whose work you care about.  

    And, getting a job on campus isn’t just convenient. It also lets you become even more involved in the student community - as well as help you network with other students and professors you may not have otherwise met through your studies.  

    How much you make will depend on where you work on campus. However, you will make at least minimum wage. This is different in each province but ranges between $11.45 and $16 CAD/hour across the country.  

    2. Barista 

    What you could make: $13.26 CAD/hour on average across Canada 

    Canadians love coffee. In fact, Canada is actually one of the largest coffee-consuming countries in the world. So, what better place to experience Canadian culture than at a coffee shop? Working as a barista will not only teach you how to make some delicious hot drinks, but also give you the chance to practice your English skills as you chat with customers.  

    Canada’s famous coffee chain, Tim Hortons, is by far the most prevalent coffee shop in the country. There are more than 5000 Tim Hortons restaurants worldwide (and the big majority of them are in Canada!). 

    3. Snow Removal/landscaping 

    What you could make: $20 CAD/hour on average across Canada 

    If you don’t mind the cold, snow removal might be a great high-paying job for you. This involves shoveling snow from sidewalks and driveways, as well as putting salt down on walkways or stairs so people don’t slip and fall. Since it doesn’t snow all-year-round, snow removal companies often work with the same people to landscape in the spring and summer, or rake leaves in the fall - it’s a four-season job! 

    4. Sales assistant  

    What you could make: $17 CAD/hour on average across Canada 

    Being a sales assistant is a great way to practice your language skills in a fast-paced environment. As a sales assistant, you’ll operate the cash register and support customers in the store. It’s a job that requires you to be on your feet all day, but you likely won’t have to work very early mornings or late nights.  

    5. Server 

    What you could make: $12.20 CAD/hour on average across Canada 

    The restaurant industry is a great place to work in Canada. Tipping is part of Canadian culture - it’s common to tip 15-25% - so you can expect to get paid quite well. In fact, some servers at busy restaurants can make hundreds of dollars in tips a night! It’s one of the reasons being a server is so popular among students who work and study in Canada.  

    6. Tour guide  

    What you could make: $15.50 CAD/hour on average across Canada 

    Are you an energetic people person? Being a tour guide could be a great opportunity. Whether you work with a museum, walking tour company, or tourist attraction, you’ll get to share the knowledge you have of your new city. You also have the chance to meet interesting people from around the world, and perhaps even give tours in your own language to tourists from home.  

    7. Dog walker  

    What you could make: $13 CAD/hour on average across Canada 

    If you’re used to having a dog at home, it can feel weird to be without your furry friend while studying abroad - we get it! So, why not try out dog walking? It’s great exercise, and better yet, spending time with a dog can help reduce stress. Sounds like the perfect job to us.  

    8. Teaching assistant  

    What you could make: $25.15 CAD/hour on average across Canada 

    Being a teaching assistant is a popular job for university students in Canada - especially since it’s a position that gives you professional experience in your industry. As a teaching assistant you’ll help with lectures, marking, and support students in their studies, and professors usually require you to be a graduate student or have experience in the course.   

    9. Residence advisor 

    What you could make: about $7500-$9000 CAD/2 semesters  

    A residence advisor is an undergraduate student who lives in residence with fellow students (usually 1st years) and is responsible for their well-being on campus. They act as role models, help to build community, and plan team-building events for students. It’s an excellent job to put on your resume to demonstrate those important leadership skills. Plus, many residence advisors get a rent subsidy - which is a good benefit.  

    10. The National Research Council Student Employment Program  

    What you could make: $563-$1274 CAD/week (when working full time) 

    The Student Employment Program by Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) is an opportunity open to international students studying full-time at Canadian educational institutions. It offers you the chance to work at a Canadian research facility for four months. You will contribute to research and development projects in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, math), business, marketing, finance, and more. Learn more about the program here.  

    How many hours can I work? 

    If you are a full-time student at a designated learning institution, you can work up to 20 hours each week off-campus during the semester. Then, during scheduled breaks (like during summer vacation) you can work full time. Unlike in the UK, you can also be self-employed as an international student in Canada.  

    You might be interested in our blog: How to apply for a Canadian student visa 

    Where should I look for work?  

    There are plenty of websites that can help you look for work in Canada. The Government of Canada’s Job Bank is designed specifically for people aged 15-30 to look for both full-time and part-time jobs. There are also websites like Indeed, Workopolis, and Monster.  

    Overall, there are many job opportunities for international students in Canada. And after you graduate, you can also apply for a Canadian post-graduation work permit – which may allow you to stay in Canada to work for up to three years.  

    Read more about Canada’s post-graduation work permit our blog, and learn more about how PTE Academic can help you succeed in Canada today.

  • Image - student, 1080px
    How to apply for a Canadian student visa
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    In recent years, Canada has carved out its place on the map as a destination for international students. In fact, the number of students from abroad has tripled over the past decade - and the country is now ranked third in the world for attracting international learners.  

    It’s no wonder. With top universities, multicultural cities, and incredible natural landscapes, Canada is an excellent place to call home and propel your career. So, what type of visa do you need to study in Canada? In this blog, we’ll go through Canada student visa requirements and learn what it takes to apply:  

    Why study in Canada 

    Want to study along the pacific coast with a mountain view? What about in a creative city close to incredible National Parks? Or a stone's throw away from the mighty Niagara Falls? Canada has it all. The country’s landscapes and cities are incredibly diverse - and people who study here will have the opportunity to explore all Canada has to offer. 

    Canada was named the best country for quality of life in 2020. And according to the QS Best Student Cities 2019 ranking, three Canadian cities are listed among the top in the world - including Montreal (6), Toronto (11),and Vancouver (16). Canada is also home to a number of world-class institutions, many of which are ranked in the top 50 globally by the same QS ranking. These include:  

    • University of Toronto (25) 

    • McGill University (31)  

    • University of British Columbia (45)  

    Finally, there’s a good job market for international students in Canada. Between 2009-2019, almost 1.8 million jobs were created in Canada for university graduates. What’s more, 80% of employers say hiring graduates with international experience enhances their companies.  

    Canada student visa requirements 

    To study in Canada, you need to apply for a study permit. This isn’t a visa, because alone, it doesn’t let you enter the country.  But if your study permit is approved, Canada will also grant you either a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization. This will allow you to travel to Canada. 

    Before applying for a study permit, there are a few requirements to keep in mind. For one, you need to already be enrolled at a designated learning institution, which has been approved by the government to accept international students. Check to see if your university or college is on the list.  

    You also need to prove you have enough money to pay for tuition, living expenses and travel costs associated with studying abroad. If you’re alone in Canada and aren’t settling in Quebec, you will need to have at least $10,000 per year - not including tuition. You can demonstrate this money through bank statements, loan information, or proof of a scholarship. Learn more about scholarships for international students in Canada. 

    Finally, you will also need to be in good health, have no criminal record, and be able to prove you will leave Canada when your study permit is no longer valid. 

    Read more in our article about the cost of living in Canada.

    How do you apply?  

    You can apply for your Canadian study permit online or on paper through the mail. You can also apply from outside Canada or inside Canada. You’ll have to make sure you have all your documents ready to submit.  This includes an acceptance letter from your institution, passport, and proof of funds. If you’re planning to study in Quebec, you’ll also need to apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).  

    After you submit your application, you’ll need to give biometrics. You will also likely need to provide a police certificate and pass a medical exam. If you apply from outside Canada, the application process will take about eight weeks. If you apply from inside Canada, it will take about nine weeks.  

    That said, there is a way to get your permit approved sooner. If you’re from Senegal, Vietnam, Pakistan, Morocco, India, China, or the Philippines, you can apply through something called the Student Direct Stream. You should get your permit in just three weeks.  

    Learn more about how to apply on the Canadian government website.  

    How much does it cost? 

    A Canadian study permit costs $150, and this usually includes biometrics. But don’t forget to budget in the price of a police certificate or medical exams, if you need them. Depending on where you currently live, these can increase your costs by quite a lot.  

    What can you do on a student permit?  

    If you’re a full-time student, you can work while studying in Canada (as long as your course  lasts longer than 6 months). But first, you’ll need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) - this can be done in just a few minutes online, for free. You can work either on-campus or off-campus. If you get a job off-campus, you’ll be able to work 20 hours per week - and full-time during school breaks.  

    And what about Canada’s publicly funded healthcare? Well, not all international students are eligible. Since each province administers their own healthcare, it depends on where you study.  

    For example, many international students in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador have access to free healthcare. But students in Ontario don’t. So, it’s best to reach out to your university or college to see what the situation will be for you. At the same time, you can learn about the insurance options available if you aren’t covered through your province.  

    Staying in Canada after graduation  

    Can you stay in Canada after graduating to work? Yes! International students who’ve finished a course longer than 8 months can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWD). This can be valid for up to 3 years.  

    Canada also has a number of streams for permanent residence, which you might be eligible for as an international student. To find out if you can apply, check out this tool on the government’s website.  

    Ready to move to Canada? We’ll help you hit the ground running.  

    Our computer- based language test at PTE Academic is accepted by 200 top Canadian institutions for proof of English proficiency -  including the University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Waterloo, and McMaster University. 

    Learn more about PTE English tests for Canada.  

    Please note: we are not immigration agents. For all up-to-date information about visa rules and regulations, see the official guidelines on the Government of Canada website.   

  • Image - iteachPTE: Juniper Ruperto
    Teacher profile: Helping Filipino students achieve their goals
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    In the Philippines, there has long been a culture of emigration. It’s common for Filipinos to move overseas to work, study and live. In fact, there are more than 10 million Filipinos living and working around the world. What’s more, about 60,000 people have emigrated each month since the start of 2021!   

    PTE teacher Jurine Ruperto helps students get ready for the linguistic challenge of moving overseas. She is the owner of Ace Review Center, a language school that prepares students to take the language tests they’ll need for working visas and university applications.  

    We spoke to Jurine to find out about her experience of teaching PTE, and the advice she would offer to other teachers.  

    How Jurine prepares her students for PTE  

    Ace Review Center was one of the first language schools in the Philippines to offer PTE preparation, and they have been helping Filipino professionals and skilled workers prepare for the test for six years.  

    Now, the teachers at Ace Review Center have years of experience in preparing students for the exam - and when it comes to results, their experience shows. 

    “We have a high passing rate - and a good number of students who’ve scored a perfect 90,” says Jurine.  

    So what’s her secret? According to Jurine, she builds her students’ skills slowly as they learn the basics of each task type, through a range of different activities.  

    “One of my favorite activities is idea building or [creating] mind webs, which are very useful in writing tasks,” she says. “Students are given a topic and are encouraged to contribute ideas related to it and expounding with supporting details.” 

    According to Jurine, one of the most common challenges for test takers is vocabulary. In order to help them achieve better results, she encourages them to increase their exposure to English in their everyday lives. “Reading and watching movies and TV shows helps to build their knowledge and familiarity with English terminologies and word usage.”  

    Building student confidence  

    We all have those teaching moments that stick with us, for one reason or another. For Jurine, it's an experience she had with a learner with low confidence that comes to mind. 

    The student needed to build his confidence back up when he came to her for PTE preparation classes. “One of my very first students in PTE had a bad experience in another English test,” she says. “He took the test several times with no success - despite only needing a band score of 5.”   

    So, she said, he signed up for a month of PTE test preparation. It was then that he really started to believe in his language abilities. Jurine thinks the fact that PTE is computer-based made a difference.  

    “It must have helped that the test is through a computer because he would easily get intimidated when facing an examiner during the speaking test,” she explains. His minimum target score for PTE was 54 - but on the day of the test he actually scored above this!  “By now,” she muses, “he must have already finished his culinary studies in Australia.” 

    Jurine’s top tip for PTE teachers  

    When we asked Jurine to share her top tip for other PTE teachers to help their students achieve success, she underlined the importance of really knowing the test inside and out. “It is best for teachers to immerse themselves in PTE sample practice tests to familiarize themselves with the test format,” she says. “That way, they will understand their learners' needs.”  

    Further resources

    You can access preparation resources to help your students through the PTE website, where there are a range of materials available, from Scored Practice Tests to a question bank with over 300 sample questions and answers.  

    The Official Guide to PTE Academic will give you all the information you need to prepare your students thoroughly - and there’s even free course modules available to give your exam preparation teaching skills a boost!  

    Do you have advice and insights to share with other PTE teachers? If so, we’d like to hear from you! Each month we’ll be shining a spotlight on someone from our global teaching community.  

    Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly teacher newsletter, which shares teaching tips for test preparation.