Study in the UK: the ultimate guide for an Online Programme in 2023
United Kingdom

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in United Kingdom in 2023

Browse all online studies in United Kingdom

  • Oct-May Academic Year
  • 207 Listed Institutes
  • 551,000 Int. Students
  • 2,734,000 Students
  • 67,330,000 Population

Study in United Kingdom

The UK has a long-storied tradition in excellent higher education. Since around a quarter of British universities are among the most reputed and highest ranking in the world, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland manage to attract nearly half a million international students each year.

By studying in the UK, you’ll not only achieve world-class education, you’ll also get to know more about the unique British culture and perfect your English language and skills. One of the most cosmopolitan places on earth, you’ll meet all kinds of people and have an enriching study experience!

Why study in the UK?

1. UK universities are at the top of international rankings

The quality of education and academic excellency are some of the main factors that make the UK one of the most popular study destinations in the world.

Every year, international university rankings evaluate higher education institutions and create lists based on factors like international friendliness, student-focus, average income of graduates, number of published research papers, and so on.

And every year, UK universities are in the top 10, highlighting their continuous efforts and focus on providing students with the best experience and the most relevant knowledge.

2. Use scholarships and grants to support your studies

Many universities, private organisations, NGOs, and governmental institutions offer scholarships and grants to international students.

Each scholarship or grant has different criteria; some are awarded for academic success, others for financial needs, and some for students coming from developing or underdeveloped nations.

Don't hesitate to apply for financial aid or contact your university for more information. You can use the money you end up saving on other passions, interests, or a personal savings account.

3. Learn the Queen's English

The Queen's English, also referred to as BBC English, is the highest standard of English one can speak.

It includes Received Pronunciation, which is a specific accent that is used by the Queen and other people who study and achieve a certain level of English mastery. It's the kind of accent that you hear in movies, which attracts people's attention thanks to its posh quality and a perfectly correct grammar.

While you don't need to speak the Queen's English to live in the UK, it is much easier to learn it while studying there. It's also a cool way to impress your friends or acquaintances and stand out when you speak in English.

4. Develop yourself in a multicultural environment

The United Kingdom welcomes over 400,000 international students every year. These students come from all over the world, bringing in their unique habits, ways of life, and perspective.

This massive influx of international students contributes to the creation of an international-friendly environment, where anybody can thrive and learn more about other nations and cultures.

5. Discover the beauty of the United Kingdom

The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — and all of them have unique attractions for international students and tourists in general.

When you're not in classes, you can spend the time visiting the Tower of London, the British Museum, the London Eye, the Big Gen, Stonehenge, Loch Ness (famous for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster), the Snowdonia National Park, etc.

Which universities and colleges to attend in the UK?

Throughout the UK, you can enrol in universities, university colleges, or business schools.

A university college is an institution that usually does not have full or independent university status. Generally, it is part of a larger university. Most university colleges only offer around 1,000 places for students to enrol in.

British universities are also divided according to the year they have been founded, as follows:

  • old universities – founded during the 12th and 13th century; the oldest university is the University of Oxford
  • red-brick universities – founded in the late 19th century in the big industrial cities of the UK
  • new universities – established after 1992

Examples of top universities in England:

Examples of universities in Scotland:

Examples of universities in Wales and Northern Ireland:

What is it like to study in the United Kingdom?

British education offers students the freedom to explore new ideas and creativity. Students are encouraged to pursue individual research work but are also expected to take part in group activities demanding peer interaction. Teachers often engage students in classroom discussions, debates and quizzes, creating an open study environment that builds student confidence and nurtures critical and creative thinking.

Courses are skill oriented and career focused, keeping up to date with current industry demands.

What to study in the UK?

Programme formats range from short courses, certificates, and diplomas, to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. British study programmes are known for great flexibility. Students may also select career centred study programmes. Intensive academic programmes are also available for students who want fewer years of study. Some graduate degree programs are less than a year long.

Here are some of the most popular study options in the UK:

Where to study in the UK?

The United Kingdom has over 50 student cities, so you have a very large array of study options to choose from. In the big UK cities, you can enjoy a vibrant and rich social life, where you can visit museums, attend music concerts and plenty of other artistic events, including fashion shows.

Check out some of the student cities in the UK and learn more about what it is like to study there:

How to apply

When applying for a Bachelor’s degree in the UK, you can do it directly through the university platform or use application websites like UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), where you can apply to up to five courses, at the same or different universities in the UK.

If you want to apply to a Master’s or PhD degree, you can apply directly to your chosen university. For most universities, you can send your application anytime throughout the year, but some degree courses have their own deadlines. Always check the application deadline!

Make sure you qualify for a British university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in the UK, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

There are over 30,000 English-taught programmes in the UK, for both undergraduate and graduate level.

Universities in the United Kingdom will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. All British universities accept these official English exams:

Living in United Kingdom

While preparing to study in the United Kingdom, an important step is determining what type of budget you'll need for your studies. This budget includes tuition fees, accommodation, travelling, and other living expenses. Let's have a closer look!

Living costs in the UK

For students in the UK, the costs of living vary according to each region, with Northern Ireland being the cheapest, followed by Wales and England (except London which is the most expensive city in the UK).  Scotland and London city are the most expensive in terms of living costs. 

Living costs in cities in England:

  • Birmingham: 765 – 1,130 GBP/month
  • Leeds: 635 – 1,100 GBP/month
  • London: 1,140 – 2,100 GBP/month

Living costs in cities in Scotland:

  • Edinburgh: 725 – 1,170 GBP/month
  • Glasgow: 620 – 1,000 GBP/month
  • Dundee: 785 – 1,500 GBP/month

Living costs in cities in Wales:

  • Cardiff: 630 – 1,065 GBP/month
  • Newport: 740 – 1,400 GBP/month
  • Swansea: 730 – 1,380 GBP/month

Living costs in cities in Northern Ireland:

  • Belfast: 530 – 875 GBP/month

Tuition fees in the UK

Average tuition fees for Masters in the United Kingdom range from 5,000 to 17,000 GBP per year. However, for some specialised degrees, such as Medicine, Law or Business, you should expect higher tuition fees (over 20,000 GBP per year). As always, private universities are more expensive than public institutions.

If you are an EU/EEA student, 2020 is the last year when you will be charged the same tuition as UK students and when you can apply for a student loan. Learn more about tuition fees in the UK after Brexit.

Accommodation costs

Student accommodation ranges from 500 to 1,200 GBP per month, or even higher if you choose to live in a big city like London. Living outside the city centre will generally cost you around 600 GBP/month, while for the same price, you can stay with a host family, allowing you to have half of your board covered.

Health care

All foreign students have free access to healthcare services provided by NHS (National Health Service), including for surgeries. However, you may need to pay for dental and optical treatment as well as medicine prescribed by the doctor.

If you come from an EU/EEA country, you should get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before coming to the UK to make sure you can access the NHS services for free. This might change after Brexit, so keep an eye on the latest information.

Students who plan to live and study in the UK less than 6 months will need to arrange a private medical insurance.

Food costs

Eating out, particularly in restaurants from big UK cities is usually quite expensive. You can get cheaper meals in canteens and restaurants from residence halls or pubs, where you would pay between 5 and 12 GBP.

Buying food from the supermarket is always an option. On average, your food bills would amount to 145 – 260 GBP/month.

On average, you should budget a minimum of 600 GBP/month for living costs in smaller cities, and at least 1,000 GBP/month in bigger cities. 

About United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is probably one of the most cosmopolitan countries in Europe, joining people from all over the world in one truly multicultural society. More than 400,000 international students visit the UK every year.

British universities and colleges provide a broad range of internationally-recognised study programmes, preparing students for future careers in major international companies. The United Kingdom is also home to some of the best research facilities in the world.

The UK has one of the most developed countries worldwide, with many important sectors that positively impact the country’s economy, such as aerospace, pharmacy, oil and gas production, services, tourism, and education.

The famous UK rainy weather is not a very pleasant feature, but at least, you won’t experience harsh winters or very hot summers either.

Iconic places to visit

The UK is home to 28 cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Furthermore, several museums and art galleries constantly present world-famous exhibitions. Check out the most visited attractions in the UK!

Iconic places to visit in England:

  • Big Ben
  • Tower of London
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Stonehenge 

Iconic places to visit in Scotland:

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Riverside Museum
  • Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal

 Iconic places to visit in Wales:

  • Conwy Castle
  • Devil's Bridge and the Hafod Estate
  • Snowdonia National Park

Iconic places to visit in Northern Ireland:

  • Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
  • Dunluce Castle 
  • Giant's Causeway 
Fun facts
  • Every day, British people drink around 165 million cups of tea.
  • A British legend says there must be 6 ravens in residence at all times at the Tower of London, or else, the British Monarchy and Tower will fall.
  • More languages are spoken in London than in any other country in the world (around 300).
  • Driving licenses are issued in the Queen's name. However, the Queen is the only person in the UK who doesn't legally need a license to drive or have a number plate on her cars.
  • The United Kingdom is one of the five countries with no written constitution; Israel, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and Canada are the other four.

Universities, colleges and schools in United Kingdom

Abbey Wood

Aberdeen

Aberystwyth

Ambleside

Ayr

Bangor

Bath

Belfast

Berkhamsted

Bewbush

Birmingham

Bolton

Boston

Bournemouth

Bradford

Brighton

Bristol

Buckingham

Burnley

Buxton

Cambridge

Canterbury

Cardiff

Carlisle

Chatham

Chelmsford

Cheltenham

Chester

Chichester

City of London

Clacton-on-Sea

Colchester

Coleraine

Coventry

Cranfield

Denton

Derby

Dingwall

Dundee

Durham

Edinburgh

Exeter

Falmouth

Gibraltar

Glasgow

Gloucester

Guildford

Hamilton

Hatfield

Henley on Thames

Horsham

Hove

Huddersfield

Hull

Hurstpierpoint

Inverness

Ipswich

Keele

Kirkcaldy

Lambeth

Lampeter

Lancaster

Leeds

Leicester

Lincoln

Liverpool

London

Loughborough

Luton

Machynlleth

Manchester

Middlesbrough

Milton Keynes

Musselburgh

Newcastle under Lyme

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newtownabbey

Northampton

Norwich

Nottingham

Oxford

Paisley

Plymouth

Pontypridd

Portsmouth

Preston

Reading

Redhill

Saint Andrews

Salford

Sheffield

Sidcup

Southampton

Stirling

Stoke-on-Trent

Stromness

Sunderland

Swansea

Swindon

Totnes

Uttoxeter

Wales

Whitehaven

Winchester

Wolverhampton

Worcester

Wrexham

York

Interesting programmes for you

Find Distance Learning Programmes in United Kingdom

Online Degrees in

Study a master programme from the comfort of your own home. The Studyportals platform offers the largest overview of online and blended study opportunities from all over the world. You now have the possibility to follow your dream study programme at one of the best universities in the world without having to relocate.

Distance education is the perfect solution for professionals looking to further their career. It offers the possibility for additional qualification while keeping the current job. With flexible schedule and resources available online, distance study programmes can be the key to your career development and a job promotion.

Online study is also a money saver, as the student does not have to spend money on moving or on a possibly expensive day to day life in a new country. So if you are in search for the best education, but do not want to relocate, give up your current life style or disrupt the comfort of your family, distance learning is the solution for you.

Looking at a growing demand for these study opportunities, combined with a lack of transparency in this quickly growing and exciting study mode, we decided to open up our portals and to also offer you information about these education options offered globally.

Please note, that for the time being this section does not yet include any on campus programmes offered in these parts of the world.

Learn below about the different countries and choose your online study from a growing selection of online studies offered by accredited institutions.

Distance Learning

Distance learning is a mode of study that allows the student to study most or all of a course without attending at a campus-based institution. The distance can refer to both material and interaction. Distance learning provides access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both.

The programmes often include a computer-based training system and tools to produce a virtual classroom. The tuition fees for distance learning vary from institution to programme to country. It is certain that the student saves expenses related to accommodation and transportation, because you can maintain the current living expenses. Distance learning is also a great solution for people that already have a job, and still want or need further education.

Discover other countries

Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland
Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway
Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece
Greece
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees. In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada
Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
United States
United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel
Israel
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’. While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history. In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
Australia
Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.

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