There is a lot of confusion in the minds of Indian students as to whether they should go to the UK for higher education or not. The main problem is that the higher education system in the UK is different from the higher education system in India. In India, students have to go through the semester system to study for two semesters every year. But in the UK, students have to go through a 3-semester system where they have to study three periods in the same year. Another confusion is what are the top universities in the UK? If you too were looking for an answer to this, this post is for you!
Do you know?
With an academic reputation built on a centuries-old heritage, the UK is home to some of the world’s oldest universities, consistently ranked among the highest in the world.
The UK’s top universities are regarded as some of the most exciting institutions, with the UK ranking among the top three study-abroad destinations in the world. Excellent quality education, modern research facilities, affordable education, financial aid opportunities, leading companies, and a friendly immigration policy for international students make the UK stand out. Some of the most desirable UK universities that have maintained their rankings and reputation worldwide are Oxford University, Cambridge University, Imperial College London, University College London, and others.
Excited? All set to know everything… Let’s get started…
Topics covered
What all is covered in this post?
To make it easier for you, we have created a quick guide to everything you need to know about top universities in the UK.
List of top 10 universities in the UK
UK university rankings and league tables are highly competitive. There are more than 150 higher education institutions in the UK, and university rankings are an important deciding factor. Important factors to consider when choosing a UK university include:
- Cost of living
- Location
- Percentage of international students
- Research ranking
- Student satisfaction
- Subject ranking
- University ranking
Following is the list of top 10 universities to study in the UK along with the “THE Ranking 2022”:
| University | THE Ranking 2023 | Average Tuition Fees |
| University of Oxford | 1 | £28,000 |
| University of Cambridge | 3 | £33,000 |
| Imperial College London | 10 | £35,700 |
| University College London | 22 | £25,000 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 29 | £34,000 |
| King’s College London | 35 | £29,000 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | 37 | £18,000 |
| The University of Manchester | 54 | £28,000 |
| University of Bristol | 76 | £20,000 |
| The University of Warwick | 104 | £22,000 |
About top universities in the UK
However, before you narrow down on the best universities in the UK, make sure you understand the entry requirements, UK student visa process and the cost of a master’s degree in the UK. By doing this, you will be able to simplify your trip and plan it well!
In this section, we will discuss the above-mentioned list of top universities in the UK:
University of Oxford
Currently, the University of Oxford has more than 25,000 students, divided into different programs and fields of study. Oxford has many scholarships for international students. Some Oxford University scholarships for international students even offer 100% fee waivers and part of living expenses.
| Location | Oxford |
| Popular Courses | BA in English Language and Literature, Bachelor of Engineering Science, BS in Medicine, BA in Economics, MS in Computer Science, MS in Psychology, MS in Biology, etc. |
| Acceptance Rate | 17% |
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is the second-largest university in the English-speaking world and one of the top five universities in the world. The university is a member of the Russell Group, a network of British research universities; the Coimbra Group, an association of leading European universities; the League of European Research Universities; and the International Alliance of Research Universities.
| Location | Cambridge |
| Popular Courses | BA in Computer Science, BA in Economics, BA in Education, BA in Human, Social and Political Sciences, Masters in Finance, MPhil Engineering, MPhil Medical Science, MPhil Advanced Computer Science, MPhil Scientific Computing, etc. |
| Acceptance Rate | 20% |
Imperial College London
Imperial College London has consistently excelled in education, ranking 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2020. A whopping 94% of students enrolled in this course are international students from over 31 countries.
| Location | London |
| Popular Courses | BEng in Computing/ BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MSc Financial Technology, MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology, MSc Investment and Wealth Management, Master of Public Health (MPH), MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management, etc. |
| Acceptance Rate | 14.3% |
University College London
University College London encourages students to think freely, find their own way, and study each subject independently and in depth rather than simply missing lessons. The UCL campus is known as one of the best universities in the UK due to its vibrancy and first-class infrastructure.
| Location | London |
| Popular Courses | BSc in Computer Science, BEng in Civil Engineering, BSc in Architecture, MSc Systems Engineering Management, MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health; MSc in Space Science and Engineering; MSc Technology Management, MSc Advanced Materials Science (Energy Storage), etc. |
| Acceptance Rate | 63% |
The University of Edinburgh
The university offers a Master’s degree in Marketing and Business Analytics, which combines two “in-demand” fields into one course. Teaching covers predictive analytics, game theory, web analytics, and industrial analytics in depth. Overall, this is an academically rigorous course that will prepare you for a bright future in business.
| Location | Edinburgh |
| Popular Courses | BEng in Computer Science, BEng in Civil Engineering, BSc in Biological Sciences, MSc Accounting and Finance, MBA Executive Master of Business Administration, MSc Finance, Technology and Policy, MSc Advanced Power Engineering, MSc Sustainable Energy Systems, etc. |
| Acceptance Rate | 10% |
Note: If you are looking for details on MBA universities, refer to our Top MBA universities in the UK post. And for masters, refer to Universities in UK for Masters post!
It’s a Wrap!
Students from all over the world come to the UK every year to pursue an education because of the quality of education and the reputation of its universities around the world. Admission to the top universities in the UK is definitely a sure way to a promising future.
You have the list of top universities in the UK. Do you want to make a career decision now? Not settled yet? In case, you feel indecisive or confused, do dial us up.
Talk to our study abroad experts who have 20+ years of experience to know yourself in and out! We have helped several brilliant but confused minds with the aim to select their most-suited career choices. Hear the success story of Aayush who got an offer from the top 3 universities and is now studying at the University in Ottawa in Canada after getting career guidance from our industry experts!
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FAQs
Computer Science is one of the hardest degrees to get in. Although a growing field with excellent employment opportunities, computer science is one of the most difficult degrees you can get in the UK.
In humanities, grades in the 12th grade must be at least 65%. For science and commerce, marks in class 12 should be 70 to 80% and above. Students who scored less than 60% are eligible to continue in education and diploma programs.
International students prefer UK degrees to degrees from other countries because these degrees are recognized and respected around the world. No matter where you end up looking for work, your degree will help and highlight your potential.
The University of Oxford takes the top spot, the University of Cambridge comes in second, and two of London’s top universities and a Scottish university round out the top five.
Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.
