'A higher education qualification from a UK institution will prepare you for your chosen career or further study. UK higher education qualifications are recognised globally and are renowned for their quality.'
Each year thousands of international students come to the UK to study for a higher education qualification at undergraduate or postgraduate level. UK institutions are world-renowned for teaching excellence, and they offer degree-level courses that are respected globally by employers.
UK higher education offers two main levels of study: undergraduate and postgraduate.
UK higher education offers two main levels of study: undergraduate and postgraduate.
You can apply to study for an undergraduate degree if you have attained certain school-level qualifications and achieved the required grades. Undergraduate degrees usually run for three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and four years in Scotland.
Students can apply for postgraduate study usually after completing an undergraduate course.
Postgraduate qualifications are split into three main types:
- certificates and diplomas
- master’s degrees
- doctorates.
These courses can require anything from one to three years of full-time study (though part-time options are available).
Other UK higher education qualifications at pre-undergraduate level can taken by students who wish to study for a shorter course that does not lead to a degree-level qualification, or want to take a course that prepares them for undergraduate study. Many of these courses are vocational, though academic options are also available. Qualifications that fall into this category include:
Other UK higher education qualifications at pre-undergraduate level can taken by students who wish to study for a shorter course that does not lead to a degree-level qualification, or want to take a course that prepares them for undergraduate study. Many of these courses are vocational, though academic options are also available. Qualifications that fall into this category include:
- BTEC Higher National certificates and Diplomas
- Certificates and Diplomas of Higher Education
- Foundation degrees.
If you want to study at undergraduate level you need to apply through UCAS and specify your chosen institutions - usually universities, though many further education colleges now also offer degree-level study. Postgraduates apply directly to the institution where they wish to study, or for some research-based courses can apply through UKPASS.
You can read more about undergraduate study and the application process here. The different types of UK postgraduate qualifications are explained in detail here. You can search for all types of higher education courses using the Education UK Search tool, to the top-right of this website.
While you study
If you apply to a UK university, you'll live and learn in the UK during your studies (unless you are enrolled at a campus outside the UK). Your institution will usually provide, or help you find, accommodation for at least your first year of study. Options include houses shared with other international students, halls of residence and private accommodation. The international student office or student welfare centre will be available to provide assistance and make recommendations.
It's a good idea while you're in the UK to take the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities and discover the rich diversity of UK culture. All universities and colleges have clubs and societies that students can join, ranging from rugby and hockey teams to music and debating societies and film clubs. The UK transport system makes it easy to explore the country and visit friends, and many international students take weekend trips to historic or picturesque locations such as Stonehenge or the Lake District.
You can find out more about the different areas of the UK - and find out what other international students think about them - by using the Education UK interactive map.
Upcoming events, from sporting contests to celebrations of ancient traditions, can be found on the This is GREAT Britain interactive calendar.
After your studies
After completing an undergraduate degree you may wish to stay in the UK to study at a higher level for a postgraduate qualification. If you are planning to apply for jobs, a UK higher education will open doors for you around the globe and is a great way to begin an international career.
You can find out more on EDUK's Careers after higher education page.
You can read more about undergraduate study and the application process here. The different types of UK postgraduate qualifications are explained in detail here. You can search for all types of higher education courses using the Education UK Search tool, to the top-right of this website.
While you study
If you apply to a UK university, you'll live and learn in the UK during your studies (unless you are enrolled at a campus outside the UK). Your institution will usually provide, or help you find, accommodation for at least your first year of study. Options include houses shared with other international students, halls of residence and private accommodation. The international student office or student welfare centre will be available to provide assistance and make recommendations.
It's a good idea while you're in the UK to take the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities and discover the rich diversity of UK culture. All universities and colleges have clubs and societies that students can join, ranging from rugby and hockey teams to music and debating societies and film clubs. The UK transport system makes it easy to explore the country and visit friends, and many international students take weekend trips to historic or picturesque locations such as Stonehenge or the Lake District.
You can find out more about the different areas of the UK - and find out what other international students think about them - by using the Education UK interactive map.
Upcoming events, from sporting contests to celebrations of ancient traditions, can be found on the This is GREAT Britain interactive calendar.
After your studies
After completing an undergraduate degree you may wish to stay in the UK to study at a higher level for a postgraduate qualification. If you are planning to apply for jobs, a UK higher education will open doors for you around the globe and is a great way to begin an international career.
You can find out more on EDUK's Careers after higher education page.
