'Every year, close to 500,000 students from around the world come to study at UK schools, colleges and universities and 600,000 more come to do short English language courses. Join this global learning community!'
The UK has a long history of welcoming international students from around the globe. For decades, the UK has been one of the top overseas choices for schools, further and higher education. And with a reputation for teaching excellence, plus a strong support network, it's easy to see why.
Every year, close to 500,000 students from around the world come to study at UK schools, colleges and universities and 600,000 more come to do short English language courses.
Options for international students
There are several different levels that international students can study at in the UK:
Boarding schools: Thousands of international students up to the age of 18 study at UK boarding schools every year. With a strong academic tradition, lots of emphasis on extra curricular activities such as sport and art, and a high standard of teaching, UK boarding schools will prepare you for university or college. You can find out more in the boarding schools section.
English language schools: Studying at an English language school will help you prepare for further study or improve your English language skills for your future career. There are many different programmes available - ranging from a few weeks to a year and for all age groups and levels of ability. You can find out more in the ELT section.
Further Education (FE) (e.g. A-levels, Diplomas, International Baccalaureate, BTEC, Certificates and Foundation and Access courses): You can study for a FE qualification at either an FE college or boarding school. You can find out more in the further education section.
Higher Education (HE) (Bachelor degrees, Master's degrees, PhD's, postgraduate certificates and certificates of HE): Higher education qualifications are usually studied for at college or university. Entry requirements vary, though you will usually be required to demonstrate a good degree of English in order to enroll on a course. HE courses usually take between three and seven years to complete. You can find out more in the higher education section.
A welcoming place to learn and live
If you decide to study in the UK you'll be joining a diverse community of people. From Cuba to Canada, China to Croatia, the UK's international student population plays a significant role in UK life.
Every year, close to 500,000 students from around the world come to study at UK schools, colleges and universities and 600,000 more come to do short English language courses.
Options for international students
There are several different levels that international students can study at in the UK:
Boarding schools: Thousands of international students up to the age of 18 study at UK boarding schools every year. With a strong academic tradition, lots of emphasis on extra curricular activities such as sport and art, and a high standard of teaching, UK boarding schools will prepare you for university or college. You can find out more in the boarding schools section.
English language schools: Studying at an English language school will help you prepare for further study or improve your English language skills for your future career. There are many different programmes available - ranging from a few weeks to a year and for all age groups and levels of ability. You can find out more in the ELT section.
Further Education (FE) (e.g. A-levels, Diplomas, International Baccalaureate, BTEC, Certificates and Foundation and Access courses): You can study for a FE qualification at either an FE college or boarding school. You can find out more in the further education section.
Higher Education (HE) (Bachelor degrees, Master's degrees, PhD's, postgraduate certificates and certificates of HE): Higher education qualifications are usually studied for at college or university. Entry requirements vary, though you will usually be required to demonstrate a good degree of English in order to enroll on a course. HE courses usually take between three and seven years to complete. You can find out more in the higher education section.
A welcoming place to learn and live
If you decide to study in the UK you'll be joining a diverse community of people. From Cuba to Canada, China to Croatia, the UK's international student population plays a significant role in UK life.
If you choose to study at a UK university or college, you will usually find that your institution has an international society, group or club. These clubs can be a great way of making new friends and they often organise trips, social events and days out. Many of the UK's largest student groups and societies are run by international students.
UK boarding schools and colleges have similar international groups to join. If there isn't one then why not start one yourself? Student groups are a fun way to socialise and they look great on your CV.
Wherever you choose to study, making friends with like-minded people is easy. Although daunting at first, many international students will be feeling just the same as you and older students may be able to give you tips and advice on settling in.
Quality of your UK experience
Life in the UK as an international student is a rewarding, exciting and life-changing experience. By joining the UK's international community you will be part of an ever-growing group, many of whom have gone onto amazing careers.
The huge range of courses, extensive facilities and world-class research opportunities all make the UK popular with overseas students year after year. And it's not all classroom based either. Your UK experience will be as much about exploring as it is about learning - with wonderful cities, culture and landscapes waiting to be discovered.
You can find out more about options after studying in the UK on the Benefits of UK study page and explore different regions of the UK by using the Education UK interactive map.
