20 Best UK Universities for International Students in 2024

Want to pursue your higher education in the UK? Well, you have officially made a great academic choice! In 2021/22, UK universities hosted a record 679,970 international students. Of these, 120,140 were from the EU, and 559,825 came from other regions. This marked the ninth consecutive year of new records, reflecting a 37% increase, or 184,000 students, over three years. International students now make up 24% of the total student population. As it remains the top choice for studying in the UK as an international student, selecting the right university can be challenging. This blog outlines the top 20 UK universities for foreign students!

20 Best Universities in UK for International Students 

The UK is home to hundreds of universities, most of which rank the highest in the QS world university rankings. With a plethora of UK universities for foreign students, it can become confusing for you to choose the ideal one. Here are some UK colleges for international students, along with their acceptance rate, top courses, and more!

Some of the Best Law UK Colleges for International Students

Here is a list of some of the best law colleges in the UK for international students that are known for their world-class legal education, global reputation, and strong support for international students.

1. University of Cambridge

Location: The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN
Acceptance Rate: 21%
Percentage of International Students: 40%
Notable Alumni: Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking
The University of Cambridge is renowned as one of the best colleges in Britain for international students. Established in 1209, it proudly celebrates 800 years of standing strong and upholding the title of the world’s fourth-oldest surviving university. It has over 24,500 students studying there. Many notable Cambridge alumni have studied here, which adds to the glory of this institution. One of the most respected universities in the UK, it also has several Cambridge scholarships available for students.

Best features:

1. World-renowned for mathematics, sciences, and humanities.
2. Highly prestigious with a long tradition of producing Nobel laureates such as Sir Isaac Newton, Amartya Sen and more. 

2. UCL (University College London)

Location: Gower St, London WC1E 6BT
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Percentage of International Students: 54%
Notable Alumni: Mahatma Gandhi and Alexander Graham Bell
Studying at University College London (UCL) provides a deep dive into your field alongside valuable cultural insights and a global perspective that are highly valued in today's job market. One of the best universities in England for international students, it stands tall as the ninth-best university worldwide. It was named The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year for 2024. More than 45,000 students, with 19,000 postgraduates study there. Students benefit from courses led by top experts and collaborations with leading professionals. The best part of this top college in London is that it takes a global perspective by aiming to provide solutions for today’s issues.

Best features:
1. Renowned for medicine, architecture, and social sciences.
2. Strong focus on neuroscience and humanitarian studies.

3. Durham University

Location: The Palatine Centre, University, Stockton Rd, Durham DH1 3LE
Acceptance Rate: 41%|
Percentage of International Students: 22%
Notable Alumni: Bill Bryson, Carol Ann Duffy
Durham University is highly considered the best university in UK for international students, famous for its standing tradition of greatness. Durham University ranks among the world's top 100 institutions, showcasing its academic prowess and global impact. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, it holds the 89th spot. Additionally, Durham University excels in sustainability, securing 19th place worldwide, and is highly regarded for employer reputation, coming in at 65th globally. Approximately 20,000 students go there, with 30% international students.

Best features:
1. Strong in theology, humanities, and law.
2. Famous for its collegiate system and archaeology.

4. Queen Mary University of London

Location: Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Percentage of International Students: 41%
Notable Alumni: Sir Peter Mansfield and Dame Ellen MacArthur
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) ranked 9th among UK universities in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, making it one of the best UK universities for international students. It featured in The Sunday Times top ten for graduate starting salaries. With over 20,000 students from 155 countries, its five campuses are centrally located in London. The main campus, at Mile End, is the largest self-contained university campus in the city. It is home to more than 26,000 students.

Best features:
1. Known for medicine, dentistry, and law.
2. Recognized for humanities and computer science research.

5. University of Nottingham

Location: Nottingham NG7 2RD
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Percentage of International Students: 15%
Notable Alumni: Sir Paul Smith and Sir Peter Mansfield
The University of Nottingham stands out with its global perspective and award-winning reputation, making it one of the most well-known institutions among the top UK universities for foreign students. Ranked among the top 20 universities in the UK and 108th worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings 2025, it offers a prestigious education with an international reach. Founded in 1881, international students have grown over the years and have campuses in Nottingham, Malaysia, and China. Around 45,000 students, with 11,000 international students study there. 

Best features:
1. Known for pharmacy, engineering, and veterinary medicine.
2. Global reputation for law and business.

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6. University of Oxford

Location: Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD

Acceptance Rate: 17.5%

Percentage of International Students: 40%

Notable Alumni: J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, and Albert Einstein

The University of Oxford, a beacon of academic brilliance, proudly stands among some of the UK universities for international students for 928 years. Oxford's stunning architecture and lovely college campuses come together to form the top university in the UK that has operated as a wellspring of motivation for years. Number of students studying there is approximately 26,000. It holds the reputation of ranking first in the world for eight consecutive years, providing amazing Oxford scholarships for international students. So, if you’re aiming for this university, here’s how you can get into Oxford University!

Best features:

1. Leading in humanities, politics, and medical sciences.

2. Famous for its tutorial system and global influence in education.

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7. University of Edinburgh

Location: Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Percentage of International Students: 30%
Notable Alumni: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Darwin
The University of Edinburgh’s commitment to sustainability has garnered notable recognition, earning its spot in the list of the best UK universities for foreign students. According to the QS World University Rankings, the institution ranked 3rd in the UK, 6th in Europe, and 15th globally in 2024. It is home to 45,000 students. Additionally, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings highlighted the university's achievements in 2024 by placing it joint 1st in the world for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, a significant improvement from 5th place in 2023.

Best features:
1. Leading university for medicine, informatics, and philosophy.
2. High reputation in artificial intelligence and data science.

8. University of Glasgow

Location: Glasgow G12 8QQ
Acceptance Rate: 74.3%
Percentage of International Students: 15%
Notable Alumni: Adam Smith, James Watt, Lord Kelvin
The University of Glasgow ranks as one of the leading UK universities for international students, holding the 78th spot in the QS World University Rankings for 2025. It excels in various fields, placing 15th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject and 11th in the Northern Europe University Rankings. Additionally, it is positioned 16th in the overall European University Rankings, charting itself among the best UK universities for foreign students. Around 35,000 students study there. 

Best features:
1. Highly regarded for veterinary medicine, life sciences, and law.
2. Strong in theology and arts.

9. Newcastle University

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Percentage of International Students: 13%
Notable Alumni: George Alagiah and Rowan Atkinson
Newcastle University holds notable positions in global rankings: 129th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 (published 2024), 139th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, and 23rd in the Times Higher Education Europe Teaching Rankings 2019. This prestigious UK university for international students boasts an eminent history and a commitment to academic excellence. Did you know that Newcastle, ranked as the best student city in the UK and 8th in Europe, is celebrated by students for its outstanding nightlife, student friendliness, and convenient amenities that enhance daily life for students? Approximately 29,000 students study there. 

Best features:
1. Strong in medicine, biomedical sciences, and engineering.
2. Leading programs in urban planning and fine arts.

Some of the Best Engineering UK Colleges for International Students

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10. University of Warwick

Location: Coventry CV4 7AL
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Percentage of International Students: 44%
Notable Alumni: Stephen Merchant, Oliver Hart
The University of Warwick is a major institution among the top UK universities for foreign students. It has around 29,500 students. It stands out as a top-tier institution, securing the 10th spot in the UK according to the Complete University Guide 2025. The university promotes interdisciplinary learning and has achieved Gold in every category of the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) such as teaching quality, research excellence, and many more. Its influential alumni, including Nobel laureates and business leaders, reflect the global impact of this University in the UK and its contributions to various fields. There are also several amazing clubs in Coventry that you can enjoy after your studies. 

Best features:
1. Top-ranked for business, economics, and engineering.
2. Renowned for its Warwick Business School.

11. University of Manchester

Location: Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9P
Acceptance Rate: 51.1%
Percentage of International Students: 56%
Notable Alumni: Ernest Rutherford
Choosing to study at the University of Manchester offers numerous benefits. It ranks as the second most targeted university by top graduate employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research. With a diverse student body from over 170 countries, this college is one of the top UK universities for foreign students. It caters to around 40,000 students. Additionally, Manchester is highly regarded in Europe and the UK, holding the eighth and sixth positions, respectively, in the QS World Rankings 2024.

Best features:
1. Known for science and engineering, especially graphene research.
2. Large, vibrant campus with global research contributions.

12. Imperial College London

Location: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2BX
Acceptance Rate: 14.3%
Percentage of International Students: 60%
Notable Alumni: Alexander Fleming and Brian May|
Imperial College London stands out as one of the best UK universities for foreign students in science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business (STEMB). It has achieved notable accolades, including being ranked 2nd in the world by QS for 2025, 1st in the UK and Europe for the same year, the University of the Year for Graduate Employment by The Times/The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and 1st in the UK for graduate prospects by The Guardian University Guide 2024. Around 22,000 students are studying there. Founded in 1907 in South Kensington, Imperial now operates across nine campuses. An interesting fact about this popular university in the UK is that it is also one of the universities with a low acceptance rate.‍

Best features:
1. Specializes in STEM subjects, especially engineering and medicine.
2. Known for its research innovation and global industry partnerships.

13. University of Bristol

Location: Beacon House, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QU
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Percentage of International Students: 28%
Notable Alumni: David Attenborough and Winston Churchill
University of Bristol ranks among the top ten UK universities for international students according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. It is recognized as a leading research institution, securing a place in the top five for research in the 2021 REF. High Fliers Research lists it as one of the five most targeted universities according to the top UK colleges ranking. With 26 subjects in the world’s top 100 (QS World Subject Rankings 2024) and 13 Nobel Prize winners associated with the institution, it is one of the top UK universities for foreign students. It is home to around 27,000 students. If you’re in search of a university that offers the best robotics engineering courses, this is the place for you!

Best features:
1. Excellent in engineering, veterinary science, and earth sciences.
2. High ranking for aerospace engineering and medical research.

Here are some more UK University lists for international students:

‍14. University of Southampton

Location: University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Percentage of International Students: 34%
Notable Alumni: Adrian Newey, Jon Sopel
The University of Southampton has risen to the top 12 in the UK according to the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, making a solid position in the list of top UK universities for international students. The university has climbed four spots to share 12th place in the UK rankings and moved up 16 positions to 108th globally. It caters to more than 22,000 students In fact, it is positioned near some of the best restaurants in Southampton. 

Best features:
1. Best known for engineering, especially aerospace and marine engineering.
2. Home to the National Oceanography Centre.

15. University of Sheffield

Location: Sheffield S10 2TN
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Percentage of International Students: 24%
Notable Alumni: Sebastian Coe, David Blunkett, and Jessica Ennis-Hill
The University of Sheffield ranks 105th globally and 13th in the UK in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. Additionally, it stands out as one of the top 50 UK universities for international students, placing 46th worldwide and 15th in the UK according to the 2023 rankings. With a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and a commitment to societal change, the University of Sheffield continues to shine as a center of intellectual exploration and positive transformation. It is home to more than 29,000 students.

Best features:
1. Specializes in engineering, especially civil and mechanical.
2. Top in architecture and town planning.

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16. University of St. Andrews

Location: St Andrews KY16 9AJ
Acceptance Rate: 8-12%
Percentage of International Students: 39%
Notable Alumni: Prince William, Catherine (Duchess of Cambridge)
The University of St. Andrews, an eminent institution among the best UK universities for international students, maintains a prestigious legacy and an adherence to academic excellence. Founded in 1413, the University of St Andrews stands as Scotland's oldest and most esteemed university, currently holding the 92nd spot globally. Around 10,500 students go there. It excels particularly in Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies (18th worldwide), Philosophy (19th), and Arts and Humanities (61st). This top UK university for international students is one of the oldest universities in the UK.

Best features:
1. Leading university in theology, philosophy, and marine biology.
2. Known for its tradition in the liberal arts.

17. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Location: Houghton St, London WC2A 2AE
Acceptance Rate: 8.9%
Percentage of International Students: 71%
Notable Alumni: George Soros and Friedrich Hayek
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is highly regarded as an institution that's well known for its outstanding academic criteria and significant contributions across many fields. It stands among London's premier public universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, it holds a prestigious position at #=50. It has encouraged individuals like world leaders, economists, and Nobel laureates, making it one of the top UK universities for international students. It has around 11,000 students, with 70% international students.

Best features:
1. Global leader in economics, politics, and sociology.
2. Produces influential figures in international relations and economics.

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18. King’s College of London

Location: Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
Acceptance Rate: 13%
Percentage of International Students: 39.1%
Notable Alumni: Florence Nightingale and Desmond Tutu
King's College London is among the top UK universities for international students. It is a public research university with a rich history and is famous for its academic prestige. Founded in 1829, this university maintains a vital position in the country and has 5 campuses. It offers an intellectually diverse atmosphere for both learning and research. It has over 33,000 students, with about 12,000 postgraduates.

Best features:
1. Strong in law, medicine, and war studies.
2. Highly regarded for biomedical research and international relations.

19. University of Leeds

Location: Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JT
Acceptance Rate: 64%-77%
Percentage of International Students: 19%
Notable Alumni: Sir Alan Bennett, Jack Straw
The University of Leeds is a major UK institution, hosting over 38,000 students from more than 170 countries. This is due to the cost of living in Leeds which makes the place affordable for the students to live. Over 38,000 students study there. One of the top UK universities for international students, it ranks in the top 100 universities globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2021. In 2020, Times Higher Education listed it among the top 35 most international universities.

Best features:
1. Renowned for business, music, and engineering.
2. Leading programs in environmental sciences.

20. University of Birmingham

Location: Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

Acceptance Rate: 14%

Percentage of International Students: 19%

Notable Alumni: Sir Paul Nurse, David Hare

The University of Birmingham ranks 13th in the 2025 Complete University Guide, 37th in the latest Guardian University Guide, and 22nd in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide. It is home to more than 38,000 students, It is a major institution among the UK universities for international students, boasting a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence. With a focus on research-driven solutions and a dedication to societal impact, the University of Birmingham persists to shine as a hub of intellectual investigation and transformative education.

Best features:

1. Excellent in engineering, social sciences, and medical research.

2. Known for cancer studies and international relations.

How to Apply for UK Universities for Foreign Students?

Well, you have officially made a great choice by selecting one of these universities for international students! However, applying to them might be a little challenging. Here are some of the steps to apply to the best UK universities for foreign students:

Step 1: Research: With over 100 UK universities for international students to choose from, it’s important to research and decide which university and course are right for you. 

Step 2: Collect your Important Documents: You’ll need to gather all the necessary documents for your application:

• Academic transcripts
• Test scores of standardized exams like GMAT / GRE / SAT
• English language proficiency test scores like IELTS / TOEFL / PTE
• Completed application form
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume
• Portfolio
• Passport size photographs (if asked)
• Copy of the passport
• Relevant certificates of extra-curricular activities

Step 3: Register and Apply: All undergraduate applications are submitted through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply for up to five courses at once.

Step 4: Accept your Offer: Your chosen university will contact you to inform you whether you’ve received an offer to study. If you’re accepted with an unconditional offer, you can accept it straight away.

How to choose a university in the UK as an international student

Choosing UK universities for foreign students can be an exciting but challenging process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Identify Your Course of Interest- Start by identifying the course you want to study. Look for universities that specialize in your field or offer strong academic support in that area. Britain is more than just English courses for international students in UK. 

2. Check University Rankings- Review international rankings such as QS World University Rankings or THE (Times Higher Education) to gauge a university’s global reputation of your UK university for international students. 

3. Evaluate University Reputation- Consider the university’s overall reputation for research and teaching quality.

4. Consider Location and Cost of Living- Decide whether you prefer a university located in a vibrant city or one with a more focused campus life. Research the cost of living in different UK cities. London, for example, is more expensive than smaller cities like Nottingham or Manchester.

5. Check Support for International Students- Make sure the university has a strong support system for international students, including visa guidance, accommodation help, and orientation programs.

6. Tuition Fees and Scholarships- Check the tuition fees for international students, as they can vary significantly depending on the course and university. Explore scholarship options offered by universities or external organizations to ease the financial burden.

7. Post-Study Work Opportunities- Research post-study work visas, such as the UK’s Graduate Route, which allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation.

8. Alumni Network and Reviews- Explore the university’s alumni network and success stories, especially in your field of interest.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Academic Qualifications: Any UK university for international students evaluates applicants based on secondary school exams, grades, and standardized tests like the SAT or AP. Make sure to meet the specific requirements for the course you’re interested in.

2. Financial Support: Ensure you can financially support yourself during your studies. This is crucial for obtaining a student visa.

3. Visa Requirements: Apply for a student visa (Tier 4 visa) if you’re an international student. You must be 16 or older, have an offer from a licensed student sponsor, and demonstrate financial capability.

4. Application Fee: Most international applicants are required to pay an application fee of £60. However, some countries are eligible for fee waivers.

Now that you're aware of the best UK university list for international students, it also helps to understand how to get started with your application process to study in UK for international students. So, pack your bags and get ready now to enter the world of the best UK universities for foreign students.