QS 2027#2joint
Imperial College London
London
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Business
Study in the UK
World-known universities, shorter degrees and the Graduate visa after you finish. A strong fit if you want a recognised degree without a long course.
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
CurrencyPound sterling (GBP)
TimeGMT, BST in summer
Main intakesSeptember, January
The numbers that shape your plan.
20 hrs
Weekly work limit in term for degree students
2 yrs
Graduate visa if you apply by 31 Dec 2026
1 yr
Typical length of a taught master's
Your guide to the UK.
You apply for the Student visa after a licensed university gives you an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
What you need
A CAS, proof of English at the level your course needs, proof of funds for fees and living costs, and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Working while you study
Degree-level students can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term and full-time in official holidays. Your CAS shows your exact limit.
After you graduate
The Graduate visa lets you stay and work without a sponsor: 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027, and 3 years after a PhD.
Bringing family
Most taught postgraduate students can no longer bring dependants. Research degrees such as PhDs are the main exception.
UKVI sets the living-cost funds you must show for up to nine months, with a higher amount for study in London.
London vs the rest
Rent is the biggest difference. Cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow usually cost noticeably less than London.
Funds evidence
Money must normally sit in your account for 28 consecutive days before you apply. Plan the timing so the dates line up with your application.
Budget planning
Build a month-by-month budget for your city covering rent, transport, food and the Health Surcharge, using current figures from your university and GOV.UK.
September is the main intake. Many universities also open in January, and a few run May starts.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Popular courses fill early, so start shortlisting around 10 to 12 months ahead.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate applications go direct to each university and are usually reviewed on a rolling basis.
ATAS
Some science and engineering postgraduate courses need ATAS clearance before the CAS is issued. Check whether your course needs it before you apply.
Multicultural cities, a long academic tradition and short travel times across the country.
Healthcare
Paying the Health Surcharge gives you access to the NHS. Register with a local GP soon after you arrive.
Getting around
A 16-25 Railcard cuts train fares by about a third, and most cities have student bus passes.
Settling in
In your first weeks, sort out a bank account and phone SIM, and find your university's student support teams.
Checked October 2026. Rules change, so check the official source before you apply.
Popular subjects in the UK.
Universities in the UK you can apply to.
A few well-known options you can apply to. They are examples, not our partners. A counsellor can build a shortlist around your grades and budget that includes universities not shown here. Ranks: QS World University Rankings 2027.
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University of Oxford
Oxford
- Humanities
- Law
- Medicine
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University of Cambridge
Cambridge
- Sciences
- Engineering
- Mathematics
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UCL
London
- Architecture
- Education
- Life sciences
QS 2027#35
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
- AI & informatics
- Medicine
- Arts
QS 2027#37
King's College London
London
- Nursing
- Law
- Dentistry
QS 2027#40
The University of Manchester
Manchester
- Engineering
- Business
- Materials
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University of Birmingham
Birmingham
- Business
- Engineering
- Sport science
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University of Warwick
Coventry
- Economics
- Business
- Computer science
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University of Leeds
Leeds
- Business
- Media
- Engineering
Scholarships to know about.
Chevening Scholarships
Value: Fully funded one-year master's: tuition, living allowance, travel.
Who can apply: Future leaders from eligible countries with at least two years of work experience.
Official page for Chevening Scholarships (opens in a new tab)Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
Value: Tuition, return airfare and a living allowance.
Who can apply: Students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford UK study.
Official page for Commonwealth Master's Scholarships (opens in a new tab)GREAT Scholarships
Value: £10,000 towards tuition for a one-year course.
Who can apply: Students from participating countries at participating UK universities.
Official page for GREAT Scholarships (opens in a new tab)
Ready to plan the UK?
Ask for a free consultation, and a counsellor can shortlist universities in the UK that fit you and plan the deadlines for your intake.