Top 6 universities to study in the UK

#20 in QS World University Rankings 2021

#30 in Times Higher Education World Rankings 2020

#30 Complete University Guide League Tables 2021

The University of Edinburgh (UoE) is located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and regularly voted as one of the most desirable places to live or visit. The experience of the city is matched by the university with an award of the highest rating possible for the quality of student learning experience.

Known for its academic excellence, 89% of graduates leave with a first-class or 2:1 degree classification. There is also a very strong focus on research at the university with an impressive fourth in the UK for quality and breadth of research.

UoE has a strong and impressive alumni with over 20 Nobel Laureates and great historic thinkers such as Charles Darwin, David Hume and Sir Conan Doyle. In addition to its historic legacy, the university is forward-looking as one of the largest providers of online distance programmes in the UK.

UoE prides itself as an internationally focused university and is a welcoming place for international students. Approximately 41% of its 29,000+ students in 2020 are international students.


#49 in QS World University Rankings 2021

#27 in Times Higher Education World Rankings 2020

#4 Complete University Guide League Tables 2021

The London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE) is one of the leading social science universities in the world that specialises in disciplines such as economics, politics, sociology, law and anthropology. The university is ranked second in the world for social sciences and management, and third for communication and media studies and sociology.

LSE has a strong focus on research in the social science disciplines, leading the way with the highest percentage of world-leading research from the UK. The school also has one of the most prestigious public events programmes and is at the forefront of developments in social sciences.

The student community is also one of the most internationally diverse in the world. An astounding 71% of the 10,000+ students in 2020 are international students, making it a popular choice for international students who are looking to gain a truly international education in the social sciences.

#10 in QS World University Rankings 2021

#15 in Times Higher Education World Rankings 2020

#10 Complete University Guide League Tables 2021

UCL (University College London) is a diverse and progressive university that is the top university in the UK for research strength.

There is a very strong focus on research and postgraduate studies at UCL with more than half the student population enrolled in graduate studies. The university proudly boasts 29 Nobel Laureates and a Nobel Prize winner in every decade since the award first started in 1901.

UCL has a very impressive progressive history. Founded in 1826, UCL began with the vision of bringing higher education to those that were traditionally excluded and went on to become the first university in England to welcome students from any religion and social background, and the first to open its doors to women.

The diverse focus of the university can be seen in the student population. Over 50% of the 32,000+ student cohort in 2020 are international students from over 150 countries.


#8 in QS World University Rankings 2021

#10 in Times Higher Education World Rankings 2020

#5 Complete University Guide League Tables 2021

The Imperial College of London is a top-ranking science-based institution that focuses solely on science, engineering, medicine and business. It's ranked in the top 10 for engineering & technology and natural sciences.

The College is known for its world-class researchers and cutting-edge research that has real-world, practical and global applications. There's also an impressive alumni from the college, such as Nobel Laureates, medallists, award winners and Fellowships that serves as a testament to its dedication to science and knowledge.

There is a thriving international student community in the college with approximately 59% of its 16,000+ student cohort in 2020 as international or non-UK students, so there is a diverse blend of nationalities and cultures in the college society.


#7 in QS World University Rankings 2021

#3 in Times Higher Education World Rankings 2020

#1 Complete University Guide League Tables 2021

The University of Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and is world-renowned for its quality of teaching, research and international outlook. It's ranked second in the world for anatomy, anthropology, archaeology and English literature and language.

There are a high number of international students at the University of Cambridge, with approximately 37% of international students of its 18,000+ total student cohort. Approximately one-fifth (20%) of the Cambridge population are university students.

The University of Cambridge has educated many great thinkers and leaders in mathematics, science, politics, law, philosophy and the arts. It boasts an impressive alumnus with 92 affiliates awarded Nobel Prizes across every category.

The small city of Cambridge and the university campus is known for its beautiful and majestic campus and cultural sights. The university has plenty of heritage listed buildings, nine world-renowned arts, scientific and cultural museums and over 100 libraries.

#5 in QS World University Rankings 2021

#1 in Times Higher Education World Rankings 2020

#2 Complete University Guide League Tables 2021

The University of Oxford is a well-known institution around the world, and a world leader in cutting-edge science and medical research. It has been ranked #1 in the world for medicine and in the top 10 globally for life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences and the arts and humanities.

The university also boasts an impressive historical legacy. It is the oldest university in the English-speaking world with a stellar alumni such as 28 British prime ministers, 30+ world leaders and 55 Nobel Prize winners.

Located in the breathtaking and historic university city of Oxford, there's so many students that the small city is considered the youngest population in the UK with a quarter of the city's residents are university students.

There's also a very healthy international student community with approximately 40% of its 22,000 students are international students.

blend of nationalities and cultures in the college society.


Studying abroad is a massive adventure and your door to international opportunities and career success. So, if you are looking at studying in the UK, there are many more options beyond the list presented to you.

If you're still searching for the right fit, check out more of our articles on our Student Blog or get in touch with an office near you to help you make your final decision.