Go to the United Kingdom

Get there with the TOEFL iBT® test.

Why go to the United Kingdom?

Studying in the U.K. offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain a world-class education in a country renowned for academic excellence and TOEFL helps you start your journey. The United Kingdom is home to some of the world's top universities, known for their cutting-edge research and teaching standards and with students from over 200 nationalities studying in the U.K., you’ll be joining a truly global community.

The U.K. is home to 3 of the top 10 universities in the world and 12 of the top 100
London has been voted the world’s best student city for the six of the past seven years
Over 25% of current world leaders were educated in the U.K.
Over 30% of research from U.K. institutions is classified as ‘world-leading’
91% of international students in the U.K. describe themselves as ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ with their university experience

Study in UK

REGION: Europe
LANGUAGE: English
CURRENCY: GBP (£)
TIME ZONES: UTC+0
CLIMATE: Mild and temperate

Life in the UK: What to Expect

Life as an international student in the U.K. can feel both exciting and fast-moving, whether you’re starting an undergraduate degree or arriving for a postgraduate programme. Undergraduates often experience campus life through halls of residence, shared kitchens, and busy student-union events, while many postgraduates settle into private rentals and build community through course cohorts, departmental events, and research groups. Most UK Universities are highly international, with cohorts of students from all around the world, meaning you’ll have the chance to study and make friends with people from many different countries.

Day-to-day, you might notice a more indirect communication style (“That’s interesting” can mean “I disagree”), the importance of queuing and politeness, and how changeable the weather can be—sometimes all in one day. Student societies play a large role in university life, giving you a chance to meet and socialise with people who hold similar interests to you.

Work & Practical Experience Opportunities

Many full-time degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and may be able to work full-time during official vacation periods set by their institution. The rules are strict: the weekly limit cannot be averaged, and “term time” usually includes exam and assessment periods, which can be a surprise for some postgraduate taught students working on a summer dissertation.

Retail and customer service (shops, supermarkets, high-street stores)
Hospitality (cafés, restaurants, hotel front desk, kitchen assistant)
On-campus roles (library assistant, student ambassador, events support, IT helpdesk support)
Tutoring and academic support (peer mentor, language conversation partner, demonstrator for some departments)
Delivery and flexible shift work (where permitted and compatible with your visa conditions)

Student visa work also comes with role restrictions—for example, student visa holders are generally not allowed to be self-employed or undertake business activity, and some categories of work (such as professional sport) are prohibited. After you successfully complete an eligible UK degree, you may be able to apply from inside the UK for the Graduate visa (often called the post-study work visa). This allows you to work without sponsorship in the UK for 18 months post-graduation.

Understanding United Kingdom Immigration & Entry Pathways

Applying for a UK Student visa involves a clear set of steps that international students need to complete before travelling. First, you must receive an unconditional offer from a UK university that is licensed to sponsor students. Once you accept the offer, the university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is required for your visa application. You will also need to show that you meet the English language requirements and can cover your tuition fees and living costs.

With your CAS in hand, you apply online through the UK government’s visa website. This includes submitting supporting documents, paying the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, and completing an identity check either digitally or at a visa application centre. Most applications are decided within a few weeks, after which successful students receive digital confirmation of their immigration status, allowing them to travel to the UK and begin their studies.

CHECK IF YOU NEED A UK VISA

Official tool to confirm whether a student needs a visa based on nationality and purpose of travel.

STUDENT VISA OVERVIEW

Main Home Office guidance on eligibility, timing, fees, and how long students can stay.

STUDY IN THE UK: STUDENT VISAS

Home Office landing page that brings together student visa routes and related study guidance

DISCOVER UNI

Official UK public information service for higher education and includes guidance for international applicants on applying, visas, and preparing to study in the UK

English Proficiency Requirements

All universities in the United Kingdom will require proof of your English language proficiency. The TOEFL iBT® test—widely accepted across academic and professional settings—is one of the most trusted ways to demonstrate readiness for English‑medium study, practice, and communication.

How TOEFL® Supports You

TWherever you are in your academic or professional journey, the TOEFL iBT® test helps open doors to organizations and UK universities. Explore test prep, score requirements, and more — and take the next step toward your future in the United Kingdom”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rankings and course listing websites can be helpful starting points to compare universities and programs, while many prospective students use education agents, who can offer personalized guidance on applications, entry requirements and timelines. It is important to remember different universities will be stronger in different subject areas, so it is important to look beyond overall rankings and understand the institutions strengths at the subject level.

What is the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate study?

In the UK, undergraduate (UG) study is the first level of university education after secondary school and usually lasts for three of four years. Postgraduate (PG) study follows a bachelor’s degree and is more specialized and independent, with a stronger focus on advanced coursework or research and a shorter, more intensive study period, last around one year

BA (Bachelor of Arts): Focuses on humanities, arts, business, and social sciences.
BSc (Bachelor of Science): Covers science, engineering, technology, and maths‑based subjects.
BEng (Bachelor of Engineering): A specialized degree focused on engineering disciplines.
Integrated Master’s (e.g. MEng, MSci): Combines undergraduate and master’s study into one longer course.
Foundation year/degree: A preparatory route for students who need extra academic or subject support before starting a bachelor’s degree.

Of course — here’s a concise, matching set of bullets for postgraduate (PG) and PhD study in the UK, aligned with the tone and length of the UG list:

Master’s degrees (e.g. MA, MSc): Advanced taught courses focused on specialist subject knowledge, usually completed in one year.

Professional master’s degrees (e.g. MBA, MArch): Career focused programs combining academic study with practical or professional skills.

Postgraduate diplomas or certificates (PGDip/PGCert): Shorter postgraduate courses that offer advanced training without a full master’s qualification.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): A research focused degree involving original research, usually completed over three to four years.

Professional doctorates (e.g. EdD, DBA): Doctoral level qualifications combining research with applied professional practice.

UK universities typically run an academic year from late summer (August or September) through May, followed by a summer break. Teaching is organized into terms or semesters, with holiday periods between them, and some universities also offer a January intake, particularly for postgraduate courses.

Yes — UK universities normally expect students to be at least 17 years old when they begin their studies and to have completed secondary education (or an equivalent qualification). Some institutions may set slightly higher minimum ages for specific courses, but there is no nationally fixed minimum age beyond this general expectation.