It’s easier to get admission to public universities in UK as an international students when compared to the US.
The UK is one of the top study-abroad destinations that attracts lots of students across the globe. These universities provide the world’s best quality education and as such, are ranked among the best globally.
There are about 130 public universities in the UK that offer affordable tuition and excellent academic programs. But then, what are the top public universities I can consider as an international student?
This guide covers public universities in the UK that offer master’s or MSc degrees in health or other fields.
Let’s Dive in.
But first….
Requirements for International Students Applying to Public Universities in the UK
You must have a ground knowledge of how the UK’s education system works and the basic requirements needed to get accepted into these schools, especially as an international student.
- Minimum Academic Requirements: You must meet the minimum grade requirements for undergraduate or postgraduate programs in the UK.
- Proof of Funds: You have to provide bank statements to showcase the ability to pay your tuition fees and cover living expenses. So plan to have a minimum of $10,000 as proof of fund in your personal account.
- Letters of Recommendation: Academic or professional references are often required to support your application.
- Academic CV: A comprehensive resume showcasing academic achievements, co-curricular activities, and other accomplishments is essential.
- English Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is mandatory and assessed through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Although not all universities ask for this. So you need to check out the school to be sure.
- GRE/GMAT Scores: These may be required for certain programs, especially in fields like business and technical studies.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written SOP is an important part of the application. Here you have to explain why you are applying to the specific program and university and also your academic goals. So endenvour to learn how to write a good Statement of Purpose
Now let’s get straight to business…
20 Best Public Universities in the UK
Here is the list of the best public universities in the UK:
#1. University Of Oxford
This is one of the most reputable universities located in England. It’s the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Due to its long history, it’s an institution that has a lot to offer in academics, research as well as culture.
However, it’s not easy to get admission due to its competitive acceptance rate, which is 20% for Oxford University. Also, the percentage of international students in the school is 45%.
Additionally, some of the top courses offered in this prestigious university include: Medical sciences, Humanities, history, mathematics, social sciences, linguistics etc. Some of the best MSc offered in this university include; Physics and philosophy, MSt in English, research in biochemistry, and advanced computer science.
The average tuition fee is £24,750- £26,960 per year. The English proficiency needed at the University of Oxford includes; IELTs with a score of 7.5+ and TOEFL with a score of 110+.
#2. Imperial College of London
This university is another best and most exciting public university to study in the UK. Some of their top courses include: Clinical studies, medical sciences, and engineering. The MSC courses you can study in this school as an international student include an MSC in finance, MBA, in business analytics, and management and an MSc in strategic marketing.
The average tuition fee is £31,000-£35,700 per year. The English proficiency needed in the Imperial College of London include: IELTS with a scoreof 7+ and TOEFL with a score of 100+.
#3. University of Cambridge
This is one of the top universities in the United Kingdom but it’s quite selective when it comes to accepting students with an acceptance rate of 10-15%. The total percentage of international students is 40%.
Additionally, the tuition fee per year is £22,000-£70,000 per year.
The top courses offered at this university include: Biological Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Clinical Medicine, Technology, and Physical Sciences. The best courses for masters/Phd include: pure mathematics, physics , MBA, finance and Architecture and urban design.
The English proficiency scores for admission to the University of Cambridge include; IELTS with a minimum score of 7 and TOEFL with a minimum score of 100.
#4. University College London (UCL)
This university in London was established in 1826 and has an acceptance estate of 40-50%. UCL attracts lots of students across the world with an international student percentage of 53%.
This university also offers more than 700 postgraduate research programs. The top courses at UCL for undergraduates include; architecture, statistics, economics, finance, philosophy and computer science.
While the postgraduate/masters/PhD programs include; management, finance, computer science, energy systems and data analytics. The English proficiency requirements for UCL include a minimum of 6 for IELTS and a minimum of 87 for TOEFL.
The average tuition fee per year is £21,000-£25,000.
#5.University of Edinburgh
One reason this school is making our list as the best public university in UK is because it’s has good academic program. So if you plan to get part-time jobs as a student, you won’t be affected. This institution has an international percentage rate of 33.4% and the average tuition fee is £22,000-£34,000 per year.
Additionally, the institution is surrounded by dedicated faculty of staff and offers a vibrant environment that increases your academic and personal growth as well.
The top undergraduate programs in the University of Edinburgh include; Biomedical sciences, medical sciences, interior design, computer science and electronics. While the top master courses include: data science, computer science, finance, architectural conservation and technology.
The proficiency requirement for the University of Edinburgh for IELTS is a minimum score of 6.5 while for TOEFL is a minimum of 92.
#6. University of Manchester
This university was established in 1824 and is home to international students. It’s known for their rich heritage and has a vibrant campus which includes a museum, art gallery as well as concert venues.
The courses offered in this school for undergraduate programs include International Management with American Business Studies, economics, sociology, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and mathematics.
Additionally, the top master’s courses include Political Science, finance, business analysis and strategic management, health data science, and advanced computer science.
The English proficiency requirement for the University of Manchester are a minimum score of 5.5 on the IELTS and a minimum score of 72 on the TOEFL. Finally, the tuition fee is £20,000-£28,000 per year.
#7. King’s College London (KCL)
This institution is one of the best and oldest public universities in the UK. With an international student percentage of 41.4% and a total student population of over 35,000, King’s College London offers you a learning environment with supportive staff.
This university is known for its programs in law, and social sciences, especially in international affairs as well as sciences.
The top courses for undergraduate programs in this prestigious university include; psychology, philosophy, political economy, electronic engineering, and computer science.
The top master’s courses include: global affairs, banking and finance, data science, international management, clinical neuropsychiatry and international management.
The tuition fee for King’s College London per year is £18,000-£29,000. Additionally, the minimum score for IELTS is 7.5 while TOEFL is 100.
#8. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Looking for a diverse school with a global learning environment? London School of Economics and Political Science has an international student percentage of 70% with a tuition fee of £18,000-£22,000 per year.
This university fosters a vibrant academic atmosphere for students to thrive. The top courses for international students in this university for undergraduate Students include; mathematics with economics, finance, economics, politics, data science, and management.
The master’s programs include: philosophy of science, economics, finance, finance and private equity, international migration and public policy, political science and political economy.
The English proficiency requirements for LSE include: IELTS with a minimum score of 7.0 and TOEFL with a minimum score of 107.
#9. University Of Warwick
This university is ranked as the 7th best research university globally and has an international student percentage of 31.5%.
Warwick offers programs in Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Management, and Engineering. The average tuition fee is from £17,000 to £22,000 per year.
#10. University Of Bristol
With an international student percentage of 25%, this school is one the top public universities in the UK for both undergraduate and msc programs.
Are you an art student looking for a public university in the UK that is art-oriented? Then this school is for you.
They offer programs in the arts and humanities, social sciences and management, and business and management. The average tuition fee is £ 17,000-£20,000 per year.
5 Top Public Universities in the UK with Low Tuition Fees
11. Leeds Trinity University
12. University of Cumbria
13. University of Bolton
14. London Metropolitan University
15. Staffordshire University
5 Best Public Universities that accept international student in the UK without IELTS
16. Portsmouth University
17. University of Plymouth
18. University of Northampton
19. University of Greenwich
20. University of Central Lancashire