Study options in UK

From pre-university study to higher education degrees, the UK offers multiple learning pathways for international students to pursue and gain a world-class education.

Find the right course for you—wherever you are in your journey

As an international student, you can choose from multiple pathways to achieve academic success in the UK. Preparatory options such as foundation programmes and English language courses are designed to equip you with the skills needed for university entry. These programmes help bridge gaps in your qualifications while familiarising you with the UK education system.

For higher education, UK universities offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, alongside specialised pre-master’s and doctoral programmes. Each pathway caters to different academic backgrounds and career aspirations, ensuring you find the ideal route to achieve your professional ambitions.

Study options in the UK

Higher education

Pre-university

Higher education study options

Students can choose from undergraduate, postgraduate, or research degrees tailored to their academic goals and career aspirations.

Pre-university study options

For international students with fewer than 13 years of education, the UK offers preparatory pathways to bridge academic gaps. Foundation programmes and English language courses provide essential skills for successful university entry.

The benefits of UK higher education

Study at world-leading universities

Access globally recognised education that meets the highest quality standards, with many institutions consistently ranked among the world’s best.

Complete your qualification faster

Benefit from shorter, more intensive degree programmes compared to many other countries – typically three years for undergraduate and one year for postgraduate study.

Gain valuable professional experience

Access exclusive internships, work placements, and networking opportunities through university societies, career events, and industry partnerships.

Stay and work in the UK after graduation

Stay and work in the UK for up to three years through the Graduate Route visa, giving you time to establish your professional future.

Featured courses

Linguistics and Communication (by Research)

University of Birmingham

Ranking: 101

Next intake: Sep 2025

Entry score: IELTS 6

Read more

Linguistics and Communication

University of Birmingham

Ranking: 101

Next intake: Sep 2025

Entry score: IELTS 6

Read more

Cities, Sustainability, and Wellbeing

University of Birmingham

Ranking: 101

Next intake: Sep 2025

Entry score: IELTS 6

Read more

Pre-Sessional English (6 Weeks)

University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning

Ranking: N/A

Next intake: Jul 2025

Entry score: N/A

Read more

Pre-Sessional English (10 Weeks)

University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning

Ranking: N/A

Next intake: Jun 2025

Entry score: N/A

Read more

Postgraduate Pre-Sessional English (25 Weeks)

University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning

Ranking: N/A

Next intake: Sep 2025

Entry score: N/A

Read more

Linguistics and Communication (by Research)

University of Birmingham

Ranking: 101

Next intake: Sep 2025

Entry score: IELTS 6

Read more

Linguistics and Communication

University of Birmingham

Ranking: 101

Next intake: Sep 2025

Entry score: IELTS 6

Read more

Cities, Sustainability, and Wellbeing

University of Birmingham

Ranking: 101

Next intake: Sep 2025

Entry score: IELTS 6

Read more

Pre-Sessional English (6 Weeks)

University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning

Ranking: N/A

Next intake: Jul 2025

Entry score: N/A

Read more

Pre-Sessional English (10 Weeks)

University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning

Ranking: N/A

Next intake: Jun 2025

Entry score: N/A

Read more

Postgraduate Pre-Sessional English (25 Weeks)

University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning

Ranking: N/A

Next intake: Sep 2025

Entry score: N/A

Read more

Take the first step towards
your future in UK

Building your future in the UK may feel overwhelming, but with the right support, you’ll be ready for every step of the journey. From start to finish, we’re here to guide you. Here’s how we can help:
  • Find the right university and courses that align with your academic and career goals.
  • Assess eligibility for your preferred courses and scholarships.
  • Refine your application documents to ensure a strong submission.
  • Find accommodation and prepare for life in the UK.

Scholarships

StudyIn counsellors can help identify scholarship opportunities in the UK, assess your eligibility, and assist with your application.

University of Aberdeen

International Undergraduate Scholarship

Academic Year: 2017

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Abertay University

Bonar Yarns Scholarship

Academic Year: 2017

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Abertay University

Don & Low

Academic Year: 2017

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Abertay University

H & A Scott

Academic Year: 2017

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Architectural Association School of Architecture

Riba Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship 2017

Academic Year: 2017

Learn more

Abertay University

Moffat Trust Study Abroad Scholarship

Academic Year: 2017

Learn more

University of Aberdeen

International Undergraduate Scholarship

Academic Year: 2017

Learn more

Abertay University

Bonar Yarns Scholarship

Academic Year: 2017

Learn more

Abertay University

Don & Low

Academic Year: 2017

Learn more

Abertay University

H & A Scott

Academic Year: 2017

Learn more

Architectural Association School of Architecture

Riba Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship 2017

Academic Year: 2017

Learn more

Abertay University

Moffat Trust Study Abroad Scholarship

Academic Year: 2017

Learn more

Launch your career in Australia

The UK offers excellent opportunities for international students to start building their careers while studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

Work placements

Many UK universities offer degree programmes with an optional work placement year, allowing you to gain professional experience at a designated company or institution while earning credits toward your degree.

Internships

UK universities have strong industry connections, helping you access internships relevant to your studies. You can also apply for internships independently, gaining valuable work experience while enhancing your academic learning.

Career guidance and fairs

Universities provide career counselling to help you plan your career path in the UK or your home country. You can also attend career fairs and professional development seminars to explore job opportunities and build industry connections.

Post-study work visa

After completing your studies, you can apply for the Graduate visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for two to three years. This experience helps you develop your career and expand your professional network, whether you stay in the UK or return home.

Hear from our students

Priyal

On working with StudyIn counsellors

Ananya

About global university fair experience

Anoop

About the support he received for departure prep

Mariyah

About language prep classes

Navdisha

About finding her best-fit university and course

Nishtha

About one-to-one consultation experience

Shivani

About getting two scholarships

Tushita

About having a dedicated personal counsellor

What
our students say

Currently a second-year Birmingham Medical student, I found out about StudyIn through friends and family and was amazed at their high quality of service. Their responses were immediate, and the team was very welcoming. No matter how repetitive and redundant an inquiry seemed, the team made sure that I received a sufficient answer. I’m extremely pleased with my experience with StudyIn.

Veer S
University of Birmingham, Medicine

I could not have done it without the help of Anna Holt. Throughout the application process, Anna was incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had, she made the process extremely easy and stress-free. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and I’m so grateful for her dedication and expertise. I highly recommend her to anyone navigating the university admissions process! Thanks to Anna, I have been accepted to a master’s program at Leeds Beckett.

Emily C
Leeds Beckett University, MSc Occupational Therapy

About a year and a half before I went abroad, I received individual consulting, where I was given the overall schedule. After that, I attended seminars on how to write a statement of purpose, resume, and letter of recommendation, and created the documents, then used a correction service to finalize my documents. With the help of the consultant, I applied to universities, and received acceptance letters from all five schools I applied to.

JH
University of Leicester, MA Media and Public Relations

StudyIn provided a fast and efficient service that I could trust. During the process, I realized that the study abroad consultants are professionals in the field of study abroad, with close ties to universities in the UK and Ireland. It was reassuring. Thanks to their advice and support in preparing my application, I was able to get accepted by the top universities of my choice!

CT
King's College London

StudyIn helped me successfully apply to study business in New Zealand and I cannot thank them enough for their support. They assisted me with each step, ensuring I was aware of all my options in terms of program and university selection, making the process totally stress free.

Isabella Ramos
Business and Management

I sincerely thank StudyIn for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by StudyIn made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end.

Rashmi Lakshanya
University College London, Urban Development Planning

Everything was explained well to me by Vidushi. There was a 100% transparency in everything and Vidushi was highly responsive throughout the process making it smooth and hassle free for me. Rahul from the Visa team also was really patient in the entire process and made sure I understood and get things done timely.

Amanpreet Kaur
International Business Management

StudyIn’s service is fast, reliable and efficient. Their consultants are specialists, working closely with all UK universities and, through my consultants’ advice and application assistance, I was able to receive offers from my favoured universities.

Carla Termini
King's College London, Accounting and Finance

StudyIn’s service is fast, reliable and efficient. My consultant improved my chances of getting into a top university.

Carla T
City University London, International Business Economics

My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I’d highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested.

Brishti Basu
Coventry University, Biosciences

In September, I sought assistance from StudyIn for my studies in the UK, with a planned intake for January 2023. With the support of my counsellor who made exceptional efforts, I smoothly navigated the application process which culminated in the timely acquisition of my UK Student visa hassle-free. I wholeheartedly endorse StudyIn to fellow students aiming to pursue their dreams of studying abroad.

Jehabuz Khan
University of Strathclyde MSc in Mechanical Engineering

Last year, I reached out to StudyIn, Jaipur for my Master’s journey, and it has been an incredibly fulfilling and successful experience. From guiding me through the application process to assisting with letters of recommendation and statement of purpose, and even following up with universities, StudyIn provided comprehensive support at every step of the journey. They went the extra mile, assisting with admissions, fee processing, accommodation arrangements, visa guidance, and coordination on medical checkups. I firmly believe that my admission to the University of Birmingham wouldn’t have been possible without StudyIn. I highly recommend StudyIn to anyone seeking admission to a UK or Ireland university.

Saumya Sharma
University of Birmingham, MBA

StudyIn has been a crucial part of my UK journey. They assisted me in obtaining my bachelor’s degree in August 2019 and now, they’ve aided me in securing admission to a top design university in London for my master’s. The counselors at StudyIn offer personalised support to each applicant, helping us in each and every step including the final stage of obtaining our CAS letter once we receive the offer.

Nidhi Agarwal
Loughborough University, MSc Design Innovation

In September, I sought assistance from StudyIn for my studies in the UK, with a planned intake for January 2023. With the support of my counsellor who made exceptional efforts, I smoothly navigated the application process which culminated in the timely acquisition of my UK student visa hassle-free. I wholeheartedly endorse StudyIn to fellow students aiming to pursue their dreams of studying in the UK. Thank you!

Ishwar
Lancaster University, Masters in Business Analytics

The entire team at StudyIn was incredibly supportive. They provided me with a list of universities to consider, and I ultimately chose Aston University. With their assistance, I applied and received an offer along with a £5000 scholarship. I am grateful to my counselor and the entire team for guiding me through the visa application process and every other aspect. Thank you, StudyIn, for helping me pursue my dream.

Sudarshan
Aston University, Engineering

I used StudyIn and had a wonderful experience, especially the ability to speak with upper-year students in veterinary medicine. The first year was amazing, I have totally settled into Glasgow, had the best experience and made amazing friends. The course is exactly what I wanted, and I can’t thank the StudyIn team enough.

Jamie. W
University of Glasgow, Veterinary Medicine

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