Top 10 Popular UK Universities for 2025 | Best & Cheapest Universities for International & National Students
Curious about the top 10 UK Universities? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, you’ll discover the most popular UK Universities, the cheapest options, the best choices for international students, and the top contenders for 2025. If you are an international student and want to get admission in UK Universities then this is the perfect place for you, here you will get to know all about the UK Universities. Let’s have a look!
Top 10 UK Universities list
Here are the top 10 UK Universities based on popularity, affordability, and their ranking for international students in 2025:
Top 10 Popular UK Universities
According to Statistica 2024 data the following are the Top 10 popular UK Universities:
University | Courses and Programs | Fees (Approx.) | |
Undergraduate | Postgraduate | ||
University of Cambridge | Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine | £22,227 – £58,038 | £23,000 – £45,000 |
University College London | Arts, Architecture, Engineering, Health, Social Sciences | £20,000 – £37,000 | £25,000 – £45,000 |
Imperial College London | Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Business | £30,000 – £40,000 | £30,000 – £45,000 |
University of Oxford | Humanities, Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences | £25,740 – £50,000 | £24,000 – £45,000 |
London School of Economics | Economics, Politics, International Relations, Law, Sociology | £22,000 – £40,000 | £25,000 – £35,000 |
University of Edinburgh | Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Business | £20,000 – £35,000 | £18,000 – £35,000 |
University of Warwick | Business, Engineering, Arts, Social Sciences, Law | £22,000 – £30,000 | £20,000 – £40,000 |
University of Bristol | Engineering, Arts, Sciences, Business, Medicine | £20,000 – £35,000 | £20,000 – £40,000 |
King’s College London | Arts, Law, Sciences, Health, Social Sciences | £22,000 – £40,000 | £25,000 – £45,000 |
All of these universities offer Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs. You can apply to all universities through their websites’ admissions links or by filling out the forms available on the university’s admission portal.
Top 10 Cheapest UK Universities
According to the QS Top Universities Top 10 most affordable universities in the United Kingdom:
University | Programs (Courses Offered) | Undergraduate Fees (Approx.) | Postgraduate Fees |
Teesside University | Arts, Business, Computing, Engineering, Health, Law, Social Sciences | £10,750 | £13,500 – £15,000 |
University of Cumbria | Arts, Business, Education, Health, Social Sciences, Sport | £9,250 | £12,000 – £15,000 |
Leeds Beckett University | Arts, Business, Computing, Education, Health, Media, Social Sciences | £8,500 | £14,000 – £16,000 |
University of Chester | Arts, Business, Computing, Education, Health, Social Sciences, Law | £9,750 | £12,000 – £16,000 |
Coventry University | Arts, Business, Computing, Engineering, Health, Media, Social Sciences | £9,250 | £14,000 – £17,000 |
Staffordshire University | Arts, Business, Computing, Education, Engineering, Health, Law | £9,250 | £12,500 – £16,500 |
University of Bedfordshire | Arts, Business, Education, Health, Media, Social Sciences, Law | £9,000, | £13,000 – £16,000 |
University of Bolton | Business, Computing, Engineering, Health, Media, Social Sciences | £9,000 | £13,000 – £15,000 |
University of West London | Arts, Business, Education, Health, Media, Music, Social Sciences | £9,000 | £12,000 – £15,000 |
Leeds Trinity University | Business, Computing, Education, Health, Media, Social Sciences | £9,000 | £13,000 – £15,000 |
Top 10 Best UK Universities for international students
As stated by the QS ranking the following are the top 10 best UK Universities for international students:
University | Programs Offered | Undergraduate Fees (Approx.) | Postgraduate Fees (Approx.) |
University of Manchester | Arts, Business, Engineering, Health, Law, Sciences, Social Sciences | £18,000 – £30,000 | £20,000 – £40,000 |
University of Cambridge | Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine | £22,227 – £58,038 | £23,000 – £45,000 |
Imperial College London | Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Business | £30,000 – £40,000 | £30,000 – £45,000 |
UCL (University College London) | Arts, Architecture, Engineering, Health, Social Sciences | £20,000 – £37,000 | £25,000 – £45,000 |
University of Edinburgh | Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Business | £20,000 – £35,000 | £18,000 – £35,000 |
University of Oxford | Humanities, Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences | £25,740 – £50,000 | £24,000 – £45,000 |
University of Bristol | Engineering, Arts, Sciences, Business, Medicine | £20,000 – £35,000 | £20,000 – £40,000 |
King’s College London | Arts, Law, Sciences, Health, Social Sciences | £22,000 – £40,000 | £25,000 – £45,000 |
London School of Economics | Economics, Politics, Law, Sociology, International Relations | £22,000 – £40,000 | £25,000 – £35,000 |
University of Warwick | Business, Engineering, Arts, Social Sciences, Law | £22,000 – £30,000 | £20,000 – £40,000 |
Top 10 Best UK Universities 2025
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking, the top universities in the UK for 2025 are:
- University of Oxford: Ranked first in the UK
- University of Cambridge: Ranked second in the UK
- Imperial College London: Ranked third in the UK
- University College London (UCL): Ranked fourth in the UK
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE): Ranked highly in the UK
- University of St Andrews: Ranked highly in the UK
- University of Edinburgh
- King’s College London
- University of Manchester
- University of Warwick
- University of Bristol.
How to apply to the UK Universities
The following steps are for both national (domestic) and international students, but there are a few differences for international students regarding English proficiency and visa application. Here’s a quick distinction:
For National Students:
- Research, apply through UCAS (undergraduate) or university’s website (graduate/postgraduate).
- Take any required entrance exams (e.g., UCAT, LNAT).
- Receive the offer and accept it.
- Complete enrollment and attend orientation.
For International Students:
- Research, apply through UCAS (undergraduate) or university’s website (graduate/postgraduate).
- Take required entrance exams (e.g., UCAT, LNAT).
- Provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
- Receive the offer and accept it.
- Apply for a student visa (Tier 4).
- Complete enrollment and attend orientation.

International students have the additional step of providing English language proof and applying for a student visa.
In conclusion, the UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, offering a wide range of programs and opportunities for both national and international students. Whether you’re looking for the best in academics, affordability, or global recognition, you’ll find top-notch institutions like the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University of Oxford leading the way. No matter your field of interest or budget, there’s a UK university that fits your needs. We hope this guide has helped you navigate your options and prepare for your next academic journey. Best of luck with your university applications!
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FAQ
What are the top 10 UK Universities?
The top 10 universities of uk are Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Warwick, University College London, The University of Edinburgh, Loughborough University, King’s College London, University of Bristol.
Which UK Universities are the most affordable?
Some of the most affordable UK Universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs include Teesside University, University of Cumbria, Leeds Beckett University, University of Bolton, and the University of West London.
What are the best UK Universities for international students?
The best UK Universities for international students are the University of Manchester, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, University of Edinburgh, University of Oxford, University of Bristol, King’s College London, London School of Economics, and the University of Warwick.
What is the average fee for undergraduate programs in UK Universities?
The average undergraduate fee for UK Universities ranges from £8,500 to £30,000, depending on the university and program.
What is the average fee for postgraduate programs in UK Universities?
Postgraduate fees in UK Universities range from £12,000 to £45,000, depending on the program and the university.
How can international students apply to UK Universities?
International students can apply through UCAS for undergraduate courses or directly via the university’s website for postgraduate programs. They will also need to provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) and apply for a student visa (Tier 4).
Which UK Universities have the highest global rankings in 2025?
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2025, the top UK Universities include the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, and the London School of Economics.
What courses are offered at the top UK Universities?
The top UK Universities offer a wide range of courses in subjects like Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, Economics, Politics, Social Sciences, and more.
Do UK Universities offer financial aid for international students?
Yes, many UK Universities offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages for international students. It’s important to check each university’s website for specific opportunities.
What are the main entry requirements for UK Universities?
Entry requirements vary by university and program. Typically, students must meet specific grade requirements, provide English language proficiency, and pass entrance exams if necessary (e.g., UCAT, LNAT).
Why to study in the UK?
Because the UK offers world-class education, globally recognized degrees, and diverse cultural experiences.
Where is UK university?
UK universities are located across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
When do UK universities start?
Most UK universities start in September, with some offering additional intakes in January or April.
How to apply UK universities?
You can apply to UK universities through UCAS or directly via the university website, depending on the program.
Why UK leave EU?
The UK left the EU due to political, economic, and sovereignty-related reasons, as decided in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
How many universities in UK?
There are over 160 universities in the UK, including some of the world’s top-ranked institutions.