Best Public Universities in UK for International Students: Full List!

The UK is a popular destination for students worldwide, with around 5,86,000 international students attending British universities. This is hardly surprising given the UK’s reputation for providing top-notch education. 

Many British public universities in the UK such as the Oxford University and the University of Cambridge are renowned globally for their academic excellence. 

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Choosing the right one can be challenging, with so many public universities offering great value and exceptional courses. In this blog, you will learn about some of the best public universities in the UK for international students like you. Dive in!

Key Highlights.

Here is a list of everything you will learn in greater detail in this blog on public funded universities in the UK.

What are Public Universities? 

Public universities in the UK are government-owned or funded, and their mission is to serve the public through teaching, research, and community service. They focus on providing an industry-oriented curriculum, real-world learning experiences, substantial placement opportunities, and most importantly, affordable tuition fees.

Public universities in the UK also emphasise developing interpersonal and in-demand skills, making them a solid choice for students looking to enhance their career prospects.

Here is a table citing the difference between public and private universities in the UK.

8 Top Public Universities in the UK

With about 130 public universities in the UK, you have plenty of great options! 

These universities are regulated and ranked by the Office for Students in England, which uses the Teaching Excellence Framework to evaluate the quality of education and faculty expertise.

Studying at a public university in the UK has several perks. 

• These institutions often have better infrastructure and a long-standing reputation that can improve your job prospects after graduation.
• Since they receive government funding, the tuition fees are generally lower than those at private universities, making them a more budget-friendly option for many students.

Here is a list of 8 top public universities in the UK you should know about.

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1. Imperial College London

Imperial College London is an extraordinary place. It’s been around since 1907 and only focuses on science, engineering, medicine, and business.

Students from over 140 different countries come to study there! That’s around 9,000 international students out of a total of 20,000. A faculty of 4,000 teachers and researchers supports all of these students.

Here are the top courses offered at Imperial College London.

Here are the English proficiency entry requirements for Imperial College London.

2. University of Oxford

Oxford University has existed since 1096, making it the oldest English-speaking university in the world! It’s a prominent place with about 22,000 students. Half are undergraduates, and 40% are international students. The university also has around 6,500 teachers and professors.

These are the top-rated courses at Oxford.

Here are the English proficiency entry requirements at the University of Oxford.

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3. University of Cambridge

Founded in 1209, Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities and one of the largest in the United Kingdom. The university comprises 31 colleges with over 21,000 students, about 8,000 from other countries, offering a truly international experience. 

These students are supported by a dedicated faculty staff of 5,500, ensuring a rich and diverse academic environment. 

Here are the best-rated courses you can study at the University of Cambridge.

Here are the English proficiency entry requirements at University of Cambridge.

4. University College London (UCL)

Founded in 1826, University College London, or UCL, is London’s Global University. With over 45,000 students, including 26,000 from outside the UK, it offers a global perspective, representing more than 150 countries. 

The university has a faculty staff of over 7,000. 

Additionally, UCL provides more than 700 postgraduate research, taught degree options, and teacher training courses in various academic areas. 

Here are some of the best courses to study from UCL.

Here are the English proficiency entry requirements at UCL.

5. University of Edinburgh

Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is famous for its groundbreaking research, including the discovery of chloroform anaesthesia, the Higgs boson particle, and in-vitro fertilisation. 

The university offers 400 undergraduate courses and has over 37,000 students, more than 17,000 of whom come from around 150 countries. A dedicated faculty of more than 4,800 supports these students, making Edinburgh a vibrant and diverse place to learn and grow.

Here are the top courses to pursue from the University of Edinburgh.

Here are the English proficiency entry requirements at the University of Edinburgh.

6. University of Manchester

Founded in 1824, the University of Manchester is an international institution representing over 160 nationalities. It is known as one of Britain’s most famous and forward-thinking universities, combining a rich heritage with a forward-looking approach. 

The vibrant campus features a museum, art gallery, concert venues, and the UK’s most prominent Students’ Union, with over 400 clubs and societies. With over 42,000 students, including 19,000 international students and around 5,000 faculty staff, Manchester offers a diverse and supportive environment for all.

Here are the top courses you can study at the University of Manchester.

Here are the English proficiency entry requirements at the University of Manchester.

7. King’s College London (KCL)

Founded in 1829, King’s College London is one of the oldest universities in England. With over 34,000 students, including over 15,000 international students from 185 countries, King’s offers a truly global community supported by 4,526 faculty staff. 

The university is incredibly well-regarded for its humanities, law, sciences, and social sciences programs, including international affairs.

Here are the best courses at KCL for international students.

Here are the English proficiency entry requirements at the King’s College London.

8. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Founded in 1895, The London School of Economics and Political Science is known worldwide for its academic reputation. The School offers over 40 undergraduate and more than 140 taught and research postgraduate programs. 

With over 12,000 students, including around 9,000 international students from 140 countries, LSE provides a truly global experience. Supported by a dedicated faculty staff of 1,267, LSE is a vibrant place to study and grow.

Here are the top courses at LSE for international students.

Here are the English proficiency entry requirements at the LSE for international students.

5 Top Public Universities in London

London is the world’s second most-visited city, known for its lively and worldly atmosphere. But there’s more to London than its iconic landmarks and rich history — it’s also a centre for academic excellence. The city is home to some of the world’s top public universities, drawing students from around the globe.

Here are some of the best public universities in London.

5 Top Public Universities in the UK without IELTS 

Some top public universities in the UK offer admissions without IELTS, provided you meet alternative English proficiency criteria. These universities provide an excellent opportunity to pursue education in the UK without the stress of taking the IELTS exam.

Here are some top public universities in the UK without IELTS.

5 Top Public Universities in the UK with Low Tuition Fees

Discover top cheap public universities in the UK that offer quality education at affordable tuition fees. These institutions provide excellent academic programs without high costs, making them ideal for students seeking value for money while pursuing their studies in the UK.

Here are some cheap public universities in the UK.

Intakes at Top Public Universities in the UK

Public universities in the UK usually offer three intakes: Fall, Winter, and Summer. However, the main focus is on the Fall (September/October) and Winter (January/February) intakes, primarily managed through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 

Here is a quick overview of intakes at the top public universities in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria to Study at Top Public Universities in the UK  

The UK’s reputation for being the fifth cleanest country and high-quality education attracts many international students, including a large number from India. However, securing a place at a top UK university is highly competitive. 

To increase your chances of admission, understand the essential eligibility criteria, including academic background and other essential qualifications.

Here are the eligibility criteria for studying at top public universities in the UK.

• High School Diploma: You must have a diploma with at least 65% marks from an officially recognised school.
• Bachelor’s Degree: You need a bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks from an officially recognised university.
• SOP and LORs: You might be asked to submit a Statement of Purpose letter (SOP) along with at least two letters of recommendation (LORs).
• Financial Support: You should be able to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the country [Minimum INR 1.4L (£1.3K)per month].
• Entrance Exams: If you are looking to pursue postgraduate studies, you might be asked to submit GMAT, GRE, or any university-specific entrance exam scores. 
• English Proficiency: Most public universities in the UK will need proof of English Proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

Application Process for the Top Public Universities in the UK

Now that you’ve confirmed your eligibility, it’s time to focus on the application process. Understanding how to apply to top public universities in the UK is the next important step in your journey to studying abroad.

Here is the breakdown of the application process for the best public universities in the UK for international students.

• Sign up on the UCAS portal
• Complete the application for your chosen course and public university.
• Upload all necessary documents. Here is a general list of documents that you might have to upload while completing the application.
  • Academic Transcripts such as high school diploma and bachelor’s degree.
  • A passport or an official identification document
  • Resume or CV
• Pay the application fee of INR 2.7K (£25).
• Submit your application and expect to hear back from the university within 6 to 8 weeks.

3 Top Scholarships to Study at Top Public Universities in the UK

You must explore scholarships to study at top public universities in the UK, a country known for its world-class education and safety, ranking 37th globally. These scholarships offer you a great chance to access quality education in a secure and welcoming environment.

Here is a quick overview of top scholarships available to study at the best public universities in the UK.

To Conclude

Studying at one of the top public universities in the UK, like Oxford, Cambridge, or UCL, offers you access to world-class education and a diverse cultural experience. With over 5,86,000 international students attending British universities, you can thrive academically and personally. 

Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and take full advantage of these opportunities to secure your place at one of these prestigious institutions. Feeling overwhelmed by university choices? Let our expert counsellors guide you through every step, from selecting the perfect university to securing your visa. Our services include expert guidance on university selection, application assistance, SOP review, financial planning, and visa support. Book a free consultation now and turn your study abroad dreams into reality.

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