Best Universities in Great Britain
Universities in the UK are famous for their high standards, great long-standing traditions, and a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Some of them are among the oldest universities in the world and boast truly impressive lists of famous alumni. These educational institutions offer a unique combination of modern teaching methods and hundreds of years of experience in education.
Are you looking for an exceptional place to study? Here are the top 5 universities in Great Britain that will cover every possible sphere of interest.
Oxford University
The oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford University traditionally ranks high in various International and British ratings. Located only 80 km north-west of London, Oxford is a historical city, easily navigable on foot or by bicycle.
Oxford University has 39 independent colleges and 6 permanent private halls (similar to colleges). Each college has its own specialization, manages its own admissions, and all of them relate to the Central University in a kind of federal system.
The University ranks first in the world for anatomy, physiology, anthropology, archaeology, classics and ancient history, English language and literature, geography, modern languages, pharmacy, arts and humanities.
The University offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, as well as continuing professional courses.
Undergraduate (Bachelor) degree
Application deadline: October 15
- Submit an application
- Pass the admission test
- Submit a written work
- Get interviewed
£9,250 per year for UK/EU* undergraduates
£25,740-36,065 per year for non-UK/EU* undergraduates (excluding medicine for 2020 entry)
The university offers scholarships
Postgraduate (Master’s) degree
Application deadline:
Most courses have January deadline, some courses have March deadline
Submit an application, citing references and enclosing supporting documents such as a transcript of records, written work, etc.
£3,545-18,455 for UK/EU* students depending on a subject
£4,265-36,065 for non UK/EU* students depending on a subject
The university offers scholarships.
Cambridge University
Fourth-oldest university in the world, Cambridge is rated high in many world and national rankings and is famous for its high standards and diversity. Cambridge University is located in a picturesque historical town only 80 km north of London.
The university comprises 31 Colleges, 150 Departments, Faculties, Schools, and other institutions. The colleges are free to select their students and organize their studies and social life.
Cambridge is second in the world for anatomy, anthropology, archaeology, English literature and language.
The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and other courses and programs.
Undergraduate (Bachelor) degree
Application deadline: October 15
- Submit an application
- Pass the written assessment (and/or submit examples of your written works)
- Get interviewed
£9,250 per year for UK/EU* undergraduates
£22,227-33,825 per year for non-EU* students for most courses, excluding medicine and veterinary medicine
The university offers scholarships
Postgraduate (Master’s) degree
Application deadline:
Throughout the year, depending on the course
Submit an application, providing references and enclosing supporting documents, such as a transcript of records.
£3,545-18,455 for UK/EU* students depending on a subject.
£24,531-32,130 for non UK/EU* students depending on a subject
The university offers scholarships.
Imperial College London
Being on the list of the world’s top 10 universities, Imperial College London has a national and international reputation for excellence. Located in the heart of the UK capital, Imperial College London focuses on science, engineering, medicine, and business.
The institution has over 100 undergraduate and 150 Master’s courses, as well as other study options such as summer schools, evening classes, and business education.
Undergraduate (Bachelor) degree
Application deadline: January , and October 15 for Medicine (MBBS)
- Submit an application
- If you apply for Medicine or Mathematics courses, pass the test
- Get interviewed
£9,250 per year for UK/EU* students
Depends on your fee status. To determine this, you have to fill out the questionnaire (for non-UK/EU applicants).
The university offers scholarships.
Postgraduate (Master’s) degree
Visa nationals (overseas applicants) should apply by no later than June 30 . UK and non-visa nationals should apply by August 1.
Admission process:
Submit an application, providing references and enclosing supporting documents, such as a transcript of records.
Tuition fee:
Depends on your fee status. To determine this, you have to fill out the questionnaire (for non-UK/EU* applicants).
The university offers scholarships.
University of St Andrews
Situated in the picturesque Scottish countryside, the University of St Andrews has 600-year old history to build on. Twice named ‘University of the Year’ by The Times and Sunday Times' Good University Guide, this institution is considered to be the best in Scotland and among the top universities in the UK by many national rankings.
This institution is made up of three colleges, serving mainly ceremonial purpose, and four academic faculties: the Faculty of Arts (art history, economics, English, management, etc.), the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Science (biology, computer science, physics, etc.) and even the Faculty of Divinity (Biblical studies, New Testament, etc.).
The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Undergraduate (Bachelor) degree
Application deadline:
June 30 for applicants who are classified as overseas fee payers
October 15 for Medicine applicants
January 29 for all other UK applicants
Admission process:
- Submit an application enclosing all supporting documents, such as personal statement and references
- Some courses require an interview
£9,250 per year for UK/EU* students
£25,100–32,910 per year for non UK/EU* students
Your fee status will determine the level of tuition fees you will have to pay. You should query your fee status if you are unsure which fee category applies to you.
The university offers scholarships
Postgraduate (Master’s) degree
Application deadline:
August 11 for most of programs
Admission process:
Submit an application, providing references and enclosing supporting documents such as a transcript of records.
Tuition fee:
Depends on your fee status. To determine this, you must request a review and fill out a questionnaire.
The university offers scholarships.
London School of Economics
Being a member institution of the federal University of London, London School of Economics has a great number of Nobel laureates, billionaires, and politicians among its alumni. This highly ranked school dedicated itself to social studies that cover a wide range of disciplines, from accounting to anthropology and environment policy.
LSE has 25 academic departments and institutes conducting teaching and research. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as executive education, and summer schools.
Undergraduate (Bachelor) degree
Application deadline:
March 31
Submit an application with all supporting documents, such as personal statement and references
£9,250 per year for UK/EU* students
£20,000–22,000 per year for non UK/EU* students
The University offers scholarships
Postgraduate (Master’s) degree
Application deadline:
Depends on a course
Submit an application, providing references and enclosing supporting documents, such as a transcript of records. Applicants may be asked for GRE or GMAT tests scores, written work, or research proposal.
Tuition fee:
£14,640-36,984 per year for UK/EU* students
£22,608-36,984 per year for non UK/EU* students
The university offers scholarships.
*The distinction between prices for EU and non-EU citizens are shown for those who start their course before July 31, 2021. EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course after this date will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate, and so will be charged the Overseas fee.
