MyCollab
Country guide

Study in United Kingdom

Everything an international student needs to apply to a United Kingdom university: grading scale, fees, language tests, visa proof, top universities, and deadlines.

Grading scale

0 – 100 % with degree classification

First-class ≥ 70 %, Upper second (2:1) ≥ 60 %, Lower second (2:2) ≥ 50 %, Third ≥ 40 %, Fail < 40 %

Convert your grades

Application requirements

Application fees

UCAS undergraduate: £28.50 (2025) for up to 5 choices. Postgraduate: £25–£100 depending on programme and university.

Language tests

IELTS Academic 6.5–7.5 (with subscores 6.0–7.0) depending on programme. TOEFL iBT 92–110. PTE Academic also accepted at most universities.

Cost & visa proof

Estimated tuition, accommodation, living costs, and the visa financial proof requirement — by city and university type.

Open Study Cost Estimator

Top universities in United Kingdom

Ranking source: QS World University Rankings & Times Higher Education 2024 (where noted). Links go to each university's official admissions page.

UniversityCityRankingAdmissions
University of OxfordOxfordQS 3Open
University of CambridgeCambridgeQS 5Open
Imperial College LondonLondonQS 6Open
University College London (UCL)LondonQS 9Open
London School of Economics (LSE)LondonQS 50Open
King's College LondonLondonQS 40Open
University of EdinburghEdinburghQS 27Open
University of ManchesterManchesterQS 34Open
University of WarwickCoventryQS 67Open
University of BristolBristolQS 54Open

Application timeline

Undergraduate (UCAS)

Typical window

Sep – mid-Jan; Oxford & Cambridge: mid-October

Postgraduate (rolling)

Typical window

Oct – Jun (programme-specific; competitive programmes close early)

Individual programmes vary. Always confirm on the target university's official admissions page.

Cost of living (per month)

London

£1,500 – £2,200

Manchester

£1,000 – £1,400

Edinburgh

£1,100 – £1,500

Bristol

£1,050 – £1,450

Indicative all-in ranges for student accommodation, food, transport, and basic utilities. Personal lifestyle and accommodation type swing these significantly.

Common questions

What is a 2:1 and why does it matter?+
An Upper Second (2:1) is the most common UK degree classification (60–69 %). Most master's programmes require a 2:1 minimum, and competitive ones (LSE, Oxford, Cambridge) often expect a First (≥70 %) or equivalent.
Do I need to apply through UCAS?+
Only for undergraduate. UCAS is the central undergraduate application service. Postgraduate applications go directly to each university's admissions portal.
How does the Student visa work?+
You need a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your university, proof of funds, proof of English, and an Immigration Health Surcharge payment (£776/year as of 2025). Apply via gov.uk up to 6 months before your course start date.
What about Scotland?+
Scottish universities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews) use the same UK percentage system but typical bachelor's programmes are 4 years rather than 3. Tuition for EU students is the same as for international students post-Brexit.

Next steps

Convert your grades

Use the My Grades tool to translate your transcript into the uk scale.

Plan your application

Personalised application checklist for United Kingdom at every degree level.

See related conversions

Every conversion involving the uk grading scale, in one place.