EU students: you are welcome in the UK

More than 120,000 EU students choose to study in the UK each year. A UK education offers top-quality, prestige, and global job prospects. ‘International students are part of what makes our higher education sector world-class’, says UK Minister of State for Universities Michelle Donelan MP. EU students are welcome and are eligible for thousands of scholarships, health surcharge refunds and post-study work visas. According to Italian student Maria, despite policy changes on fees, student finance and visas, ‘the benefits far outweigh the costs’.

Four of the top ten universities in the world are in the UK

UK universities are among the oldest and most respected institutions worldwide. Four of the world’s top ten universities and 28 of the top 200 are in the UK. Across the UK’s 166 universities, academic standards are high, research is cutting-edge, and specialist faculties support students’ future success. Over one-quarter of international senior leaders (heads of state or prime ministers) studied in the UK. And there are more countries with a senior leader educated in the UK than in the US.

You will find a course to suit your unique interests

UK universities currently offer over 500,000 undergraduate programmes and many more at master’s level and beyond. Lioba, from Germany, chose to do her master’s in Clinical Neuroscience at University College London (UCL) when she couldn’t find a comparable course in her home country. UCL is a top ten university in the world and ranks first in Europe and second in the world for neuroscience. She received a £10,000 scholarship to support the cost of her studies. And she took advantage of cost-effective and environmentally friendly travel between Germany and the UK. ‘When I moved from Berlin to London, the bus ticket only cost 30 euros, and I didn’t have to pay extra to bring my suitcases’.

Lioba recommends studying in the UK, especially in an international research hub like London, to anyone wanting to gain a competitive edge in their career. ‘The research environment is really stimulating, and there is so much going on’, she says. ‘Studying [at UCL] has helped me get my foot in the door for my PhD, and I’m building great professional networks’.

Improve your English and boost your career prospects

Being immersed in a native English-speaking environment, inside and outside of the classroom, will improve your language skills and boost your career prospects. ‘The English language gives the UK one of the biggest advantages [as a study destination] over other European cities’, says Sara from Slovakia. With almost 1.5 billion speakers worldwide, English is by far the most spoken language in the world. As the primary international business language, studying in the UK will help you stand out in a competitive global jobs market.

'Today it's almost vital to speak English to work for an international company', says Cyril from France. 'In an application process, you may have to show in what contexts you've used English. It's real value added to say that you weren't just watching Netflix shows, but you did a master's degree in the UK'.

You also don’t need to speak ‘perfect’ English when you apply to study in the UK. Most universities require a minimum of ‘B2’ (or upper-intermediate) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). To help non-native English-speaking students, UK universities offer additional English courses and language support.

‘Studying in English in England was amazing’, says Celeste from France. ‘When I first arrived, I was nervous about my strong French accent’. ‘I took advantage of the additional classes offered by my university, and my language skills have improved so much’. ‘I’ve even gotten used to all of the different regional and international accents’.

Investing in your future costs less than you might think

A UK education is good value for money, with average costs being lower than in the USA and Australia. Seven in ten international students say they are progressing further, being promoted quicker and earning more because of their UK education. Most UK master’s programmes can be completed in one year, which will save you both time and money. You will only have to pay living expenses and tuition fees for one year, and you can transition into or back into work more quickly than in a traditional two-year programme.

With 166 universities to choose from across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, you will find a university and town or city to suit your budget. If you live in Northern Ireland, Wales or the north of England, your living costs will be substantially lower than in major cities like London. Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, was ranked first in the UK for student affordability and is almost three times cheaper than London. Tuition fees also vary across UK courses and institutions. So, if you study a clinical or lab-based programme at a Russell Group university, for example, you will likely pay more than if you were to do a humanities or social sciences degree at a ‘modern’ university that was established more recently.

There are thousands of scholarships available for students from the EU

Thousands of scholarships are available to EU students wanting to study in the UK. They range from part-funding, for example, covering part of your fees, to full-funding, which covers all programme fees, living expenses, and return flights to the UK from your country of origin. If you try out our scholarship finder tool, you'll see there are over 1,200 scholarships available for EU students to study at a university in the UK. With your student visa, you can also work for up to 20 hours per week during term time – a great way to top up your income and get some local work experience.

The UK is a welcoming and diverse nation

You are in the UK to study, but you will also make memories that will last a lifetime. Stella, from France, studied music management in London. ‘So many global artists come to the UK to perform. There are concerts every day of every genre’, she says. 'Despite what some French people think, the food in the UK is good and there are great restaurants everywhere’. London alone is home to 270 nationalities, 300 languages, and countless national cuisines from all over the world, not to mention fusions. So, if you ever miss the taste (or sound) of home, you won’t have to look too hard to find it.

Lioba from Germany says that doing her master's in London was a dream come true. 'London is not just a place of study; it's a place of inspiration', she says. 'The city's rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse communities make it a place like no other'. '[Studying in London] allowed me to delve deep into the heart of the city, exploring its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and bustling neighbourhoods. From morning strolls along the River Thames to late-night adventures in Soho, every moment has been an experience worth cherishing'. 'The diverse student body has introduced me to people from all corners of the world, each with their own unique perspective and story to share. It's been an incredible privilege to learn alongside such a globally diverse group of individuals.'

You will be supported during your studies

In UK universities, students receive support from their lecturers and personal tutors. Personal tutors will help you improve your grades and prepare for exams or long-term projects like a dissertation. But they aren’t just about academics. They can also support you with any personal challenges, including adapting to student life in the UK. Over 20 per cent of teaching staff in the UK come from overseas, including the EU, and they have personal experience of moving to the UK and settling in a new country.

‘In the UK, I formed really close relationships with some of my lecturers and my personal tutor’, says Sara from Slovakia. ‘I felt like they really cared and knew me as a person, which motivated me on a different level’. ‘When you move countries to study, you don’t have an existing network, unlike local students, so it’s really valuable to have someone at your university who actually cares about you on a personal level’. All UK universities also have international officers whose role is to meet international students' specific personal and practical needs. Find out more about the support on offer at UK universities.

Explore your future without time pressure with the Graduate Route visa

Would you like the option to stay in the UK after you graduate? Whether you want to travel, get work experience, or set up your own business, the Graduate Route offers you the freedom to explore your future without time pressure. Unlike other visa routes, there is no minimum salary requirement, and your immigration status is not tied to a specific job role or employer. The Graduate Route visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years as an undergraduate or master’s graduate or three years after completing a PhD.

Take your first steps towards studying in the UK

Whether you dream of studying at a world-famous university, improving your English, or setting yourself up to succeed in your career, you are welcome, and the opportunities are endless. Get further advice and guidance for EU students, plan your studies, find a scholarship, and apply for your student visa. Hear more student stories on our blog and join over 500,000 international students from all over the world who choose to study in the UK each year. Studying in the UK is an opportunity of a lifetime, and anything is possible when you study in the UK.