An overview to the Best universities in London 

London is one of the most well-known cities in the world. Ranked among the top 5 student cities globally, London is not only culturally diverse but also academically rich. There are 18 best universities in London, two of which – Imperial College of London and University College London – are among the top 10 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Keep reading to learn more about the best universities in London and what they offer.

Benefits of studying in London’s best universities

London has many renowned universities, but apart from academics, the city offers you a multitude of avenues to grow and experience. Following are a few reasons why you should consider studying in London-

1. Academic opportunities

London has the most number of universities compared to any other city in the UK. You get the opportunity to study in world-class international institutions and gain a global perspective in your field of specialization.

2. Global exposure to diversity and more

The city of London welcomes over 1,35,000 international students from more than 200 countries every year. Around 35% of London’s population comprises residents born outside the UK. The cultural diversity of the city is apparent in its culture, food, and drinks.

3. Rich cultural heritage

London has a rich cultural history, and it is a world-renowned financial district. The city has something for everyone – from museums, art galleries, music festivals, and sports. London is huge, but almost 50% of it has parks, common areas, and outdoor spaces to keep you in touch with nature.

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Cost of studying at the best universities in London

Staying in London is comparatively expensive for international students looking to study in the UK. Accommodation and living costs are significantly higher in London that the rest of the country.

According to the London School of Economics, students should expect an expense of about £1,000 – £1,300 per month that includes accommodation, bills, travel, and socializing.

However, the tuition fees of top  London universities are less than that of many US universities. The average tuition fee for students studying at the best universities in London comes to around £15,000 per year.

10 best universities in London for you

The center of global academia, London is home to many distinguished academic universities. Following is the list of top universities in London!

1. Imperial College London (ICL)

Founded in 1907, the Imperial College London is one of the top 10 universities in the world. It is a leading research institute in science, medicine, and engineering and an outstanding place to pursue educational degrees. ICL provides the perfect blend of education, opportunities, and culture for international students.

Imperial College London was the result of a merger between the Royal School of Mines, the Royal College of Science, and the City & Guilds College. It has also been honored with the Gold Teaching Excellence Framework. The university is located in Central London in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

ICL awards over 6,000 degrees each year to students from over 130 countries. It aims to take different approaches to deal with global challenges by combining knowledge from industry and academia and by focused interdisciplinary research. The graduates of the university include 29 Nobel Prize winners.

• Acceptance rate – 14.3%
• Average tuition fees – £9,250 (for UK and EU students); £10,000 – £38,000 (for international students) depending on choice of course

2. University College London (UCL)

University College London was founded in 1826 and is the first higher education institution in London. This university boasts a multicultural campus that attracts students from over 150 countries. Well-known for its exceptional teaching of subjects like architecture, archaeology, life sciences, medicine, computer science, etc. UCL also boasts around 29 Nobel Prize Laureates among its graduates.  It also has partnerships with 300 foreign institutions. 

The college is located in the heart of Bloomsbury in London’s West End, which is also home to most of the tourist attractions and famous theatres.

• Acceptance rate – 38%
• Average tuition fees – £9,250 (for UK and EU students); £10,000 – £38,000 (for international students) depending on choice of course

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

The London School of Economics and Political Science is a world leader in social sciences and one of the best universities in London. It is a global hub of academic discussions. It regularly hosts lectures by some of the most influential politicians like the former Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev and the German chancellor Angela Merkel. 

LSE offers 36 undergraduate and more than 140 postgraduate and doctorate degrees in its 25 departments. It also has over 200 research centers, including the Centre for Women, Peace, and Security and the Centre for Economic Performance. 

The London School of Economics and Political Science offers a wide spectrum of social science disciplines like anthropology, sociology, finance, and accounting. It has 16 Nobel Prize Laureates as its notable alumni.

• Acceptance rate – 8.9%
• Average tuition – £9,250 (for UK and EU students); £18,408 (for international students)

4. King’s College London

King’s College London is among the top 25 universities in the world. It was established by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington in 1829. One of the oldest academic institutions in the UK, King’s College London is renowned for its cutting-edge research opportunities and academic excellence.

The main campuses of King’s College are located on the Strand in the heart of London. The institution boasts 12 Nobel Prize recipients among its graduates and faculty members.

• Acceptance rate – 13%
• Average tuition – £9,000 (for UK and EU students); £18,100 (for international students)

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5. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

The Queen Mary University of London is a premier research-intensive university and is one of the largest colleges under the University of London. It has around 27,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students attending courses in science and engineering, humanities and social sciences, and medicine and dentistry.

The university was founded in 1785 as a result of a merger between four medical colleges: The Royal Hospital of St Bartholomew, London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary College, and Westfield College. 

The college has five campuses in London which are well connected by the tube. Its main campus is at Mile End, in East London. Other campuses are located in central and east London at Charterhouse Square, West Smithfield, Whitechapel, and Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

• Acceptance rate – 43.6%
• Average tuition – £9,250 (for UK and EU students); £27,900 (for international students)

6. City University London

A division of the prestigious University of London, City University offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and is one of the best universities in London for an MBA.

If you want to have the ultimate London experience, then City University London is the one for you. Its main campus is located between Islington, Shoreditch, and Clerkenwell. The university specializes in subjects such as health sciences, arts, and social sciences, mathematics, computer science, engineering, etc. There are about 70 research centers at the City University.

• Acceptance rate – 11.42%
• Average tuition – £9,250 (for UK and EU students); £1200 – £25,000 (for international students)

7. School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

A public research university, the School of Oriental and African Studies, is one of the top global universities in the UK. It is a specialist university and offers many courses for the study of cultures, languages, and societies of the Near and Middle East, Africa, and Asia. SOAS is one of the best universities in London that offers a world-centric curriculum.

• Acceptance rate – 63%
• Average tuition – £9,250 (for UK and EU students); £16,575 (for international students)

8. Birkbeck, University of London

If you are planning to pursue a master’s program, then Birkbeck is a great option for you. The world-class research and teaching institution is also one of the most diverse universities in the UK. It offers full-length degrees coupled with evening courses with a loan and visa flexibility for daytime study. Birkbeck has also been awarded Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework. 

• Acceptance rate – 76%
• Average tuition – £9,250 (for UK and EU students); £13,300 (for international students)

9. Brunel University 

Located in Uxbridge, Brunel University is a non-profit higher education institution offering degrees in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. The institution is quite selective and has an admission rate of 60-70%. Brunel is one of the most affordable universities in London and offers hostel facilities to international students. Some of the subjects taught here are Digital Media, Aerospace Engineering, bachelor’s and master’s in Journalism, Anthropology, Law, etc.

• Acceptance rate – Between 65% to 75%
• Average tuition – £9,250 (for UK and EU students); £17,500 (for international students)

10. University of East London (UEL)

Founded in 1992, the University of East London is a public, non-profit higher-education institution located in a suburban setting. It offers programs like pre-bachelor degrees, certificates, associate or foundation, diplomas, etc., that can lead to officially recognized higher education degrees. There are also multiple areas of study available at the courses bachelor, master, and doctorate levels.

The institution has a selective admission policy that is based on your past academic grades and results of entrance examinations. UEL provides numerous academic and non-academic facilities like a library, study abroad and exchange programs, sports facilities, online courses, distance learning opportunities, etc.

• Acceptance rate – 39%
• Average tuition – £9,250 (for UK and EU students); £11,440 (for international students)

Best universities in London | Which one is the best for you?

You need to look at a lot of factors when choosing the right university. Here’s how to do it, step-by-step!

Key Takeaways

• London is one of the study abroad destinations top destinations for students belonging to an array of fields. Its also known for offering global exposure and its rich heritage.
• With many universities being at high QS rankings, choosing among the top universities London is a good choice for aspirants.
• When choosing the university that’s right for you, consider the program they offer, research based v/s taught programs, specializations, alumni success, and campus life. 

You can reach out to us for any guidance regarding the application process. We’d be more than happy to help.

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FAQs

Question 1: How many international students study in London?

Answer: Nearly 11% of the population of London comprises students coming from outside of the EU to pursue higher education in the UK. London also has a significantly high number of international students, owing to the number of universities and the rich cultural diversity of the city.

Question 2: How many hours can I work part-time as an international student in London?

Answer: As an international student in the UK, you can work for up to 20 hours a week; however, during vacations, you can work for up to 40 hours a week.

Question 3: How much does housing cost in London for international students?

Answer: A furnished studio flat in an average part of the city will cost you around £1,200 per month. Along with rent, food, travel, and other personal expenses, you are likely to spend nearly £475 per week on rent and living costs in London. However, this will vary according to your lifestyle requirements and whether you live in shared accommodation.