Top 10 Universities In London For International Students

UK 1,609 Views Updated On May 13, 2025 6:09 PM IST
Best Universities In London

Dreaming of studying in London? Here are the top 10 universities for international students!

London offers a state-of-the-art robust educational system with their reputed top-notch universities. Some of the best universities in London include Imperial College of London, University College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science. These universities are well known for quality and affordable education in multiple fields which include engineering, technology, medicine, law and social sciences.

Each university in London has strengths with regard to research infrastructure, has an ethnically diverse student population and also provides connections/networks with international business. If you require any kind of help regarding choosing the appropriate institution for your academic pursuit, The Student Helpline is ready to assist you in achieving your dreams.

Why Study At A University In London?

Selecting the best university in London provides a unique opportunity to international students where they get an opportunity to gain education in one of the most lively and technologically advanced cities in the world. London's universities have over 400,000 students, with over 100,000 of those being international students, and the quality of education is second to none.

The top 6 reasons why you should choose the top universities in London are simplified below.

  1. Global Rankings: 4 universities in London are in the top 40 of the world with Imperial being ranked 2nd in the world.
  2. Research Excellence: London spends £2.5 billion annually in research funding to promote students more towards high-end research practices.
  3. Career Success: Based on the recent surveys, 85% of the students in London can easily secure a job of their interest within 6 months of their study completion.
  4. International Network: It is estimated that over 100,000 international students visit the country to pursue courses in the best universities in London.
  5. Industry Hub: London is also well known for 40% of the multinational headquarters and over 400 global banks. These headquarters include World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, International Labor Organization and many more.
  6. Cultural Experience: London is a hub of 200 Museums, 800 art galleries and 300 languages are spoken from the citizens which makes it the best destination to explore.

Top 10 Universities In London for Academic Excellence

London has some of the most prestigious universities in the world that offer quality education in various fields. The famous universities in London work in harmony with tradition and modern ethical standards with state-of-art research facilities, drawing and promoting talent from all corners of the globe.

The list of universities in London for international students are furnished below with their QS world ranking 2025 and for what they are renowned for. These rankings also clearly depict that London is indeed one of the best places to study.

Top 10 University In London QS World Ranking 2025 London University Well-Known For
London School of Economics (LSE) 50 Social Sciences and Economics
Imperial College London 02 Science, Engineering, and Medicine
University College London (UCL) 09 Multidisciplinary Research and Arts
King's College London 40 Health Sciences and Humanities
University of the Arts London Not Ranked Arts, Design, and Communication
City, University of London 342 Business and Law
Queen Mary University of London 120 Health Sciences and Humanities
University of West London Not-Ranked Creative Industries and Business
Goldsmiths, University of London 681-690 Arts, Social Sciences, and Cultural Studies
St George's, University of London 301-350 Medicine and Health

List of Courses Offered At Best Universities In London

The top 10 universities in London have various programs from the undergraduate level to the doctorate level. These institutions provide a wide array of disciplines from conventional to non-traditional programs that give students choices for flexible learning to cater to the needs of the global market and provide students with the necessary education and skills. Students interested to apply for UG & PG courses can go through the list mentioned below and apply accordingly in the best university of London.

Bachelor Courses offered by Universities In London Masters Courses offered by Universities In London
BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering MSc in Marketing
BSc in Chemical Engineering MA in Creative Writing
BA in History MSc in International Relations
BA in War Studies MSc in Neuroscience
BSc in Biological Sciences MA in Education
BSc in Computer Science MSc in Bioengineering
BSc in Mathematics MSc in Environmental Engineering
BEng in Mechanical Engineering MSc in Finance
BSc in Physics MSc in Data Science
Top 5 Country Students Applying for Universities in London

Figure 1: Top 5 Country Students Applying for Universities in London

Eligibility Criteria At Top Universities In London

The universities in London uphold strict academic entry requirements for students coming from other parts of the world. It is therefore important to familiarize oneself with the requirements of the top universities in London before applying. Here, we have provided the comprehensive information regarding the eligibility criteria for the UG & PG programs in top London universities.

Top Universities in London Undergraduate Requirements

  • Decent grades in high school equivalent to ABB or BBB at A Levels.
  • IB score should be 32 to 34.
  • Accredited secondary education passing certificate
  • Must have qualified entry level exam which includes ACT, SAT, GRE & GMAT.

English Language Proficiency Skills

  • IELTS score should be 6.5 to 6.0. Students can also get admission in UK universities without IELTS also)
  • TOEFL Score should be 92 to 100
  • PTE Academic score should be between 62 to 68
  • Advanced CAE certificate is acceptable in Cambridge English.

Additional Requirements

  • Comprehensive research proposal for research degrees for PhD in London University.
  • For PG admission in top university of London, students have to qualify entry level exams for admission.
  • Work experience to get admission to the best university in London for MBA.
  • CV or Resume with accurate information
  • Two Academic References for comprehensive information regarding a candidate
  • Portfolio for creative programs.
6 Cheapest Universities in London

Figure 2: 6 Cheapest Universities in London

Admission Intake at Universities In London For International Students

All universities in London welcome international students across two primary intakes of admission. First is September/October intake period for the Fall semester and January/February is the second intake period for Spring semester. The majority of good universities in London are more focused towards the Fall intake period, although, there are some that accept students in the Spring intake as well. Some of the top universities in London that students can apply for in both intakes include Imperial college of London, Kings College of London and University college of London.

Every institution has different deadlines and expectations, which is why it is crucial to start preparing as soon as possible. It is also noteworthy that certain programs at the universities in London for international students may have other entry points during the year. Students can start the admission process accordingly.

Suggested: MBBS in UK

Top-notch Public Universities In London For Students

Public universities in London are known to offer education at relatively affordable cost while at the same time delivering quality education to the students. These institutions provide quality teaching and learning, adequate facilities and resources and variety of programs offered.

Such programs include employment connections in the industries and research experience that can help the students achieve successful international careers. The following is the list of the public university in London for international students can apply in:

  • London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
  • Imperial College London
  • University College London (UCL)
  • King's College London
  • Queen Mary University of London
  • University of the Arts London
  • City, University of London
  • Goldsmiths, University of London
  • Brunel University London
  • St George's, University of London

Suggested: Universities In UK For Masters

Scholarships Available At Best Universities In London For International Students

The universities in London provide a good number of scholarships for international students encouraging talent, professionalism and leadership skills. These scholarships are of two types, namely merit-based scholarships and need-based scholarships and they mostly cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research expenses.

There are several ways through which students can finance their education and hence enable them to obtain quality education regardless of their location/ethnic background. Listed below are some of the top scholarships provided by the best universities in London with the amount received in scholarship.

Universities In London Scholarships Universities In London Scholarships Benefits
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships Varies based on program
Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship Up to £5,000
International Bright Futures Scholarship Up to £10,000
Latin America Global Horizons Scholarship Up to £5,000
Chevening Scholarships Covers tuition fees of £22,000 for MBA programs with living cost
International Ambassador Scholarship Up to £5,000
Help to Achieve Scholarship Awards varies with program
Holland Scholarship Up to €5,000
University of East London International Scholarships Up to £3,000
University of London Bursaries Awards varies with program
Global Study Awards Up to £10,000
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships Up to £12,000
GREAT Scholarships Up to £10,000
Imperial College London Scholarships Awards varies with program

Secure A Spot At The Best University in London-The Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to do well academically in order to get admission into the best universities in London. It is also worth mentioning that London is one of the most educational friendly cities and there exists universities such as Imperial College and UCL so the competition is tough but the overall outcome and the experience is worth it. Most of the best universities in London for international students provide quality education, numerous internship and job opportunities to international students.

Do not face this journey alone – the knowledgeable advisors of The Student Helpline is ready to help you with your study abroad applications, visas, and accommodation to help you get into some of the good universities in London. Come and talk to us today to turn your academic dreams into a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Top Universities in London

How Many Universities In London?

There are 40 universities in London, which include large universities as well as colleges of a particular profile. Here, students can apply to any of the best universities in London. For more information on how to choose the right one, The Student Helpline offers several study abroad support services.

Which Is The Best University In London?

Imperial College London and University College London (UCL) are two of the most famous universities in London. Students seeking support and guidance regarding which university best suits their academic profile can consult The Student Helpline.

How To Get Admission In London University?

Students are required to apply via UCAS, an independent agency that manages the admissions applications at the UK universities. Students must submit their certificates, English proficiency test scores, and other relevant documents through UCAS. To know more about the documents required for admissions, contact The Student Helpline.

What Are The Best Universities In London?

Imperial College, University College London (UCL), London School of Economics, Kings College, and Queen Mary are some of the best universities in London. Turn your study abroad dream into reality and contact The Student Helpline for consultation today.

Which University Is Rank 1 In London?

Imperial College London is ranked at #1 among the best universities in London. Ranked 2nd in the world this study abroad university is tough to get into. To know more about the detailed rankings information you can utilize, The Student Helpline university search services.

How Much Are University Fees In London?

£14,000 to £30,000+ per year, is the average tuition costs for international students. Students can also apply for scholarships to reduce their financial burden. For further details about best universities in London scholarships and the average fee structure, get in touch with The Student Helpline.

What Is The Most Famous University In London?

Famous Universities In London are:

  1. University of College London (UCL)
  2. Imperial College London
  3. King's College London
  4. London School of Economics (LSE)
  5. Queen Mary University of London

The Student Helpline can give you more information about the above-mentioned university's programs and admission procedures.

Which University Is Best In The UK For International Students?

University College London (UCL) is ranked as one of the best universities in London for international students. The student satisfaction index of this university is the best among the rest of the London universities. For all round assistance with regards to the applications and visa, feel free to contact The Student Helpline study abroad consultants.

Which Is The No. 1 Cheapest University In The UK?

Staffordshire University is one of the cheapest university in London for international students to apply. The Student Helpline overseas education consultants can assist you to with more information regarding the cheap universities in London.

Why Study In University Of West London?

The University of West London provides a suitable career-oriented curriculum, impressive employment prospects, financial support and up-to-date learning practices making this university one of the best university to get admission into. You can contact The Student Helpline for the necessary information regarding their courses and admission.

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About the Author
Rahul Kumar
Written by Rahul Kumar Rahul Kumar Study Abroad Expert

Rahul Kumar is a dynamic and seasoned writer, currently serving as a Study Abroad Expert at The Student Helpline. Specializing in crafting comprehensive study materials for international standardized exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, PTE, and SAT, he brings over five years of experience to his role. Rahul’s passion lies in guiding students through the complexities of exam preparation and the study abroad journey. His insightful articles provide students with valuable information on exam processes, college admissions, top universities, course selection, and more—empowering them to succeed in their academic goals abroad.