Over 40% of postgraduates in the UK come from overseas and are studying at some of the top universities in the world. Although Brexit uncertainty continues, recent research shows record numbers of international students continue to apply to study at university within the UK.
Fresh Student Living has looked at what makes London and the UK one of the most desirable education destinations for international students, particularly in times of uncertainty.
International Students in the UK
Reports by Fresh Student Living show that studying abroad may be one of the most beneficial experiences for students. International students can live and study in a foreign city, as well as fast track their career prospects. Studying abroad ensures international graduates are more employable than their native counterparts, as they tend to have more experiences.
The international student market makes up at least £7 billion of the UK’s economy, while training and education exports bring in around £14 billion per year, with the potential to increase to as much as £26 billion by 2025.
Top London Universities
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, London remains the higher education capital of the world, with four of the city’s universities in the global top 40. London’s top universities are:
| Ranking: | University: |
| 9th | Imperial College London |
| 14th | University College London |
| 26th | London School of Economics and Political Science |
| 38th | King’s College London |
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, welcomed these rankings, stating that the city attracts over 100,000 international students from more than 200 countries.
However, in the Times Higher Education rankings, the University of Oxford claimed the top position, followed by the University of Cambridge in 2nd place. This shows that not only is London the educational capital of the world, but the UK is home to the best higher educational institutions in the world.
London is the Best City in the World for Students
While London takes the top spot for education, according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in 2018, London also ranks number as the top student city.
