Study in London in 2024 - Top Universities, Costs, Eligibility Requirements
London might just be the city of your dreams as you pursue your goals of higher education excellence. Apart from the spectacular Victorian architecture and the countless places you’ve seen on TV since your childhood, London also boasts 18 of the UK’s top QS ranking universities. Moreover, 20 universities in land a place in the Complete University Guide’s 2024 University League Tables. Without a doubt, choosing to study in London opens up your options for a world-class education.
It’s unsurprising that London continues to be QS Top Universities’ #1 student city for 4 years running. Let’s delve deeper into what makes London an academic paradise and explore its top universities, costs, and eligibility requirements for prospective students in 2024.
What Makes London the World’s Best Student City?
London continues to be attractive as a higher education destination for a variety of reasons. QS ranks London as the #1 city in the world for students for 4 consecutive years, considering various aspects such as:
• university rankings
• student mix
• quality of life
• employer activity
• affordability
The city's rich history, cultural diversity, vibrant social scene, and robust academic infrastructure are fantastic bonuses if you choose to study in London!
Top Universities in London
London's academic landscape features several prestigious institutions, each renowned for its excellence in various disciplines. Some of these universities have centuries of history in the shaping the academic standards of not only the UK but the world.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2024 |
| Imperial College London | 6 |
| University College London | 9 |
| King's College London | 40 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | 45 |
| Queen Mary University of London | 145 |
| City, University of London | 328 |
| Birkbeck, University of London | 374 |
These are not your only options either if you are hoping to study in London. Some excellent options to consider include:
• SOAS, University of London
• University of Roehampton
• Coventry University London
• Anglia Ruskin University London
• Loughborough University London
• Sheffield Hallam University – London Campus
• Ulster University – London Campus
• Teesside University London
Student Mix
London's cosmopolitan environment is a melting pot of cultures, with a third of its student population comprising international students. Three million people, over 33% of the population, are students born outside the UK. This diversity fosters a global learning experience, allowing students to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and gain a broader perspective.
University support for international students:
The city's universities are well-equipped to support international students, offering a range of services to ease their transition into a smooth academic journey. Universities typically offer dedicated teams and support systems for their international students. And with such a significant portion of its student population comprising of international students, you can trust them to know how to handle your concerns and queries.
Finding your own community
London alone speaks over 300 languages thanks its multicultural communities and peoples. Communities representing international students’ identities and nationalities enjoy preservation, celebration, and appreciation here. As a result, if you study in London, you have the chance to become a part of the cultural fabric of a diverse city, finding a piece of home as well as exploring the world in miniature.
Student-friendly culture
QS Top Universities considers the “student voice” category as part of its metrics for shortlisting the best student cities. This category measures factors like how friendly and inclusive students find the city, and the city’s attitude towards factors like sustainability and internationalization. Student voice also looks into how many of the city’s graduates continue living there after graduation. London ranks the highest in the UK for this metric, and second place worldwide behind Berlin.
Life in London
London has historically been one of the global centers of industry, economy, education, and culture. It’s safe to say there’s never a dull moment for a London dweller. Not only is it the home of some of the world’s best and most prestigious universities, it is also the heart of the UK as its capital. From enriching cultural experiences in its history, architecture, and heritage to the center of the spotlight for concerts, sports events, and more, there’s plenty to do and see in London.
A hub for everything
As the UK’s capital, London functions a little like the heart of the country. Its iconic streets are home to both the headquarters of some of the world’s biggest companies and organizations as well as start-ups, storefronts, and plenty more to see and do. London is a city with over 7,000 bars and pubs, cuisines from all over the world and every high street shop you can think of.
The food
London’s proud multicultural identity means that you can explore not only cuisine from around the world, but also find the taste of home. And besides, you can always try London’s world-famous fish n’ chips that everyone is talking about.
Entertainment
London is home to some of the most famous cultural attractions in the country, including the British Museum, Tate Galleries, Notting Hill Carnival and the O2. If you’re after some weekend entertainment, West End is one of the leading musical and theater centers in the world.
Public Transport
The famous London Underground offers fast and cost-effective travel across the city. If you study in London, you can explore other parts of the UK and even journey to Paris via the Eurostar. Students can enjoy a one-third discount on trains using the 16-25 Railcard.
Sports
London is home to six world famous Premier League football clubs. It hosts some of the biggest sporting events in the world at its famous Wembley Stadium.
Employability of Graduates from London Universities
St George’s, University of London and Imperial College of London both boast top 5 rankings for highest employability in the world. London is the UK’s highest-ranking city in terms of employer activity, according to QS Top Universities. It’s also one of the top 10 cities for employer activity in the world!
Here are some key findings from the Living and Learning in London in 2024 report regarding student work experience:
● London sees an average of 6.41 hours per student in internships and placements, significantly higher than the average in the rest of England.
● London-based students show a higher likelihood of getting a well-paid job (+1%).
● You can access higher work placement and career prep opportunities if you study in London (+4%).
● Integrated placements and internships enhance students' practical experience and employability in London
● London-based students show higher satisfaction with course organization and the likelihood of securing well-paid jobs
● Two-thirds of international students in London hold paid jobs during their studies
Affordability
Now, while there is no question that choosing to study in London can be a transformative opportunity for your future and career, London is not exactly cheap. In fact, the UKVI specifies a separate minimum funds requirement for London compared to the rest of the UK, for student visa applicants.
Housing
The cost of student housing in London varies widely depending on factors such as location, facilities, and room type.
Some trends to guide your search are:
● Higher rents in central London areas, such as Kensington, Chelsea, and Westminster.
● More affordable options in outer boroughs like Greenwich, Stratford, and Lewisham.
● Shared accommodation tends to be more budget-friendly than individually-rented flats
● Shared accommodation costs range from £500 to £800 per month
● Private studios or one-bedroom flats can cost upwards of £1,000 per month.
● Additional expenses include utilities, internet, and transportation
Tuition
Tuition fees can depend on a variety of different factors, including the university’s size, your chosen program, and even the university’s location in London. According to the British Council, tuition fees of universities in London can range between:
| Level of study | Estimated range of fees | Average annual cost |
| International Undergraduate Tuition | £11,400 - £38,000 | £22,200 per year |
| International postgraduate tuition | £9,000 - £30,000 | £17,109 per year |
To Apply to Study in London for a Higher Education Degree
If you are ready to commit and explore your options to study in London, here’s what the application process can look like:
Research Universities and Courses
● Explore universities in London and the programs that best match your criteria.
● Consider factors like course offerings, minimum eligibility criteria, location, and tuition fees.
● Consider program reputation, faculty expertise, and funding options for postgraduate programs
Check Entry Requirements
● Review academic qualifications and English language proficiency requirements. Most universities in London require an IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0 or any equivalent approved test score
● Verify financial requirements for visa applications. To study in London, you need to show proof of funds for your first 9 months of study as per the tuition fee amount on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
● You also need to show proof of funds of minimum £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) to cover your living expenses in London.
Prepare Supporting Documents
● Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS).
● Arrange financial documents to meet visa requirements.
Submit Application
● Apply through UCAS for undergraduate programs.
● For postgraduate programs, apply directly through the university's portal.
● Ensure you uploaded all necessary documents are included.
● Make all applicable payments.
Receive Offers and Respond
● Wait for universities to review applications and make offers.
● Respond to offers through UCAS for undergraduate programs and directly with the university for postgraduate programs.
● Get ready for interviews or assessments as your university may require.
Meet Conditional Offers
● Fulfill conditions set by universities, such as achieving specific grades, for conditional offers.
● Arrange necessary funds as per visa requirements.
● Begin your visa application process
Rounding up
Choosing to study in London offers great opportunities for ambitious students. With top universities and diverse communities, London is a hallmark of academic excellence and student experience. Excellent employability opportunities, post-study opportunities, and more, make London one of the world’s most popular cities for international students. It certainly earns its #1 spot as QS’ best student city in the world.
