Top Public Universities in the UK for International Students

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Meridean Overseas
Meridean Overseas

Updated On 04 December 2023 & Read Time 9 minutes

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Overview

Are you aware of the transformative educational journey that awaits within the corridors of public universities in the UK? UK public universities for international students are counted as the best universities where they can get complete knowledge of their field, learn amazing things and meet friends from all over the world. These universities are not just famous but super cool places to study.

 

In this blog, we will provide a list of the best public universities in UK. So, get ready to discover the top public universities in the UK and why they are the perfect place for an incredible educational experience. 

 

What are Public Universities in the UK?

There are two types of universities in UK - public and private. Private universities are funded and regulated by private organisations, while the British government funds public universities in the UK.

 

The government is a direct funding council but acts to fund public universities in the UK as independent bodies. The Office of Students in England regulates, reviews, and classifies these public universities. The Office of Students has developed an excellent educational framework and criteria on the basis of which they evaluate public universities based on the knowledge and experience of their teachers.

 

Why Choose UK Public Universities as An International Student?

Before delving into the top public universities, knowing why you should choose a public university in the UK is essential. There are many reasons to select the top public universities in the UK for International students. Some of them are given below. 

Global Recognition - The degrees of top UK public universities carry a prestigious weight in various industries, and these are globally recognised.

Research Opportunities - These institutions are hubs of innovative research, providing international students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects.

Cultural Exposure - Studying in the UK offers a rich cultural experience, with students exposed to diverse perspectives and a vibrant lifestyle.

Language Advantage - For non-native English speakers, studying in the UK provides an immersive environment to enhance language skills and fluency.

 

Also, Read: Affordable Universities in UK

 

List of Public Universities in the UK

Below, you can check the list of public universities in UK along with their QS World University Ranking 2024.

S. No.

Public Universities in the UK

QS World University Ranking 2024

Town

1

University of Oxford

3

Oxford

2

University of Cambridge

2

Cambridge

3

University College London

-

London

4

University of Edinburgh

22

Edinburgh

5

The London School of Economics and Political Science

45

London

6

University of Southampton

81

Southampton

7

University of Manchester

32

Manchester

8

University of Glasgow

76

Glasgow

9

Imperial College London

6

London

10

University of Birmingham

84

Birmingham

11

University of Warwick

67

Coventry

12

University of Leeds

75

Leeds

13

King's College London

40

London

14

Newcastle University

110

Newcastle upon Tyne

15

University of St Andrews

95

St Andrews

16

University of York

167

York

17

University of Nottingham

100

Nottingham

18

University of Liverpool

176

Liverpool

19

Lancaster University

122

Lancaster

20

Durham University

78

Durham

21

University of Exeter

153

Exeter

22

University of Bristol

55

Bristol

23

University of Sheffield

104

Sheffield

24

Queen Mary University of London

145

London

25

University of Bath

148

Bath

26

University of Sussex

218

Brighton

27

University of Leicester

272

Leicester

28

University of Reading

169

Reading

29

Cardiff University

154

Cardiff

30

University of Surrey

244

Guildford

31

University of Aberdeen

208

Aberdeen

32

Queen's University Belfast

202

Belfast

33

University of East Anglia

295

Norwich

34

University of Strathclyde

276

Glasgow

35

Loughborough University

212

Loughborough

36

University of Kent

336

Canterbury

37

University of Essex

459

Colchester

38

City, University of London

328

London

39

Swansea University

307

Swansea

40

University of Dundee

441

Dundee

41

Royal Holloway University of London

413

Egham

42

University of the West of England

741-750

Bristol

43

Birkbeck, University of London

374

London

44

Heriot-Watt University

235

Edinburgh

45

Brunel University London

343

Uxbridge

46

Nottingham Trent University

595

Nottingham

47

University of the Arts London

 

London

48

University of Portsmouth

502

Portsmouth

49

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London

-

London

50

University of Plymouth

561

Plymouth

51

De Montfort University

801-850

Leicester

52

Sheffield Hallam University

1001-1200

Sheffield

53

University of Stirling

431

Stirling

54

Goldsmiths, University of London

593

London

55

Manchester Metropolitan University

590

Manchester

56

University of Hertfordshire

851-900

Hatfield

57

SOAS University of London

511

London

58

Anglia Ruskin University

-

Cambridge

59

Aberystwyth University

661-670

Aberystwyth

60

Ulster University

498

Coleraine

61

Coventry University

571

Coventry

62

University of Brighton

771-780

Brighton

63

Bangor University

481

Bangor

64

Keele University

781-790

Keele

65

Aston University

446

Birmingham

66

Oxford Brookes University

413

Oxford

67

University of Hull

523

Hull

68

Northumbria University

548

Newcastle upon Tyne

69

University of Salford

851-900

Salford

70

University of Greenwich

671-680

London

71

Middlesex University

661-670

London

72

University of Central Lancashire

901-950

Preston

73

Edinburgh Napier University

801-850

Edinburgh

74

Bournemouth University

731-740

Poole

75

Cranfield University

-

Cranfield

76

Kingston University

601-610

Kingston upon Thames

77

University of Wolverhampton

1001-1200

Wolverhampton

78

University of London

-

London

79

London Business School

-

London

80

Royal College of Art

-

London

81

Birmingham City University

1001-1200

Birmingham

82

University of Bedfordshire

-

Luton

83

University of Lincoln

851-900

Lincoln

84

University of Huddersfield

567

Huddersfield

85

University of East London

851-900

London

86

University of Westminster

711-720

London

87

Liverpool John Moores University

751-760

Liverpool

88

Leeds Beckett University

1001-1200

Leeds

89

London Metropolitan University

901-950

London

90

London South Bank University

851-900

London

91

University of Derby

1001-1200

Derby

92

University of South Wales

-

Pontypridd

93

University of Sunderland

-

Sunderland

94

Staffordshire University

-

Stoke-on-Trent

95

Robert Gordon University

901-950

Aberdeen

96

University of the Highlands and Islands

-

Inverness

97

University of Bradford

641-650

Bradford

98

Teesside University

-

Middlesbrough

99

University of Roehampton

-

London

100

The University of Northampton

1001-1200

Northampton

101

Glasgow Caledonian University

1001-1200

Glasgow

102

The Royal Veterinary College University of London

-

London

103

The Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London

-

London

104

Bath Spa University

-

Bath

105

Canterbury Christ Church University

1001-1200

Canterbury

106

The Glasgow School of Art

-

Glasgow

107

University of Chester

-

Chester

108

Edge Hill University

-

Ormskirk

109

University for the Creative Arts

-

Farnham

110

Solent University

-

Southampton

111

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

-

Carmarthen

112

Abertay University

-

Dundee

113

University of Worcester

-

Worcester

114

St George's, University of London

-

London

115

Royal College of Music

-

London

116

University of the West of Scotland

-

Paisley

117

The Royal Academy of Music, University of London

-

London

118

Liverpool Hope University

-

Liverpool

119

University of Bolton

-

Bolton

120

Scotland's Rural College

-

Edinburgh

121

University of Gloucestershire

-

Cheltenham

122

University of Winchester

-

Winchester

123

Cardiff Metropolitan University

-

Cardiff

124

University of West London

-

Ealing

125

University of Cumbria

-

Carlisle

126

Queen Margaret University

851-900

Edinburgh

127

York St John University

-

York

128

Falmouth University

-

Falmouth

129

University of Chichester

-

Chichester

130

Ravensbourne University London

-

London

131

Buckinghamshire New University

-

High Wycombe

132

Harper Adams University

1001-1200

Newport

133

Wrexham Glyndwr University

-

Wrexham

134

Royal Northern College of Music

-

Manchester

135

Leeds Trinity University

-

Leeds

136

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

-

Liverpool

137

Arts University Bournemouth

-

Poole

138

University of Suffolk

-

Ipswich

139

Bishop Grosseteste University

-

Lincoln

140

University of Wales

-

Cardiff

141

The Royal Agricultural University

-

Cirencester

142

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

-

London

143

University College Birmingham

-

Birmingham

144

Norwich University of the Arts

-

Norwich

145

Birmingham Newman University

-

Birmingham

146

Writtle University College

-

Chelmsford

Navigating Admission to Best Public Universities in the UK

International students aspiring to join these esteemed universities typically undergo a comprehensive admission process. Thus, understanding the specific requirements of each institution is crucial for a successful application.

 

However, you must follow the proper procedure to submit your application mentioned by the universities and attach all documents like academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and often, language proficiency test scores.

 

Conclusion

In the panorama of top public universities in the UK, international students discover not just institutions of learning but gateways to a transformative educational journey. These universities, steeped in history yet forward-thinking, offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Further, for those seeking to explore academic frontiers and immerse themselves in diverse cultural landscapes, the popular public universities in the UK stand as unparalleled destinations, indicating ambitious minds to join and contribute to the global tapestry of knowledge.

 

We hope the above information gave adequate insights into top public universities in the UK for international students. However, students who wish to study in UK and learn more about top UK universities and courses may contact our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). You can also take free online counselling through our website. Our expert counsellors will provide you with the best support and guidance you need for admission and visa. In addition, they will help you shortlist the universities according to your profile. For more information or any queries, contact application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

 

FAQs

Q1. What sets UK public universities apart from other types of universities?

Ans. UK public universities, often funded by the government, are known for their high academic standards, extensive resources, and diverse student communities. Unlike private institutions, public universities are committed to accessibility and often have a global reputation for excellence.

 

Q2. Are there specific advantages to studying at a public university in the UK as an international student?

Ans. Yes, UK public universities for International students offer a multicultural environment, top-notch faculty, and globally recognised degrees. As an international student, you will benefit from a rich cultural experience, language immersion, and access to a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.

 

Q3. How do tuition fees at UK public universities compare to private institutions?

Ans. Generally, tuition fees at UK public universities are more affordable for domestic and international students than private institutions. Public universities prioritise accessibility, making quality education more attainable.

 

Q4. What factors should I consider when choosing a public university in the UK?

Ans. Consider the university's reputation, available courses, campus facilities, and location in your chosen field. Additionally, look into support services for international students, extracurricular activities, and potential career opportunities post-graduation.

 

Q5. Can I apply for financial aid or scholarships at UK public universities?

Ans. Yes, many popular UK public universities offer financial aid packages, scholarships, or bursaries to eligible students. It is advisable to check with the specific university regarding available funding options and the application process.

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