Introduction
What are Public Universities in the UK?
Why Choose UK Public Universities?
List of Public Universities in the UK
Navigating Admission to Best Public Universities in the UK
Conclusion
FAQs

Top Public Universities in the UK for International Students

MOEC

04 December 2023

6697

Overview

Are you aware of the transformative educational journey that awaits within the corridors of public universities in the UK? UK public universities are counted as the best universities for international students 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 the 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?

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. 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 the 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, public universities in the UK 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.