Study Abroad in the United Kingdom

From legends of mystics dragons on the Isle of Arran to a jaunt down the main street of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll-llantysiliogogogoch (no, that’s not a typo), to the royal palaces of London, and the great wall of Londonderry, the United Kingdom has something for all types of students. This powerful nation allows for endless study abroad possibilities, so let’s jump into it and learn more about Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England.

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A Guide to Study Abroad in the United Kingdom

Prepare to Study Abroad

Set Goals

Establishing goals can help you make the most of your study abroad experience in the UK. Here are a few ideas to get started:

Academic focus: Choose a subject or skill you’d like to strengthen during your time abroad, and set specific goals around it.
Build connections: Identify the types of people (peers, professors, or mentors) you want to connect with for personal and professional growth.
Post-program impact: Think about how this experience could support your long-term goals, like building confidence, expanding knowledge, or finding a mentor.

Understand the Benefits

Studying abroad in the UK offers a wide range of benefits that make it a rewarding academic destination:

Extensive academic options: With numerous study abroad programs, the UK caters to all academic levels and disciplines.
Travel convenience: The UK’s public transportation system and proximity to Europe make it easy to explore.
Rich history and culture: Experience centuries-old history and vibrant cultural hubs, from theaters to museums.

Things to Know

Here are a few essential points to keep in mind for studying in the UK:

Program affordability: Public universities are relatively affordable but check for EU vs. non-EU pricing.
Visa requirements: Non-EU students need a student visa; check with the UK embassy for details.
Housing options: Common choices include dormitories, off-campus apartments, or homestays.

Choose a Location

Choosing a location in the UK is as exciting as it is varied, with incredible academic and cultural opportunities across each region.

England

Home to four of the top six global universities, England offers an unparalleled academic reputation, from Oxford to Cambridge. Programs here span urban to countryside settings, providing options for every lifestyle and study preference.

Scotland

Scotland’s history, festivals, and landscapes make it ideal for students seeking a mix of cultural immersion and academics. The University of Glasgow and the University of St. Andrews are top choices, offering nearly five centuries of educational tradition.

Wales

With beautiful natural settings and rich history, Wales offers students access to top universities like Swansea and Cardiff. Enjoy outdoor activities and scenic coastal views, perfect for balancing study with exploration.

Choose a Subject

The UK offers strong programs across disciplines, and choosing the right subject can help you get the most from your study abroad experience.

English Literature

The UK has a rich literary history, making it an ideal place to study English literature. From Shakespearean dramas to modern-day authors, students can deepen their understanding of English literature through immersive classes and expert lectures.

Sociology

With its diverse society and historical significance, the UK provides an engaging setting for studying sociology. Explore complex social issues, from colonial history to modern multiculturalism, with plenty of real-world case studies.

Law

The UK’s legal system is one of the world’s oldest and most respected, offering excellent law programs at renowned institutions. Studying law here provides insight into British and international legal frameworks with access to expert faculty.

Getting Started

Here are the essential steps to prepare for your study abroad experience in the UK.

1. Get Matched

Use the GoAbroad Online Advisor to find study abroad programs in the UK tailored to your field and preferences.

2. Choose a Program

Create a MyGoAbroad account to save, compare, and organize study abroad programs that align with your goals.

3. Decide When to Go

Consider each season’s unique offerings in the UK:

Short term: Great for intensive or holiday programs without affecting your regular academic schedule.
Semester: A classic option that lets you integrate into UK academics without derailing your degree track.
Academic year: Ideal for deep immersion and full cultural experience, if your schedule allows.

4. Funding & Scholarships

Complete our Scholarships & Deals application to get matched with funding options that can help cover your study abroad expenses in the UK.

5. Apply

Submit applications through MyGoAbroad; program coordinators will follow up to provide details and help you through the next steps.

6. Get Your Essentials

Ensure you have all necessary documents, including visa, passport, flights, and travel insurance, to make your transition to the UK as smooth as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The UK is one of the best destinations for international students due to the amount of high quality study abroad programs offered. Whether you want to study accounting, political science, literature, or otherwise, there's a program for you.

Top 3 of EVERYTHING About Studying Abroad in the UK

The requirements to study abroad in the UK varies per program. In some cases, there may be a GPA requirement. In general, you can study abroad in the UK on a Visitor Visa if your program is under 6 months.

Depending on how long your study abroad program is in the UK, it could cost between $5000 and $10000 USD for a program. This does not include additional costs for airfare and insurance.

If you qualify for study abroad scholarships, you may be able to study in the UK for free. Be sure to seek out opportunities and apply early. Otherwise, you can mitigate costs by fundraising through FundMyTravel.

Many universities in the UK offer study abroad. Most often, you will find these opportunities through your home university or a study abroad provider. You'll find programs at the University of Bristol, Oxford, University of Manchester, and more.

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My semester studying abroad at AUB was an utterly amazing, beautiful, and inspiring experience.

April 07, 2025by: Rachel LJ - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad at Arts University Bournemouth

I studied abroad at AUB on the Costume and Performance Design Course. I'm from NY, USA, and am a double major in Dance and Sociology. I've always wanted to study abroad, and stumbled upon AUB completely by random chance – and I'm endlessly thankful that I did. I was studying something completely new, meeting the most amazing people every day, traveling to a multitude of different countries, and living in a vibrant, exciting town on the beautiful coast of England. The semester was a whirlwind of trying new things, exploring, and meeting new people. Generally speaking, there seems to be a pervasive culture of community and family within students living in Bournemouth. Bournemouth itself is such a fun town. There are tons of great shopping and restaurants, lovely gardens, and of course, the beautiful sea. It was wonderful to be able to just leave my room, walk through town and through the gardens, and reach the beach within 15 minutes. Bournemouth was an absolutely incredible place to be for the semester because of the accessibility it provided for traveling. A bus into London takes only about 2.5 hours from Bournemouth, and from there, I was able to fly to a multitude of incredible places all over Europe. Over the course of the semester, I was lucky enough to visit eleven cities in nine different countries. I learned that I absolutely love traveling by myself. It gives you the chance to really absorb and appreciate a city, taking everything in.