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Study in United Kingdom

The UK compresses a bachelor's into three years and a master's into one, which makes it one of the cheapest destinations per qualification despite high headline fees. Degrees are recognised everywhere and the Graduate Route still allows a period of post-study work.

Tuition
US$12,900/yr
Living
US$11,500/yr
Total
US$24,400/yr
Work rights
20 hours/week during term
Post-study
Graduate Route — 2 years (18 months from Jan 2027)

Current position

Policy for international students

  • From 11 November 2025 the Home Office raised maintenance requirements for the Student visa: 1,529 GBP per month (up to nine months) for study in London, and 1,171 GBP per month for study elsewhere.
  • From early January 2027 the Graduate Route shortens from two years to 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates. PhD researchers keep the three-year entitlement.
  • Applying for a 2026 intake secures the current, more generous post-study window.
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor remains mandatory before a visa application can be filed.

Cost

What a year in United Kingdom costs

Adjust the level, city and scholarship percentage to see the effect on your annual total.

Scholarships: University awards for international students typically run 2,000-10,000 GBP; a number of institutions offer full-fee scholarships for outstanding applicants.

Estimated annual cost

Tuition—
Living costs—
Scholarship—
Total per year—

US dollars, indicative

Indicative US dollars per year. Actual fees depend on the institution and programme; confirm before you commit.

Admission

Entry requirements

  • Three-year high school average from 8.0, or
  • Completion of the first year of a Vietnamese university degree, or
  • A UK foundation year or transfer diploma, or
  • A Level or IB results
  • IELTS from 6.0

Funding

Scholarships & financial support

University awards for international students typically run 2,000-10,000 GBP; a number of institutions offer full-fee scholarships for outstanding applicants.

Awards are almost always decided at the point of admission rather than afterwards, and most pools are allocated on a rolling basis. Applying early in the cycle is the single biggest thing within your control.

How scholarship rounds work

At a glance

Work during study
20 hours/week during term
After graduation
Graduate Route — 2 years (18 months from Jan 2027)
Baseline tuition
US$12,900/yr
Baseline living
US$11,500/yr

Subjects

What United Kingdom is strong in

  • Business Administration
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Advertising & Marketing
  • Computer Science & IT
  • Engineering
  • Art & Design
  • Education & Teaching
  • Law
  • Communications & Media

Institutions

Where to study in United Kingdom

28 institutions in our directory, across 4 categories.

Browse all 28 institutions in United Kingdom

Immigration

The United Kingdom student visa

  • The visa you need depends on your age, the length of the course and the type of programme — most degree students apply for the Student visa.
  • UKVI returns most study visa decisions within three working weeks, though incomplete or complex financial documentation extends that.
  • Interviews are not mandatory, but a caseworker may call or arrange one to test whether you are a genuine student and to verify your finances.
  • Start preparing three to six months before the course begins — that leaves room to fix problems, legalise financial documents, or reapply if a first application is refused.

Questions

Frequently asked

What is a CAS and why does it matter?

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is an electronic reference number issued by your university once you accept an unconditional offer and pay a deposit. Without a CAS you cannot submit a Student visa application at all — it is the single gating document in the process.

Can I apply without IELTS?

Some universities accept their own English assessment or a recognised alternative, and many offer a pre-sessional English course that satisfies the requirement. UKVI-approved SELT tests are still needed for certain courses and providers.

How much does a year in the UK cost?

Around US$24,400 per year including tuition and living in London — noticeably less outside the capital.

Do I need to prove finances?

Yes. You must show tuition for the first year plus maintenance at 1,529 GBP per month in London or 1,171 GBP per month elsewhere, for up to nine months, held for 28 consecutive days.

Can I work while studying?

Yes — 20 hours per week during term and full-time during vacations for degree-level courses.

Can I stay and work after graduating?

Yes, on the Graduate Route: two years for bachelor's and master's graduates now, reducing to 18 months from January 2027, and three years for PhD graduates.

Planning United Kingdom for 2026–27?

We will check your profile against the entry requirements, size the real budget and map the scholarship rounds worth applying to.

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