The United Kingdom has been a favourite destination for numerous international students without a second thought. For more than a century, students have been visiting the UK from different corners of the world. In history, we read the names of several celebrities visiting the UK to get higher education some of whom became the presidents and prime ministers of their respective countries in their later lives.
Today also, many cities in the UK are offering world-class education to worldwide students. Here, we will mention the 10 best cities in the UK for studying abroad.
Best Cities to Study Abroad
1. London
London, the capital of England and the UK and one of the top 2 global cities, is unquestionably the best city in the UK to study abroad. Studying in London adds weight to your profile and there is no doubt that students who have got education in London (UK) or New York (USA) get preference from many employers across the globe. It is quite obvious since you get an opportunity to study in one of the top two global cities and financial hubs. Besides, the top university in the UK and the number two university in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025, “Imperial College London” is located here.
London is also one of the best student cities and has a multicultural society. Here, students can see iconic landmarks such as the British Museum and Tower Bridge.
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and the University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the whole world. Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile are the popular landmarks in the city, which provide a stunning backdrop to students. People are friendly, and it boasts of a cultural heritage, especially during the Festival Season; the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
3. Manchester
Manchester as the city is famous for its industrial background, advanced music culture, and educational prominence with one of the renowned universities titled as University of Manchester. Science courses, engineering courses, and business-related courses are some of the specializations that the city boasts of. Manchester is a great place for a student due to its size, affordable prices in comparison with London, and a great number of learning opportunities.
4. Glasgow
Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow is well-known for its friendly people and academic opportunities. It is important to note the University of Glasgow has been in existence for 573 years, making it one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom while offering outstanding education across different fields. Some of the significant features that attract learners to be studying at Glasgow University are a rich culture including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Victorian architecture and lots of arts which makes it famous among international students.
5. Oxford
Oxford is a historic city and the city having the oldest university with continuous operations in the English-speaking world. The University of Oxford was founded in 1096, and today, it is one of the top 3 universities in the world. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Oxford has been ranked 3rd. The university has a great student life and the city provides a wonderful cultural experience.
6. Cambridge
Cambridge is another historic city in the UK and it has the second-oldest university with continuous operations in the English-speaking world, the University of Cambridge. Today, the University of Cambridge is among the top 5 universities in the world and has been ranked 5th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Cambridge also provides a great experience and wonderful student life to students.
7. Bristol
It would not be wrong to say that Bristol is a creative city and is filled with youthfulness. The University of Bristol is well-known and is widely known for engineering, medicine, and arts fields. A vibrant arts and music culture in addition to lively harbor side facilities offer students the possibility of exciting extracurricular activities. Bristol is an excellent city that has a good academic reputation, well-known for its rich culture and is located close to the southwest coast.
8. Leeds
Leeds is friendly, lively, and inexpensive, due to the presence of the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University. It has dynamic arts, and it offers great shopping and features several parks for people to enjoy. It is cheap and has facilities that cater to the needs of students thus making it a perfect area for the international students balancing between studies and other activities.
9. Birmingham
Being the second biggest city in the United Kingdom,
Birmingham hosts the University of Birmingham which is diverse and has an industrial history. Birmingham is located at the central location so it is easy to commute to other parts of the UK from here. In addition, Birmingham boasts of vibrant hospitality in the arts and cultures through museums, galleries, and theatres among others. Birmingham is also cheaper than London and therefore we can consider it one of the most affordable cities for students.
10. Cardiff
Wales’ capital, Cardiff, is a student-friendly city and Cardiff University is among the best universities in the United Kingdom. The city’s small area makes it easy to tour. Cardiff has many historical landmarks, for instance, Cardiff Castle. Cardiff has a high quality of living making it ideal for learners who want a more compact university city with a lot of life.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom has numerous cities, which offer world-class education and a vibrant student life to the worldwide student. It has London, the UK capital and one of the top two global cities and financial hubs in the world, and Oxford and Cambridge, two cities with the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. London, Oxford, and Cambridge are three of the top 5 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Other best cities to study abroad in the UK are Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham, and Cardiff.
