Some of the top universities in the UK are public universities. These universities are not only known for their quality education but also for the reputation they have built over the years. Many of them rank in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Given below is the list of public universities in UK that are considered the best:
University
|
QS World Ranking 2023
|
Oxford University, Oxford, England
|
4
|
University of Cambridge, Cambridge
|
2
|
Imperial College London, London
|
6
|
University College London, London
|
8
|
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburg
|
15
|
University of Manchester, Manchester
|
28
|
King’s College London, London
|
37
|
The London School of Economics and Political Science, London
|
56
|
University of Warwick, Coventry
|
64
|
University of Bristol, Bristol
|
61
|
Suggested: How to Apply to UK Universities as an international student?
Now let us talk about each of these top public universities in England for international students in an elaborate manner to help you choose the destination of your dreams:
1. University of Oxford
Housing around 30,000 students, Oxford University is one of the most prestigious universities established to date. Being 924 years old, the university is extremely selective with its admission decisions. The acceptance rate at Oxford University stands at 20%, making it quite competitive for international students.
International student percentage
|
45%
|
Average Tuition Fee
|
£24,750 - £26960/ year
|
Top Courses
|
Medical sciences, Humanities, History, Linguistics, Mathematics, Social sciences, etc.
|
Location
|
Oxford, England
|
2. University of Cambridge
Considered to be one of the top public universities in UK, the University of Cambridge is also among the most selective institutions. The university has an acceptance rate of merely 10-15%. The total student population at the university stands at 48,000 students, and the university is accredited by the Privy Council.
International student percentage
|
40%
|
Average Tuition Fee
|
£22,000 - £70,000/ year
|
Top Courses
|
Biological Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Clinical Medicine, Technology, Physical Sciences (MBA, Btech, MS, MIM, etc.)
|
Location
|
Cambridge
|
3. Imperial College London
Known for being a research university, Imperial College London is one of the best public colleges in London for masters. The university is known for its degrees in STEM specialisations like engineering and science. The university is set in the very urban location of London, with a total enrolment of around 18,000 students.
International student percentage
|
60%
|
Average Tuition Fee
|
£31,000 - £35,700/ year
|
Top Courses
|
Science and engineering, business, veterinary sciences
|
Location
|
London
|
4. University College London (UCL)
University College London is one of the best public universities in London. It admits students based on its entrance examination and has an acceptance rate in the range of 40-50%. With a student strength of around 43,900, the university offers a variety of top undergraduate and postgraduate programs tutored by some of the best faculty. So choose this among other public universities in London for international students and begin your education journey!
International student percentage
|
53%
|
Average Tuition Fee
|
£21,000 - £25,000/ year
|
Top Courses
|
Clinical studies, Medical sciences, Brain sciences, Engineering, Law, etc.
|
Location
|
London
|
5. The University of Edinburgh
One of the largest universities in Scotland with 30,000 students, University of Edinburgh is widely known for its academically excellent programs. The university is one of Scotland’s ancient universities offering several disciplines, including Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Science and Engineering.
International student percentage
|
33.4%
|
Average Tuition Fee
|
£22,000 - £34,000/ year
|
Top Courses
|
Arts, humanities and social sciences, Science and engineering, Veterinary science, etc.
|
Location
|
Edinburgh
|
Suggested: Universities in Manchester UK
6. The University of Manchester
A prestigious red brick university, University of Manchester is home to over 16,000 international students offering more than 1000 degree programs at various levels of study. It is one of the places to study for students interested in the field of Science and Engineering and boasts an employability rate of 94%.
International student percentage
|
30%
|
Average Tuition Fee
|
£20,000 - £28,000/ year
|
Top Courses
|
Medical and human sciences, Engineering and physical sciences, Humanities, Life sciences
|
Location
|
Manchester
|
7. King’s College London
Established in 1829, King’s College London is one of the oldest educational institutions in the world. Out of a total student population of 29,600 students, 10,000 students at King’s College are graduate students. The university is known for its outstanding research all over the globe and is; therefore, one of the best places for those interested in research.
International student percentage
|
41.4%
|
Average Tuition Fee
|
£18,000 - £29,000/ year
|
Top Courses
|
Engineering and technology, Natural sciences, Life sciences and medicine, Business and Management
|
Location
|
London
|
8. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Famous for its 140 taught graduate programs; if you get selected at London School of Economics and Political Science, you will be spending time at the world’s most precious university for social sciences. The university is also considered to be extremely diverse, with international students coming from over 140 countries.
International student percentage
|
70%
|
Average Tuition Fee
|
£18,000 - £22,000/ year
|
Top Courses
|
Arts and humanities, social sciences and management, Business and management
|
Location
|
London
|
9. University of Warwick
Standing tall as the world’s 7th best research university, University of Warwick houses around 30,000 students coming from over 50 countries around the globe. The university is also known to be moderately selective with its admission policy.
International student percentage
|
31.5%
|
Average Tuition Fee
|
£17,000 - £22,000/ year
|
Top Courses
|
Arts and humanities, social sciences and management, Engineering and technology
|
Location
|
Coventry
|
10. University of Bristol
The total number of students studying at University of Bristol is around 27,000. The university is around 111 years old and is famous for various degree-level programs in the field of arts and humanities.
International student percentage
|
25%
|
Average Tuition Fee
|
£17,000 - £20,000/ year
|
Top Courses
|
Arts and humanities, social sciences and management, Business and management
|
Location
|
Bristol
|
Suggested: Find out all about the Intakes & Deadlines for UK
Next, let’s explore the process to apply in these public universities in UK.