London is one of the best places to pursue higher education. Every year, thousands of students go to London despite the city’s high living expenses. The main reason is its top universities, which are affordable and have easy entry requirements. As a global center of academic excellence, London is home to renowned research in science and medicine, as well as art and business.
Top universities are located in London, where nearly half a million students are pursuing higher education. There are some top 10 universities in London that international students look for.
Choosing the perfect university is a complex decision because a student’s whole life can change based on that choice. Students have to consider the location of the university, tuition fees, scholarships and bursaries, ranking, flexibility, job opportunities, student support, courses, and the living expenses of that city.
Below, below are the top 10 universities in London, along with details about each one.
Well, this article doesn’t rank the universities in order because students have different goals and preferences.
Imperial College London
This prestigious university in London is well known for its strong research focus, industry-oriented approach, and high employability of graduates. It is ranked among the best universities in the world and is known for innovation, excellence, and employability.
It is a worldwide group of students and teachers where people from different backgrounds and cultures share new ideas and fresh ways of thinking to solve complex problems.
Specialization: Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Business.
Location: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London.
Undergraduate Tuition fees for international students: Starting from £39,000 per year. It can be higher in medical fields.
Postgraduate Tuition fees for international students: Fees vary across postgraduate programs, such as Taught Postgraduate Programmes, Postgraduate Research Masters (MRes) Programmes, and Postgraduate Research Programmes. Starting fees for international students begin at £40,000 and may vary depending on the program.
Scholarships: The university offers a wide range of scholarship options, starting from £1,000 towards tuition fees to full tuition coverage for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Most fully funded scholarships are available for postgraduate students.
Ranking: 5th in the UK and 12th in the world.
Entry requirements:
Undergraduate:
- Academics: A-levels or equivalent (IB: 38-42, AP: 3-4 tests with a score of 5, Indian Standard XII: 90-95%).
- English: IELTS/TOEFL required (Standard or Higher level).
- Extra: Some courses require admission tests or specific subjects.
Postgraduate:
- Academics: Bachelor’s degree with good grades.
- English: IELTS/TOEFL (Standard or Higher level).
- Extra: Some programs require work experience, GMAT/GRE, or additional documents.
University College London (UCL)
UCL is amongst the best universities in the world, making it a great choice for international students because of its world-renowned reputation, renowned for it’s world-class research, global influence and impact across a broad range of subjects and strong support system for international students.
Specialization: Science and Technology, Engineering, Medicine, Social Sciences, Architecture
Location: Bloomsbury, central London
Undergraduate Tuition fees for international students: Average tuition fees per year are 37500 pounds. starting from 26000 pounds.
Post-graduate Tuition fees for international students: 25900- 37500.
Undergraduate: 10 awards of full tuition fees and maintenance allowance, and 23 awards of full tuition fees.
postgraduate: £15,000 (for one year)
Ranking: 9th according to QS
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate:
- Academic: A-Levels (AAA to ABB), IB (34+ points), or equivalent.
- English: IELTS/TOEFL required.
Postgraduate:
- Academic: First or upper second-class degree or equivalent.
- English: IELTS/TOEFL required.
Additional:
- Some programs require extra subjects or tests.
- Applications via UCAS (undergrad) or UCL portal (postgrad).
King’s College London
If you’re an international student looking to study at one of the top 10 universities in London, King’s College London is a great choice. It’s a research-focused university, part of the prestigious Russell Group, known for excellent teaching and innovative research. King’s has an outstanding reputation for world-class teaching and cutting-edge research which makes it unique.
Specialization: Law, Science, Business, Healthcare.
Location: Strand, London.
Undergraduate Tuition fees: Average £28900.
Postgraduate Tuition fees: starting from £20000.
Scholarship: Covering up to £3000 each year. See details on the website.
Ranking: 6th in the UK and 40th in the world.
Undergraduate:
- Academic:
- A-Levels: Typically AAA to ABB, depending on the program.
- IB: Minimum 34 points with 16 points from Higher Level subjects.
- Equivalent international qualifications accepted.
- English: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
Postgraduate:
- Academic: First or upper second-class Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- English: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
Additional:
- Some programs may require specific subjects or tests (e.g., BMAT for medical programs).
Queen Marry University
Queen Mary University is known for its world-leading teaching system. This university has a diverse and inclusive community, its location in vibrant East London, and its commitment to social mobility, offering opportunities to students from all backgrounds. It’s a great choice for those seeking a research-intensive university with a real-world impact.
Specialization: Humanities, Social Sciences and Laws, Medicine and Dentistry and Science and Engineering.
Location: Mile End, London
Undergraduate Tuition fees: Starting from £25000 to 29000 pounds. Find your course here.
Postgraduate tuition fees: Starting from £25000 to £33000. Find your course here.
Scholarship: Global Talent Scholarships
- Undergraduate: £3,000
- Postgraduate: £5,000
Ranking: According to U.S. News & World Report 92nd in the world in 2024–2025, and 9th in the UK
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate:
- Academic:
- A-Levels: Typically AAA to ABB, depending on the program.
- IB: Minimum of 34 points, with 16 points from Higher Level subjects.
- Equivalent international qualifications accepted.
- English: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
Postgraduate:
- Academic: First or upper second-class Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- English: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
London School of Economics
LSE has a vibrant, diverse community that fosters global discussions on social, economic, and political issues, drawing on the varied experiences, opinions, and beliefs of its staff and students. LSE offers great opportunities for career growth, making it an ideal place to prepare for life after university.
Specialization: Eonomics, Politics and Law to Sociology, Anthropology, Accounting and Finance.
Location: Houghton St, London.
Undergraduate Tuition fees: Range from £27,000 to £34,000, varying by subject.
Postgraduate tuition fees: Range from £29,000 to £38,000, varying by subject.
Both program part time opportunity as well.
Scholarships can be found here link
Ranking: 50th in world by QS
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate:
- Academics: A*AA-AAA (A-Levels) | 37-38 IB points | Equivalent international qualifications.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 7.0 (min 6.0 in writing/speaking, 6.5 in reading/listening) or TOEFL 107.
- Application: Apply via UCAS.
Postgraduate:
- Academics: 2:1 UK degree or equivalent for Master’s; Merit in Master’s for PhD.
- English Proficiency: Same as undergraduate.
- Application: Apply via LSE’s online portal.
City University of London
City University of London is a leading UK university with a global vision and a commitment to transforming lives through education. it porvides Educational excellence, renowned academics and professional standing attract students and staff from more than 160 countries around the world. City, University of London is known for its strong industry connections, good career support, and modern campus.
Specialization: Arts and Media, Business, Computing and Computer Science, Engineering, Health, Literature
Tuition fees for undergraduate: Estimated £21,000–£26,000
Tuition fees for postgraduate: £20,000–£30,000 per year
Scholarships:
Undergraduate:
Global Futures Scholarship: For international students (e.g., £2,000–£5,000 per year).
Postgraduate:
School-specific scholarships: E.g., Business or Engineering discounts (up to 25–50% fee reduction).
Ranking: 40th in UK and 328th in world.
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate:
- Academic:
- A-Levels: Typically ABB to A*AA.
- IB: Generally 32–38 points.
- Other recognized international qualifications accepted.
- English:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5 (min 6.0 per component) or
- TOEFL: Around 90–100 overall.
- Application: Through UCAS.
Postgraduate:
- Academic:
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree (usually 2:1; some courses may accept 2:2 with relevant experience).
- English:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5 (min 6.0 per component) or
- TOEFL: Around 90–100 overall.
SOAS University of London
- Undergraduate: Academic excellence scholarship worth £5000.
- Postgraduate: SOAS Master’s Scholarships worth £5000 .
Ranking: 508th in world.
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate:
- Academic:
- A Levels: Three A levels (grades vary by course).
- IB: Minimum 35 points.
- Other: Recognized international qualifications (e.g., ISCE/CBSE with 85% ≈ AAA).
- English Proficiency:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 each).
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall (min 23 in writing/speaking, 21 in reading/listening).
- PTE: 65 overall (min 60 in each component).
- Note: Some courses may have additional academic requirements.
Postgraduate:
- Academic:
- A good undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent GPA of ~3.3/4.0).
- Research applicants need a completed master’s.
- English Proficiency:
- Same as undergraduate requirements.
- Additional Documentation:
- May include transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, and possibly an interview.
- Application Process:
- Undergraduate applications via UCAS; postgraduate via SOAS’s online system.
Studying at Royal Holloway gives students the chance to become multi-talented professionals while earning a degree from a globally recognized university. It offers international students a unique mix of academic excellence, career opportunities, and vibrant student life. With a diverse community from over 130 countries, Royal Holloway provides a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Specialization: Arts, Business, Humanities, Law, and Sciences
Location: Egham Hill, Egham
Undergraduate Tuition fees: Starting from £19,800 to £28,700
Undergraduate
- Academic Qualifications:
- A Levels: Three A-level subjects; specific grades vary by course (check the course finder on the university’s website).
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Minimum score of 32 points.
- BTECs/CTECs/WJECs: Accepted as equivalent to A-levels.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall score of at least 6.5, with no component below 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of at least 88.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of at least 61.
- Additional Requirements:
- At least five GCSE passes at grades A* to C (or 9–4), including Maths and English.
- Submit original academic transcripts; if not in English, include translated copies.
Entry Requirements
Postgraduate
- Academic Qualifications:
- A good undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK second-class honours degree) is required. Some programs may require a higher classification or relevant professional experience.
- English Language Proficiency:
- Same as undergraduate: IELTS (6.5 overall), TOEFL iBT (88 overall), or PTE Academic (61 overall).
- Supporting Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Application Process:
- Undergraduate: Apply via UCAS.
- Postgraduate: Apply through the university’s online application syste
Brunel’s research is internationally recognized, with numerous highly cited papers and substantial grant funding. Its programs are created in collaboration with industry partners, fostering a culture of teamwork that addresses the global challenges of the 21st century.
Specialization: Engineering, Design, and Sports Science.
Location: Kingston Ln, London,
Undergraduate Tuition fees: £20,450–£23,000 per year
Postgraduate Taught Tuition Fees: £20,450–£25,000+ per year
Scholarships: Up to £6,000 for high-achieving undergraduates/postgraduates.
Ranking: 342th globally.
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate:
- Academic Qualifications: A-levels, IB, or equivalent qualifications (specific grades depend on the course).
- English Language: IELTS 6.0–6.5 (or equivalent).
- Additional Requirements: Some courses may have extra requirements or specific subjects.
Postgraduate:
- Academic Qualifications: A recognized bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a UK 2:1 or higher, depending on the course).
- English Language: IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent).
- Supporting Documents: Transcripts, personal statement, and sometimes references or CV.
Application Process:
- Undergraduate: Apply via UCAS.
- Postgraduate: Apply directly through Brunel’s online system.
Greenwhich University
The University of Greenwich is a top university located in the heart of London, offering a range of programs. Its beautiful campus along the River Thames provides a picturesque and inspiring learning environment. It also has two other campuses in Medway and Avery Hill. With a strong focus on employability, Greenwich offers industry connections, work placements, and hands-on learning, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers.
Specialization: Architecture, Business, Computing, Mathematics, Engineering, Humanities, Maritime studies, Sciences, Pharmacy and Social Sciences.
Location: Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, London
Undergraduate Tuition fees: 17500 per year
Postgraduate Tuition fees:£17,500–£22,000 per year.
Scholarship:
Undergraduate: £8000 for full bachelor program.
Postgraduate: £4000
Ranking: 691-700 globally.
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate:
- Academic: A-levels, IB, or equivalent international qualifications (specific requirements vary by course).
- English Language: IELTS 6.0–6.5 (or equivalent).
- Additional Requirements: Varies by course (transcripts and translations if needed).
Postgraduate:
- Academic: A good undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent).
- English Language: IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent).
- Supporting Documents: Transcripts, personal statement, and references.
Application Process:
- Undergraduate: Apply via UCAS.
- Postgraduate: Apply directly online.
