Many students plan to study abroad every year, and they choose the UK as their dream destination. When it comes to pursuing an undergraduate degree, the UK has several such universities with a wide range of programs that cater to student’s academic and professional needs. Being home to some of the top-ranking universities in the world, like Cambridge, Oxford, and Imperial College, the UK offers students a chance to earn a globally recognized academic degree that shapes their future. Deciding to study in the UK is a major life decision that requires proper planning and counseling, which can be availed by contacting study abroad consultants. They also provide visa guidance and SOP and LOR writing services.
Through this blog, we will understand the important details related to studying in the UK after completing class XII.
Reasons to study in the UK
The UK has always been a preferable destination among study-abroad aspirants, especially after completing their 12th. Here are some reasons why you should study in the UK:
- Academic Excellence- Some of the institutions in the UK have existed since the 12th and 13th centuries. They are known for their quality education, passed down through generations. They have an experienced faculty and staff who work towards doing the best for their students. Apart from this, they have access to cutting-edge technology and are pioneers in the field of research and development.
- Flexible Curriculum- An undergraduate degree in the UK is for 3 years, after which if you wish you can pursue a Masters degree as well, which will only take 1 year. Also, the courses offered by the universities in the UK have a flexible schedule, you can take classes part-time as well and take up a job meanwhile. There are numerous options for internships as well, which you can go for during the summer/winter break.
- Practical Approach- The universities in the UK focus more on imparting practical knowledge to their students than making them do rote learning. They provide courses that are the right blend of a theoretical and a practical approach. Students spend a lot of time in labs, performing experiments and solving case studies. Apart from this, universities encourage you to take part in internships, volunteer jobs, and other extracurricular activities.
- Cultural Diversity- Students from all across the world come to study in the UK. This leads to a multicultural student diaspora, which facilitates your global outlook and perspective. This way, you get to interact with students from different communities and regions.
- Employment Prospects- The value and quality of education in the UK are outstanding, which is why the top companies in the world recruit students from universities in the UK. Studying in a multicultural environment, makes the students adapt better to a diverse workforce. Also, most of the institutions in the UK have formed strong ties with the big companies and industries in the world, which lets them provide better placements for their students.
Education System in the UK
In the UK, children need to legally attend primary and secondary education which is from the age of 5 to the age of 16. Each level of education in the UK has certain entry requirements which need to be met in order to gain entry at that level. The education system of the UK is divided into four parts:
- Primary Education begins in the UK at the age of 5 and continues until the age of 11 years.
- Secondary Education is from ages 11-16. After the age of 16, attaining education is optional in the UK.
- Further Education- After completion of secondary education, students have the option to pursue their A-levels, GNVQs (General National Vocational Qualification), and BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council) or other qualifications. Students who wish to pursue higher education need to complete their further education first.
- Higher Education is for students aged 18 and above who enroll themselves in a specific course at a university in the UK.
UK Online Degrees: There has been a rising demand of online courses worldwide. The universities in the UK also offer many online courses, some of which are free of cost. This works in favour of particularly those individuals who want to obtain a UK accredited degree without relocating to the UK. Attaining an online degree from a reputed university in the UK allows you to study as per your schedule and save money on traveling while having the access to various academic programs.
List of the Top 5 Universities in the UK
While there are several good universities in the UK to study after 12th, it is very important to choose the right one. Choose a university which offers a course that is designed as per your needs and aspirations. Also consider factors like teaching style, faculty, accommodation, tuition fees, scholarship, placement, etc. The leading 5 universities to study in the UK after completing Class 12th are:
- Oxford University
- Cambridge University
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- The University of Edinburgh
Now, let us get down to understanding what these universities have to offer for students who have just completed their schooling.
1. Oxford University
The University of Oxford has been ranked the best university in the world for the 9th consecutive year. It is known for its outstanding global reputation for its teaching, research, and contributions to society. Built in 1096, it is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It operates the Oxford University Press, which is the largest academic library system globally. It offers a wide range of popular courses such as English, African and Middle Eastern Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Asian Studies, Business, and Management Studies, and Law.
The Oxford alumni are known as the Oxonians. Famous people to have attended the University of Oxford include Clement Atlee, Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Aung San Suu Kyi, Tony Blair, and Bill Clinton. Among its many scholarship incentives, the Reach Oxford Scholarship is the most prominent one. It is granted to students who come from low-income families or have not been able to complete their studies due to political or financial reasons, or due to lack of proper educational facilities in their home state. Having an exceptional academic background is not the only way out if you wish to secure a seat at Oxford University. You need to work on creating a compelling personal statement, LOR, and an essay. For this, you must seek assistance from academic writers who specialize in essay, SOP, and LOR writing services.
2. Cambridge University
A unique combination of tradition, innovation, and academic excellence, Cambridge University was founded in the year 1209. It is the 3rd oldest university in continuous operation in the world. Its historic architecture and thriving cultural scene make it an ideal place for pursuing higher studies. As per the QS World University Rankings 2023, 38 Cambridge subjects are ranked among the top 10 in the world. The most sought-after programs taught here are Chemistry, Geography, Archaeology, Art History, Linguistics, History, Law and Legal Studies, Psychology, Marketing, Medicine, Politics, and Environmental Sciences.
Cambridge University has been the alma mater of several influential people like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Muhammad Iqbal, and Abdus Salam. The Cambridge Trust offers some scholarships for undergraduate students who are set at the overseas fee rate. Most of these awards offer to cover half the cost of studying at the University of Cambridge. As part of its application process, students need to write an impressive personal statement and a LOR. Depending on the course you have chosen, you might be asked to appear for an interview.
3. Imperial College London
A research-intensive university, the Imperial College London was established in 1907. It has been a trailblazer in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and business. (STEM-B). It comprises an Imperial Enterprise Lab, which is an accelerator program that provides expertise and funding to bring products to life. Its teaching is led by world experts and it offers options to customize what you learn and the experiences you have. Some of its well-known courses are Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Bioengineering, Medicine, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Finance, and Data Science.
Notable alumni include names like Sir Alexander Fleming, Rajiv Gandhi, H.G. Wells, Peter Higgs, and Sir George Potter. The Imperial Ceres Scholarship is meant for home and overseas students who are enrolled in full-time study programs at the university. It is valued at £5,000 per year, for students interested in having a career in the energy sector. If you wish to apply for this scholarship, you need to write a personal statement expressing your interest in the energy sector and how it will be beneficial for your career plans. Apart from this, while applying to the Imperial College London, students need to prepare a well-written personal statement and an LOR, for which they must consult professional SOP and LOR writers.
4. University College London (UCL)
The University College London is ranked 9th in the UK as per the QS World University Rankings 2024. It is renowned for its world-class research, global influence, and impact across a broad range of subjects. It offers degree apprenticeships, which combine part-time study with full-time paid work. The widely recognized academic programs at UCL are Education, Architecture and Built Environment, Law, Statistics and Management for Business, Fine Arts, Anthropology, Archaeology, Pharmacy, and Pharmacology. It also teaches many online courses which are free of cost. Students here are provided with a personal tutor, student mentor, and education advisor.
Famous people who have been students of UCL are Alexander Graham Bell, Robert Browning, John Stuart Mill, David Irving, David Attenborough, Christopher Nolan, and Chris Martin. The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is given to 10 international students every year who have low-income backgrounds. It covers their full tuition fees and maintenance allowance, for the duration of their program. UCL requires the student to describe their personal circumstances, academic history, and professional experience, if any while filing the online application form. You also need to submit a 1000-word personal statement and a LOR, highlighting your interest and inclination towards a particular field of study. At times, you might also be called for an interview by the UCL admissions committee.
5. The University of Edinburgh
Situated in Edinburgh, Scotland, the University of Edinburgh was formed in the year 1582. It is in the 5th position among universities in the UK as per the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. Known for its groundbreaking research work, the University of Edinburgh is the same place where the 1st genetically engineered hepatitis B vaccine was discovered. Its medical school is consistently ranked as one of the best in the UK. It teaches various subjects such as Accounting, Biological Science, Chemistry, Earth Science and Environment, Psychology, Mathematics, Medical Science, Sports, and Sociology. By tying up with popular online platforms, it also teaches many free short online courses.
Revered figures such as Charles Darwin, Alexander Graham Bell, David Hume, Robert Brown, and Richard Owen have studied from here. The Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships are awarded to the brightest PhD students who are provided with unparalleled research facilities, development opportunities, and expert supervision, to advance their careers after completing a PhD. It covers the university tuition fees and consists of a stipend as well. While applying to the University of Edinburgh, students need to submit a CV, one or two LORs (course specific), and a 500-word personal statement. To write as per the university standards, get in touch with professional SOP and LOR writers, who will provide you with high-quality content.
Admission Requirements for UK Universities
Depending on the course and the university you have selected, there might be slight variations in the admission requirements for studying in the UK. However, all universities ask for some common information such as:
- Completion of 10+2 or 16 years of formal education
- Academic transcripts and certificates from previously attended institutions.
- Scores are obtained in standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACE to check your reasoning, thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Your proficiency in the English language tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, to see how well you can adjust to an environment where the medium of instruction is English.
- Academic documents like an essay, CV/resume, SOP, and a LOR are needed to assess how well-prepared you are for the program you are about to pursue. How are your interests, skills, and values aligned with the course and its curriculum, and how it will provide you with better career prospects? To write in a manner that increases your chances of admission, get the right guidance from study-abroad consultants whose expertise lies in the domain of academic writing.
- Financial proof shows that you have enough money to cover your tuition, accommodation, and other expenses for the duration of your studies in the UK.
- Certain universities might also ask students to appear for an interview, in case it is a highly selective university with a limited number of intakes for the program you have opted for.
- A valid UK Student Visa and a Passport, with your correct initials and details.
UK Student Visas
You need to know that you can avail a UK Student Visa only when:
- You have received an acceptance letter from an accredited institution in the UK for a full-time course.
- Ability to understand English (both written and spoken)
- Enough funds to support yourself, and if you have any dependants, for the duration of your course in the UK.
There are 3 main types of UK Student Visas:
- Student Route Visa is meant for students aged 16 and above who have enrolled in a course at a recognized university in the UK.
- Child Student Visa is for students aged between 4-17 who have enrolled themselves in a UK-accredited institution and can stay in the UK for 6 years. For Student Route and Child Student Visas, you need to apply 3 months before your course starts in the UK.
- Short-term Study Visa for students who are about to pursue short-term courses like a training program or a English language course. This way, you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You can apply for a Short-term Study Visa 3 months before you depart for the UK.
The processing time for a UK student visa varies, if you apply for it while you are within UK, it takes 8 weeks, whereas if you are outside UK, it takes 3 weeks.
Also, the visa application process can be a cumbersome task. Therefore, you must seek visa guidance from study abroad consultants who will help you out with the formalities of a visa procedure and other facilities such as remittance, forex and accommodation.
Conclusion
Thus, we got to see what it is like to study at some of the most prestigious universities inn the UK. They have exceptional teaching and research facilities, providing an atmosphere where students are allowed to show their full potential. Their curriculum is designed in a manner which caters to the academic and professional pursuits of various types of students. The strong networks that these universities have with the prominent companies and industries in the world, allow its students to find well-paid jobs. They also offer part-time courses which allow certain students to complete their studies while working. In an attempt to make quality education accessible to all, most of the universities in the UK offer scholarships as well.
Getting into the top universities in the UK is not only about having an outstanding academic record, but it is also about expressing your genuine interest in pursuing studies in the UK. To streamline the process of admission, most universities in the UK ask students to submit an essay, resume, SOP, and a LOR to check how well they are prepared for the course they are applying for. Writing of such academic documents can at times be a bit daunting. To ease your worries, you must get in touch with study abroad consultants like Contentholic, whose forte lies in career counseling, visa guidance, and in providing top-notch SOP and LOR writing services. Do, reach out to us and fulfill your dream to study in the UK.
