Study in the UK

Did you know that the UK attracts over 500,000 students from different countries each year? That’s because it offers an exciting and internationalized educational experience with numerous opportunities for academic and personal growth.

For a while after Brexit, many candidates turned to other study destinations, with the Netherlands being a popular choice. However, after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are seeing that the UK is once again one of the top choices for prospective students! This is due to the many prestigious universities it offers as well as the support provided to international students (housing, student visas, information).

At Koutsodontis Prep Center, with experience since 1981,we provide successful preparation for the IELTS and TOEFL tests, as well as for the GMAT and GRE aptitude tests, which are required for admission to British universities. Additionally, we offer support for your admissions process through various services. Every year, our students are accepted into top British universities in Bachelor’s or Master’s programs!

Why Study in the UK

1. Personal Benefits Outweigh Academic ones

Many overlook that studying abroad impacts not just professional development but also personal growth. Stepping out of their comfort zone exposes students to new perspectives, challenges, and cultures, broadening their horizons and shaping their character and beliefs.

2. Multicultural environment

British universities offer a wide range of programs and are recognized as top in their fields each year, making them particularly popular. They host the largest number of international students in Europe, with most coming from Asia! Consequently, students have the opportunity to exchange ideas, learn new perspectives, and develop their intercultural skills.

3. High-Quality Education & Flexibility

The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, renowned for their academic excellence and the quality of education they provide. Outstanding professors and researchers are experts in their domains and offer high-quality education and guidance to their students. Moreover, students have access to educational materials, laboratories, libraries, and other resources that allow them to develop their knowledge and skills. Lastly, degrees from British universities are internationally recognized, giving graduates career opportunities anywhere in the world.

4. Excellent career prospects

The UK is one of the world’s largest economic centers, offering a plethora of professional opportunities in various fields, such as finance, technology, healthcare and education,. Those oriented toward research can participate in research and innovation programs, having the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the sciences. Additionally, there is significant support for young entrepreneurs to start their business ideas! Many of the most successful multinational companies are British, such as Unilever, AstraZeneca, HSBC, Diageo, and British American Tobacco.

University Admissions & Requirements

Universities in the UK use either a rolling admissions system or a regular admissions system, depending on the program. With rolling admissions, applications are evaluated as they are received, whereas with regular admissions, applications are evaluated after a set deadline. It is always recommended to start preparing and submitting applications as early as possible. Also, most programs start in the fall, but some may begin in the spring or even the summer.

For undergraduate programs, applications are made through the UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admissions Service) platform. Students can search for study programs via the UCAS portal, but they must check the entry requirements on the respective university websites. The UCAS application is submitted online, and students can apply to up to five universities.

Νote that UCAS does not apply to postgraduate programs, for which candidates must apply separately to each university they are interested in.

Basic requirements for undergraduate programs are:

High school diploma with or without Panhellenic exams or/and GCE A Levels or Foundation course or IB
English language certification IELTS (or TOEFL)
Personal Statement
Letter of Recommendation from a teacher

Basic requirements for postgraduate programs are:

Bachelor’s degree and Transcript (original and certified translations)
English language certification (IELTS or TOEFL)
One of the aptitude tests GMAT or GRE (depending on the program)
Personal Statement
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Letters of Recommendation from professors and/or employers

New classes for IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, and GRE start every month. Additionally, the Admissions Office provides individual services regarding Bachelor’s or Master’s programs, starting immediately after your registration.

Medicine & Dentistry in the UK

The UK is a popular choice for studying Medicine or Dentistry. There are numerous programs at top universities where knowledge is combined with practical training, offering diverse career prospects.

For admission, candidates take the UCAT, an aptitude test that assesses key skills like numeracy, critical thinking, problem-solving, integrity, and empathy. Unlike the Panhellenic exams, the UCAT doesn’t test knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Instead, it focuses on the abilities and traits essential for healthcare professions.

Our Prep Center successfully prepares students for the UCAT exam! Learn more about the test here and our preparation courses here.

Law in the UK

Many candidates also choose to study Law in the UK due to the excellent programs and career opportunities. For admission to universities like the University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, University College London, and others, the LNAT test is required.

The LNAT is an aptitude test that assesses Verbal Reasoning, which includes comprehension, interpretation, analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction – skills crucial for Law programs, along with essay writing.

Our Prep Center successfully prepares students for the LNAT exam! Learn more about the test here and our preparation courses here.

Tuition Fees & Funding

The cost of studying in the UK is among the highest in Europe. Universities differentiate tuition fees between UK residents (“Home”) and non-UK residents (“Overseas”), with the latter being higher. Since Brexit, Greek candidates fall into the “Overseas” category. For undergraduate programs, tuition fees start at £11,000 and can exceed £30,000 per year, while postgraduate fees start at £9,000 and can surpass £40,000 per year. The field of study also plays a significant role in determining fees, with Medicine and Business programs being the most expensive.

Funding your studies through scholarships is also available. International students, including Greeks, are not eligible for government loans in the UK but can seek financial support and scholarships either from the university they attend or from other organizations.

Financial aid usually depends on criteria such as financial need, nationality, and academic achievements. Additionally, several organizations in Greece offer scholarships for studying abroad. Note that a high GMAT/GRE score is often required for scholarships. Finally, careful attention should be paid to scholarship requirements and deadlines.

Visa Issuance

The issuance of a visa is of exceptional importance. After applicants are accepted by the university of their choice, they must apply for the F-1 non-immigrant visa. Therefore, they need to go through an interview at the local UK embassy following this process:

Payment of the $160 application fee (Machine Readable Visa – MRV application fee) as informed by the embassy.
Completion of the electronic form (DS-160), with an attached photo of the applicant.
During the interview: Submission of proof of acceptance from the university, payment of the required tuition fees, and completion of the necessary documents. Additionally, the forms I-20 or DS-2019 and passport (ideally valid for up to 6 months after the completion of studies) are required.

The decision to issue the visa lies with the consular officer and depends on the following:

The applicant’s ability to finance themselves.
Proof that the applicant can and intends to return to their home country after graduation (obtaining a work permit is a different process).
Proof of the applicant’s academic qualifications, which usually includes proof of English language proficiency.

Additional documents may be required to prove academic progress, departure from the UK after completing studies, and the method of covering expenses. Finally, the embassy informs about the time needed for visa issuance, which can be obtained up to 120 days before the start of classes. However, the process can start earlier. Nevertheless, for entry into the country earlier than 30 days before the start of classes, a visitor permit is required, which also applies to those who normally do not need a visa for a short stay in the UK.

Living Costs in the UK

The average cost of living in London is around £1,300-£1,400 per month, while in other parts of the UK, it ranges from £900 to £1,300. These amounts can vary depending on the city of residence and lifestyle. Generally, expenses to consider include housing, food, clothing, transportation, health insurance, activities, and other costs.

A significant challenge for international students is finding accommodation. Many opt for student dormitories, which typically offer a room with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. However, there are also private residence halls that are more modern and expensive. Renting an apartment or room off-campus is also an option, though it tends to be more costly in larger UK cities like London.

Healthcare for students in the UK is well-organized. Primary healthcare services are managed by the National Health Service (NHS). All types of treatment are available through the NHS—the most important thing students should do upon arrival is register with a General Practitioner (GP) as soon as possible. Regarding costs, international students pay a fee when applying for a student visa, which is an additional £470 per year.

As for transportation, public transport systems in major cities are well-developed and offer student discounts. Finally, there are countless recreational options and a vibrant student life! From nature excursions to cultural activities, nightlife, and travel, the UK offers a cosmopolitan experience.

Popular Universities in the UK

University of Oxford

he University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and ranks among the top academic institutions globally. It offers studies in fields such as Humanities, Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics, and more. Oxford consistently receives global recognition, often ranking as the number one university in international university rankings (THE World University Rankings, QS Rankings, Financial Times).

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is the second oldest university in the English-speaking world and enjoys similar recognition to that of Oxford. It offers programs in fields such as Medicine, Biosciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, Business, Law, Natural Sciences, Engineering, and more. It is internationally recognized as one of the top universities in the world.

Imperial College London

Imperial College was founded in 1907 in London, and its programs focus on fields such as Natural Sciences, Engineering, Business, and Medicine. It ranks among the top 10 universities in the UK, Europe, and globally! According to the QS World University Rankings, it was ranked 6th internationally and 3rd in Europe.

UCL

University College London was founded in 1826 in London and is the third oldest university in England. Its programs cover fields such as Humanities and Social Sciences, Arts, Law, Engineering, Medicine, and Biosciences, among others. The QS Rankings for 2024 place it as the 9th best university in the world and 5th in Europe.

London School of Economics (LSE)

LSE was founded in 1895 in London and offers studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Law, and more. Moreover, LSE alumni and faculty include 55 past or current heads of state or government and 18 Nobel Prize winners! The QS Rankings for 2024 rank it as the 45th best university in the world and 12th in Europe.

London Business School (LBS)

LBS is a distinguished Business School in London, founded in 1964. It offers only Postgraduate and Doctoral programs in MBA, Finance, Management, Strategy, and more. Furthermore, it receives continuous accolades, with the Financial Times Rankings naming it the 2nd best Business School in Europe and No. 1 for Management and Finance programs.

King’s College London

King’s College is one of the oldest universities in London, having been founded in 1829. Its programs cover fields such as Arts and Humanities, Business, Law, Medicine, Psychology, Natural Sciences, Engineering, and many others. Its alumni have won Nobel Prizes, contributed to significant scientific discoveries, and been involved in politics. The QS Rankings ranked it as the 40th best university internationally and 10th in Europe for 2024.

University of Warwick

The University of Warwick was established in 1965 and is organized into three faculties: Arts, Science – Engineering – Medicine, and Social Sciences. Its graduates have received numerous awards, including Nobel and Turing Prizes, and include heads of state, government officials, and chief economists at the Bank of England. The QS Rankings ranked it as the 19th top university in Europe, while the Financial Times ranked its Online MBA as number 2 in the world and its Master in Finance as number 16 at Warwick Business School.

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 in Scotland and is organized into three faculties: Arts – Humanities & Social Sciences, Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, and Science & Engineering. Its alumni include Graham Bell, Charles Darwin, and J.K. Rowling! It is listed among the top universities globally and in the UK. In fact, the QS Rankings named it the 22nd best university in the world and 6th in Europe for 2024.

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow was established in 1451 in Scotland and offers programs in Humanities, Business, Law, Medicine, Science, and many other fields. Its alumni include prominent figures of modern history, prime ministers, economist Adam Smith, and Nobel laureates! The QS Rankings named it the 14th top university in Europe for 2024.

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester was founded in 2004 following the merger of two universities. It consists of three faculties: Biology – Medicine – Health, Engineering – Physical Sciences, and Humanities. It is also the 3rd most popular university in the UK in terms of application numbers! The QS Rankings ranked it 32nd in the world and 6th in the UK for 2024.

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol was established in 1876 and offers programs in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Medicine, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Law. For 2024, the QS Rankings named it the 9th top university in the UK, and Bristol graduates are the fourth most sought-after candidates in the job market.

Durham University

Durham University was founded in 1832. It is organized into four faculties: Business, Arts and Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences and Health. It ranked among the top 100 universities globally according to the QS Rankings and 7th in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide 2024 and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham was established in 1825 and has faculties for Arts and Law, Medicine and Dentistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Social Sciences. It ranked among the top 100 universities globally according to the QS Rankings and 27th in Europe.

University of Southampton

The University of Southampton was founded in 1862 and has faculties for Arts and Humanities, Physical Sciences and Engineering, Health Sciences & Environment, Medicine, and Social Sciences. It ranked among the top 100 universities globally according to the QS Rankings and among the top 20 in the UK.

Koutsodontis Tips

TIP 1: Choosing a Study Program

Finding a program that combines your interests, qualifications, and available budget is a demanding process, especially when it involves universities in the UK. Accurate information is the key.

Our Prep Center offers the Program Finder service for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, helping you find the most suitable university options based on your profile.

TIP 2: Connecting with our Alumni

Communicating with alumni offers valuable insights into career opportunities after graduation and practical aspects of the program. This interaction helps prospective students understand potential challenges and practical issues they might face during their studies.

Our Prep Center offers its students exclusive access to the free Admissions Connect service. This allows our students to converse with alumni who have successfully achieved their goals and are currently studying or have graduated from top universities in the UK.

TIP 3: Start your Preparation Early

Once candidates have chosen their program of study, it’s essential to start their preparation promptly. Usually, this involves first obtaining the IELTS / TOEFL language proficiency certification.

Our Prep Center offers intensive preparation programs with new courses starting every month, designed to help students achieve their desired scores in a short period.

TIP 4: High Test Scores in GMAT / GRE

British universities evaluate candidates from different countries and institutions, often requiring tests such as the UCAT or LNAT (for Bachelor’s) or GMAT or GRE (for Master’s, MBA, PhD), to facilitate comparison on a common basis. Therefore, candidates aim to perform as well as possible to achieve their goals, which entails striving for a high score.

TIP 5: Make your Application Stand Out

Your applications are crucial, and special care must be taken with your CV, Personal Statements, Essays, and Recommendation Letters. Simple editing won’t suffice. These elements demand substantial time and play a significant role in the university selection process.

Our Admissions Office provides full support for Bachelor’s and Master’s applications, achieving a 100% success rate every year in the application process!