Why Should I Study in the UK as an International Student?
The UK is the second-most popular study destination in the world, welcoming over 600,000 international students each year. With globally recognised degrees, shorter course durations, and clear post-study career pathways, it's easy to see why. But is studying in the UK the right choice for you?
We've outlined the key benefits of studying in the UK as an international student, and explained why the University of Exeter could be the an ideal choice.
Is studying in the UK worth it?
UK degrees are highly valued by employers worldwide. The UK higher education system is built on centuries of academic excellence and supported rigorous modern quality standards. All UK universities are independently reviewed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) to ensure teaching and research meet consistently high standards.
For international students, the UK offers a combination that few countries can match: world-class education, a welcoming and diverse environment, and clear pathways into employment after graduation. At the University of Exeter, that value is supported by strong outcomes and student success.
155th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 172nd in the THE World Rankings 2025.
We're ranked in the global top 50 for nine of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities.
Benefits of a UK degree for international students
A UK degree is recognised as a mark of academic excellence by employers and institutions worldwide. But there are also clear practical benefits to studying in the UK that directly affect your time, costs and future career opportunities.
Reputation, Research, and the Russell Group
The UK consistently ranks among the top countries for universities in the world’s top 100, second only to the United States. The Russell Group, a collective of 24 leading research-intensive UK universities, is widely regarded as a global benchmark for academic excellence. Membership reflects strength in both teaching and research, and Russell Group graduates are highly valued by employers around the world.
The University of Exeter is a proud member of the Russell Group. Our research is shaping real-world impact in areas such as climate science, health, and social justice. As a student, you'll learn from leading academics at the forefront of this work. Our research quality is formally assessed through the Research Excellence Framework (REF), which confirmed that the majority of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
Shorter Degree Duration
One of the most practical benefits of studying in the UK is the shorter time needed to complete your degree. A bachelor's degree typically takes three years, while a taught master's degree usually takes one year, compared to four and two years in countries such as the US and Australia. This means lower overall tuition fees and living costs, without compromising on academic quality.
Gold-standard teaching excellence
The University of Exeter has been rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. This is underpinned by Gold ratings in each of the two aspects of the assessment: Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
The Office for Students (OfS) describes Gold universities as "delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK."
We are amongst a small, elite group of Higher Education institutions to be recognised as consistently providing outstanding teaching, learning and student outcomes to secure the ‘Gold Overall’ standard.
Scholarships and the cost of studying in the UK
While international tuition fees vary between universities, the shorter duration of UK degrees often makes the total cost of study significantly lower than equivalent programmes in the US or Australia. Our campuses at the University of Exeter are based in the South West of England, where the cost of living is typically lower than in London, while still offering an excellent quality of life.
The UK also offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, from government-funded programmes like Chevening and GREAT Scholarships to institution-specific awards.
We invest more than £7 million each year in scholarships for international fee-paying students. Our Exeter Excellence Scholarships offer tuition fee reductions of £3,000 to £10,000 depending on your programme. We also host scholars from programmes such as Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, as well as country-specific awards.
Funding and scholarships for international students
Career progression and post-study visas
The UK's Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to 18 months after completing an undergraduate or master's degree, or three years after a PhD. You can work in any sector without needing employer sponsorship, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and start your career in the UK.
Our careers service provides dedicated support for international students, including CV workshops, interview preparation, employer networking events, and work placement opportunities. Our graduates are well-placed to take advantage of the available opportunities and support; we're ranked in the UK's top 15 for graduates most targeted by leading employers.
Beyond graduation, our global alumni network connects you with Exeter graduates working across the globe in every major industry and region.
"I chose Exeter because of its location in the beautiful county of Devon, which is known for its national parks and beaches. You’re surrounded by the beauty of nature; making it the perfect environment to study. I also chose Exeter because of how international it is. You are exposed to different cultures and people of all walks of life."
Nicola
BSc Marketing and Management with Industrial Experience
Culture, Safety, and Student Life
The UK is one of the most culturally diverse destinations for international students, and its universities reflect this. Studying here means learning alongside students from hundreds of different countries, helping you build a global network and international perspective.
Student life on University of Exeter campuses is safe, supportive and welcoming. Exeter is a historic city in Devon, one of the most scenic counties in England. Located around 2.5 hours from London by train, it offers the benefits of a vibrant student city alongside easy access to coastline, countryside, and national parks. Our campus in Penryn, Cornwall offers a unique coastal study environment,with a close-knit student community and relaxed atmosphere. Its nearby beaches offer opportunities for water sports and outdoor activities.
Our community of over 30,000 students includes more than 7,000 international students from over 150 countries.
