Study in Ireland
Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses
Best Student Cities in UK for International Students 2024
Edited By Sareena Kaur Sethi | Updated on Jun 19, 2024 05:49 PM IST
The UK is one of the best countries for students to live, work, and study from different parts of the world. International students for more than three decades now have been living, earning, and studying in the UK while enjoying the majority of the perks and lifestyle the country has to offer. Some of the best cities in the UK provide affordable accommodation, are home to the most reputed universities, and offer an abundance of job opportunities.
According to popular surveys, the best cities in UK for Indian students are London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, Brighton, and many more. They along with some other provinces are considered to be the top cities in UK for international students because of better lifestyles, the standard of living, availability of courses, and safety. They also have some of the top universities and colleges in UK that have a high acceptance rate for Indian students. The majority of these cities in UK are home to a large population of international students who come from different ethnic backgrounds making the UK a cultural hotspot.
These metropolitan cities not only offer great courses and degree programmes to international students but are also vibrant hubs for entertainment and leisure activities. Indian students can study and work while enjoying their life to the fullest in some of the best cities in the UK. Read the complete article to learn more about the best cities in UK for Indian students.
10 Best Student Cities in UK for Indian Students 2024
As an aspiring international applicant many dream of residing in some of the best cities for university students in UK. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best cities in UK for Indian students along with the cost of living as it can affect the opportunities and prospective future of people coming abroad to fulfill their career-oriented goals.
Student Cities in UK 2024
Best cities in UK | Average cost of living (per month) |
London | GBP 1,200- GBP 2,000 |
Edinburgh | GBP 800- GBP 1,500 |
Glasgow | GBP 700- GBP 1,200 |
Manchester | GBP 800- GBP 1,000 |
Birmingham | GBP 700- GBP 1,000 |
Bristol | GBP 800- GBP 1,100 |
Coventry | GBP 600- GBP 900 |
Newcastle Upon Tyne | GBP 700- GBP 900 |
Leeds | GBP 700- GBP 1000 |
Nottingham | GBP 600- GBP 1000 |
Best Student-Friendly Cities in UK 2024
Students from all across the globe are looking for cities in foreign countries to live in based on factors of affordability, opportunities, and safety. Therefore, one can find a detailed insight into the best student cities in UK while keeping into consideration their rankings, employability factors, universities, and the lifestyle it offers.
London for International Students
Whenever the question of “Which UK city is best for international students?” arises the automatic answer becomes the city of London. Many call it the dream city as well due to its metropolitan status and reputation for having some of the top universities in the world in 2024. London is ranked at the number 1 spot for the QS Best Student Cities ranking in the current year. Although considered to be a little on the expensive side London is still one of the best student-friendly cities in UK. It is known to be the financial hub of the country as the majority of Multinational and Finance corporations are situated here making it the best city in UK to live and work for Indians.
Top Universities in London 2025
Top Universities in London | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
342 | |
2 | |
721-730 |
Edinburgh for International Students
Edinburgh is one of the most culturally rooted and historically preserved cities in the UK. it is not only home to some of the oldest universities in the world but also has a diversified force of Indian students who apply here in large proportions every year making Edinburgh one of the best cities in UK for international students. It was also ranked 16th in the QS Best Student Cities rankings 2024 further assuring that it is indeed an affordable city of residence for many Indian students.
Edinburgh top Universities for International students
Top Universities in Edinburgh | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
27 | |
801-850 | |
951-1000 |
Glasgow for International Students
Glasgow is mainly situated in Scotland and has been ranked by QS Best Student Cities rankings at the position of 36 among other student-friendly cities in the UK. One can find not only access to quality education but also affordable means of living as the per month individual expenses in Glasgow are the cheapest as compared to other best cities in UK. It is a breeding growing for growing industries and global agencies while also providing a tradition and unique lifestyle to its students.
Best colleges in Glasgow
Top Universities in Glasgow | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
78 | |
1000-1200 | |
- |
Birmingham for International Students
Birmingham is known to have a flourished and rich culture in art and heritage that makes it one of the best cities in UK for students who are specially inclined towards monuments, modern art, and good food. It is an attractive option for Indian students to study and work in Birmingham as it has an abundance of employment opportunities and a wide range of courses. It has earned its spot among the top 50 QS Best Student Cities in the year 2024 and offers a dynamic yet student-friendly experience to international students.
Birmingham Top Universities List
Top Universities in Birmingham | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
=80 | |
1001-1200 | |
- |
Manchester for International Students
Manchester is popularly known for its world-renowned football team and multicultural community, therefore becoming one of the best student cities in UK. manchester has been ranked at 30 in the QS Best Student Cities rankings this year due to its vibrant student lifestyle and the social hub that it provides like no other city in UK does. It is one the most highly regarded metropolitan cities in the world for its sports culture, global education, ample of work opportunities in international companies, and great nightlife that it provides to university students.
Best Universities in Manchester
Top Universities in Manchester | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
601-610 | |
901-950 | |
=34 |
Also check: Best Student Cities in Canada for Indian Students (to be interlinked)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which city is best for Indian students in the UK?
Some of the best cities in UK for Indian students are the one which has reputed colleges, affordable rent, wider scope of employment opportunities, and an inclusive environment. Therefore, some of the best cities to live in UK includes Birmingham, London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Brighton, etc.
2. Which city is cheapest for students in UK?
Some of the cheapest and most affordable cities in UK for international students are Peterborough, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Coventry, and Nottingham. They are considered to be less expensive as compared to other parts of the UK due to affordable housing, inexpensive utilities and personal expenses, and cheap tuition fee in public colleges.
3. Which city in the UK has more job opportunities?
There are plenty of cities in UK that offers a good salary package along with ample of job opportunities to international students. Therefore, some of best student cities in UK on the basis of employability includes Norwich, Oxford, Milton Keynes, St Albans, and York.
4. Is UK costly for Indian students?
UK is considered to be an expensive country as compared to other study abroad destinations. However, it mainly depends upon the kind of city one chooses to live into that affects their cost of living, utility bills, and personal expenses. The average cost of living in UK for Indian students is anywhere between GBP 10,000 to GBP 40,000 per year.
5. Which job is most demanded in UK?
Some of the jobs that are in significant demand in UK are for profiles such as Cyber security, Architecture, Engineers, Graphic designers, Nursing, Hospitality, and Marketing. Hence, it becomes necessary for international students to live in the best cities in UK to study and later get a hheadstart at top-leading companies after graduation.
Articles
Questions related to
Get answers from students and experts
Hello,
Hope you are doing great.
Answering to your question, Certainly, you are eligible to participate in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), a crucial pathway for pursuing medical education in India. Let's break down the eligibility criteria:
Age Requirement:
- You must be 17 years or older by December 31, 2024, to qualify for NEET.
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in the NEET exam.
Academic Qualification:
- Completion of your 12th standard (10+2) with the following subjects is necessary: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- The minimum percentage of marks required in class 12 boards is:
- 50% for General and EWS applicants
- 40% for SC/ST/OBC applicants
Additional Subject Consideration:
- If you had PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) with Biology as an additional subject, you can still apply for NEET 2024.
- It is mandatory to have studied biology in your 10+2 curriculum to meet NEET eligibility criteria.
Attempts and Age Limit:
- Unlike some other government entrance exams, there is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET.
- You can take NEET regardless of your previous attempts.
Hope this helps!!
satyamercedes0626 04 March,2024
dear student,
yes you can get job in uk and outside india with bsc and msc in geology from india.
your degree is valid outside also.
in recent times there is a rise in the demand for geologist around the globe and if you have a good resume and some work experience getting a job in united kingdom will be easy for you.
hope this helped.
shabinalunkal 20 July,2022
Dear aspirant hope you are doing well...
Masters in Aviation Management in UK Universities
Aviation Management universities in UKMasters in Aviation Management in UK
- Cranfield UniversityMSc in Air Transport Management
- Cranfield UniversityMSc in Airport Planning and Management
- Cranfield UniversityMSc in Safety and Human Factors in Aviation
Hope it's helpful thank you
AVINASH KUMAR 18 April,2022
Hello Student
In the school level e face student has a gap period of 2 years then he or she will be allowed for taking admission in United Kingdom for higher studies. Baat inke supposed variation if there is a gap of 5 years in the graduation level then the candidate will be allowed for taking admission in post graduation in United Kingdom. As the rules permit your gap of 5 years for taking admission in prostation level then you are mostly eligible for taking admission in MSC courses in United Kingdom.
This will help.
Sohamsengupta8 21 March,2022
hi Aspirants,
As per your query,
In short, Indian pharmacy degrees are not directly accepted by the UK you will need to do a 1-year University-based conversion course called the OSPAP, after this, you will need to do the “pre-reg exam” and then you will become licensed to work by the GPhC .
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) (https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/) is the regulator of pharmacists and pharmacies in the UK, this is similar to the FDA in India.
for further information, you can check out this link as given below:
https://www.careers360.com/articles/4679-UK-Degrees-Validity-British-Accreditation-Council
Hope you understand , in case of any query you can comment here.
Thank you .
Anushri Varshney 13 March,2022
Applications for Admissions are open.
GMAT™ Exam
ApplySelect test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts | Round 2 Closing Soon
TOEFL ® Registrations 2024
ApplyAccepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide
Pearson | PTE
ApplyRegister now for PTE & Unlock 20% OFF : Use promo code: 'C360SPL20'. Valid till 30th NOV'24! Trusted by 3,500+ universities globally
Study in Canada
ApplyExplore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study
Study in UK
ApplyApply for upcoming intake & plan your journey
Study in USA
ApplyUniversities inviting applications | Get expert guidance
News and Notifications
Back to top