Studying in England
The UK is a safe path to progress and an international future for Iranian students. Globally renowned universities, diverse scholarships, and highly respected degrees make studying in the country a worthwhile experience. Although tuition and living costs in the UK are high and a valid language certificate is required, the one-year courses, extensive job opportunities, and the possibility of residency after graduation make this investment fully justified.
New changes to UK student visas
From January 2027, the duration of the post-study work visa for undergraduate and postgraduate graduates will be reduced to 18 months.
Starting in the 2025–2026 academic year, stronger financial evidence will be required.
From January 2026, the minimum language level required will increase from B1 to B2.
Given the upcoming changes, now is a better time to apply to study in the UK than to take advantage of the current rules.
These changes may be implemented with delays, but the dates listed are the dates that the embassy has currently announced.
Britain likely to return to Erasmus program
The UK government is preparing to return to the European student exchange programme Erasmus , with a contract worth up to £24m to run it from July 2026. The decision marks a shift from the current Turing scheme , which has a smaller budget and focused on student mobility. A return to Erasmus would mean a boost in academic collaboration with Europe.
Pressure on international students and economic consequences
The UK Home Office’s stricter visa policies—including restrictions on accompanying persons, restrictions on graduate visas, and a proposed student levy—have raised serious concerns for universities. This is particularly true for economically weaker cities such as Leicester, Plymouth, and Stoke-on-Trent , where around 25% of their income comes from international students.
The relationship between university tuition fees and educational quality
The Office for Students (OfS) is planning to link university fees to the quality of their teaching (based on the Teaching Excellence Framework – TEF ). Under the plan, universities that score ‘bronze’ or ‘requires improvement’ could be barred from increasing their fees. Meanwhile, the UK’s undergraduate tuition fee cap will rise from £9,250 to £9,535 from autumn 2025.
What you will read in this article:
- Why the UK?
- Advantages and Challenges
- The UK education system
- Cost of studying in the UK
- Scholarships in the UK
- Top universities in the UK
- Steps for studying in the UK
- Requirements and documents required to study in the UK
- Best cities to study in England
- Student accommodation and dormitories in the UK
- Student work in the UK
- UK residency requirements through study
- Successful experiences of studying in the UK
- Comparing the UK with other countries
Why the UK? Advantages and Challenges
Studying in the UK is one of the most popular options for international students due to its reputable education system, world-class universities and extensive research opportunities. Therefore, those interested in immigrating to the UK will enjoy high privileges and facilities by studying in this country. The multicultural environment of England is one of the advantages of studying in the UK , which broadens one’s horizons and strengthens communication skills. However, the high costs of education and living, intense competition for admission to top universities and challenges related to visas or residence after graduation are among the issues that should be carefully examined.
Challenges
Benefits
The UK education system
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctorate
Schools
Studying in English schools
Elementary school: Starts at age 6 and continues until age 11.
Junior high school: Middle school is from age 11 to 14.
Senior high school: High school is from age 15 to 18.
Undergraduate studies in the UK
To study in Italy, it is necessary to submit a resume, diploma and pre-university documents (translated), academic confirmation certificate, evaluation certificate from the Italian Embassy, motivation letter, language certificate (English: IELTS 6 or TOEFL 80; Italian: B2), valid passport, and a personal photo in accordance with Schengen rules.
Studying a PhD in the UK
The average tuition fee for a master's degree at public universities in Italy is between €800 and €1,000 per year. However, private universities are more expensive, with tuition fees ranging from €6,000 to €20,000.
For a master's degree in Italy, in addition to undergraduate degrees, certified academic transcripts with official translations, letters of recommendation from professors, and a health insurance certificate are required.
PhD study in Italy
To study for a PhD in Italy, in addition to previous qualifications, a language certificate (English B2 or Italian C1), a research proposal, a letter of motivation, and a scientific resume with documentation of academic activities are required.
There are about 90 research doctoral programs at Italian universities. Large public institutions host about 100,000 doctoral students annually.
The cost of studying for a PhD at public universities in Italy is €1,630 ($1,896) per year, and at private universities in Italy it can be up to €20,000 ($23,269) per year.
Scholarships in the UK
Studying in the UK is a great opportunity for citizens of other countries to pursue higher education and obtain a globally recognized degree. However, obtaining such a quality education does not come cheap. Many international students require financial aid to study at top universities in the UK.
Competition for scholarships among international students is fierce and depends on the student’s academic background and academic achievements. Below, we have mentioned 5 of the top scholarships in the UK.
The Chevening Scholarships
Elementary school: Starts at age 6 and continues until age 11.
Junior high school: Middle school is from age 11 to 14.
Senior high school: High school is from age 15 to 18.
Euraxess UK Scholarship
To study in Italy, it is necessary to submit a resume, diploma and pre-university documents (translated), academic confirmation certificate, evaluation certificate from the Italian Embassy, motivation letter, language certificate (English: IELTS 6 or TOEFL 80; Italian: B2), valid passport, and a personal photo in accordance with Schengen rules.
The Commonwealth Scholarships
The average tuition fee for a master's degree at public universities in Italy is between €800 and €1,000 per year. However, private universities are more expensive, with tuition fees ranging from €6,000 to €20,000.
For a master's degree in Italy, in addition to undergraduate degrees, certified academic transcripts with official translations, letters of recommendation from professors, and a health insurance certificate are required.
The Royal Society Grants
To study for a PhD in Italy, in addition to previous qualifications, a language certificate (English B2 or Italian C1), a research proposal, a letter of motivation, and a scientific resume with documentation of academic activities are required.
There are about 90 research doctoral programs at Italian universities. Large public institutions host about 100,000 doctoral students annually.
The cost of studying for a PhD at public universities in Italy is €1,630 ($1,896) per year, and at private universities in Italy it can be up to €20,000 ($23,269) per year.
Scholarships from UK universities
To study for a PhD in Italy, in addition to previous qualifications, a language certificate (English B2 or Italian C1), a research proposal, a letter of motivation, and a scientific resume with documentation of academic activities are required.
There are about 90 research doctoral programs at Italian universities. Large public institutions host about 100,000 doctoral students annually.
The cost of studying for a PhD at public universities in Italy is €1,630 ($1,896) per year, and at private universities in Italy it can be up to €20,000 ($23,269) per year.
Top universities in the UK
The UK’s top universities consistently rank among the world’s most prestigious educational institutions and are a popular destination for international students. Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL) and the University of Edinburgh rank highly globally for their high quality teaching, cutting-edge academic research and strong links with industry.
Studying at these universities provides an exceptional opportunity to achieve higher education in a competitive and international environment. The table below lists the top 10 universities in the UK based on their global rankings:
Steps for studying in UK
Requirements and documents required to study in UK
The required documents and conditions for studying in the UK vary depending on your university, field and level of study. The educational conditions and requirements are listed on each university’s website. However, for your convenience, we have provided the general documents required for admission to UK universities:
If the university says on its form or website that “we require a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability” , you must send the documents to UK ENIC to be issued a “Statement of Comparability” certificate based on the British education system.
Age requirements for studying in the UK
Universities usually require a minimum age of 17 or 18 to start undergraduate courses, but some universities make exceptions if the student meets certain criteria. For example, the University of Kent in England says that for some courses, if you are under 18, parental consent is required and commitments about your independent living are made.
In general, if you meet the necessary requirements (grades, qualifications, language, and financial ability), there is no official age limit for most courses, and usually no one is rejected due to age.
GPA requirement for studying in the UK
Top UK universities require very high high school/international school GPA for undergraduate courses. For example, at Oxford University, grades of “AAA” or equivalent with a high percentage are required for some subjects.
For postgraduate courses, your undergraduate GPA should usually be an Upper Second-Class (known as a “2:1”) or higher. Your exact equivalent GPA will be checked for this purpose.
If you have a lower GPA, you may have to take a prerequisite or “foundation” course, or choose a field where there is less competition.
Best cities to study in England
- London: A large, multicultural city with museums, galleries, green spaces, and great nightlife. London has 18 universities.
- Bristol: A city with a unique music and street art scene, beautiful architecture, galleries, theatres and trendy cafes and restaurants in the Harbourside area. An attractive and diverse city for students.
- Manchester: The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, famous for its football teams, a city with a large population and a multicultural environment that caters to students and offers a relatively affordable cost of living. More than 100,000 students study at the city’s five universities.
- Edinburgh: A historic and green city with prestigious universities and many places to visit, with a moderate cost of living.
Student accommodation and dormitories in the UK
In the UK, international students have a variety of accommodation options, including university halls of residence, private residences, shared houses and private rented accommodation.
University dormitories include amenities such as internet, cleaning, and a social environment. The cost of these dormitories varies depending on the type of room and the city.
Private accommodation, such as Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), offers more facilities such as gyms, study rooms and cinemas and is usually located close to universities. This type of accommodation is suitable for students looking for more comfort and facilities, but costs more than university halls of residence.
First-year students usually prefer to live in university dormitories because, in addition to being comfortable and safe, it provides a great opportunity to meet other students and network socially.
Student work in the UK
International students with a UK student visa are allowed to work during their studies, but there are restrictions. During term time, students can work up to 20 hours per week . This restriction applies to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Student work in the UK can be full-time during public holidays or when the course has ended.
Some students may need an ATAS certificate to work in the UK , especially if they are studying in sensitive subjects related to national security.
UK residency requirements through study
Students who intend to stay in the UK after graduation can stay in the UK for 12 months to look for work. During this time, graduates must be able to find full-time employment. In this case, you can extend your stay by converting your student visa to a UK work visa .
To become a permanent resident in the UK, you must remain in the UK for at least 5 years after completing your studies, either by working or investing in the country. After 5 years of permanent residence in the UK, you will also be eligible for British citizenship.
Successful experiences of studying in the UK
Comparing the UK with other countries
Studying in the UK has certain advantages and differences compared to other countries; undergraduate courses are usually 3 years long and postgraduate courses are 1 year long, which is shorter than in the US and some European countries, so it takes less time and money.
English universities such as Oxford and Cambridge are globally renowned and have high quality education and research, but tuition and living costs, especially in cities like London, are higher than in Germany and France.
Education in the UK is in English and proficiency in English is essential for all levels, while in European countries, the local language may be a requirement.
Students can work full-time during semesters and holidays, and benefit from the Graduate Route program after graduation, an advantage that stands out compared to many European countries.
Overall, the UK is attractive to those looking for a shorter, world-class education with the opportunity to work after graduation, but the high cost of living can be a challenge.
Source
- Study in the UK
