10 Best Cities in UK for Students: Complete Guide

The number of Indian students in the UK has been soaring, with a record 1,42,848 study visas being granted in 2023. The country’s student-friendly cities, esteemed universities, and post-study work opportunities are some of the major draws for international students. If you too are someone planning to study in the UK, choosing the ideal city is crucial for a fruitful academic journey. So, let’s discuss the best cities in the UK for students. 

Top 10 Best Cities in UK for Students

Let us briefly check out the top 10 best cities in the UK for students as per the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024. 

London

The UK’s capital city, London, houses students from every corner of the globe. It is the largest metropolis in Britain and a central hub of the country’s economy, transport, and culture. Ranked #1 in the world on QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, London provides ample opportunities for cultural exchange and professional development. 

• QS World Ranking (2024): 1
• Number of Universities in the Top Ranks: 18
• Average Annual Tuition Fee for Indian Students: £18,432–£27,066
• Popular Job Sectors: London is a global hub for financial institutions, with headquarters of esteemed organizations, such as the Bank of England and Barclays. 
• Average Annual Salary: £43,000

Here are some other details about the city:

Edinburgh

Edinburgh ranks 2nd among the best cities in the UK for students. This Scottish capital houses UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has beautiful natural scenery. The city ranks an impressive 35th worldwide for employer activity, indicating graduates at Edinburgh’s universities are sought-after by employers. 

• QS World Ranking (2024): 16
• Number of Universities in the Top Ranks: 4
• Average Annual Tuition Fee for Indian Students: £14,400–£26,500
• Popular Job Sectors: Banking, finance, software, healthcare, and tourism
• Average Annual Salary: £34,000 

Here are some other details about the city:

Manchester

The 3rd best city for Indian students in the UK, Manchester is extremely popular for its music scene and enticing history as a major part of the industrial revolution. Manchester has around 41,000 international students and is buzzing with cafes and festivals. 

• QS World Ranking (2024): 30
• Number of Universities in the Top Ranks: 3
• Average Annual Tuition Fee for Indian Students: £13,750–£20,340
• Popular Job Sectors: Manchester offers several opportunities, starting from private multinational companies to civil service and local government. It is a major hub for cyber, MedTech, construction tech, and AI and data industries. 
• Average Annual Salary: £32,000

Here are some other details about the city:

Popular Read: Best Universities in UK for MBA

Glasgow

The 5th best city in the UK, Glasgow houses one of the world’s oldest universities (The University of Glasgow). With evidence of a fortified prehistoric village, this city has an unmatched charm. 

• QS World Ranking (2024): 36
• Number of Universities in the Top Ranks: 3
• Average Annual Tuition Fee for Indian Students: £21,600–£25,290
• Popular Job Opportunities: Glasgow has tremendous opportunities to offer in the fields of technology, finance, engineering, and textiles. 
• Average Annual Salary: £33,000 

Here are some other details about the city:

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Located in Northeastern England, Newcastle Upon Tyne dates back to the Roman period. A bustling metropolis, it offers a blend of modern and historic architecture with a thriving international community.

• QS World Ranking (2024): 39
• Number of Universities in the Top Ranks: 2
• Average Annual Tuition Fee for Indian Students: £20,590 - £25,385
• Popular Job Sectors: Several lucrative jobs in digital and tech, health and life sciences, creative industries, and corporate services.
• Average Annual Salary: £30,000 

Here are some other details about the city:

Bristol

Bristol is one of the most mesmerizing historic cities in the UK. Since the 16th century, this city has become a key manufacturing hub in the country. The city has gained a reputation for its safety and hosts people from 187 nationalities.

• QS World Ranking (2024): 44
• Number of Universities in the Top Ranks: 2
• Average Annual Tuition Fee for Indian Students: £26,400–£31,300
• Popular Job Sectors: Bristol has many industries seeking highly skilled graduates, including electronics, aerospace engineering, creative media, and financial services.  
• Average Annual Salary: £35,000

Here are some other details about the city:

Coventry

Coventry is a popular student destination in the UK owing to its powerful history and lively culture. The city offers excellent connectivity to the surrounding cities of London and Birmingham. Its universities attract 13,000 international students annually.

• QS World Ranking (2024): 44
• Number of Universities in the Top Ranks: 2
• Average Annual Tuition Fee for Indian Students: £16,800–£19,850
• Popular Job Opportunities: Manufacturing, automotive, and engineering. 
• Average Annual Salary: £34,000 

Here are some other details about the city:

Birmingham

Birmingham is located in the heart of the United Kingdom. The city's diversified industrial base makes it one of the top production hubs in the country and has earned it the name of ‘City of a Thousand Trades.

• QS World Ranking (2024): 49
• Number of Universities in the Top Ranks: 3
• Average Annual Tuition Fee for Indian Students: £22,080–£30,420
• Popular Job Opportunities: It is an up-and-coming financial and commercial hub.  
• Average Annual Salary: £32,000

Here are some other details about the city:

Nottingham

Popular because of the legend of Robin Hood, Nottingham is a dynamic student city.  The well-connected public transport system of the city makes the universities easily accessible. Additionally, there are several shopping centers, entertainment spots, theaters, and galleries for you to enjoy besides studying. 

• QS World Ranking (2024): 52
• Number of Universities in the Top Ranks: 2
• Average Annual Tuition Fee for Indian Students: £17,150 - £29,950
• Popular Job Opportunities: It has a robust bioscience industry, along with manufacturing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and retail.  
• Average Annual Salary: £30,000 

Here are some other details about the city:

Leeds

With its low cost of living and splendid student culture, the city is always on the list of students seeking higher education in the UK. The city is the financial and cultural hub of West Yorkshire. It is also one of the greenest places in Europe, with 4,000 hectares of green areas. 

• QS World Ranking (2024): 55
• Number of Universities in the Top Ranks: 2
• Average Annual Tuition Fee for Indian Students: £29,250–£31,000
• Popular Job Sectors: Creative and digital industries, construction, manufacturing, leisure, and retail are some of the key sectors in Leeds.  
• Average Annual Salary: £31,000

Here are some other details about the city:

Selecting the right city is an important step while planning your higher studies in the UK. Get started on your academic journey in the UK after considering the cost and quality of living in various cities.

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