International postgraduates

Our postgraduate students come from every continent and more than 180 different countries. Those from outside the EU make up 38% of all postgraduates studying at Russell Group universities.

A postgraduate course at a Russell Group university will give you the opportunity to carry out detailed research or study, aided and supported by some of the world’s top academics.

There is a high concentration of excellent research in Russell Group universities:

• 68% of the UK’s best or world-leading research took place in our member universities; this is almost twice as much as other UK universities.
• More than half of research in Russell Group universities results in outstanding impact.
• Our members are more than twice as likely to provide the best environment for the best research.

You will have access to world-class resources and facilities for both theoretical and practical work.

Our universities are recognised as world-leaders with four in the top ten universities in the world, 15 in the Top 100 and all 24 in the Top 250 of the QS World University Rankings 2018.

Here are a few practical points you may find useful:

• Entry requirements: These vary depending on the university and course. Some programmes build on existing knowledge from undergraduate level and therefore require a degree in a specific subject; others provide the opportunity to develop a new interest and so accept a wide range of subjects. Most require a good degree, usually a 2:1 or higher or international equivalent. In some subjects you can go straight from an undergraduate degree to a PhD but in others it’s more usual to get a masters qualification before continuing research. Speak to individual universities for their policies. If you need help, contact UK NARIC (the UK’s national agency for recognition and comparison of international qualifications).
• English language and visa requirements: You will require a visa to study in the UK and you must be able to demonstrate a good grasp of the English language. More information on this is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs. The #WeAreInternational project has created a video to give you a better understanding of the visa process.
• Financial support: there are two main costs of postgraduate study – tuition fees and living costs. Securing financial support can be difficult but Russell Group universities’ reputation puts students in a strong position. Your main funding options are:
• scholarships and awards from external organisations in the UK, including the research councils and charities such as Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the Wellcome Trust, or your home country
• scholarships from individual universities
• private funding.

Individual universities will be able to tell you what support they offer. Click on the individual university links for more information.

More information on how to obtain a study visa is available on university websites and from the UK Visas and Immigration service.