The UK has a long and proud tradition of education, with some of its universities having roots in the 12th and 13th centuries.UK academic standards are among the best in the world The UK offers a diverse and flexible range of courses in globally ranked institutions. Courses in the UK education system are shorter and more intensive than many other countries, so you will graduate sooner without compromising quality. This will save you time and money in tuition fees and living costs. Universities are monitored closely to ensure that they uphold the highest standards of teaching, learning and research. They also work hard to ensure a safe, caring and supportive environment for all international students.

The quality of UK universities and colleges is assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Research standards are examined by the four UK higher education funding bodies, who publish their findings every five years. The UK has the second highest number of universities ranked in the top 100 by the 2013-2014 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings.

The UK is an ideal base from which to explore the history and culture of Europe. Low-cost airlines operate from UK airports and international students from many countries may be able to apply for an EU Schengen visa to allow short trips across 24 countries in Europe on a UK visa. The UK education system is flexible, so you can study in a way that suits your lifestyle and career aspirations. When you study in the UK you meet people from different nationalities, sharing their backgrounds and discovering new perspectives.

HND

Qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, two Scottish Highers or a Higher National Certificate or BTEC National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0

Foundation Degree

Qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, one or two Scottish Highers or a National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0

Diploma of Higher Education

Qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels, two or three Scottish Highers or a National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0

Degree

Qualifications equivalent to two or three UK A-levels, three or four Scottish Highers, a Higher National Certificate or Diploma, or BTEC National Diploma; or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 6.0-6.5

• Anglia Ruskin University
• Bangor University
• Birmingham City University
• Brunel University London
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• Cardiff University
• Coventry University
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Goldsmiths University of London
• Heriot Watt University
• Kaplan International Colleges
• Kingston University
• Leeds Beckett University
• Liverpool John Moores University
• Loughborough University
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• Middlesex University London
• Northumbria University
• Oxford Brookes University
• Queen Mary University of London
• Robert Gordon University
• Royal Holloway University of London
• Sheffield Hallam University
• Staffordshire University

Accommodation when you arrive

If you haven’t already organised accommodation for when you first arrive make sure you have enough money for hostel or hotel accommodation (from £11 upwards per night) or to give to mates who let you doss.

Bond and first month’s rent

This will be your most significant outlay. When leasing a flat or room in a flat-share bond can be up to 6 weeks rent and on top of that you will probably have to pay up to a month’s rent in advance. This could be as much as £1000 depending on the price of your rent.

Transport

Flat and job hunting can take a lot of trekking across the city on Tubes and buses. Make sure you have some cash for public transport or to purchase an Oyster card, see Getting around the UK.

Mobile Phone

If you’ve brought your mobile phone from home you still may need to buy a SIM card or pay to have your phone ‘unlocked’ from your previous carrier. Avoid phone contracts if possible and opt for pre-pay calling. Be sure to put aside some cash to buy pre-paid top-ups; not being able to call back a potential employer because you have no credit is not a good look!

Internet Access

You'll probably be using the Internet for job hunting, searching for accommodation and making PC to Phone calls for staying in touch with family and friends back home. Internet cafes charge from £1 an hour, but allow plenty of cash for this as you'd be surprised how many hours you can rack up in these places.

Clothing

Hopefully you packed suitable clothes for the season you’re arriving in the UK and if you found room in your suitcase or backpack, suitable clothing for job interviews in your line of work. But, if sneakers won out over suits, make sure you have some pounds in your budget for interview and work-wear.

Eat and Drink

Your first few weeks are sure to be a blur of eating, drinking and socialising. Eating out in London isn’t cheap so try not to have breakfast, lunch and dinner (and those crisps with your pint) while out and about as it will be more economical to buy groceries and prepare your own meals. There are of course ways of saving your hard earned pounds as a working traveller (you say frugal, we say sensible!) for more important things like skiing in the Swiss Alps and living it up in Ibiza.