Study in the United Kingdom | IDP Vietnam

Looking for a world-class education in a place bursting with culture and history? The United Kingdom awaits!

Red double-decker buses drive past the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London. The image is creatively cropped in the shape of the letters us with a blue quarter-circle in the top right corner.

ARTICLE CONTENT

1. Reasons to study in the UK

2. Education system in the UK

3. Requirements to study in the UK

4. Cost of studying in the UK

5. Programs for International Students

6. UK Student Visa Application Process

7. Latest UK Study Abroad Scholarships in 2026

8. Best Universities in the UK

9. Can I work part-time to study in the UK?

10. Post-graduation job opportunities in the UK

Contact IDP for free advice on studying in the UK!

Studying in the UK has always been the first choice for millions of international students, in which with Vietnam. With a quality education system, a diverse culture and open career opportunities, Anh promises to bring you outstanding learning and personal development experiences. This article will provide you with an overview and all the latest updates about studying in the UK 2025 - 2026, helping you to best prepare for your upcoming study abroad journey.

1. Reasons to study in the UK

Studying in the UK is always the first choice of many international students for countless convincing reasons. Here are the highlights why you should consider the UK for your study journey:

1.1. Top-notch teaching quality

The UK is the cradle of modern education, owning many of the world's most prestigious universities, especially the Russell Group - a group of leading universities in the UK. Not only outstanding in history, universities in the UK are always in the top of the global rankings thanks to their advanced teaching methods, experienced teaching staff and internationally influential research system.

Students in the UK not only learn theoretical knowledge, but are also encouraged to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills and teamwork – factors that are highly valued by global employers. In addition, class sizes are usually small, allowing you to interact directly with faculty and receive personalized support throughout your studies.

1.2. Flexible and cost-effective curriculum

One of the outstanding differences of the British education system compared to many other countries is the shorter learning time but still ensuring the quality and value of the degree. The UK curriculum is designed with a strong focus on applicability, helping students optimize their time while ensuring extensive professional knowledge. Most Bachelor's programs in the UK only last 3 years, and Master's programs in the UK only last 1 year.

Thanks to the short study time, you can not only save on tuition fees, but also significantly reduce living costs (such as housing, meals, transportation, etc.). At the same time, you can enter the labor market earlier, increasing your chances of gaining experience and creating a competitive advantage in your later career.

1.3. Many scholarships to study in the UK and attractive job opportunities

The UK is one of the countries with a leading education system, always creating the best learning conditions for international students by awarding scholarships based on academic merit, leadership, community activities, or exclusively for students from Vietnam. You can hunt for scholarships to study in the UK from the government or from universities in the UK

In addition, the UK government is increasingly expanding its policy to attract international students through the Graduate Route Visa program, which allows you to stay in the UK to work for 2 years after graduation, with no limit on the number and field of study. For PhD students, this period is extended to 3 years, and you can bring your spouse and children with you.

1.4. Unique culture

Studying in the UK is not only an academic experience, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture rich in long-standing identities and traditions. With thousands of years of history, the UK has a diverse cultural treasure trove from ancient architecture, art, music, literature to unique royal ceremonies – all of which create a vibrant and learning environment that inspires international students.

Besides, the UK is also a multicultural country with a community of immigrants from all over the world. Not only does this create an open and diverse living environment, but it also makes it easy to make friends, learn, and blend in.

2. Education system in the UK

British education system is famous for its tight structure, flexibility, and high quality, divided into clear levels, suitable for each age and learning goal of students and students. In the UK, the main levels of study include:

Early Years: For children from 3 to 4 years old. This is the period of familiarization with the learning environment, focusing on the development of social skills and basic cognition.

Primary Education: For students from 5 to 11 years old. Students learn basic subjects such as English, Math, Science, History, Geography and social skills.

Secondary Education: For students from 11 to 16 years old. During this period, students will take the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exam to assess their overall competency. GCSE certificates are an important foundation for students to transfer to higher education.

Further Education: This is the period for students aged 16 and over after completing GCSEs. Popular programs at this stage include A-level (Advanced Level) and International Baccalaureate (IB).

Undergraduate and Graduate (Higher Education):

Undergraduate: To study in the UK at the undergraduate level, students need to complete GCSEs and have an A-Level certificate or equivalent. Undergraduate programs in the UK last 3 years, and students will be awarded a bachelor's degree (except in Scotland, which will last for 4 years). Some majors will have an integrated internship program (sandwich course) that lasts up to 4 years.
Postgraduate: After completing an undergraduate degree in the UK, students can continue to study a master's (1–2 years) or PhD (3–4 years) program. The master's program includes both classroom learning and research, helping students to enhance their in-depth knowledge in their chosen field.

3. Requirements to study in the UK

To study in the UK in 2025-2026, international students need to meet the basic conditions of education, English language proficiency and finances, along with visa requirements. Thorough preparation of your profile will help you increase your chances of success.

3.1. Educational conditions

Curriculum	Educational Requirements
High School (GCSE/A-Level)	Students from the age of 16, completing grade 10 or grade 11 GPA of 7.0 or higher IELTS from 5.0 - 5.5
International Foundation Year	Complete Grade 11 GPA of 7.0 or higher IELTS from 5.0 - 5.5
Undergraduates	Complete one year of College/University in Vietnam Completed grade 12 in Vietnam with a GPA of 8.0 or higher (for some schools) IELTS from 6.0 - 6.5
Pre-Master	Graduated from University IELTS UKVI from 5.5 - 6.0
Postgraduate	Graduated from University IELTS UKVI from 6.0 – 6.5

3.2. Financial conditions

This is one of the most important conditions for applying for a UK student visa. You must prove that you can afford to pay for your studies and living expenses in the UK. The amount of money you need to prepare will depend on where you study.

£1,529 per month in London (up to 9 months)
£1,171 per month outside London (up to 9 months)
The maximum accommodation deduction will also be increased to £1,529 for applications lodged from 11/11/2025 onwards

Basically, there is no one-size-fits-all rule for all students and universities regarding the minimum IELTS score to study in the UK. Each university and each discipline will have different rules for IELTS scores

If you want to know with your academic ability and field of study when How much IELTS score will I need to study in the UK, you can contact IDP for detailed advice or refer to the table below. You can study abroad in the UK if you achieve enough IELTS scores in each of the programs below

Qualifications in the UK	IELTS Score Requirements
Pre Sessional English	You are required to have IELTS UKVI Academic
High School (A Level)	IELTS entry around 5.0 - 5.5
International Foundation Year	IELTS UKVI from 5.0 - 5.5
International Year One	IELTS UKVI from 5.5 - 6.0
Bachelor	IELTS 6.0
Pre-Master's Course	IELTS UKVI from 5.5- 6.0
Postgraduate (Master's, PhD)	IELTS 6.0 – 6.5
Chương trình Chuyển tiếp Cử nhân năm cuối - Top Up Programme	IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 (depending on school and discipline) No compulsory UKVI IELTS requirements

6. Cost of studying in the UK

A common question from those who are planning to study in the UK is usually "How much money does it cost to study in the UK?" The standards for the cost of studying in the UK will vary depending on which school you choose, what major you choose to study in and in which country in the UK. You can refer to the estimated fees for each level of study as below.

Level of study	Duration of study	Estimated cost per year
Highschool (A-Level)	1-2 years	30,000 GBP - 45,000 GBP
University Preparation	1 year	11,250 GBP - 30,000GBP
Bachelor	3-5 years	12,000 GBP - 45,000 GBP
Postgraduate	1 year	13,000 GBP - 36,000 GBP
Cost of living	1 year	10,224 - 13,347 GBP

** The above figures are for reference only. Depending on the spending ability of each person, the cost of living when studying in the UK will be higher or lower.

Use the cost of living calculator to estimate the cost of studying in the UK!

7. What major should I study in the UK?

What major to choose to study in the UK is the concern of international students. To know which industry you are suitable for, you can consider some of the following factors:

What is your favorite field of study?
Majors that are easy to find a job
Majors with the opportunity to settle down

In addition, you can rely on many rankings and evaluations from experts; the strong majors are often related to finance—accounting, banking, communication, marketing, etc. You can choose from the top hot majors in the UK below:

Medicine - Pharmacy
Law
Information Technology: Computer Science
Business Administration
Design & Architecture
Communication Industry
Logistics - Transport Management
Education and Training
Department of Psychology
English Language Teaching (TESOL)

If you are still wondering what major to study in the UK, please contact IDP or call the IDP hotline 19006955 for advice on all important information about studying in the UK.

See more: What major should you study in the UK?

8. Latest UK Study Abroad Scholarships in 2026

Below is a summary of the latest and most outstanding scholarships to study in the UK for postgraduate studies (Master's, PhD) in the academic year 2026

Field	Scholarships and Values	Form of review
Aston University	Postgraduate Scholarships up to GBP 7,500	Automatic Review
Birmingham City University	Postgraduate Scholarship: up to 2,000 for the first year of study	Automatic Review
Leeds Beckett University	Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students: GBP 5,000	Automatic Review
Liverpool John Moores University	Vietnam Regional Scholarship: 4,000	Automatic Review
Newcastle University	Scholarships for international students up to 7,000 GBP	Automatic Review
Northumbria University	Scholarships for international students up to 3,000 GBP	Automatic Review
Sheffield Hallam University	Học bổng Vice Chancellor’s Award for South-East Asian students: 3,000 GBP	Automatic Review
University of Huddersfield	Southeast Asian Scholarships: up to GBP 4,000	Based on GPA
University of Northampton	Scholarships for International Students up to 30%	Automatic Review
University of Leicester	International Merit Scholarship: 3,000 GBP Higher Level Award: 5,000 GBP	Automatic Review
University of South Wales	Chancellor's International Development Scholarship: GBP 2,500	Automatic Review

Scholarship information may change depending on each year. To find out the detailed scholarships to study in the UK for each level of study, you can contact IDP for advice on studying in the UK or visit here: Latest Scholarships to Study in the UK

9. Best Universities in the UK

The UK is home to many of the world's top universities, renowned for its quality of education, research and academic reputation. These universities have always maintained a leading position on global rankings such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World (THE) University Rankings.

Here is a list of the top universities in the UK based on the latest rankings for 2025:

University of Oxford
The University of Edinburgh
King's College London
Queen's University Belfast
University of Leicester
Newcastle University
University of South Wales
University of Nottingham
University of York
University of Glasgow

You also need to remember that a "best school" doesn't just depend on rankings, but also one that meets the right field of study you're passionate about, fits your interests and finances, and helps you achieve your future career goals.

10. Can I work part-time while studying in the UK?

Studying in the UK is a great opportunity for you to learn, hone your knowledge and experience a diverse culture. In addition to studying, international students can also look for part-time jobs to cover living expenses and improve their soft skills. However, there are specific regulations on the number of hours and types of work that you need to strictly follow to ensure compliance with the law and not affect your student visa.

10.1. Regulations on part-time work when studying in the UK

Students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during public holidays.
Are studying a full-time Bachelor's or Postgraduate degree at a school accredited by the UK Government.
It is necessary to comply with UK minimum wage regulations and working conditions.

10.2. Common Jobs for UK International Students:

Work on campus: Most universities offer a variety of on-campus work opportunities for international students such as teaching assistants, library staff, café attendants, research collaborators..
Off-campus work: You can look for part-time jobs in sectors such as retail, restaurants, hotels, healthcare..
You can choose jobs related to your field of study. This not only helps you gain experience, get familiar with the real working environment, but also expand your relationships at work.

See more: Top popular part-time jobs in the UK for international students

11. Post-graduation job opportunities in the UK

Studying in the UK not only offers a prestigious qualification that is globally recognised, but also opens up you to a wide range of attractive career options after graduation, especially thanks to its open visa policy and international working environment.

From 2021, international students who complete an Undergraduate or Postgraduate program in the UK can apply for a Graduate Route visa. The Graduate route visa allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years to work or find work after completing your course in the UK. Particularly, the Doctor can stay for 3 years and bring his wife and children. Graduates can move into high-skilled employment when they find the right job.

The UK is home to many leading corporations, providing you with a wealth of attractive job opportunities for graduates in fields such as Health & Healthcare, Marketing, Communications, Finance & Accounting, Engineering & STEM, Education and Social Work..

Contact IDP for free advice on studying in the UK!

Studying in the UK is a challenging journey but also gives you valuable experiences and helps you discover your potential when pursuing an international learning environment. For those of you who are cherishing your dream of studying abroad in the UK, the experts at IDP are always ready to answer your questions about the process of preparing a study abroad application, advising all information about schools, majors that attract human resources and bring high demand for immigration as well as job opportunities after graduation.

In addition, you can participate in study abroad exhibitions organized by IDP for advice and receive a list of scholarships to study in the UK. IDP also provides essential support services for international students through finding accommodation, booking flight tickets at preferential rates, free phone sim (UK), and equipping skills before departure (Pre-departure session).

Contact IDP to start your journey to study in the UK today!

Free study abroad advice hotline: 19006955