Study in the United Kingdom | IDP Vietnam

1. Overview of studying in the UK

Studying in the UK is always in the top destinations thanks to the quality of education, short study time and job opportunities after graduation. With a clear training system, international students have a wide range of flexible options according to each age and learning goals.

Advantages and disadvantages of studying in the UK

Pros

• World-leading quality education

• Short learning time, cost-effective

• Many high-value scholarships to study in the UK

• Opportunity to stay and work with a UK student visa (Graduate Route)

Cons

• Cultural differences and learning methods

• Unfavorable weather

2. Why should you study in the UK in 2026?

1. Short study time

One of the reasons why studying in the UK is attractive to international students is the short training period but still ensuring academic quality:

• Bachelor's: 3 years

• Master's: 1 year

Compared to other countries, the study route in the UK helps you significantly save the cost of studying in the UK for 1 year and quickly enter the labor market. This is also an important factor when considering how much money you need to study in the UK and building a long-term financial plan.

2. Prestigious, globally recognized qualifications in the UK education system

The UK has a long-standing education system with clear levels from secondary school, further education to higher education. Top universities such as the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge are always among the top in the world.

The difference of studying in the UK is the intensive training program from the first year, helping students develop practical knowledge and skills. As a result, qualifications in the UK are widely recognized and bring great advantages to international students when working globally.

3. Many scholarships to study in the UK and job opportunities after graduation

In addition to the quality of training, studying in the UK is also attractive thanks to the diverse system of scholarships to study in the UK from the government and universities.

After graduation, students can stay and work through the Graduate Route visa, which facilitates the accumulation of international experience. This is a great advantage when learning about the conditions for studying in the UK and long-term career orientation.

In addition, in the process of preparing documents and applying for a UK student visa, having a clear study plan will help increase the approval rate and expand development opportunities in the UK.

To study in the UK in 2026, students need to meet basic requirements for education, English proficiency, finance and visa. Preparing documents early and in accordance with standards will help you increase your visa pass rate and shorten the processing time.

3.1. Educational requirements

3.2. Financial conditions

This is one of the most important requirements when applying for a UK student visa. Students need to demonstrate that they can afford to pay for their own tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the UK.

The amount of money to be proven will vary depending on the place of study. As of 11 November 2025, the maintenance requirements have been increased and applied to visa applications from this date onwards:

• £1,529/month if you study in London (up to 9 months → £13,761 total)

• £1,171/month if you study outside London (up to 9 months → £10,539 total)

This amount is calculated for living expenses for the first 9 months, in addition to tuition fees, you will also have to prove the payment of the first year's tuition fees according to the data on the offer letter (CAS).

Note: To be eligible, this amount must be proven to be in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, and that 28-day period must end within 31 days prior to applying for the visa.

4. Cost of studying in the UK

The cost of studying in the UK is often one of the top concerns of international students. The total cost will include tuition fees, living expenses, and other incidental fees. This cost can vary significantly depending on your level of study, major, school, and the city you choose to live in. You can refer to the estimated fees for each level of study below.

*The above figures are for reference only. The cost of living while studying in the UK can vary depending on the individual's ability to spend.

To proactively estimate the cost of studying in the UK, you can use IDP's cost of living calculator!

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

Are you wondering how to send tuition and living expenses to international students? Don't worry, IDP will help you transfer money internationally safely, quickly and conveniently. Contact IDP now.

5. Education system when studying in the UK

The education system when studying in the UK is famous for its high academics, clear structure and flexible pathway according to each age. This is one of the factors that make studying in the UK always highly appreciated for the quality of training and output standards.

In the United Kingdom, the education system is divided into the following main levels:

5.1. Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in the UK is for children aged 3–4 years, which is an important foundation in the education system in the UK. The program focuses on developing communication and cognitive skills and helping children get acquainted with letters, numbers as well as the learning environment. Although it is not popular with international students when choosing to study in the UK, EYFS still plays an important role in preparing them for the next level of study.

5.2. Primary Education

Primary Education in the UK is for students aged 5 to 11, focusing on building a foundation of knowledge and basic skills. During this period, students learn subjects such as English, Maths, Science, History, and Geography, and develop social skills and teamwork. This is an important stepping stone in the education system in the UK, helping students prepare for high school and the pathway to study in the UK in the future.

5.3. Secondary Education

Secondary Education in the UK is for students aged 11–16 (Key Stage 3 & 4), focusing on consolidating foundational knowledge and learning orientation. At the end of this period, students will take the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exam – an important certificate that helps transfer to higher programs. This is a necessary stepping stone for students who plan to study in the UK early.

5.4. High School / Further Education

Secondary Education in the UK is for students aged 12–16 (Key Stage 3 & 4), focusing on building an academic foundation and orienting subjects according to interests. At the end of this period, students will take the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) – an important condition for progression to programmes such as A-Level or Foundation. For international students who plan to study in the UK early, this is a stepping stone to help you get acquainted with the education system and prepare for the pathway to university in the UK.

5.5 Undergraduate

At the undergraduate level when studying in the UK, the study period usually lasts 3 years, especially in Scotland it is 4 years. During their studies, international students will receive intensive training in their chosen field from the first year, combining academic knowledge and practical skills such as research, analysis and teamwork. Some programs also integrate five internships (Sandwich Course), helping students learn while accumulating practical work experience, thereby improving job opportunities after graduation.

5.6 Master's Degree

After completing a Bachelor's Degree in the UK, students can continue to study a Master's Degree – a preferred choice for many Vietnamese students due to its short time and high applicability.

Master's programs in the UK usually last 1 year, including classroom study combined with a thesis or final research project. The training content focuses on deep expertise, analytical skills and professional practices, helping students quickly improve their qualifications and increase international employment opportunities.

5.7 PhD/Doctorate

PhD/Doctorate in the UK usually lasts 3–4 years, focusing on in-depth research in a specific field, under the guidance of a lecturer. Students mainly work independently, carry out research topics and complete theses.

Overall, postgraduate study in the UK is particularly attractive to international students due to its short training time, clear pathway and high level of expertise, which enhances research capacity and global career development opportunities

One of the reasons why studying in the UK attracts international students is the flexible, diverse and well-defined curriculum system. Depending on your education level and career goals, you can choose the right program when studying in the UK.

6.1 Secondary School

The UK High School Pathway for international students in the UK is clearly designed, helping students prepare a solid academic foundation before entering higher education.

The first stage is GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education), which is for students aged 14–16. The program provides a foundational knowledge of core subjects such as Maths, Science and English, helping students to become familiar with the education system in the UK and the learning methods at comprehensive schools or further and higher education colleges.

After GCSEs, students will enter the pre-university stage (16–18 years old) with the following options:

• A-Level (2 years) – the most popular program, studying 3–4 intensive subjects;

• International Baccalaureate (IB) (2 years) – comprehensive program;

• Foundation (1 year) – helps international students shorten their path to university.

Choosing the right program will help students meet the requirements to study in the UK, prepare their UK student visa applications, and improve their chances of gaining admission to top universities. In addition, you can find advice on studying in the UK, information about scholarships to study in the UK, costs, and what you need to study in the UK to build an effective study plan

6.2. Undergraduate Programs in the UK

When studying in the UK at the undergraduate level, the average training time is 3 years, in Scotland alone it usually lasts 4 years. Some programs can be up to 4 years if a sandwich course or international exchange is integrated.

Common types of degrees include:

• BA (Bachelor of Arts): Society, Humanities, Communication

• BSc (Bachelor of Science): Science, Technology

• BEng (Bachelor of Engineering): Engineering

• MBBS: Medicine (lasts about 5–6 years)

The great advantage of the British university system is that students can study intensively from the first year, helping to shorten the study time but still ensure the quality of international standard training

Reference cost: 11,500 - 45,000 GBP/year

6.3. Master's Program

After graduating from university, students can continue to study for a Master's degree in the UK with an average training period of only 1 year – shorter than many other countries.

Common types of Master's degrees:

• MSc (Master of Science)

• MA (Master of Arts)

• MBA (Master of Business Administration)

• MEng (Master of Engineering – integrated)

The short study period helps students save costs and quickly enter the international labor market.

After completing the program, you can apply to stay in the UK on a Graduate Route visa, which allows students to stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD).

Reference cost: 13,000 - 36,000 GBP/year

Roadmap to prepare to study in the UK 2026 step by step

To study in the UK, you are required to apply for a student visa according to the regulations of the UK Home Office (UK Home Office). Preparing a complete application helps increase the pass rate and shorten the review time.

Step 1: Receive a Letter of Offer (CAS)

• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is an electronic confirmation code from the school, proving that you have been accepted.

• Note: CAS is only valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.

Step 2: Prepare documents

• Valid passport

• Anonymous

• Proof of finances (tuition fees + living expenses)

• Qualifications, transcripts (notarized translation)

• English language certificate (IELTS, UKVI or equivalent)

• UK passport photo

• TB Test Certificate

• Visa Payment Receipt and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Obtain biometric data (fingerprint + photo)

Step 3: Fill out the online form and make an appointment

• Complete the visa application on the official website of the UK Government. (https://www.gov.uk)

• Book an application schedule at VAC VFS Global: Hanoi, HCMC Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang.

Step 4: Apply & take biometrics

You will come to VAC by appointment to:

• Submit your application

• Fingerprinting

• Biometric imaging

This process is mandatory for every student applying for a UK student visa.

Step 5: Interview (if any)

Some cases may require an in-person or telephone interview, but not all are required.

Step 6: Get your visa

• Processing time: about 3 weeks (15 working days)

• Faster with Priority service

• After the application is approved, you will receive a notification of the visa result and prepare to study abroad.

For more: Latest UK student visas

8. What should I study in the UK?

If you are wondering what major should you study in the UK? Discover hot industries based on market trends and job opportunities as below:

Business & Finance: Studying Business & Finance in the UK opens up opportunities to work at international corporations, banks, multinational companies and easily apply for scholarships to study in the UK to improve management skills.

Information Technology & Computer Science (IT/Computer Science): Vietnamese students studying IT in the UK have the opportunity to participate in technology projects, software development, artificial intelligence, and access the potential international job market.

Engineering: Studying in the UK in Engineering offers the opportunity to intern at leading companies, engage in cutting-edge engineering research and increase your competitive advantage in the global labour market.

Nursing/Medicine: Vietnamese students studying Health & Nursing in the UK are prepared for careers in international hospitals, medical research, and professional healthcare positions around the world.

Logistics & Supply Chain Management: Logistics in the UK helps Vietnamese students access opportunities to work in supply chain management, global logistics operations and management positions at multinational companies.

Education & TESOL: Studying in the UK in Education & TESOL opens up the opportunity to become an international teacher, teach English to Vietnamese and international students, or participate in higher education programs in the education industry.

Choosing what to study is one of the most important steps for British students

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

For more: What major should I study in the UK?

9. Latest UK Study Abroad Scholarships

The UK has always been among the countries with diverse and high-value scholarship policies for international students. In the 2026 academic year, the scholarship system to study in the UK will continue to be expanded at both Foundation, Master's and PhD levels, with many funding programs from the UK Government, international organisations and universities.

In particular, prestigious scholarship programs such as: Chevening Scholarship – Full scholarship of the British Government for Master's degree

In addition to full scholarships, many Russell Group universities also offer partial scholarships ranging from 10–50% of tuition fees to international students with outstanding academic achievements.

Below is a summary of the latest and most prominent scholarships to study in the UK for foundation and postgraduate studies (Masters, PhD) in the 2026 academic year:

Scholarship information may vary depending on the year. To find out more about 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 2026

10. Best Universities in the UK

The UK is home to many prestigious global universities, outstanding in terms of training quality, research capacity and academic influence. These institutions regularly hold high positions on prestigious rankings such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education

Here is a list of the top universities in the UK based on the latest rankings for 2026:

Global Top Group (QS 2026):

• University of Oxford

• University of Cambridge

• Imperial College London

• University College London

• The University of Edinburgh

The group is chosen by many Vietnamese students:

• University of Nottingham

• Newcastle University

• University of York

• University of Glasgow

Besides the rankings, you also need to understand that the "best school" is not just a school with a ranking, but also a place that meets the right field of study you are passionate about, matches your interests and finances, and helps you achieve your future career goals.

See also: Top universities in the UK

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

Studying in the UK is a great opportunity for you to study, hone your knowledge and experience diverse cultures. Besides studying, international students can also look for part-time jobs to cover living expenses and improve 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 do not affect your student visa.

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

• Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the holidays.

• Be enrolled in a full-time Bachelor's or Postgraduate program at a UK Government-accredited institution.

• It is necessary to comply with the UK's minimum wage and working conditions regulations.

11.2. Popular jobs for UK students:

• Work on campus: Most universities offer a variety of on-campus work opportunities for international students such as teaching assistants, library staff, coffee shop attendants, research collaborators..

• Off-campus work: You can look for part-time jobs in fields such as retail, restaurants, hospitality, healthcare..

• You can choose jobs related to your field of study. This not only helps you gain experience, get acquainted 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

12. Post-Graduation Job Opportunities in the UK

Studying in the UK not only brings a prestigious degree that is recognized globally but also opens up many job opportunities in the UK in an international environment. This is also the reason why many students and parents are interested in whether it is easy to apply for a job in the UK when choosing a destination.

After graduation, international students can stay and work through the Graduate Route visa (2–3 years), facilitating experience gain and long-term career development. Besides, with a thriving economy and diversified industries, the UK offers job opportunities in many fields such as Health & Healthcare, Marketing, Communication, Finance – Accounting, Engineering & STEM, Education and Social Work.

Whether you're studying in a big city or a smaller region, international students can access internships, part-time jobs and jobs after graduation through corporate networks, career support programs from the university and recruitment platforms. Choosing the right study environment will help you balance the cost of living, study experience and career direction when studying in the UK.

See more: Graduate Route Visa: Opportunity to work in the UK after graduation

Contact IDP for free advice on studying in the UK!

Studying in the UK is not only an academic decision, but also a long-term investment strategy for your career and global future. The journey to study in the UK can be challenging, but in return comes a high-class academic environment, comprehensive development opportunities and a sustainable international competitive advantage.

If you are planning to study in the UK, the team of experts at IDP Education is always ready to accompany you every step of the way:

• Consulting on choosing a school, choosing a major that suits your capacity and career goals

• Guidance on preparing documents, optimizing admission opportunities

• Latest Study Abroad Conditions Update in the UK in 2026

• Scholarship consulting and effective scholarship hunting strategies

• Assistance with visa application and preparation before departure

Besides, you can participate in IDP Study Abroad Fairs to meet school representatives in person, interview for scholarships and update the latest admissions information. IDP also provides essential support services such as finding accommodation, booking preferential flight tickets, SIM UK support and attending a Pre-departure Session.

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

Free study abroad consultation hotline: 19006955

• Latest Cost of Studying in the UK

• Admission period in the UK

• Conditions for studying in the UK

• Studying for a Master's degree in the UK: Conditions, costs, and opportunities

• Should I study in the UK?

• How much IELTS do you need to study in the UK?

Source:https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money

Frequently Asked Questions When Studying in the UK (FQA)

1. What major should I study in the UK?

When studying in the UK, you should choose high-demand majors such as Business & Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, Health – Nursing, Logistics or Education & TESOL. The most important thing is to choose a major that suits your capacity and career orientation so that it is easy to apply for a job after graduation.

2. How much IELTS do you need to study in the UK?

Generally, studying in the UK requires IELTS between 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5–7.0 for master's level. Some disciplines such as Medicine, Law, or Pedagogy may be more demanding.

3. How much money do I need to study in the UK? Is it hard to hunt for scholarships?

The average cost of studying in the UK is around £20,000–£35,000/year (including tuition fees and living expenses). Hunting for scholarships to study in the UK is not too difficult if you have good academic performance, high IELTS and prepare your application early, but high-value scholarships are often highly competitive.

4. Is it difficult to get a UK student visa?

If you prepare your application early and meet the right conditions to study in the UK, the visa pass rate is not too difficult. You can contact IDP for free and detailed advice!

Studying in the UK is not only an academic decision, but also a long-term investment strategy for your career and global future. The journey to study in the UK can be challenging, but in return comes a high-class academic environment, comprehensive development opportunities and a sustainable international competitive advantage.

If you are planning to study in the UK, the team of experts at IDP Education is always ready to accompany you every step of the way:

• Consulting on choosing a school, choosing a major that suits your capacity and career goals

• Guidance on preparing documents, optimizing admission opportunities

• Latest Study Abroad Conditions Update in the UK in 2026

• Scholarship consulting and effective scholarship hunting strategies

• Assistance with visa application and preparation before departure

Besides, you can participate in IDP Study Abroad Fairs to meet school representatives in person, interview for scholarships and update the latest admissions information. IDP also provides essential support services such as finding accommodation, booking preferential flight tickets, SIM UK support and attending a Pre-departure Session.

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

Free study abroad consultation hotline: 19006955

• Latest Cost of Studying in the UK

• Admission period in the UK

• Conditions for studying in the UK

• Studying for a Master's degree in the UK: Conditions, costs, and opportunities

• Should I study in the UK?

• How much IELTS do you need to study in the UK?

Source:https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money