International Students Thriving At University College London

how many international students university college london

University College London (UCL) is a diverse and inclusive university, with 48% of its students being international, representing over 150 different countries. UCL offers a wide range of programmes for students to choose from, including over 400 bachelor's programmes, 500 master's programmes, and numerous PhDs and doctoral degrees. The university encourages its students to challenge convention, ask critical questions, and think differently.

Characteristics Values
Percentage of international students 48%
Number of countries represented Over 150
Number of students from the US Over 1050
Number of degree programmes Over 400 bachelor's and 500 master's programmes
Number of clubs and societies Over 320
Number of alumni worldwide Over 300,000

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'International students': 48% of UCL's students are international, from 150+ countries

University College London (UCL) is a diverse and global university, with 48% of its students being international, from over 150 countries. This means that UCL has one of the most diverse student populations in the world, with almost half of its students coming from outside the UK. This diversity is reflected in the wide range of clubs and societies that UCL offers, such as the Indian Society, which is one of the largest cultural societies at the university. With over 300,000 alumni living and working in more than 190 countries worldwide, UCL has a truly global reach and reputation.

UCL's international students can choose from a variety of academic programmes, including over 400 specialist bachelor's programmes, 500 master's programmes, and numerous PhD and doctoral degree options. The university encourages its diverse community to challenge conventions, ask critical questions, and think differently. As a research-intensive university, UCL attracts some of the best and bravest thinkers who come to learn, research, and exchange ideas.

UCL's main campus is located in Bloomsbury, central London, which is an exciting and vibrant part of the city. The university offers a range of services to help international students settle into their new home, including guidance on accommodation and information on part-time work opportunities. With its diverse student population and global reputation for excellence, UCL provides a unique and enriching educational experience for its international students.

The university's commitment to internationalisation is evident in its collaboration with other institutions worldwide. For example, UCL has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology to support disability inclusion through its Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub). Additionally, UCL offers country-specific support for international students, such as the India Excellence Scholarships, which support Indian students with outstanding academic records in pursuing full-time master's degree studies.

UCL's reputation for excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, combined with its diverse and global community, makes it a top choice for international students seeking a world-class education. The university's focus on research and innovation provides a stimulating environment for students to broaden their understanding of the world and realise their potential. With its diverse student body and extensive academic offerings, UCL offers a truly international and transformative educational experience.

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'Study abroad': International students can study at UCL for 3-6 weeks in July and August

University College London (UCL) is a diverse and inclusive institution, welcoming international students from over 150 countries. With 48% of its student population being international, UCL is a truly global university.

Every year, UCL opens its doors to international students for a unique study abroad opportunity during the summer. Students can choose to study at UCL for 3 or 6 weeks in July and August (and June, according to one source). This programme offers international students the chance to experience UCL's world-class facilities and immerse themselves in the vibrant city of London.

As a Study Abroad student, you will have access to a wide range of subject options. UCL boasts a flexible curriculum, allowing you to explore various academic interests. The university's main campus is located in Bloomsbury, in central London, providing easy access to all that the city has to offer.

To apply for this programme, international students must meet certain requirements. Firstly, students should have completed at least one year of undergraduate study with a strong academic record. Additionally, English language proficiency is required, with a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or its equivalent. It is important to note that students studying in a country considered majority English-speaking may be exempt from this requirement.

Studying abroad at UCL for a few weeks in the summer is an incredible opportunity for international students to gain a global perspective and experience a new culture. With access to UCL's renowned faculty and resources, students can enhance their academic profiles while enjoying the excitement of London.

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'Indian students': UCL has over 2500 Indian alumni and offers India Excellence Scholarships

University College London (UCL) has a long history of collaboration with India, dating back to the 1800s. The university has over 2500 Indian alumni living, working, and studying in India and around the world. UCL's Indian alumni community is vibrant and diverse, with members such as Sheena Doshi (UCL Biochemical Engineering 2024), who shared her knowledge about vaccines through a vaccine outreach initiative at her former school in India.

UCL offers a range of scholarships and opportunities for Indian students, including the prestigious UCL India Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships aim to encourage Indian students with outstanding academic records to pursue full-time Master's degree studies at UCL. The scholarship is worth £5,000 and is available to prospective postgraduate taught students with impressive bachelor's degree GPAs and NIRF rankings from their previous institutions. The scholarship is tenable for one year, and students must submit a complete admission application, including references, to be considered.

In addition to the UCL India Excellence Scholarships, UCL also participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship programme, fostering global leaders and offering transformative educational opportunities to those aspiring to drive development in their home countries. The university also accepts a range of international qualifications, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL.

UCL is committed to fostering international collaboration and creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The university's Bloomsbury campus is located in London's thriving Knowledge Quarter, with partner organizations such as Google, the Alan Turing Institute, the British Museum, and the Wellcome Trust. With a high concentration of museums, libraries, and research institutions nearby, UCL offers a unique global perspective and networking opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere.

The Indian Society at UCL is one of the largest cultural societies on campus, offering a range of exciting events such as dance classes, open-mic music sessions, and dinner dance balls. It is an excellent platform for Indian students to connect with each other, stay in touch with Indian culture, and make new friends. With over 900 Indian students enrolled in various degree programs, UCL is a prime choice for Indian students seeking a world-class education abroad.

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'US students': Over 1050 US students at UCL, with US alumni groups and US Federal Student Aid

University College London (UCL) is a popular choice for students from around the world, with 48% of its students being international, representing over 150 different countries. Over 1050 of these students are from the US, studying at both undergraduate and graduate levels. UCL is known as London's Global University, and its diverse community is encouraged to challenge convention, ask critical questions, and think differently.

UCL offers over 400 specialist bachelor's programmes, 3 Study Abroad options, 500 master's programmes, and a wide range of PhDs, from Anthropology to Neuroscience. The university is currently ranked 9th in the world in the QS World University Rankings and 7th in the world in the U.S. News 2024-2025 Best Global Universities Rankings. UCL's reputation for excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration attracts some of the best and bravest thinkers to learn, research, and exchange ideas.

The university has a proactive alumni network in the US, with alumni groups that support UCL's thriving community and keep alumni connected. US students can also benefit from UCL's Friends and Alumni Association (FAA), a US non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and support for research, education, and innovation at UCL.

US students applying to UCL should be aware of the UK's university application process, which is different from the US system. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS) is the UK's admissions service for higher education, similar to the Common App in the US. UCAS application fees cost £27.50 for up to five choices (about US$35) and deadlines fall in October and January. After receiving admittance to a university, US students will need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to apply for a student visa. August is a peak month for UK student visa applications, so it is recommended to apply before then and at least six months before the course start date.

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'Accommodation': UCL's International Student Team helps international students settle in

University College London (UCL) is home to 18,000 international students. The university's International Student Team offers a range of services to help international students settle in and make the most of their time at UCL.

The International Student Team provides guidance and information for counsellors and teachers supporting students in making an application to UCL. They also offer advice on degree programmes, summer schools, and campus visits to various countries. Additionally, the team has put together a guide to Bloomsbury and beyond to help international students explore their new home in one of the world's most exciting capitals.

UCL guarantees accommodation to students under 18 years old or those with additional requirements. The university prioritises first-year students for UCL accommodation, offering them spaces ahead of returning students. All eligible applicants for the 2024-25 academic year received accommodation.

UCL Accommodation works to meet the demand for places and regularly updates its website to reflect new additions. In 2023, over 500 new bed spaces were added at urbanest King's Cross for the 2023/24 academic year. The accommodation team provides information on various accommodation options and the application process. They also ensure that students with additional requirements are allocated suitable rooms at no extra cost.

International students at UCL can seek advice on working in the UK, with opportunities for part-time, short-term, or casual work both within the university and beyond. However, students on a Student Route visa will have restrictions on working. The university also provides country-specific information, including entry requirements, funding opportunities, student societies, and in-country contacts.

Frequently asked questions

48% of UCL's students are international, representing over 150 different countries.

University College London's revenue from international tuition fees alone was over £500 million in the 2022/23 academic year.

Tuition costs are higher for students from outside the UK and European Union. Average undergraduate tuition fees are between £26,200 and £47,000. Average graduate fees are between £26,200 and £57,700.

Over 1050 students from the US are currently studying at UCL at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

UCL is ranked 7th in the world in the U.S. News 2024-2025 Best Global Universities Rankings.

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