Apply to a London university with UKUNI
London is home to more world-ranked universities than any other city on earth. We help UK and international students secure offers from London's leading institutions.
London hosts more universities than any other UK city, including four institutions in the QS World University Top 100 — Imperial College London, UCL, King's College London and the London School of Economics. Whether you are applying for a Russell Group degree, a specialist arts course or a foundation programme, UKUNI Admission Ltd helps you build a competitive application.
Our London-focused service covers UCAS course choice, personal statement review, Student Finance England registration and Student Route visa applications for international applicants.
Universities in London
Imperial College London
Russell GroupSTEM, medicine, business — QS top 10 worldwide.
University College London (UCL)
Russell GroupBroad subject range, strong research output across all faculties.
King's College London
Russell GroupLaw, medicine, humanities and international relations.
London School of Economics (LSE)
Russell GroupWorld-leading social sciences, economics and politics.
Queen Mary University of London
Russell GroupMedicine, law and engineering in East London.
City, University of London
Public researchBusiness, journalism, law and health sciences.
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Specialist artsCentral Saint Martins, LCF, LCC and Camberwell colleges.
SOAS University of London
SpecialistAsian, African and Middle Eastern studies.
Brunel University London
Public researchEngineering, design and business in West London.
Why study in London?
- •Four QS top-100 universities and over 40 higher-education institutions.
- •Largest concentration of multinational employers and graduate schemes in Europe.
- •Global financial, creative, tech and life-sciences hubs across Canary Wharf, King's Cross and Stratford.
- •Direct Underground, Overground and Elizabeth Line access to every major campus.
- •Most diverse student body in the UK — over a third of London students are international.
Student living costs
| Student accommodation (halls, en-suite) | £900–£1,400/month |
| Private shared flat (Zone 2–3) | £700–£1,100/month |
| Travel — 18+ Student Oyster Photocard | 30% off Travelcards & caps |
| Food & essentials | £200–£300/month |
| Total monthly estimate | £1,400–£2,000/month |
How UKUNI helps London applicants
- ✓Course shortlisting across London's 40+ universities based on your grades and target subject.
- ✓Personal statement review tailored to London Russell Group expectations.
- ✓Student Finance England application support for tuition and maintenance loans.
- ✓Student Route visa, CAS and financial-evidence guidance for international applicants.
- ✓Accommodation advice covering university halls, private halls (Unite, iQ, Chapter) and shared flats.
Studying in London — FAQs
How many universities are there in London?+
London has more than 40 universities and higher-education institutions, including four in the QS World University Rankings top 100: Imperial College London, UCL, King's College London and LSE.
How much does it cost to live as a student in London?+
Most full-time London students spend £1,400–£2,000 per month including rent, transport and food. Maintenance Loans for London students are higher than the rest of England to reflect this — up to £13,762 a year in 2025/26.
Can international students work while studying in London?+
Yes. Student Route visa holders on a full-time degree-level course can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during vacations.
Which London universities are part of the Russell Group?+
Five London universities are Russell Group members: Imperial College London, UCL, King's College London, LSE and Queen Mary University of London.
Do I need IELTS for London universities?+
Most London universities accept IELTS Academic, with typical undergraduate requirements of IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall. Alternatives such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Duolingo are widely accepted; UKUNI can confirm the exact requirement for each course.
Ready to apply to a London university?
Free initial eligibility check for UCAS, Student Finance and Student Route visa applications.