Are you an American looking to obtain a degree from a British University and thereby searching for top colleges in England for Americans? Or, are you looking to study in England just for the study abroad experience?
Either way, you are not alone. Approximately half a million students from all over the world travel to study in England every year. And this is as a result of the things England has to offer.
England is an English-language learning environment that makes living comfortable, and it offers world-class education at all education levels.
No doubt, America might have some top institutions that offer top-quality education, however, the country cannot be compared to England all around especially in terms of education.
We will let you know how before the end of this article. Also, we will be listing 11 top colleges in England for Americans in 2023.
Table of contents
- Can an American Go to College in England?
- Is it Cheaper to Go to College in England?
- Why study in Colleges in England?
- How Much Does it Cost for an American to Go to College in England?
- Top Colleges in England for Americans
- 1. Oxford University – #1 Top Colleges in England For Americans
- 2. University College London
- 3. Queen Mary University of London
- 4. London School of Economics
- 5. University of Cambridge
- 6. The University of Kent at Canterbury
- 7. University of Westminster
- 8. University of the Arts London
- 9. The University of Manchester
- 10. University of Southampton
- 11. University of Buckingham
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Recommendations
Can an American Go to College in England?
Yes, Americans can go to colleges in England. In order to apply to colleges in the UK, American students must first create an account with UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. All students, including those from the UK and abroad, will use UCAS, a web-based application system, to apply to institutions in the UK.
Is it Cheaper to Go to College in England?
It could cost less than attending college in the US. Especially while tuition at British institutions is on average greater than at American universities, the ceiling price is typically significantly cheaper, even for overseas students (like you), who are charged a higher rate.
See: 11 Cheapest Universities in Europe to Study Abroad (Almost Free)
Why study in Colleges in England?
England is one of the world’s best countries with no language barriers. It is rich in history, architecture, cosmopolitan cities, top-quality education, high standard of living and beautiful sceneries.
It is an exceptional travel hub with rail, bus and airport links to the rest of the world. That is, it is easier for you to get to and from anywhere in the world. If you have been desiring to travel the world, studying in England might be your first step towards that dream.
Meanwhile, below are more benefits of studying in colleges in England:
To gain global exposure
Studying in some of the top colleges in England is simply being part of the diversified classrooms as well as gaining the chance to travel to Europe, experience the life, culture and then meet and network with people.
No SAT’s
Did you just heave a sigh of relief? Oh. I thought so. Do that again.
Yes, no SATs for colleges in England unlike most universities in the US that refer to SAT scores as an entry requirement.
Fees
In all ways, education in America is more financially tasking than it is in England. Most universities in America charge about £20,000 for a degree course each year. Well, be sure to pay lower in England.
Length and Types
This should be one of the most important benefits and factor you need to consider if you are still confused about choosing between your home country, America and England.
In US universities, their degree courses are quite rigid while it is the opposite in the top colleges in England. Top colleges in England provides students with a variety of choices in the courses to study.
Also, the length or duration of a degree in England is lesser than in the US:
- In colleges in England, the duration of an undergraduate degree is three years and four for the US.
- A postgraduate degree is one year in colleges in England and two in the US.
- PhD studies are three years in colleges in England and five-seven years in the US.
Now you know it! And oh, another benefit is that you get to live in the same country as the Queen.
Now that you are more convinced about studying in England, the challenge may come in finding and choosing the right college for you in the colleges in England. However, we have made a list to assist in your search.
How Much Does it Cost for an American to Go to College in England?
Tuition prices at public UK institutions can vary widely. Depending on the university, the subject, and the length of your studies, the “home” cost typically runs from 5,500 to 10,200 EUR per year. The original “home” charge is often increased by 3,000–8,000 EUR by the “international” fee.
Top Colleges in England for Americans
Here are our top picks on the top colleges in England for Americans in 2023:
- Oxford University – #1 Top Colleges in England For Americans
- University College London
- Queen Mary University of London
- London School of Economics
- University of Cambridge
- The University of Kent at Canterbury
- University of Westminster
- University of the Arts London
- University of Manchester
- University of Southampton
- University of Buckingham
1. Oxford University – #1 Top Colleges in England For Americans
Oxford University is the oldest university among English-speaking countries in the world. Also, it doubles as the second oldest university in the world. You could tell from the scenes from the Harry Potter movies that were filmed in this university.
It is primarily focused on researches that covers various disciplines, from humanities to medicine. It is about 90 minutes northwest of London and with a long history of craft breweries.
This university is home to one of the best and most exceptional international scholarships in the world – the Rhodes Scholarship. And this scholarship has brought together grad students to Oxford from across the world for more than a century now.
At Oxford, students have access to the oldest university museum and the largest academic library. One-third of this university’s population is international and 63% of its postgraduate students come from outside England.
However, Oxford University constitutes 38 self-governing colleges. This means that picking a course can be quite tough as each is dependable on its own admissions, academic focus and internal activities. But then, despite this toughness, Oxford will never make you feel limited.
2. University College London
University College London otherwise known as London’s Global University is one of the top colleges in England as well as in the world.
It was the first university to be established in the city of London’s Bloomsbury neighborhood where it is located. And also, it was the first university in England to completely admit students from all over the world regardless of religious affiliation.
It is really mind-blowing to know that this university was also the first university in England to admit female students. Also, the university doubles as the third-largest college in England with one-third of its population from outside England.
The University is a leading science institution popularly known for being an academic home to one of the discoverers of DNA.
The school offers its students just about anything. However, if you are the kind of student who prefers a rather intimate college setting, then this university might not be for you as it has over 40,000 students every year.
3. Queen Mary University of London
The Queen Mary University of London was established in 1785 is located on the northeastern side of London. Its campus is set around a palace and lots of other historic buildings which Queen Victoria herself put the foundation stones for.
The University is a member of the Russell Group of British research universities. It doubles as a big centre for global research. And also, it is ranked the fifth top university in London. Now you understand why this college made our list of top colleges in England for Americans?
This University has over 17,000 students from 162 countries of the world. And aside from the top-quality education that this university offers, there’s another offer that attracts students from all over the world to it. It is the community feel that the university has established on its campus. It is the rare self-contained campus specifically to help students feel home abroad.
However, there’s a drawback here. The Queen Mary University of London used to be popular for its medical studies, health sciences and its hospital administration focus. However, this shouldn’t discourage you from applying to this school.
Also, see: 13 Most Expensive Universities in the World
4. London School of Economics
This university was founded in 1895 in the historical area of Clare Market in Central London. It ranks in the top ten universities in the UK and it is known for the many prominent individuals and billionaires it has produced.
The University has 70% of the international student population in the UK from over 160 countries. That is, it has the highest percentage of international students than all the universities in the UK.
With the major language of instruction being English, American students are welcomed and are greatly represented at the London School of Economics. 570 graduates and 218 undergraduates are exclusively enrolled for a total of 788 Americans on campus in 2016 alone.
However, this university doesn’t just focus on economics as the name says. It is ranked the second university in the world for social sciences. It has 25 academic departments and institutes across a range of studies.
So, yes, the London School of Economics is not just about economics.
5. University of Cambridge
Established in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the second oldest university in the English-speaking world; the fourth-longest continuously operating in the world; the second-best university in the world. Now, you see why it is one of the top colleges in England for Americans?
The university was founded as a result of a dispute between the locals’ townspeople and scholars from Oxford University.
The University of Cambridge doubles as another vastly diverse university with a population of over 20,000 students, 8,000 of who are international students from over 120 countries.
6. The University of Kent at Canterbury
Founded in 1965, the University of Kent at Canterbury is the 21st best university in the UK. It is popularly known as the Uk’s European University because of its widespread connections with continental European academia.
This University is home to international centres of research. It is with approximately 20,000 students from 158 different countries of the world and having 41% of the population from outside the UK.
Did you notice that this is the most modern university on our list yet? Even though most students tend to think that newer universities are the real deals. Well, we won’t say that they aren’t, however, we know that most American students tend to look towards opportunities that can allow them to get enrolled in historic colleges.
However, if you are not a fan of history, you may want to consider choosing a more modern university.
7. University of Westminster
The University of Westminster is a public university that originated from the Royal Polytechnic Institution. It operates four campuses in London and offers world-class research centers in the fields of media research and communications.
This university is set in the heart of London with 20,000 students with a provision of over 300 international programs. These programs include the following:
- Full degrees
- Summer study abroad
- Student exchange
- Postgraduate study abroad
- Internship placements abroad.
However, the drawback will be the students not having classes inside Westminster Abbey. Classes inside Westminster Abbey means studying amongst the remains of Charles Dickens, Darwin and Isaac Newton.
So, yes, classes are not held in the Westminster Abbey. It is only withheld for a tour of the Abbey.
8. University of the Arts London
The University of the Arts London is one of the first six most prestigious universities in the works. Also, it doubles as the largest university in Europe to specialize in Fine arts.
It is prominent for the noble artists it has produced in the likes of Samantha Cameroon, Pierce Brosnan, Alan Rickman, Steve McQueen and lots more.
The university retains a distinct community of over 5,000 international students – this is 37% of the school student population.
This college in England has over 400 students from the United States on its international degree-seeking population and it has both the study abroad and full-time study options open and available to Americans.
9. The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is set in Manchester – a lively town in northwest England prominent for its football team and rich in its architecture and music scene.
It has one of the highest numbers of international students. The number climbs over 8,000 of them. Aside from the top-quality education this college in England offers, it also offers airport pickup for students and hits information sessions in countries around the world.
Also, it offers accommodation for all international students too.
10. University of Southampton
Set in Southampton – an old town on the south coast of England close to the Isle of Wight, this is also one of the best colleges in England for Americans. This college in England ranked the 7th college in England for student satisfaction – according to the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey in 2012.
The University collaborates with institutions from all over the world, and it has a student population of 22,00, 5,000 out of who are international students. In this university, every student gains career advice for three years after graduation.
See Also: 12 Best Private Universities in Nigeria
11. University of Buckingham
Also one of the top colleges in England for Americans to study in, this is UK’s only private university with a Royal Charter.
This University has a student population of 1000 students from approximately 90 countries of the world, with over half of the population from outside the UK.
The University is prominent for these five schools of teaching:
- Law
- Humanities
- Arts and languages
- Business
- Science and Medicine.
Also, the university is one of the colleges in England that invests more in IT. Its aim is to build a modern academic environment for its students.
FAQs
Amongst the numerous other reasons, this stands out:
In US universities, their degree courses are quite rigid while it is the opposite in the top colleges in England. Top colleges in England provides students with a variety of choices in the courses to study.
Also, the length or duration of a degree in England is lesser than in the US:
In colleges in England, the duration of an undergraduate degree is three years and four for the US.
A postgraduate degree is one year in colleges in England and two in the US.
PhD studies are three years in colleges in England and five-seven years in the US.
Oxford University
University College London
Queen Mary University of London
London School of Economics
University of Cambridge
The University of Kent at Canterbury
University of Westminster
University of the Arts London
The University of Manchester
University of Southampton
University of Buckingham
In the UK, schools fall into one of two categories: independent schools that charge tuition to the students’ parents, or state schools that are supported by the government and free for all students.
Conclusion
You are not wrong if you choose England over America. In fact, you may be doing your future a great favour. It is also not enough to choose from the list of modern universities just because they are trendy.
You need to be sure of what you want and your expectations from your choice of institutions before you begin your application. We hope our list is helpful to you and we trust that you will make the right choice.
