When people think of the United Kingdom, they think of English tea, pubs, English breakfast, red double-deckers and... fancy universities! In this country you will find some of the oldest, most expensive and most prestigious institutions. There are too many to mention. Therefore, we have compiled a top four list of the UK's most famous (and expensive) universities.
Regent's University London
Regent's University London is the youngest university in the list. Founded in 1985, although it was then a college (Regent's College), the university can be found in Regent's Park, in the South Villa Estate campus of another London university. It wasn't until 2013 that the college became a university.
What makes it so unique is that it is a private university. The UK has only five of those. At the same time, it is the most expensive university in the UK. In tuition fees, students pay as much as £16,400. It is a relatively small institution, accommodating only 4,000 students, making it reserved for the wealthy elite.
Oxford University
At Oxford, English students have to pay "only" 9,250 pounds of tuition. This makes studying at Oxford a lot cheaper than studying at Regent's University London. Oxford enjoys unprecedented prestige. However, tuition is lower because it is a public institution. This does not mean it is easy to get into Oxford. The university has an admission rate of 17.5%.
Oxford and Cambridge are the UK's most famous universities. Oxford is slightly older than Cambridge and was founded in the 11th century. This makes it the second oldest university in the world.
Oxford's unprecedented educational quality is very consistent, The school is therefore always found in the top five best universities in the world. Not surprisingly, the admission requirements are very strict. Those who are admitted have the privilege of studying at a university where as many as 72 Nobel Prize winners have gone before them. Many prime ministers, presidents, scientists, actors and nobles have also studied here.
Another interesting fact about Oxford: it houses the world's largest university publishing house. You'll also find the UK's oldest botanical garden and the world's oldest university museum.
London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), like the aforementioned university, can be found in London. The LSE was founded in 1895 by four members of the Fabian Society.
LSE is highly regarded not only within the UK but also internationally, taking second place in the QS World University Rankings for no less than five consecutive years. This placed this university just below Harvard. Interestingly, it is very difficult to get into this university, although less well known than Oxford. LSE had an admission rate of only 5.7% in 2018!
There are approximately 7,000 full-time students at LSE. In addition, there are about 750 students studying here part-time. Those who want to win a Nobel Prize in economics have come to the right place at LSE. In fact, 17% of these Nobel laureates have studied at this university. A sizable savings is needed, though. Tuition is £9,250.
Cambridge University
At Cambridge University, students pay £9,250 in tuition. For international students, it is as much as £21,732.
Cambridge University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and is often mentioned in the same breath as Oxford (Oxbridge). The school was founded in 1209, making it the fourth oldest university in the world. Cambridge was founded by students who were studying at Oxford, but did not get along well with the locals. They therefore decided to move.
Cambridge University consists of 31 colleges. Each college was founded by a monarch or benefactor. Uniquely, one college (Newnham College) admits only women. Two colleges accommodate only postgraduate students. Cambridge has many famous alumni, including Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking and Emma Thompson. As many as 121 Nobel laureates have graduated from Cambridge University. It is also the richest University in Europe.
Would you also like to attend mini-university, but just in the Netherlands?
Our English day camp offers you the outstanding opportunity to explore the English language while being inspired by England's best universities. Among other things, during the camp you will experience the academic richness of these centuries-old universities through engaging language classes and cultural activities.
