UK Student Education News

Rankings name top universities for social mobility in England and Scotland

The University of Bradford and the University of the West of Scotland have topped the annual Social Mobility Indices for England and Scotland.

The lists, compiled by the Higher Education Policy Institute and London South Bank University, assess which institutions perform best on admissions and graduate outcomes for students from less advantaged backgrounds.

Bradford has led the English list each year since it was first published in 2021. On this occasion, it is followed by Aston University and the University of Wolverhampton.

Chevening Scholarship applications reopen in Afghanistan

Students from Afghanistan can now apply for the the UK's Chevening Scholarships, after being restricted in the last two years. Following the Taliban's takeover of the country in 2021, the safety of returning scholars was given as a reason for no longer accepting Afghan applicants. However, this policy has changed, and entries for the next academic year are now open until January 2 2025, at 11:59 (British time). Students from other countries cannot currently apply.

Most of the UK see international students as an asset to the country

Six in ten people in the UK agree that international students bring major economic benefits to the country, according to King's College London research. Just over one in ten disagree (12 per cent), a slight rise from 9 per cent in 2018. Most people (59 per cent) want to see more or the same number of international students in future, with 15 per cent favouring growth. Only 26 per cent want numbers to decrease. 

More UK universities are opening campuses in London

The University of Huddersfield and Aston University are the latest UK universities outside London to say they will open a campus in the city. Both institutions will offer degrees in business and innovation at locations in the capital's financial district from 2025. They will join more than a dozen others to have branch campuses in London, including Ulster University, Anglia Ruskin University and Northumbria University.

Chevening Scholarship applications close next week

Applications for the UK government's fully funded Chevening Scholarships for international students must be made by November 5, at 11:59 (UK time). The scholarship covers tuition fees for a master's degree, living expenses, and more. Students from 164 countries can apply, with around 1,500 expected to be successful. Those who are will be invited to study in the UK in the 2025/26 academic year.

Find out how to apply for a Chevening Scholarship.

More international students are considering multiple destinations

Two thirds (66 per cent) of people planning to study abroad are looking at more than one country, according to IDP’s latest Emerging Futures report. This is up from 61 per cent last year, and 56 per cent in the year before. Further, 49 per cent are now considering three or more destinations, and 16 per cent are thinking about at least five.