Study at some of the most international universities in the UK

New data released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) has revealed that Kaplan’s partner universities are some of the top destinations in the UK for international students.

What are the UK’s most international universities?

HESA collects and analyses data about students in the UK for every academic year. This year’s statistics show that not only are huge numbers of international students choosing to study in the UK, but that many of them are choosing Kaplan’s university partners to study at!

HESA’s list of the most international universities in the UK features an impressive 8 of Kaplan’s university partners in the top 25:

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow, one of the UK’s ‘ancient universities’ ranks 9th in the list. So what makes Glasgow so attractive?

This prestigious institution ranks top 10 in the UK (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024). It was also named Scottish University of the Year in 2022. It ranks highly in subjects as diverse as Civil Engineering, Nursing and Psychology, so it’s easy to see why students would come from all over the world to study here.

University of Birmingham

Just behind Glasgow, the University of Birmingham appears at number 12 in the list. This UK red brick university is a member of the elite Russell Group, and a great place to start your career!

University of Liverpool

Fellow Russell Group member the University of Liverpool ranks 13th in the HESA statistics. This globally respected university is based in the lively city of Liverpool. 93% of Kaplan students surveyed said that Liverpool is a great place for international students (Kaplan student satisfaction survey 2019), so you’re sure to enjoy a warm welcome.

University of Nottingham 

The University of Nottingham ranks 18th in the list. This red brick university ranks top 20 in the UK as well as top 110 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). It also has campuses in China and Malaysia and a diverse network of international alumni. This explains why it was International University of the Year 2019 (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide)!

City, University of London

In the UK’s diverse capital city, London, Kaplan partner university, City, University of London ranks 42nd in the list. City is known for its connections with businesses, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking to do an internship or work placement as part of your degree.

Queen Mary University of London

Another Kaplan partner university based in the capital city, Queen Mary University of London is well known for its diverse student body and ranks 16th in the list.

It’s a Russell Group university and is 4th in the UK for international outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024), so if you’re interested in connecting with people from around the world then this is the place to be.

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol ranks 9th in the list. The University is a prestigious Russell Group university, ranks highly for a wide range of subjects, and is home to a global community of students from more than 150 countries.

It’s a world top 60 university according to QS World University Rankings 2025, and it’s ranked 10th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2025).

University of Westminster

The University of Westminster ranks 100th in the list. Students of the University of Westminster benefit from its fantastic location in London, the world’s top academic city (QS Best Student Cities 2025)!

Study abroad in the UK with Kaplan

Kaplan can help you gain entry to some of the most international universities in the UK. If you’re interested in studying at any of our fantastic partner institutions, or want to know how a pathway course could help you follow your path to a great degree, explore the links below, or get in touch.