Filipino students often gravitate towards practical and high-return disciplines. Here are some of the best courses to study in the UK:

• Business and Management: With strong demand globally, a degree in Business and Management is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and future executives.
• Medicine and Healthcare: Students in Medicine and Healthcare receive excellent training and clinical experience through affiliations with NHS institutions.
• Engineering: UK universities offer a wide array of cutting-edge programmes, spanning from mechanical to software engineering.
• Law: Law degrees from the UK are globally respected and provide clear pathways to a successful international legal practice.
• Psychology: A high-paying degree in Psychology sharpens your critical thinking, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Arts and Design: Creative hubs in London and other UK cities provide top-tier training and valuable exposure for students in Arts and Design.

Here’s a look at the UK’s elite universities, focusing on what truly matters for students from the Philippines—from outstanding career prospects to a supportive and vibrant international community.

Whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course, you will need to meet specific academic, language, and financial requirements.

This checklist outlines everything you need to successfully begin your application process. It also clarifies the differences in application routes UCAS for undergraduate courses in the UK and direct applications for most postgraduate programmes.

• Completed high school (K-12 or equivalent) for undergraduate studies
• Bachelor’s degree for postgraduate or MBA courses
• Transcripts with a grading system explained
• Must meet minimum entry grades set by UK institutions
• Check specific course prerequisites at UK universities for international students

• Valid Passport (valid for the entire duration of your course with an additional 6 months)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) – your motivation to study in the UK
• Letter(s) of Recommendation (LORs) – from teachers, employers, or academic mentors
• CV/Resume – for postgraduate or MBA applications
• Proof of work experience – if applying to professional courses like an MBA

You must prove your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

• IELTS for UKVI (Academic): Minimum overall band score of 6.0–7.5, depending on course
• CEFR Level B2: For degree-level and above
• Some universities accept PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or other SELT tests
• If studied in a UK school previously, some exemptions apply

If you are planning to study in the UK as a Filipino student, understanding the student visa process is critical. Here's a step-by-step overview based on current UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations.

To apply for a UK Student visa (previously Tier 4), you must:

• Be 16 years or older

• Have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor (your university)

• Show sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs

• Demonstrate English proficiency

• Provide parental consent and documentation if you are under 18

• If you're 16 or 17 and applying to an independent school, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

Apply online via the official UK government portal.

Timelines:

• Outside the UK: Apply up to 6 months before your course start date. Decision typically within 3 weeks.

• Inside the UK: Apply up to 3 months before the course starts. Decision typically within 8 weeks.

You will need to provide:

• Valid passport or travel document

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university

• Proof of funds for tuition + living expenses

• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (mandatory for Filipino students)

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (if applicable)

• Parental consent and proof of relationship if under 18

• Written consent from the sponsor (if sponsored in the last 12 months)

You must prove that you can speak, read, write, and understand English at the required level.

Accepted Methods:

• IELTS for UKVI or other Secure English Language Tests (SELT)
• Academic qualifications in English from UK schools (GCSE, A levels)
• Degree-level education conducted in English (validated by ECCTIS if outside the UK)

CEFR Level Requirements:

After submission, book a biometric appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide:

• Fingerprints
• Photograph

This is required for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which you must collect upon arrival in the UK.

Visa decisions usually take:

• 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK
• 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK

You can travel to the UK:

• Up to 1 week before your course if it's 6 months or less
• Up to 1 month before if it's more than 6 months

With a UK Student visa, you:

1. Can study and possibly work part-time, depending on your course
2. Cannot claim public funds or be self-employed
3. Must follow all visa terms strictly

• Visa Fee: £524

• Healthcare Surcharge: Variable, based on your visa duration.

Bringing Dependants

Students on postgraduate research programmes (e.g., a PhD or other research-based higher degree) are now eligible to bring their partner and children. Each dependent must pay the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge. Your partner and child must each have a certain amount of money available to them. This is in addition to the money you must have to support yourself

• £845 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London

• £680 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

Want to Stay Longer?

After your course, you can:

• Extend your student visa (if eligible)

• Switch to a Graduate visa (Post-study work visa UK) to stay for at least 2 more years

UK graduates are among the most employable globally. Many students report promotions, better roles, and higher salaries post-graduation. Still, understanding your financial commitments is key before you begin your journey.

Below is a breakdown of what it costs to study in the UK, including tuition and typical monthly living expenses, both in London and outside London.

Note: Fees vary by course and institution. Check the official site of your chosen university or college to get exact figures. You can also get in touch with our AECC counsellors.

Budgeting Tip: Students in London can save 30% on travel with a Student Oyster Card + National Rail Card combo.

These estimates include your basic living expenses while you study in the UK. The figures will vary based on your personal lifestyle and accommodation choices.

• Look for catered or university-managed housing for easier budget control.
• Many UK universities for international students offer discounted student meal plans.
• Track your spending using student finance apps or university budgeting tools.

For many aspiring students, scholarships make the dream of studying in the UK a reality. They help reduce the financial burden of tuition and living expenses, making UK education more accessible. Here are some of the most popular scholarships available to Filipino students:

Securing a scholarship not only eases the cost of studying in the UK but also opens access to elite universities and vibrant student networks. Scholarships are often awarded based on merit, need, or leadership qualities, so it’s worth applying if you meet the criteria.

Working part-time while studying in the UK can help cover your expenses, build work experience, and improve your employability. That said, there are clear regulations international students need to follow under the UK Student visa route. Here's a quick and practical guide:

• During term time: Up to 20 hours per week
• During university holidays: Full-time work is allowed

You’re allowed to take paid work in most sectors and at any level. You're not restricted to working on campus. Common part-time jobs include:

• Retail assistant
• Waitstaff/barista
• Library or university admin roles
• Research assistant
• Customer service agent

You cannot:

• Be self-employed or run a business (includes selling items online)
• Work in the entertainment industry (e.g., actor, dancer)
• Be a professional athlete or coach
• Take up gig economy jobs (e.g., Uber, Deliveroo, DPD)—these count as self-employment

• Internships that are part of your academic programme don’t count towards the 20-hour limit.
• Volunteering is allowed, but only if it meets the UK Home Office’s definition (no contract, not replacing a paid employee).

As of 1 April 2025, these are the hourly wage rates:

You are legally entitled to this pay, regardless of employer size.

Yes. To work in the UK, you’ll need a National Insurance (NI) number. This tracks your tax and social security contributions. You can start working without one, but you’ll need to apply as soon as possible.

• University career portals – Often list on-campus and nearby roles
• Student union job boards
• Job sites – Try Indeed, StudentJob, Reed, or TotalJobs
• Networking – Ask your peers or tutors for referrals or tips

One of the biggest draws for international students choosing the UK is the Graduate Route Visa, which offers the opportunity to stay back and work after studies. Here's a simple guide to what it offers and how it can lead to permanent residency (PR).

The Graduate Route Visa allows international students who complete an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK to stay and work for up to 2 years after graduation (or 3 years for PhD graduates).

You can apply if:

• You have successfully completed your degree at a UK Higher Education provider with a valid Student visa.
• Your university has notified the Home Office of your course completion
• You apply from within the UK before your current visa expires.

You’re free to:

• Work full-time in any role (no minimum salary threshold)
• Take internships or part-time roles
• Be self-employed or freelance (under permitted guidelines)

If you secure a job with a registered sponsor paying the required salary, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa. This counts towards your 5-year PR track.

• STEM grads and professionals in shortage occupations receive extra points
• Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List add 20 bonus points for Skilled Worker eligibility.

Want to stay in the UK long-term? Here’s a typical pathway:

• Finish a degree at a UK university
• Apply for Graduate Route Visa (2 or 3 years, depending on degree level)
• Search for a job in your field or any role during this period
• Secure a sponsored role: Apply for Skilled Worker Visa
• Live and work in the UK for 5 years: Apply for Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

The UK offers Filipino students high-quality education, career prospects, and an experience of a lifetime. With strong communities, top-notch universities, and a supportive visa policy, your decision to study in the UK could be the best step forward. Start researching UK universities for international students, explore the scholarships to study in the UK, and take that first step with AECC Philippines.