Finance programs in the United Kingdom for international students
- Advantages of Studying Finance in the United Kingdom
- Formats and Levels of Finance Programs in the United Kingdom
- Top Universities for Finance in the United Kingdom
- Additional Recommended Universities for Finance in the United Kingdom
- How to Apply for Finance Programs in the United Kingdom
- Language and Preparation for Applying to Finance Programs in the United Kingdom
- Tuition Fee for Finance Programs in the United Kingdom
- Scholarships and Grants for Finance Programs in the United Kingdom
- Career Prospects After Studying Finance in the United Kingdom
- Is It Worth Studying Finance in the United Kingdom?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Advantages of Studying Finance in the United Kingdom
Studying finance in the United Kingdom ensures high academic quality, an internationally recognized diploma, and access to the global financial market. British universities hold leading positions in world rankings for finance and economics: Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics, Imperial, and Warwick consistently rank in the top 10 according to the QS Business Master's Rankings 2025 for finance.
Key advantages:
- In-depth training in applied financial analytics, corporate finance, risk management, and financial technologies.
- Strong industry connections – graduates receive offers from leading banks, investment funds, and consulting firms.
- Access to career centers, job fairs, internships, and networking events.
- Prestige of the university brand – recognition in professional circles and enhanced resume appeal.
Formats and Levels of Finance Programs in the United Kingdom
- Bachelor's (Bachelor in Finance / Economics and Finance) – 3 years, with some programs offering a placement year for practical experience in a financial company.
- Master's (MSc Finance, MSc Financial Economics and similar) – half-year or one-year programs with a focus on applied finance and career development.
- Top-up and Pre-experience formats – one-year Master of Finance programs for students with experience or a degree.
- Postgraduate Diploma / Certificate – short-term courses for professional specialization without a degree.
Top Universities for Finance in the United Kingdom
| University | Program | Tuition fee for international students | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford (Said) | MSc Financial Economics | £47,000–55,000 | Program #1 in QS Master's Rankings; focus on high finance and connections with the investment sector |
| London Business School | Masters in Financial Analysis | Approx. £47,000 | Ranked #4 worldwide by QS; specialization in quantitative finance and trading |
| University of Cambridge (Judge) | Master of Finance | £46,000–55,000 | Ranked #5 worldwide; designed for students with finance experience |
| London School of Economics (LSE) | MSc Finance / Finance and Economics | £41,000–45,000 | Known for academic rigor and career opportunities; ranked #3–9 in QS subject ranking |
| Imperial College London (Business Sch) | MSc Finance | £38,000–45,000 | Strong positions in FinTech and analytics; QS rank MSc Finance #14–15 |
Additional Recommended Universities for Finance in the United Kingdom
| University | Program | Tuition fee (approx.) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| City, University of London (Bayes) | MSc Finance | £32,000–35,000 | Strong connections with financial and consulting firms, accreditations from ICAEW, ACCA |
| University of Strathclyde | MSc Finance / Accounting and Finance | £24,000 | More affordable prices, good career track and ACCA/CIMA accreditations |
| University of Leeds | MSc Finance | £28,000–29,000 | Recognized for strong specializations in corporate finance and auditing |
| University of Glasgow | MSc Finance / Accounting and Finance | £18,000–22,000 | High placement rate (~85%), budget-friendly alternative for international students |
How to Apply for Finance Programs in the United Kingdom
- Choose a university and program level: Bachelor's or Master's.
- Prepare documents:
- Diploma or certificate and transcript with grades;
- Resume (CV);
- Motivation letter;
- Letters of recommendation (1–2).
- Proof of English proficiency: IELTS (6.5–7.0), TOEFL (~90–100), Duolingo (from ~120 points).
- Register for GMAT or GRE, especially for competitive Master's programs.
- Apply through UCAS (for Bachelor's) or directly via the university website (for Master's and PhD).
- Receive admission results.
Language and Preparation for Applying to Finance Programs in the United Kingdom
If your English level is below requirements, you can take:
- Pre-sessional English programme – 6–12 week English courses before the main program begins.
- Foundation or International Year One – preparatory programs for Bachelor's, covering language and specialized subjects.
- Some universities offer Bridge Year programs, combining academic and language preparation.
Tuition Fee for Finance Programs in the United Kingdom
- Bachelor's: from £25,000 to £30,000 per year.
- Master's: from £30,000 to £55,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
- Budget options (Strathclyde, Manchester, Glasgow): from £20,000 to £35,000.
Estimated additional expenses:
- Accommodation: in London £1,200–1,500/month, in other cities £800–1,200.
- Food and transportation: £300–500/month.
- Insurance: ~£470/year.
- Study materials: ~£500/year.
- Visa and processing: student visa (~£490).
Total expenses in London may reach ~£2,500/month; in other cities – ~£1,400–1,800 per month.
Scholarships and Grants for Finance Programs in the United Kingdom
International students from CIS countries and India may qualify for the following types of support:
- Academic scholarships – based on high grades and achievements: e.g., International Excellence Scholarship or Merit Award.
- Financial aid – for students with limited financial means.
- Motivational scholarships – for strong motivation letters and personal qualities.
- University grants – awarded competitively or automatically after application.
- Assistantship positions – teaching or research assistantship, common in Master's and PhD programs.
Typical scholarship application deadlines are 4–8 months before studies begin (most often in spring for the autumn semester).
Career Prospects After Studying Finance in the United Kingdom
Graduates are in demand in the following areas:
- Investment banking, corporate finance, asset management;
- FinTech companies, risk management, consulting;
- Analytics, auditing, private equity management.
Popular job titles:
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banking Associate
- Risk Manager
- Corporate Finance Analyst
- FinTech Consultant
Employers: major banks, investment funds, consulting firms, financial technology companies. Average starting salary: £40,000–60,000, in best cases up to £90,000 and above.
Internships are often available through university career centers and job fairs.
Is It Worth Studying Finance in the United Kingdom?
Studying finance in the United Kingdom is a serious investment with high ROI. Compared to the USA or Canada, it's possible to complete a Master's in one year, reduce costs, and enter the job market faster. Compared to Europe, the academic level and networking opportunities in London and Oxford are more powerful. Alternatives: Switzerland, Netherlands, Singapore are strong in finance, but often more expensive or require extensive preparation and language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What finance programs are available for international students in the United Kingdom?
Bachelor's in Finance or Economics and Finance, Master of Science / Master of Finance, postgraduate diplomas and certificates.
2. What is the tuition fee for finance programs in the United Kingdom?
From £30,000 to £55,000 per year depending on the level and university. More affordable programs (£20,000–35,000) are available in less expensive cities.
3. What are the English requirements for finance programs in the United Kingdom?
IELTS minimum 6.5–7.0, TOEFL from 90, Duolingo from ~120. Pre-sessional language preparation is available if scores are insufficient.
4. Can I get a scholarship for finance studies in the United Kingdom?
Yes, academic and motivational scholarships, university grants, and assistantship positions for Master's are available.
5. What are the employment prospects after a finance program in the United Kingdom?
High demand in investment banking, FinTech, consulting. Average starting salary £40,000–60,000 with potential growth to £90,000 and above.