STEM Courses in UK for International Students

The UK is one of the top study destinations in the world. In recent years, STEM courses in UK have become extremely popular. Some of the popular STEM courses in the United Kingdom are civil engineering, biochemistry, statistics, computer science, physics, among others.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There is a wide scope of pursuing STEM degree courses in the UK as there is a high demand for STEM graduates in different sectors and industries. Read more to learn everything you need to know about STEM courses in the UK.

Table of Contents

• List of Top Stem Courses in UK
• Highest Paying STEM Programs in the UK
• Best Universities in the UK for STEM Courses
• Why Pursue STEM Courses In The UK?
• How to Select the Right University to Study STEM Courses in UK? 
• Eligibility Criteria for STEM Courses in UK
• How to Apply for STEM Courses in the UK?
  
  • Documents Required
• Cost Of Pursuing STEM Programs in the UK
• Scope of Studying STEM Courses in the UK

List of Top Stem Courses in UK

The UK offers a variety of STEM courses for international students. Some of the most popular STEM courses in the UK are listed below:

• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Biotechnology
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Biomedical Sciences
• Information Technology
• Design and Technology
• Pharmacy
• Life Sciences
• Astronomy
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Materials Engineering

Highest Paying STEM Programs in the UK

STEM courses in the UK provide practical skills that improve employability, opening doors to lucrative career opportunities. The table below provides an overview of the highest paying STEM degree courses in the UK, along with their average salaries and job growth over the next 10 years:

STEM Course	Average Salary (Per Annum)	Estimated Job Growth Rate (10 years)
Civil Engineering	87,060 GBP	6%
Biochemistry	1,05,940 GBP	4.90%
Forest Engineering	1,46,219 GBP	5.50%
Surveying Engineering	66,440 GBP	1.90%
Statistics	1,14,000 GBP	22.50%
Mining and Mineral Engineering	98,420 GBP	5.50%
Computer Software Engineering	1,11,620 GBP	0.80%
Paleontology	1,05,830 GBP	13.90%
Computer Science	1,11,780 GBP	10.80%
Mathematics	1,04,870 GBP	5.60%
Zoology	67,760 GBP	2.30%
Plant Sciences	70,630 GBP	4.70%
Physics	1,22,220 GBP	9%
Petroleum Technology	1,37,720 GBP	3%
Ocean Engineering	98,970 GBP	6.40%
Mechanical Engineering	93,540 GBP	1.30%
Astronomy	1,11,090 GBP	11.40%
Nuclear Physics	79.970 GBP	6.70%
Nutritional Sciences	61,270 GBP	11%

Best Universities in the UK for STEM Courses

Some of the top universities in the UK like the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, etc., offer a number of STEM programs for students across the globe. The table below illustrates the top universities in the UK that offer STEM courses:

University	Subject-Wise QS World Ranking 2021
University of Oxford	Engineering & Technology: 6 Mathematics: 5
University of Cambridge	Engineering & Technology: 3 Mathematics: 4
Imperial College London	Engineering & Technology: 7 Mathematics: 11
University College London	Engineering & Technology: 39 Mathematics: 49
University of Manchester	Engineering & Technology: 45 Mathematics: 51-100
University of Edinburgh	Engineering & Technology: 66 Mathematics: 36
King’s College London	Engineering & Technology: 145 Mathematics: 51-100
University of Bristol	Engineering & Technology: 106 Mathematics: 51-100
University of Warwick	Engineering & Technology: 164 Mathematics: 62
University of Glasgow	Engineering & Technology: 188 Mathematics: 101-150

Why Pursue STEM Courses In The UK?

The UK is considered as one of the best study abroad destinations due to its top ranking universities, top-notch facilities, highly qualified teachers, excellent placements, memorable campus life, and overall personal growth. UK institutions are recognized for their practical and impeccable course curriculums, which makes students highly employable and industry-ready.

Several universities in the UK have been ranked among the top 100 universities around the world and are well known for their innovative, creative, and collaborative learning environments. The top UK universities have highly experienced faculty who know how to promote innovative learning and the scientific way of thinking among their students. In the UK, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degrees and courses are abundant. STEM graduates from UK universities have an edge when it comes to career placements and career opportunities. 

How to Select the Right University to Study STEM Courses in UK? 

Several universities in the United Kingdom offer a diverse range of STEM degree courses. Therefore, it might be challenging for international students to select the right university. However, students can follow the guidelines given below to choose the best suitable course and university for themselves:

• Research about the institution: Before you apply to a university in the UK, it is always a good idea to research well about the university. Consider factors like courses offered, admission requirements, fee structure, atmosphere and reputation of the university, etc. 
• Explore the Campus: Candidates must visit the official website of the university to explore the facilities available in the campus. Additionally, some universities offer students the opportunity to visit their campuses before applying for admission. If possible, you should visit the campus and check out facilities like computer labs, laboratories, accommodation facilities etc.
• Check out the STEM courses offered: A student must select a STEM course based on his/her interests and career goals. UK universities offer a wide range of STEM courses. So, you must explore all the courses offered by different universities in the UK.
• Find out the admission requirements: Each university in the UK has its own set of eligibility requirements. You should not just consider the institution and program but also whether your academic achievements and qualifications are enough to qualify you for one of the prestigious STEM universities in the UK.
• Job opportunities after graduation: Career prospects after graduation are another important consideration for STEM students. Check out the alumni member pages to learn more about career and student support services available to international students. 

Eligibility Criteria for STEM Courses in UK

Aspirants must meet the STEM eligibility criteria to study a STEM course at one of the top UK universities. It should be mentioned that the eligibility criteria will be determined by the universities based on the course and student requirements.

Academic Requirements: 

Applicants who apply for the STEM programmes offered by UK universities must have finished their high school studies in science. Physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics are required for STEM admissions in the United Kingdom.

Non-academic Requirements:

There are other non-academic prerequisites that you, as an international student, must meet to enroll in the institution of your choice. Among them are the following:

• Relevant Work experience: Depending on your chosen level of education, specific colleges may ask you to show documentation of relevant work experience.
• Statement of Purpose: Most UK institutions will require you to submit a Statement of Purpose describing your reasons and motivations for choosing a specific programme and university.
• Letters of Recommendation: Most universities will need you to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or tutors familiar with your academic abilities and skills.

How to Apply for STEM Courses in the UK?

Knowing the stepwise procedure for applying to STEM Courses in UK is very important, it needs to be adhered to strictly to secure admission in the desired course and university. Follow the steps given below:

• Make a list of the STEM courses you want to pursue and learn about the application deadlines.
• Look into the admissions requirements of the university where you desire to pursue your STEM degree.
• Fill out the application form available on the university’s official website. Don’t forget to include a letter of recommendation!
• The university will review your application and contact you with offers and details about the required English Language Tests.
• After receiving approval from the university, you must arrange funds, apply for a student visa, and gather university arrival information.
• To travel to the United Kingdom, a Tier-4 UK student visa will be needed.
• Secure English Language Test (SEL Test) approved by UK Visas and Immigration to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Documents Required

The following documents are required for securing admission in the desired STEM course and university:

• Academic Transcripts
• CV/Resume
• UG Certificates, if you apply for PG Courses
• English language proficiency test scores
• Two Reference Letters
• Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of purpose

Cost Of Pursuing STEM Programs in the UK

STEM courses are in high demand in the UK. The average annual tuition fee of STEM courses varies from £9000-£38000. There are other expenses like accommodation, living and miscellaneous expenses which cost approximately £12000-£15000 per annum. Following is the breakdown of monthly living expenses in the UK for international students:

Particulars	Approximate Costs (in GBP)
House rent	550
Food expenses	200
Transportation costs	90
Clothing expenses	75
Mobile phone charges	30
Gas, electricity, and utilities	60
Miscellaneous expenses	25

Read More: Living Expenses in UK for International Students

Scope of Studying STEM Courses in the UK

STEM graduates in the United Kingdom land some of the highest-paying professions. The following are some of the best-paying STEM courses in the UK, along with their salary ranges:

Course	Average Salary (GBP)
Aeronautical Engineering	51000
Civil Engineering	47500
Computer Science Engineering	47100
Chemical Engineering	45500
Life Sciences	43800
Mathematics	38100
Mechanical Engineering	38700
Electrical Engineering	43400