The universities of the UK are high class and have a very good educational system that creates an attraction for thousands of students outside the UK who come to the country every year. There are not many besides this; however, some universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and University College London are well-known. Still, several underrated UK universities are offering great opportunities for those who look for quality education in a more intimate setting.
University of Lincoln
At the University of Lincoln, located in Lincoln, England, students are offered a wide range of superior quality education in all fields that could be imagined. Its excellent research and innovation legacy is mainly and significantly represented by this fine institution.
Benefits for international students at Lincoln University:
- Location: Located in the heart of Lincoln, with easy accessibility to all local amenities and public transport.
- Student support: Strong community focus and broad student body.
- Accommodation: New, well-kept accommodation for international students.
- Scholarship: To be allocated on merit, from percentage awarded, in proportion to split between academic excellence and/or financial need. Scholarships like Global Leaders Scholarship Application to facilitate student support.
- Career prospects: High-quality education, with a strong orientation toward research and innovation.
University of Hertfordshire

Benefits for international students at University of Hertfordshire :
The modern and lively University of Hertfordshire was established in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, where students can enjoy an excellent academic program in a myriad of disciplines, such as business, computing, and engineering, among others.
- Location: Hatfield campus is located near London and to the principal transport links.
- Campus: Internationally Modern and dynamic studying environment, with a large range of subjects up to higher education.
- Student Support: International students are offered High quality of prestige and support services.
- Residence: New, modern student facilities. A wide range of cultural and leisure facilities are easily available.
- Scholarships: Under the Visa Waiver Scheme, Hertfordshire International College (HIC) will reimburse the standard visa application fee for eligible students.
University of Sunderland
Located in the coastal town of Sunderland in northeast England, this modern and innovative institution has been offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines.
Benefits for international students at Sunderland University:
- Campus Location: The university is located in Sunderland – a port city in northeast England.
- Support for the students: International Student Advice Team and other support services.
- Accommodation: Modern, high-quality accommodation located close to the coast, with sandy beaches and outdoor pursuits easily accessible.
- Scholarships available: There are various scholarship options dependent on merit and financial needs. The university provides International students’ scholarships and bursaries and many more.
University of Worcester
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On the campus of this university, located in historic Worcester city in the West Midlands, England, broad academic programs are offered, with specific emphasis on health, education, and the creative arts.
Benefits for international students at Worcester University:
- Location: Situated in the city of Worcester in the West Midlands of England.
- Courses offered: The range of courses available at the university are focused mainly on health, education and creative arts.
- Student services: Dedicated support services for international students.
- Accommodation: Modern, well-equipped accommodation options on and off campus.
- Scholarships available: International (Non-EU) Merit Based Scholarship ranges from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, Study Abroad Scholarship with a waiver of 15%.
Teesside University
Located in Middlesbrough in northeast England, Teesside University is a relatively young institution offering an excellent mix of undergraduate and graduate courses in a wide range of disciplines, from business, media, to engineering.
Benefits for international students at Teesside:
- Location: Located at Middlesbrough in northeast England.
- Student support: International Student Advice Services, plus other support services.
- Accommodation: Modern, well-equipped facilities to provide for the students.
- Locational benefits: It is located in a pulsating city that provides easy access to local amenities and transportation links. Natural beauty spots and outdoor activities are within close proximity from the institution.
- Scholarships: Students of this institution are rewarded with different types of scholarship based on excellence in academics and the financial need of an individual. This includes the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship and Global Excellence Scholarships.
Staffordshire University
Located in Stoke-on-Trent in the heart of the English Midlands, Staffordshire University offers first-class education in most fields of academic study, with a particular strength in areas such as sport, nursing, and teacher training.
Benefits for international students at Staffordshire:
- Location: The institution is located in Stoke-on-Trent, in the midland of England.
- Career prospects: The institution provides its students with various undergraduate and graduate programs in several streams of studies.
- Support to students: Dedicated international student services and support.
- Accommodation: Modern, well-equipped student accommodation available.
- Location advantages: Situated in a lively city with industrial heritage and cultural attractions. Easy access to major transport links and local amenities.
- Scholarships available: Scholarships available, depending upon academic merit and financial need.
Adult Nursing Bursary: In order to support students who want to enter into the nursing profession
Cost of Living Scholarship: This scholarship is available to new foundation year or first-year students.
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University is a medium-sized institution sited in the city of Leeds, in the county of West Yorkshire, England, and has higher education programs ranging from business and media studies all the way through to health and sport sciences.
Benefits for international students at Leeds Beckett University:
- Location: Leeds has been named the best city to live in the North by The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024 Guide.
- Scholarship opportunities for international students:
Dean’s Undergraduate Scholarship: £6,000 annual scholarship for international students.
Carnegie Sports Scholarship: For sportspersons in different fields. - Accommodation and Housing: Rated as one of the top 10 most affordable cities to live in the UK (NatWest Student Living Index 2024), Leeds is an excellent choice for students looking for a lively and budget-friendly city.
The University of Bolton
Located in Bolton, northwest England, the University of Bolton is a modern campus university offering quality education in a variety of studies, with particular emphasis on health, business, and creative arts disciplines.
Benefits for international students at the University of Bolton:
Location: It is based in Bolton, north western England. Helps in easy access to all the local facilities, transport links, and adjacent to Peak District and other natural scenic beauties.
University recognition: A leading institution providing excellence in research and scholarship with quality education programs in a variety of disciplines. 1st in the North West for Teaching Quality The Times and Sunday Times 2023 UK
Support for students: International student services specifically focused on visa application issues and finding accommodation.
Accommodation: Modern and technologically advanced campus and off-campus accommodations.
Scholarships available to study: Academic Excellence Scholarship of £1000 for students with excellent academic performance.
University of Portsmouth
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Located in the port city of Portsmouth, southern England, the University of Portsmouth is an institution that, particularly recently, has been modernizing, innovating, and offering an abundance of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, health, and computing fields, among others.
Benefits for international students at Portsmouth University:
- Location: The University of Portsmouth is based at the port city of Portsmouth, southern England.
- Student Support: Academic and personal support services available to the international students.
- Accommodation: Both on and off campus, is very good. The university provides catered and non catered residences to students.
- Location Advantages: It is located in a lively town and has direct access to beaches, shopping, and transport links. The historical sites and cultural attractions are close to the location.
Edge Hill University:
In Ormskirk, northwest of England, Edge Hill University provides high-quality undergraduate and graduate study programs in academic fields such as education, health, and the creative arts.
Benefits for International Students at Edge Hill University:
- Location: Located in North West England near local amenities, with good transport links. Easy access to both Liverpool and Manchester.
- Support for students: International Student Advice services, as well as a portfolio of high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Accommodation: Modern, fully-equipped on-campus and off-campus accommodation options.
1st in the UK for accommodation based on their reviews (Uni Compare 2025). - Scholarship opportunities: The University provides scholarships like
Student Opportunity Fund to eligible students.
These UK universities that fly just below the radar offer great educational opportunities for international students and strengths ranging from high-quality academic offerings to supporting students and accommodation options, with each holding unique location-related benefits. These universities are underrated hidden gems that are ideal for international students. Visit TheProEducator for more insights on international education and expert guidance on choosing the right university.
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