The UK is home to an impressive roster of world-renowned universities. More specifically, there are a total of 90 UK-based universities in the QS World University Rankings for 2021, with four in the global top 10.
Here are the top 3 globally-renowned universities in the UK:
1. University of Oxford
UK RANK: 1 GLOBAL RANK: 5
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, Oxford has long attracted top scholars. It has more than 100 libraries and a number of museums including the Museum of the History of Science, which displays a blackboard once used by Albert Einstein.
More than 30 world leaders, 27 British prime ministers, 50 Nobel prizewinners and 120 Olympic medalists were educated at Oxford. Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde and J.R.R. Tolkien are a few of its famous graduates.
2. University of Cambridge
UK RANK: 2 GLOBAL RANK: 7
The University of Cambridge is yet another historically-renowned university.
Just an hour outside London, Cambridge is known for its excellence in mathematics and has educated 117 Nobel laureates. Notable alumni include actors, politicians, royals, athletes and cultural figures, including biologist Charles Darwin, environmental broadcaster David Attenborough, and conservationist Jane Goodall.
3. Imperial College London
UK RANK: 3 GLOBAL RANK: 8
Imperial College London is consistently ranked among the best universities in the world for science, technology, engineering, medicine and business.
In addition to top scientists, Fields medalists and Nobel prizewinners, Imperial also produces influential government advisers and policymakers. Many graduates go on to achieve innovations in industry and business, and are highly sought after by top companies and start-ups.
Author H. G. Wells and Sir Liam Donaldson, head physician to the Queen, are among its famous alumni.
Access UK universities as a UK resident
It goes without saying that when it comes to securing a child’s future, one of the best ways to give them a leg up is via an excellent education. An improved chance to attend any of the universities mentioned above is an incredible opportunity for any student.
The good news is, these universities can become more accessible to your children, and at more affordable tuition rates, by securing residency in the UK.
“Figures supplied by Oxford showed that UK applicants are far more likely to be offered a place compared with their EU and non-EU peers. Nearly one in four UK applicants – 23% - were made an offer, compared with one in 10 non-EU applicants and one in eight EU applicants.”
Furthermore, UK citizens do not have to pay the higher “Overseas” tuition rate that these universities charge.
Obtaining UK Residency and ILR
If you are interested in securing residency and the right to settle in the UK indefinitely in order to create a better future for yourself and your family, there are currently two investment pathways we can assist with:
The UK Innovator Visa Program
The UK Innovator Visa was created for experienced professionals looking to expand their business acumen to the UK. Applicants can establish their own business, or invest in an existing UK-based business, including innovative startups expected to grow significantly. At HNWI, we’ve curated a portfolio of businesses that are all pre-endorsed by a government-authorized endorsing body because they are innovative, viable and scalable. This is determined by stringent criteria and very few businesses make the cut. Pre-endorsement makes the application process faster.
Approved candidates can reside in the UK for 3 years at a time and bring their family members to the UK. After the initial 3 years, Innovators can apply to extend their stay for an additional 3 years or to settle permanently in the UK under indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Investment required: £200,000 or more
Processing time: 3-4 months to innovator visa approval
The UK Investor Visa
The UK Tier 1 Investor Visa program has been intentionally created to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and other highly-talented individuals that will drive business and prosperity in the UK.
The UK Tier-1 Investor Visa offers the opportunity to live and work in the United Kingdom by investing in its economy. It requires a minimum qualifying investment of two million GBP within three months of entry into the United Kingdom. The investment must be maintained until permanent residence is granted. Upon completion of five years of continuous lawful residence of 185 days or more per year, the main applicant and respective family members can apply to be granted settlement, i.e., Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
There is also an accelerated route to settlement. Applicants who increase their qualifying financial investment in the UK to a total of five million GBP can apply for settlement after three years, while a financial investment of 10 million GBP qualifies the applicant for settlement within two years.
Investment required: £2 million, £5 million, £10 million
Processing time: 3-4 months to investor visa approval
Next Steps
If you are interested in learning more about the UK Innovator Visa or UK Investor Visa Programs, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you with the next steps.
