Is Studying In The UK As An International Student Worth It?

Navigating a lengthy application process, paying so much money, and meeting so many requirements, it’s common for students to wonder if it’s worth it to study law in the UK. So is it? According to UK universities, law was the second most popular course applied for by international students. 

The total applications received went up to 37,025, which is huge. The number clearly shows the value of becoming a lawyer in the UK. 

Furthermore, the strong global reputation, different degree options, global community, hands-on experience, and the ability to work on big international deals are the reasons that make studying in the UK from Pakistan worthwhile.

Benefits of Studying Law In The UK

Studying Law in the United Kingdom offers you many benefits, such as a strong global reputation, multiple topics to choose from, a global community, real-world experience, and the ability to work on international deals.

Strong Global Reputation

UK law degrees are valued and respected all around the world. It’s because the UK system has been used in international laws for decades.To date, it’s used in governing international law, and hence, whatever you study is applicable in the laws of most countries.This is the reason why, when you have a UK law degree, it’s easier for you to find jobs in any country you want.

Choose What You Want to Study

Unlike other countries where you get limited law topics to study, in the UK, you can study whatever topic you want. Whether it’s human rights, business law, sports, tort, criminal, equity, property, constitutional, or administrative, you can study all based on your interests.

Meet People From Everywhere

The UK is a hub of thousands of students from all over the world with different cultures and perspectives. You can meet them, talk to them, and learn from them, which will help you grow in your career faster as a lawyer in the UK.

Real Work Experience and Connections

The UK isn’t about theory but practicality. Whatever you study, you can practise through internships, or you can visit different law firms such as Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, which all have headquarters in the country.

Work on Big International Deals

The UK is home to many top and globally recognised law firms, including Allen & Overy, Linklaters, Slaughter and May, Clifford Chance, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. You’re well-trained to work on the big cases, and if you get lucky, you may also get into these global law firms. The best part? All of these have a headquarters in the UK itself, which means you won’t need to go to any other country to work for them.If you’re willing to study law in the UK from Pakistan, the lengthy process and the challenges and failures may put you off. 

You may feel overwhelmed, which is okay, as it’s indeed a time-consuming and challenging process. Let’s simplify the process for you by breaking down every single step.

Meet the Criteria

Studying law in the UK depends on the university you’re applying to. Usually, these are the criteria that UK law universities need you to meet as an undergraduate and a postgraduate international student.

Undergraduate (LLB)

  • The IELTS score should be between 5.5 and 6.5, depending on the university
  • LNAT might be needed for some law schools in the UK
  • No need to take the LSAT for UK law programs
  • You’ll need at least 67% in your 12th grade or a GPA of 2.9 out of 4

Postgraduate (LLM)

  • IELTS requirement usually falls between 6.5 and 7.0
  • You don’t always need a law degree to apply, but you must show legal understanding
  • Most universities look for 55% to 65% in your LLB or equivalent degree
  • Courses let you focus on specific areas like corporate law or human rights

Get A Student Visa

To go to the UK to study law, you need to get a Student visa. When you apply for it, here’s what you need to know:

  • You’re allowed to work 20 hours a week during term time
  • You can work full-time during university holidays
  • Work placements are okay if part of your course and under half its length
  • You can stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation with a Graduate visa
  • Always check with your university or the Home Office before starting any job

Cost And Duration Of the Course

If you study LLB in the UK as an international student, this degree takes up to 3 years to complete. The LLM degree for postgraduates takes only a year to complete. 

These are the tuition fees for studying in the UK for international students at different universities:

UniversityTuition Fees Per Year
London South Bank University14900
Coventry University16800
University of Aberdeen18000
Birmingham City University15500
University of Essex18500
Cardiff Metropolitan University16000
Law Scholarships (General Range)18500
De Montfort University15750

Note: The accommodation and eating costs may also be included in the overall expenses of studying law in the UK.

Explore The Scholarships 

As an international student who wants to study in the UK, you have various scholarship options with different requirements. You can go for any of these depending on your qualifications and interests. Let’s explore the best UK law scholarships for international students.

Scholarship NameWho Can ApplyWhat It Offers
John Bloom BursaryUK residents with strong grades and financial needSubstantial support for law students
Freshfields ScholarshipUndergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher£40,000 over three years (renewable)
Bard & Bard BursaryFirst-gen university students with AAB at A-levels£2,500 per year in scholarship funds
Law Society – Diversity SchemeOutstanding students from minority backgroundsThree years of funding for legal education
Loscott Foundation GrantIncome under £34,000 and excellent academic performance; no criminal historyCovers tuition, materials, and study expenses

Best UK Universities For International Law Students

Another challenge that international students who want to face is difficulty in choosing the right law university. Let us make it easier for you with a list of the top UK law universities that you can get into.

  • University of Hull
  • Cardiff Metropolitan University
  • Kingston University
  • University of Bradford
  • London South Bank University
  • Coventry University
  • University of Essex
  • Birmingham City University
  • Aston University
  • De Montfort University
  • University of Aberdeen

 

Final Words

Studying law in the UK can open up doors of opportunity and growth for you. Its law degrees are recognised and respected worldwide and offer you strong employment prospects and work experience opportunities.If you’re from Pakistan or any other country and want to study law in the UK,  you first need to meet the requirements. The requirements are different for each university, but usually, undergraduates need 67% in 12th and IELTS 5.5-6.5. Furthermore, postgraduates need 55–65% in LLB and IELTS 6.5- 7.You also need to have a valid student visa to study in the UK. When you meet the requirements and have the visa, you need to select a reputable UK law university for yourself. If you’re eligible, you can also apply for scholarships that pay for your expenses to study there.If you want to easily navigate the study law in the UK process and avoid failures and errors, then contact StudyLeads, the best UK education consultants in Pakistan. We’ll help you with the application process, visa, choosing the right university, connect you with suitable scholarships, and also help you settle in there.