Top UK Cities for International Students from Kenya, East, and West Africa
We've previously written about the most in-demand courses and careers globally and in the UK but the next question we always get is: what are some of the best cities to study these courses in?
We answer this question in detail in this article. We have explored these cities as rated by students. We've also used data on cost of living. Accounts and testimonials of some of the students we've recruited for UK universities were also taken into consideration.
(In case you missed the article on the in-demand course and careers in the UK and globally, you can access it from the link below)
In-Demand Careers and Courses in the UK for International StudentsStudy Abroad-Aqeducation
Also Read: The Complete UK Universities Guide for International StudentsStudy Abroad-Aqeducation
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, and for students from Kenya, East, and West Africa, the UK offers a diverse range of cities with high-quality education and exciting opportunities. While the UK is home to world-renowned universities, some cities stand out for their affordability, cultural diversity, and strong international student communities. This guide focuses on cities that provide excellent academic resources and also cater to students from developing countries, making it easier to pursue your dreams without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive into the best UK cities for international students from Kenya and other parts of East and West Africa, highlighting affordable living, university options, and real experiences from students like you.
1. London
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Cost of Living: High. Expect to spend £1,200-£1,800/month.
Opportunities for International Students: As the UK’s global hub for business, finance, and culture, London offers unmatched career opportunities. However, it’s important to prepare for higher living costs.
Top Universities:
- University College London (UCL)
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics (LSE)
- King's College London
- University of London
Bonus: Hatfield, where University of Hertfordshire is located, is described as "Living in London without Paying the Higher Taxes of London". This is because it's located just 30 minutes from the Capital, allowing you to access everything London has to offer. Popular courses at Herts include nursing, STEM courses, and various Business courses, LLM, and Education. You can sign up here to get free application to study at the University of Hertfordshire Study Abroad-Aqeducation
Student Testimonial:
"Coming from Nairobi, London felt like a massive leap in terms of opportunities. I’ve connected with many African students here, and the job market in London is something I’ve really taken advantage of. It’s expensive, but the exposure and opportunities make it worthwhile." – Wanjiru, Kenya
2. Manchester
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Cost of Living: Moderate. £800-£1,100/month.
Opportunities for International Students: Manchester offers a vibrant, student-friendly environment with numerous opportunities in business, engineering, and media, while remaining more affordable than London.
Top Universities:
- University of Manchester
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- University of Salford
- The University of Bolton
- Manchester Business School
Student Testimonial:
"I found Manchester to be an ideal balance of affordability and opportunity. The international community here is very supportive, and I’ve made lots of friends from different parts of Africa." – Kofi, Ghana
PS: Did you know that you can study Msc Nursing at the University of Salford Manchester for just 1 year if you have a Bsc Nursing degree? No IELTS needed. Enjoy low fee of 14500 and up to 7 monthly installments in fee payment.
3. Edinburgh
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Cost of Living: Moderate. £900-£1,300/month.
Opportunities for International Students: Known for its rich history and academic excellence, Edinburgh is a top destination for students looking to thrive in research and cultural studies.
Top Universities:
- University of Edinburgh
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh Napier University
- Queen Margaret University
- University of the Highlands and Islands
Student Testimonial:
"Edinburgh has been incredible! The city is beautiful, and the University of Edinburgh is top-notch. The cost of living is higher than some places, but it’s a very safe and welcoming city for international students." – Amina, Nigeria
4. Oxford
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Cost of Living: High. £1,200-£1,500/month.
Opportunities for International Students: The University of Oxford is world-famous for its academic rigor, and though the city is expensive, the opportunities and resources it provides make it a desirable choice.
Top Universities:
- University of Oxford
- Oxford Brookes University
- University of the Arts, Oxford
- Ruskin College
- Rewley House
Student Testimonial:
"Studying at Oxford has been a dream come true! As a student from Kenya, I’ve found the international community here incredibly diverse, and there are scholarships available for students from Africa, which helps a lot." – Joseph, Kenya
5. Glasgow
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Cost of Living: Low. £700-£1,000/month.
Opportunities for International Students: Glasgow offers a blend of affordable living and access to strong educational programs, especially in engineering, business, and health.
Top Universities:
- University of Glasgow
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow School of Art
- Glasgow International College
Student Testimonial:
"I come from Accra, Ghana, and Glasgow was an easy choice for me. The cost of living here is reasonable, and the community is very supportive of international students. The universities here are top quality." – Kwame, Ghana
6. Birmingham
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Cost of Living: Moderate. £800-£1,100/month.
Opportunities for International Students: Birmingham is a melting pot of cultures and offers solid academic options with a growing job market in engineering, business, and health.
Did you know that Birmingham is also called "Hustlers Paradise" because of it's enterprising population?
Top Universities:
- University of Birmingham
- Birmingham City University
- Aston University
- University College Birmingham
- Birmingham Conservatoire
- Ulster University Birmingham Campus (Bonus point: It's the most affordable university in the UK for international students)
Student Testimonial:
"Birmingham is a fantastic city for students, especially those from Africa. I’ve made friends from across the continent, and the job prospects after graduation are really good. The cost of living is also very manageable." – Chidinma, Nigeria
7. Bristol
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Cost of Living: Moderate. £900-£1,200/month.
Opportunities for International Students: Bristol is known for its thriving tech scene and innovative spirit, offering great opportunities for students interested in creative fields and engineering.
Top Universities:
- University of Bristol
- University of the West of England
- Bristol Business School
- City of Bristol College
- Bristol Institute of Modern Music
Student Testimonial:
"Bristol has been a great place to study, especially for someone like me from Lagos, Nigeria. The city has a really creative vibe, and the university provides excellent support for international students." – Olamide, Nigeria
Bonus point: Bristol has so many opportunities for international students to study as they work, significantly reducing the financial burden you have to bear.
8. Norwich
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Cost of Living: Low. £700-£1,000/month.
Opportunities for International Students: Norwich is a smaller city, but it has plenty to offer international students with fewer universities, meaning more opportunities to shine.
Top Universities:
- University of East Anglia (UEA)
- Norwich University of the Arts
- City College Norwich
- Norwich Business School
- East Anglia University
Student Testimonial:
"Coming from Kenya, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a smaller city, but Norwich has been fantastic. The university is welcoming, and there are a lot of opportunities for international students to get involved. Plus, living costs are lower than in other big cities." – Lydia, Kenya
9. Leeds
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Cost of Living: Low. £700-£1,000/month.
Opportunities for International Students: Leeds offers a rich student experience, with lots of career prospects and a lower cost of living than southern UK cities.
Top Universities:
- University of Leeds
- Leeds Beckett University
- Leeds Trinity University
- Leeds College of Art
- Leeds City College
Student Testimonial:
"I’ve loved my time in Leeds. The city has a great atmosphere, and there are plenty of student-friendly places to live. As a student from Ghana, I feel very much at home here." – Nana, Ghana
10. Sheffield
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Cost of Living: Low. £650-£900/month.
Opportunities for International Students: Sheffield is an excellent choice for students interested in research and engineering. It’s also one of the more affordable cities for students.
Top Universities:
- University of Sheffield
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Sheffield College
- Sheffield International College
- University of Sheffield International College
Student Testimonial:
"I chose Sheffield because it’s affordable and full of opportunities. As an international student from Nigeria, I’ve found the community here very welcoming and the universities very supportive." – Faith, Nigeria
11. Cambridge
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Cost of Living: High. £1,200-£1,500/month.
Opportunities for International Students: Cambridge is globally renowned for its educational excellence, and though the cost of living is high, the rewards are substantial in terms of academic resources and career prospects.
Top Universities:
- University of Cambridge
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Cambridge Regional College
- Cambridge Theological Federation
- University of East Anglia
Student Testimonial:
"The University of Cambridge was my dream university. As a student from Kenya, it was an honor to be accepted. The city is beautiful, but the living costs can be challenging, so I recommend applying for scholarships." – Daniel, Kenya
12. Cardiff
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Cost of Living: Low. £650-£900/month.
Opportunities for International Students: Cardiff is a dynamic, vibrant city with great opportunities for students, particularly in media, business, and healthcare.
Top Universities:
- Cardiff University
- University of South Wales
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
- University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Student Testimonial:
"Cardiff has been a great choice for me. The cost of living is very manageable, and the university offers excellent support. I’ve made great friends from other African countries, and the city is very welcoming." – Tariq, Sudan
Start Your UK Journey with AQ Education
At AQ Education, we have over a decade of experience helping students from Kenya, East, and West Africa successfully apply to study in the UK. As certified agents and counselors by the British Council, we offer free counseling, application assistance, and expert visa application guidance. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your educational journey is smooth, from application to arrival in the UK.
Sign up today for a personalized assessment and let us guide you through every step of your application. Whether you’re looking for advice on which city suits you best or need help with visa paperwork, AQ Education is here to help!
👉 Sign up for your free assessment here
Final Thoughts
The UK is a fantastic destination for international students from Kenya, East, and West Africa. Whether you’re looking for a big city experience in London or the affordability of smaller cities like Norwich or Sheffield, there’s a UK city that’s perfect for your academic and personal growth. Each city provides unique opportunities for African students, with the added bonus of a supportive, diverse community and access to quality education. Take your time, consider your options, and embark on an unforgettable educational journey in the UK!