The four nations that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The term "United Kingdom" is commonly used to refer to this political union. Great Britain is an island shared by Wales, Scotland, and England that is located on the northwest coast of continental Europe. The fourth nation is Northern Ireland, which is a part of a larger island that is divided in half by the south-facing autonomous Republic of Ireland. Gibraltar and Bermuda are two more foreign territories owned by the UK.The UK has developed into one of the world's most popular study abroad locations. The United Kingdom has much to offer overseas students that other English-speaking nations cannot, including traditions of quality extending back hundreds of years, prestigious institutions at every turn, and far more flexibility than many other countries.

Over 140 universities and other higher education establishments in the UK are available to international students thinking about studying there, and each one offers a wide selection of internationally recognized postsecondary degrees. Students enroll in either a one-year postgraduate course or a three-year undergraduate degree.