Best Universities in the UK for Finance Students 2025

The United Kingdom has long been a global leader in education, research, and financial services. Known as the home of the world’s largest financial hub, London, the UK attracts students who want to pursue careers in investment banking, asset management, financial consulting, corporate finance, and fintech. Suppose you are planning to study abroad and want to know the best universities in the UK for finance. In that case, this guide covers everything from top-ranking universities to fees, scholarships, and career opportunities.

Why Study Finance in the UK?

World-Class Universities

The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, consistently ranked high in global subject rankings for finance, economics, and business.

Global Financial Hub

London is considered the financial capital of Europe and one of the leading financial cities globally. Studying here gives students direct exposure to internships, networking events, and top recruiters.

Wide Range of Courses

Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree (BSc in Finance), a postgraduate degree (MSc in Finance), or an MBA specialising in finance, UK universities offer flexible programs tailored to different career paths.

High Employability

Graduates of finance programs in the UK work with leading global employers, including the Big Four accounting firms, investment banks, multinational corporations, and fintech companies.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

International students can benefit from prestigious scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, and university-specific funding options, making studying in the UK more affordable.

List of Finance Courses Abroad & Eligibility

1. Undergraduate Courses in Finance (Bachelor’s Level)

Popular Degrees:

• BSc Finance
• BSc Accounting & Finance
• BBA with Finance Specialisation
• BA in Financial Economics

Eligibility:

• Completion of Class 12 / High School with Mathematics or Economics as one subject.
• Minimum 65–80% in academics (varies by country/university).
• English proficiency tests: IELTS (6.0–6.5), TOEFL (80–90), or PTE equivalent.
• Some top universities (LSE, Oxford) may require entrance exams or additional assessments.

2. Postgraduate Courses in Finance (master’s Level)

Popular Degrees:

• MSc Finance
• MSc Financial Economics
• MSc Quantitative Finance/Financial Engineering
• MSc Banking & Risk Management
• MSc Fintech & Digital Finance

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Business, Mathematics, or related field.
• Minimum GPA equivalent of 2:1 or 60–70% (depends on university).
• GRE/GMAT scores may be required by top universities (e.g., LSE, Oxford).
• English proficiency tests: IELTS (6.5–7.0), TOEFL (90–100).
• Some universities prefer prior work/internship experience for applied finance programs.

3. MBA in Finance

Popular Programs:

• MBA with Finance Specialisation
• Global MBA in Banking & Finance
• Executive MBA (Finance track)

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
• Minimum 2–3 years of work experience in business/finance preferred.
• GMAT or GRE (often required by top schools like LBS, INSEAD, Wharton).
• English proficiency tests: IELTS (7.0+), TOEFL (100+).
• Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs).

4. Professional & Diploma Courses in Finance

Popular Options:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Chartered Accountant (CA / ACA – UK)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Diploma in International Banking & Finance
• Diploma in Financial Risk Management

Eligibility:

• Varies by program.
• CFA requires a bachelor’s degree, or final-year UG students can apply.
• Professional diplomas usually require a 12th pass / UG qualification.
• No strict English test requirement unless tied to a university.

5. Doctoral Programs (PhD in Finance)

Popular Areas:

• Corporate Finance
• Quantitative Finance
• Behavioural Finance
• International Banking & Economics

Eligibility:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, or related fields.
• Strong academic record (70%+ or equivalent GPA).
• GRE/GMAT scores may be needed.
• Research proposal and academic references.
• IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100+.

Quick Summary Table 

Top Universities for Finance in the UK

Here’s a list of some of the best universities in the UK for finance, with their highlights and course offerings.

1. University of Oxford

• Overview: Known globally for academic excellence, Oxford’s Saïd Business School is one of the top destinations for finance education.
• Programs: MSc in Financial Economics, MBA with finance specialisation.
• Highlights: Strong research, close ties with financial institutions, global alumni network.
• Tuition Fees: £31,000–£45,000 annually (program-dependent).

2. University of Cambridge

• Overview: Cambridge Judge Business School offers some of the most competitive finance programs in the world.
• Programs: MPhil in Finance, MBA Finance Pathway.
• Highlights: Highly ranked, excellent faculty, strong research focus.
• Tuition Fees: £29,000–£42,000 annually.

3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

• Overview: A global powerhouse for economics and finance, consistently ranked top worldwide.
• Programs: BSc Finance, MSc Finance, MSc Financial Mathematics.
• Highlights: London location, industry connections, strong placement support.
• Tuition Fees: £24,000–£36,000 annually.

4. London Business School (LBS)

• Overview: A world-leading business school with a strong reputation for MBA and executive education.
• Programs: Master’s in finance (MiF), MBA with finance concentration.
• Highlights: Global ranking, direct ties to investment banks, strong alumni network.
• Tuition Fees: £45,000–£55,000.

5. University of Warwick

• Overview: Warwick Business School (WBS) is highly regarded for finance, business, and economics.
• Programs: BSc Accounting & Finance, MSc Finance.
• Highlights: High graduate employability, cutting-edge research, global outlook.
• Tuition Fees: £25,000–£38,000.

6. University of Manchester

• Overview: Alliance Manchester Business School offers a wide range of finance programs.
• Programs: BSc Finance, MSc Quantitative Finance.
• Highlights: Strong research ranking, diverse student community, industry connections.
• Tuition Fees: £23,000–£35,000.

7. University of Edinburgh

• Overview: The Business School offers finance programs blending theory and practice.
• Programs: MSc Finance, MSc Banking & Risk.
• Highlights: Globally recognised, excellent research facilities, strong industry ties.
• Tuition Fees: £22,000–£33,000.

8. Imperial College London

• Overview: A STEM and business powerhouse, offering highly ranked finance programs.
• Programs: MSc Finance, MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering.
• Highlights: London location, cutting-edge technology integration in finance.
• Tuition Fees: £30,000–£40,000.

9. University of Bristol

• Overview: Known for strong research and finance-focused curriculum.
• Programs: BSc Finance, MSc Finance & Investment.
• Highlights: Competitive programs, excellent career support.
• Tuition Fees: £22,000–£32,000.

10. Durham University

• Overview: Durham Business School is among the UK’s top for business and finance.
• Programs: MSc Finance, MBA Finance.
• Highlights: High graduate satisfaction, strong academic reputation.
• Tuition Fees: £21,000–£30,000.

Finance University Rankings

Tuition Fees & Cost of Living

• Tuition Fees:
• Undergraduate Finance Degrees (BSc): £20,000–£28,000 annually.
• Postgraduate Finance Degrees (MSc/MBA): £25,000–£55,000 annually.
• Cost of Living:
• London: £1,200–£1,500 per month (accommodation, food, travel).
• Other UK cities: £800–£1,200 per month.

 Scholarships

Chevening Scholarship

Overview: The Chevening Scholarship is a flagship UK Government scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It is offered to outstanding students from across the world who have leadership potential.

Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance, airfare to and from the UK, and additional grants for essential expenses.

Eligibility: Applicants must be from Chevening-eligible countries (India included), have at least 2 years of work experience, and commit to returning to their home country after studies.

Relevance to Finance Students: Ideal for those pursuing master’s degrees like MSc Finance, MSc Financial Economics, or MBA Finance at top UK universities.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Overview: These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and are available to students from Commonwealth countries.

Coverage: Full tuition fees, airfare, monthly living allowance, and sometimes thesis and travel grants.

Eligibility: Students must be citizens of a Commonwealth country, hold a strong academic record, and demonstrate financial need.

Relevance to Finance Students: Perfect for students from countries like India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Bangladesh who want to study postgraduate finance programs in the UK.

University-Specific Scholarships

 a) LSE Graduate Support Scheme (GSS)

Offered By: London School of Economics (LSE).

Coverage: Partial financial assistance ranging from £5,000–£15,000 depending on financial need.

Eligibility: Available to international students applying for MSc Finance and related programs at LSE.

b) Oxford Clarendon Fund

Offered By: University of Oxford.

Coverage: Full tuition and college fees plus a generous living stipend.

Eligibility: Awarded to academically excellent international students pursuing postgraduate programs, including the MSc in Financial Economics.

c) Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Offered By: University of Cambridge (funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation).

Coverage: Full tuition fees, maintenance allowance, airfare, and additional academic support.

Eligibility: Available to students from outside the UK applying to full-time postgraduate degrees such as the MPhil in Finance.

How to Choose the Right Finance University in the UK?

Selecting the best universities in the UK for finance involves more than just considering global rankings. It’s about finding the program, location, and opportunities that match your career goals and budget. Here are the key factors every student should consider:

1. Program Specialisation

Finance is a diverse field, and universities often design programs around specific career paths.

• Corporate Finance – Best if you want to work in investment banking, financial planning, or corporate strategy.
• Quantitative Finance/Financial Engineering – Suited for students with strong mathematical and analytical backgrounds aiming for roles in risk management, derivatives, and trading.
• Fintech & Digital Finance – Ideal for those interested in technology-driven finance careers such as blockchain, payments, and financial data analytics.
• Sustainable Finance – Growing rapidly in top universities like Oxford and Cambridge, focusing on green investments and ethical finance.

2. Location

Where you study can directly impact your professional opportunities and lifestyle.

• London – Home to the London Stock Exchange, top investment banks, and global consulting firms. Studying at LSE, LBS, or Imperial College London provides unparalleled networking, internship, and job opportunities.
• Other Cities (Manchester, Edinburgh, Warwick, Durham) – More affordable in terms of rent and living costs. These universities still offer strong finance programs with good industry connections, although networking may require more effort compared to those in London.

3. Rankings & Reputation

Global rankings (QS, Times Higher Education, Financial Times) are good indicators of academic quality and employer recognition.

• Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and LBS are consistently ranked among the world’s best for finance.
• Warwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh often appear in the top 50–100 globally for finance/business.

4. Industry Links & Placement Support

Career outcomes measure the value of a finance degree. Universities with strong industry connections provide better return on investment.

• LSE and LBS: Frequent recruiter visits, internship placements, and high graduate employability.
• Warwick and Manchester: Strong alumni networks and dedicated career services.
• Cambridge and Oxford: Global research reputation plus high-level recruiter interest.

5. Scholarship Opportunities

Studying in the UK can be expensive, but scholarships significantly reduce financial pressure.

• National Scholarships: Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships.
• University-Based Scholarships: LSE Graduate Support Scheme, Oxford Clarendon Fund, Gates Cambridge.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: Some universities offer tuition reductions for high-achieving international students.

Career Opportunities After Finance in the UK

Graduates of UK finance programs are well-positioned for global careers.

• Popular Job Roles:
• Investment Banker
• Financial Analyst
• Risk Manager
• Corporate Finance Specialist
• Fintech Analyst
• Top Recruiters:
• Big Four (PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG)
• Barclays, HSBC, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs
• Consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain
• Fintech startups in London
• Average Salaries:
• Entry-Level: £30,000–£45,000 annually.
• Mid-Level: £50,000–£80,000 annually.
• Senior Roles (5+ years): £100,000+.

Conclusion

There are the best universities in the UK for finance, offering world-class universities, strong global rankings, and direct access to the heart of global financial markets. Whether you’re aiming for Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, or other top universities, choosing the right program depends on your career goals, budget, and specialisation interests.