The beginning of a successful career in aviation starts with attending a suitable aviation school. If you’re looking for one, the UK is home to some of the best aviation schools worldwide. They train individuals to become expert pilots, aircraft mechanics, air traffic controllers, dispatch operations managers, flight instructors, and flight operators.
However, if you have decided to attend an aviation school in the UK, picking the right one out of many would be your next challenge. That is why this article covers the top five aviation schools in the UK for international students who are ready to start an aviation career. Read till the end for all the details.
Can International Students Enroll in an Aviation Program in the UK?
Yes, international students can enroll in an aviation program in the United Kingdom. The UK has some of the most prestigious institutions that offer aviation and aeronautical engineering programs. However, international students must do their research on the most suitable school for them so they can meet the admission requirements.
International students should also have important documents that will make them eligible to study in the UK, such as a visa, proof of funds, health insurance, academic transcripts, and an affidavit of sponsorship. They may also reach out to the British Council or the institution’s office for international students for further assistance or questions about studying aviation in the UK.
Top Flight Schools in the UK for International Students
These top five aviation schools in the UK offer the best theoretical and practical instruction for various aviation-related courses.
1. University of Southampton – Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton offers one of the best theoretical and practical instruction that enables students to become experts at handling aircraft and spacecraft. It achieves so by ensuring students undergo various learning stages and projects that will improve their problem-solving skills and creativity when working in different aviation fields.
This prestigious aviation school in the UK offers bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics that typically run for three and four years, respectively. It also offers a Master of Science in Aerodynamics and Computation that runs for one year. International students who are interested in studying aeronautical courses at this school are expected to pay an application fee of £27 and meet other requirements.
2. Imperial College London – Department of Aeronautics
- Location: South Kensington, London | Degrees Offered: Master’s, Ph.D.
- Aviation Programs
Imperial College London – Department of Aeronautics is recognized for its outstanding research and teaching performance in the aeronautical engineering field. The school offers courses that are approved by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAes). Such assures students that they only use excellent equipment, state-of-the-art computing, and workshop facilities, as well as professional staff.
Some of the programs offered by the school include an MEng in Aeronautical Engineering, an MSc in Advanced Aeronautical Engineering, and several Ph.D. opportunities. It is also important to note that international students who are interested in this department must meet specific requirements, which include taking the IC Aero/EEE MAT test, submitting an impressive personal statement, and other admission requirements.
3. University of Bristol – Faculty of Engineering
The University of Bristol is recognized by the Guardian University Guide 2023 as the second-best institute for aerospace engineering. Also, thanks to its excellent contribution to the aerospace and aviation industry, it was able to partner with notable organizations such as Leonardo Helicopters and BAE Systems.
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Bristol offers several programs, some of which include BEng Aerospace Engineering, MEng Aerospace Engineering, and a Ph.D. program in Aerospace Engineering. The department is also very interested in ensuring its students can begin a career almost immediately after graduating. Hence, it established the Industrial Liaison Office, which matches students with industrial mentors who can provide internship support and in-depth technical input.
4. University of Manchester – Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering
- Location: Oxford Road, Manchester | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
- Aviation Programs
The University of Manchester, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering, was established to foster research and academic work that will lead to innovative growth and development of the aerospace and aviation industry. So far, it has focused on providing aviation education that delivers on a wide range of topics covering aerodynamics, systems, materials, structures, control, and design.
This top aviation school in the UK achieves its goals by offering courses such as BEng and MEng in Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience, Aerospace Engineering with Management, and more. The school also runs a Ph.D. program in Aerospace Engineering, which you can accomplish within three to six years.
5. University of Glasgow – James Watt School of Engineering
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s.
- Aviation Programs
University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering offers BEng and MEng in Aerospace Systems, Aerospace Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics. The latter program means international students studying mechanical engineering at the university may also take aeronautics courses that will enable them to have a career in aviation.
Before they can dive deep into these programs, international students are expected to meet the requirements before they can be admitted into this department. Some of these include meeting the SQA Higher Entry Requirements, having proof of English language proficiency, and meeting visa requirements. Students should also, prepare to pay an annual tuition fee of about £27,930 as well as additional expenses, which could range between £170 to £500. International students who might not be able to cover the high cost of schooling at this university can apply for the many scholarship opportunities it provides.
These top-tier aviation schools in the UK provide world-class instructions and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure students can easily begin a career immediately after graduation. Regardless it is still important to do further research and identify which school is more affordable and best suits your purpose and career path.
We hope this article has helped you find the best aviation school. Also, if you’re set on studying in the UK, check out the Best Scholarships in the United Kingdom for International Students!
