Best Universities to Study Finance in UK (2026 Guide)

Are you considering studying finance at the finest universities in the UK? Then you are making a good decision. The UK is an international financial centre. Cities such as London, Edinburgh and Manchester are the leaders in banking, investment and FinTech. International students looking at 2026 intakes will find that the UK offers:

• Outstanding finance programs UK
• Strong global recognition
• Valuable industry links

In this post, we will discuss the best universities to study finance in UK. Then, we will consider the best institutions by region and their specialisation, and cover admissions insights, fees, scholarships and employment opportunities.

We will provide a timeline and checklist, and respond to frequently asked questions as well. By the end, you will be confident in your decision to pursue finance in the UK.

How We Select the Best UK Universities for Finance (2026)

We have a definite approach in picking the best universities to pursue a corporate finance degree UK or a related field. Our search involved credible references, including:

• QS Quacquarelli Symonds
• Times Higher Education (THE)
• The Financial Times (FT)
• The Guardian Newspaper university guide
• EduRank

For each university, we took into account:

• Ranking of subjects (finance, accounting & finance) for 2024-25.
• Acceptance rates or entry difficulty (where available).
• Accreditations (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS – the triple accredited business schools UK).
• Uniqueness in terms of location and research centres.

The following is a table of important data:

Rankings refer to the latest subject tables (accounting & finance / economics & finance) from sources noted.

What is the purpose of these systems?

• EduRank gives a broad listing of UK finance universities.
• QS and THE subject rankings show research strength and global standing.
• The Guardian gives student experience and teaching quality in the UK.

Each ranking system has strengths and limits. Research rankings may ignore student satisfaction. Teaching-based rankings may miss global reach. We used a mix to balance.

Top-Ranked Institutions for Finance in the UK – A Regional Breakdown

Here are some of the top UK universities for finance in England.

University of Oxford

• What makes it unique: Oxford has world-class finance and economics courses. The research on finance is extremely good.
• Programs: MSc in Financial Economics, BSc in Accounting and Finance.
• Location: Worldwide brand, historical city, powerful alumni network.

University of Cambridge

• Why it is notable: Cambridge has strong finance and banking UK programs and has a high research output.
• Programs: Numerous finance modules through Judge Business School or economics/finance tracks.
• Strength: Good brand, worldwide reputation.

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

• Why it is special: It is often ranked in the top position in the UK in terms of finance-related subjects.
• Programs: BSc Finance, MSc Risk and Finance, etc.
• Location: Central London provides limited access to financial markets and internships.

Imperial College London

• Why it is special: Great emphasis on finance, technology and business.
• Programs: MSc Finance, finance specialisations with a technology edge.
• Location: London, close to major financial firms.

University of Warwick

• Why it stands out: Warwick Business School is the best business school in the UK.
• Programs: BSc Accounting & Finance with a placement year.
• Strength: Balanced location, industry links, good value.

University of Manchester

• Why it stands out: Big city campus, strong business and finance teaching.
• Programs: BSc Accounting & Finance, master’s tracks in finance.
• Strength: The broader industrial ecosystem in Manchester has strong connections.

Durham University

• Why it is unique: Good reputation in accounting and finance, particularly in the UK, guides.
• Programs: BA Accounting and Finance, with excellent student support.
• Strength: Strong teaching, easier environment for some students.

Scotland – Prestigious Programs up North

University of Edinburgh

• Why it stands out: One of Scotland’s top universities. Strong in finance and business.
• Programs: Finance, business-finance blends, and a good research environment.
• Strength: Historic city, global outlook.

University of Glasgow

• Why it stands out: The university offers well-regarded business and finance degrees.
• Programs: Accounting and Finance with research emphasis.
• Strength: Big city, good student life, strong network in the world.

University of St Andrews

• What makes it interesting: Smaller size yet good reputation and niche strength in economics and finance.
• Programs: Finance or economics/finance combinations.
• Existence: Historic university, close community, well-built brand.

Wales & Northern Ireland – Niche Excellence

Although not as many top universities of finance are located in Wales or Northern Ireland, students can find some good opportunities where they get quality teaching and small classes. For example:

• There are universities in Wales that have good teaching in the accounting & finance programs. They can provide value and student satisfaction, but perhaps not as numerous global finance connections as London or elite groups.
• If you prefer a quieter campus, smaller city life and still want good quality, you could explore those.

In this article, we focus mostly on the major institutions listed above.

What Makes These Universities Special – Unique Selling Points

Here we look at the unique strengths that make the best universities to study finance in UK special beyond just rankings.

• Triple accreditation: There are business schools that hold AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS accreditation. These are international benchmarks for finance and management training.
• Financial hub locations: Universities in London or major cities imply that you can network and work in international finance companies through internships.
• Research centres: One example is Cambridge, which has a good centre for alternative finance. This implies that the students receive an exposure outside the textbooks.
• Creative learning: There are universities that employ simulations, case studies and live projects to educate students for the real world. As an illustration, Warwick provides real-life simulations.
• Strong alumni networks and career outcomes: Institutions such as London Business School (linked with London/universities) have alumni across the globe. This helps you grow in your career.

Feature Highlight

• Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance – research and industry link.
• Warwick’s real-world business simulations – connect the classroom to practice.
• LSE’s London location – internships, networking in global finance capital.

These features show how studying finance in the UK offers more than lectures.

Admission Insights, Fees, and Scholarships for 2026 Intake

Planning early is key for the 2026 intake. Many of the best universities to study finance in UK have strict timelines and clear admission rules. Understanding them helps you apply them on time and prepare your finances well.

When to Apply & Typical Admission Requirements

For the 2026 intake, you should plan early. Most UK universities for finance accept applications from around September-October the year before the start.

For undergraduate programs, entry often requires high grades (A-levels, IB). For a master’s, you need a relevant undergraduate degree, good grades and often some quantitative background.

For international students, you may need an English language test (IELTS/TOEFL). Visa processes for non-UK students will also apply. Deadlines can be earlier for top universities. It is wise to submit your application by January-March for a November/October 2026 start.

Tuition Fees Overview and Financial Planning (2026)

Tuition fees vary by region and by university. For England undergraduate students (domestic), there was a cap of £9,535 in 2025. For 2026, the government-regulated tuition fee rates are not yet set.

However, international students pay more. Regions like Scotland may have different fee structures. Beyond tuition, you must budget for living costs, especially in London, which are higher than in regional cities.

Here is a summary table:

Scholarships and Funding Opportunities

There are good options for scholarships to help finance your studies. Some examples are given below:

• Chevening Scholarship- The UK government scholarship for international students covers tuition and living costs.
• Clarendon Fund– Based at the University of Oxford, it covers full fees and stipend for graduate students from many countries.
• Rhodes Scholarship– One of the oldest full-tuition scholarships for Oxford.
• Scholarships at the university level– Lots of universities also have their own scholarships for international students studying finance.

When planning finances, apply early enough to receive scholarships. Part-time work (subject to visa regulations) and living expenses are also aspects to consider.

Career Prospects & Alumni Networks in Finance After Studying in the UK

Attending one of the best universities to pursue a finance degree in the UK provides you with good career choices. The most common ones are:

• Portfolio manager
• Risk analyst
• Financial consultant
• Investment banker

For example, a risk analyst in the UK might earn around £41,688 as early salary. A mid-level portfolio manager might earn around £47,807 or more.

Many of these universities have strong alumni networks and pipelines into top firms like Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and other global finance houses.

Here is a simple table:

These figures depend on experience, location, and employer. Alumni networks at top UK institutions mean you get access to mentors, events, and job pipelines.

How to Choose the Right Finance University for You in the UK

The selection of the appropriate university is important. Here is a realistic checklist to select the best UK universities for Finance masters:

• Location & networking– Do you prefer London (large finance network) or a city region (less expensive)?
• Specialisations– Does the university have FinTech, corporate finance and risk management?
• Teaching methods– Which kind of teaching do you like: case studies, simulations or project work?
• Accreditation– Does the business school have triple accreditation?
• Fees & scholarships- How much is the overall cost, and what scholarships are available?
• Career services- Are there internships, industry links, and alumni support?
• Research strength- For finance programmes, strong research can enrich your study (e.g., alternative finance at Cambridge).

Also, take into account your preferences:

• Size of campus
• Urban living vs a small town
• Cost of living and community

These are some of the criteria to shortlist and then visit (virtually or physically) to feel the culture.

2026 Intake Planner – Timeline & Checklist

The following is a useful timetable to guide you for the 2026 intake:

Checklist:

• Shortlist universities
• Check your entry requirements
• Prepare test scores (IELTS)
• Draft statements and references
• Complete application(s)
• Apply for scholarship(s)
• Accept the offer and pay a deposit if needed
• Visa and travel planning
• Arrive and settle in

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In case you are seeking the best universities to study finance in UK, then you are putting yourself in the path of worldwide opportunities.

The UK has excellent finance programs and an opportunity to study in great financial centres. Follow the advice in this article to select your university and plan a fantastic 2026 intake.

You begin your international financial career here! With proper planning and attitude, you will be able to make this choice without any hesitation and start your career with a steady base. Study smart. Act early. Achieve more.