If you are from Kuwait and thinking about studying in the UK, you are far from alone. According to official data from HESA, the UK's higher education statistics body, there were 7,285 Kuwaiti students enrolled at UK universities in 2024/25 across 99 institutions. That is a well-established community with years of experience navigating the UK university system.
This guide uses that official data to show you which universities currently have the largest Kuwaiti student communities. Think of it as a way to find out where your community already exists in the UK, not a ranking of the best universities overall.
Please note: The figures come directly from HESA and cover all Kuwaiti students enrolled in 2024/25, regardless of subject or level of study. HESA rounds all figures to the nearest 5. The data tells you where Kuwaiti students are currently studying. It does not tell you which university is the best fit for your specific course, budget, or career goals. Use it as a starting point, not a final answer.
1. UK Universities with the Largest Kuwaiti Student Communities (2024/25)
Here are the top 10 UK universities by number of enrolled Kuwaiti students in 2024/25, based on official HESA data.
|
# |
University |
Kuwaiti students (2024/25) |
City |
|
1 |
415 |
Portsmouth |
|
|
2 |
395 |
Bristol |
|
|
3 |
325 |
Liverpool |
|
|
4 |
320 |
Manchester |
|
|
5 |
300 |
Nottingham |
|
|
6 |
295 |
Newcastle |
|
|
7 |
250 |
Leeds |
|
|
8 |
230 |
Glasgow |
|
|
9 |
220 |
Cardiff |
|
|
10 |
210 |
Manchester |
Source: HESA Table 28, 2024/25. Figures rounded to the nearest 5 by HESA.
2. What This Data Tells You
Why are Portsmouth and UWE Bristol at the top?
You might expect to see Manchester, Leeds, or Glasgow leading this list. The University of Portsmouth (415) and the University of the West of England, Bristol (395), ranking above them, are worth understanding.
Both universities have well-established programmes in healthcare, engineering, and business, which have been popular choices among Kuwaiti students for many years. Many Kuwaiti students also come to the UK through government scholarship programmes, and these universities have long-standing partnerships that align well with those schemes. Over time, large Kuwaiti student communities have built up at both institutions, which naturally encourages more students to follow.
It does not mean Portsmouth or UWE are better universities overall. It means they have been the right fit for a large number of Kuwaiti students, and the community there is now well established.
A wide range of universities and cities
The top 10 includes a real mix. Portsmouth and UWE Bristol are known for applied and professional courses. Manchester and Glasgow are large research-intensive universities with strong international reputations. The variety tells you something useful: Kuwaiti students have chosen based on the right course for their goals, not just university prestige. Whichever direction you are heading in, there is likely a well-established Kuwaiti student community to support you.
This data covers all subjects and all levels of study
The 7,285 figure includes students at undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research levels across every subject area. A university that ranks highly here may not be the best fit for your specific course. Always check how your chosen subject is rated at each university separately before making any decisions.
3. Beyond the Top 10
Several universities outside the top 10 have well-established Kuwaiti student communities and strong subject reputations worth knowing about:
- Newcastle University (200 students) — strong in medicine, engineering, and architecture
- Queen Mary University of London (200 students) — well-regarded for medicine, law, and dentistry
- Sheffield Hallam University (190 students) — known for nursing, health sciences, and applied subjects
- The University of Salford (185 students) — strong in healthcare, engineering, and media
- Aston University (180 students) — well-regarded for pharmacy, business, and engineering
- King's College London (140 students) — one of the UK's top universities for medicine, dentistry, and law
4. How to Choose the Right University for You
The data in this guide is a helpful starting point. Here is how to make the most of it.
- Find your community first. A large Kuwaiti student community often means an active student society, familiar food options, and people who understand where you are coming from. That can make a real difference to how quickly you settle in.
- Then look at your subject. Once you have a shortlist of universities with communities that feel right, check how they rank for your specific course using the Complete University Guide or the Guardian University Guide. A strong community is important, but the quality of your degree matters most for your career.
- Think about the city. Where you live matters as much as where you study. Cities like Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, and Portsmouth have lower costs of living than London but still offer large international student communities. Our cost of living guide for international students gives you a city-by-city breakdown.
- Check your entry requirements. Every course has different requirements, and your Kuwaiti qualifications need to match them. Our detailed guide on studying in the UK from Kuwait covers entry requirements, English language tests, and what documents you will need.
- If you are on a scholarship, check eligibility first. Many Kuwaiti students study in the UK through government scholarship programmes. Make sure the universities you are considering are eligible under your scholarship terms before you apply.
5. How to Apply
If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you will apply through UCAS, the central UK university applications platform. The main deadline for 2027 entry is 13 January 2027. Applying well before that deadline gives you the best chance of receiving an offer, and more importantly, gives you enough time to get your UK Student visa sorted before your course starts.
For postgraduate courses, you apply directly to the university. Deadlines vary, so check with each institution early.
Once you have an unconditional offer, your university will give you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), which is what you need to apply for your visa. If you are not sure what a conditional or unconditional offer means, our offer letter guide explains it step by step.
6. How Atava Can Help
At Atava Education and Training, we have been helping Kuwaiti students apply to UK universities since 2013. We are accredited by the British Council, English UK, and IALC.
- Choosing the right university and course for your qualifications, budget, and goals
- Understanding the UCAS application process and preparing a strong application
- Guidance on your student visa documents
- Support for PhD and MRes applicants who need help finding a supervisor
For most applications to our partner universities, our service is free to you. Get in touch, and we will give you an honest answer about what support is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Kuwaiti students study in the UK?
According to HESA data for 2024/25, there were 7,285 Kuwaiti students enrolled at UK universities across 99 institutions.
Which UK university has the most Kuwaiti students?
The University of Portsmouth had the highest number of Kuwaiti students in 2024/25 with 415, followed by the University of the West of England, Bristol (395) and the University of Liverpool (325), according to HESA data.
Do I need an IELTS to study in the UK from Kuwait?
Most UK universities require proof of English language proficiency. The most widely accepted tests are IELTS Academic UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI. Requirements vary by university and course. From January 2026, the required English level for most UK visa routes is B2 (CEFR). Visit our guide to studying in the UK from Kuwait for full details.
Is it worth studying in the UK as a Kuwaiti student in 2026?
Read our guide: Is studying in the UK still worth it in 2026? for an honest answer covering what has changed, what has not, and how to decide based on your goals.
Data source: HESA Table 28, 2024/25.