Best Aviation Universities in the UK in 2026
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Chetna Sharma

Updated on - Dec 6, 2025

The United Kingdom is an ideal destination for aviation courses due to its top-ranked institutions, good reputation, and industry connections. The UK is considered a home to top-ranked universities like Imperial College London (QS #7) and the University of Manchester (QS #34), and the University of Bristol being on (QS#54), with career-focused programs at Coventry, Teesside, South Wales, West London, and London Metropolitan University. UK aviation courses cover aerospace, aircraft maintenance, and aviation management, with undergraduate tuition ranging from 15,260 to 43,000GBP (16.6–44 lakhs) and Master’s programs from 16,000 to 42,900GBP (18.7–50.1 lakhs).

To get admission in the top aviation Universities in the UK, Indian Students need to fulfil program-specific academic requirements, English proficiency scores, and required documents. Additionally, the UK offers various scholarships for aviation programs like the Think Big scholarship for PG & PG offering 6,500GBP and the Future Award Scholarship covering tuition fee, apprenticeship cost, and placement costs, to make higher education more accessible.

Also check: Aviation Subjects: Syllabus, Curriculum & Topics


Top 10 Aviation Universities in UK

Check out the top 10 globally ranked Aviation Universities in the United Kingdom by QS World 2025-26:

University Name Location QS World Rankings Times Higher Education Rankings
Imperial College London London #7 #8
University of Manchester Manchester #34 #56
University of Bristol Bristol #54 #78
Coventry University London #558 #601
Teesside University Middlesbrough #601 #601
London Metropolitan University London #1001 #601
University of South Wales Pontypridd #1200 #1200
University of West London London #1200 #1200
University of Sunderland Sunderland #1501 #1501
University College Birmingham Birmingham - -

Also check: Students' Guide to Study in the UK


Top Aviation Universities for Master’s in UK

Here are the top Aviation Universities for Graduate programs in the UK with their popular Courses, course duration, and fees:

University Name Program name Course Duration Fees in GBP Fees in INR
Coventry University MSc Aerospace Engineering 1 year 18,600 21.7 lakhs
London Metropolitan University MSc Aviation Management 1 year 19.850 21.2 lakhs
Teesside University M.S. Aviation Management 1 year 17,000 19.9 lakhs
University of Bristol MSc Aerospace Engineering 1 year 33,900 39.6 lakhs
University of West London MA International Tourism and Aviation Management 1 year 17,250 20.1 lakhs
University of Sunderland MS Tourism and Aviation 1 year 16,500 19.3 lakhs
University of South Wales MSc Aviation Engineering and Management 1 year 16,000 18.7 lakhs
University College Birmingham MSc Aviation Management 18 months 17,500 20.4 lakhs
Imperial College London MSc Advanced Aeroneutical Engineering 1 year 42,900 50.1 lakhs
University of Manchester Master of Science [M.Sc] Aerospace Engineering 1 year 38,400 44.8 lakhs

Admission Requirements for Master’s Programs at Top Aviation Universities in UK

Pursuing aviation programs abroad requires Academic Requirements, document requirements, and a good score in English proficiency levels. Check the general requirements to get admission in the top Master’s programs at aviation universities in the UK.

Academic Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree with (2:2) or equivalent
  • A degree in a related field, like aviation, management, or engineering.
  • 65% or above GPA

Documents Requirements

  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume
  • interview
  • 2-3 years of work experience
  • English proficiency proof
  • GMAT/GRE score (university-specific)
  • Interview

English Proficiency Requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 to 6.5
  • TOFEL iBT: 72 to 100
  • PTE: 56 to 64

Note: Candidates are advised to check the official websites for detailed requirements, as the information provided above covers the general requirements only.

Also check: Visa Requirements for Indian Students in UK


Top Aviation Universities for Undergraduate Programs in UK

Check out the popular aviation universities for UG programs in the UK with their popular courses, course duration, and fees:

University Name Program name Course Duration Fees in GBP Fees in INR
Coventry University B.S Aviation Management 1 year 19,850 23.2 lakhs
University of Bristol B.Eng Aerospace Engineering 3 years 32,500 38 lakhs
Teesside University B.Eng Aerospace Engineering 3 years 17,000 19.9 lakhs
University of South Wales BSc Articraft Maintenance Engineering 4 years 15,260 17.8 lakhs
London Metropolitan University Airline, Airport and Aviation Management 3 years 19,500 19.9 lakhs
University of West London BSc (Hons) Airline and Airport Management 3 years 16,250 16.6 lakhs
University of Sunderland BS Tourism and Aviation Management 4 years 16,000 18.7 lakhs
University of Manchester Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience 5 years 32,500 38 lakhs
Imperial College London Aeronautics with Spacecraft Engineering 4 years 43,000 44 lakhs
University College Birmingham Aviation and Airport Management 3 years 16,000 16.7 lakhs

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs at Top Aviation Universities in the UK

To take admission in aviation programs abroad, candidates need to gather Academic Requirements, document requirements, and strong English proficiency scores. Here are the general UG requirements to get admission in the top programs at aviation universities in the UK.

Academic Requirements

  • Passed Senior Secondary from a recognised board
  • Strong command in Physics, Chemistry, Maths
  • 50% GPA

Documents Requirements

  • Personal statement
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Medical fitness certificate (course-specific)
  • Transcripts
  • Passport
  • Aviation Common Entrance Test (course-specific)
  • Good English proficiency scores
  • Resume
  • Interview

English Proficiency Requirements

  • IELTS: 5.5 to 6.5
  • TOFEL iBT: 72 to 90
  • PTE: 59 to 65

Application Portal: UCAS

Application fees: 3,368INR

Note: All the applicants need to go through the official websites for detailed requirements, as the information provided above covers the general requirements only.

Also Read: How to Write SOP?


Cost of living in the UK for Indian Students 2026

The cost of Living in the UK for Indian Students depends on their lifestyle, location, and accommodations. The cost of living can vary as on the specific cities you are planning to reside in. The annual cost of living in the UK for Indian students ranges from 87.2 to 21.7 lakhs INR.

Here is the table of the cost of living for Indian students in the UK:

Cost Types Annual expenses in INR
Accommodation INR 10.4-15.7 lakhs
Food & Groceries INR 1.96 –2.61 lakhs
Transportation INR 85,104
Utilities INR 2,368 - 78,552
Miscellaneous INR 1.30-1.96 lakhs
Total INR 87.2 to 21.7 lakhs

Also check: Cost of Living in London for Indian Students


Popular Aviation Scholarships for Indian Students in UK

The United Kingdom offers a wide range of scholarships for Indian students planning to pursue their higher studies abroad in the field of Aviation. Scholarships like Think Big provide 6,500EUR (6.6 lakhs) a year, and the Department of Aeronautics MSc Scholarship covers full tuition fees.

Check out the popular scholarships for Aviation Programs with their eligibility criteria and award price:

University Name Scholarship Name Eligible Course Eligibility Criteria Award Price
University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships UG & PG Personal details & financial aid you are receiving 6,500 to 27,52000GBP a year
Royal Aeronautical Society Future Award Scholarships UG & PG Applicants must be members of the Royal Aeronautical Society Tuition fees, apprenticeship costs, placement costs
Cranfield university Cranfield Centre for Air Transport Management International Merit Scholarships PG Applicants must not be residents of UK, must be enrolled in a full-time aviation course. full-time overseas course fee reduction
Imperial College London Department of Aeronautics MSc Scholarship PG Applicants must not be continuing students Covers full tuition fees
University of Manchester Engineering the Future Scholarship PG Must be from South Asia or Southeast Asia, equivalent bachelor's degree, and be involved in a full-time course 10,000GBP partial tuition fee waiver

The United Kingdom is an outstanding place for Indian students to pursue their best aviation education. It includes top-ranked universities like Imperial College London, the University of Manchester, and the University of Bristol, along with career-focused programs at other popular institutions. Students can opt for either undergraduate or master’s courses in aerospace, aviation management, and aircraft maintenance. The UK also provides various scholarships to make education more affordable. Indian students need to fulfill the academic qualifications, English proficiency, and documents required for the admission process.


FAQs

Ques: How can I get a 100% scholarship to study in the UK?

Ans: To get a 100% scholarship in the UK, students need to research and apply for the scholarships in the UK that offer 100% scholarships to international students. Applicants need to meet eligibility criteria and be academically excellent with good work experience.

Ques: Is it hard to get an aviation scholarship?

Ans: It is slightly challenging to get an aviation scholarship as it requires a strong academic performance and meeting specific criteria.

Ques: Which university in the UK is considered the best for aviation programs?

Ans: There is not a single best considered university for aviation programs. However, Imperial College London, University of Bristol, and University of Manchester are among the top choices of international students to pursue their aviation degrees.

Ques: How can I take admission in undergraduate programs in aviation at UK universities?

Ans: Applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria with a good score on English requirements tests, and good grades in subjects like Mathematics and Physics.

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Found 7 universities

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RankingCollege InfoTop CoursesFees & Cost of Living
#601/3118 THE Ranking 2026

Coventry University, Coventry

8.0(Based on 26 User Reviews)England, UK32%Acceptance Rate
B.S Aviation Management
Course duration:
3 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.0
Programs
Tuition:  
(£19,850/Yr)$26.8K/Yr
Living
(£6,837/Yr)$9.2K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#601/3118 THE Ranking 2026

London Metropolitan University, London

8.0(Based on 7 User Reviews)England, UK84%Acceptance Rate
M.Sc Aviation Management for the 21st Century
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.0PTE56
Programs
Tuition:  
(£18,150/Yr)$24.5K/Yr
Living
(£295/Yr)$398.25/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#601/3118 THE Ranking 2026

Teesside University, Middlesbrough

8.0(Based on 12 User Reviews)England, UK31%Acceptance Rate
M.S Aviation Management
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.0PTE59
Programs
Tuition:  
(£17,000/Yr)$22.9K/Yr
Living
(£5,600/Yr)$7.6K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1200/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of South Wales, Pontypridd

8.8(Based on 3 User Reviews)Wales, UK20%Acceptance Rate
B.S Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Course duration:
4 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL72PTE64
Programs
Tuition:  
(£15,260/Yr)$20.6K/Yr
Living
(£7,008/Yr)$9.5K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1200/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of West London, London

8.3(Based on 3 User Reviews)England, UK28%Acceptance Rate
M.A International Tourism and Aviation Management
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE58
Programs
Tuition:  
(£17,250/Yr)$23.3K/Yr
Living
(£14,790/Yr)$20K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1501/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Sunderland, Sunderland

6.2(Based on 1 User Reviews)England, UK64%Acceptance Rate
B.S Tourism and Aviation Management
Course duration:
4 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6PTE57
Programs
Tuition:  
(£16,000/Yr)$21.6K/Yr
Living
(£7,560/Yr)$10.2K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1501/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University College Birmingham, Birmingham

England, UK90%Acceptance Rate
M.Sc Aviation Management
Course duration:
18 months
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo110IELTS6.0PTE59
Programs
Tuition:  
(£17,500/Yr)$23.6K/Yr
Living
(£8,190/Yr)$11.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements