Why the UK is the best place to study if you want to launch a business
Global Entrepreneurship Week is here, and there’s no better time to spotlight why the UK is one of the world’s most exciting destinations for international students who dream of starting their own business. Whether you plan to build your venture in Britain or take your skills back home, studying in the UK offers a unique combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial support, and funding opportunities.
Why the UK is a launchpad for entrepreneurs
World-class universities with enterprise hubs: UK institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and Edinburgh host dedicated entrepreneurship centres, incubators, and accelerators. These provide mentoring, seed funding, and networking opportunities with investors and alumni.
Proven track record of student start-ups: According to the UK Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA), universities across the country support more than 4,000 student and graduate start-ups every year. Since 2013/14, over 42,000 ventures have been launched with university backing, attracting an impressive £5.7 billion in external investment in 2023/24 alone. This demonstrates the scale and credibility of the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Incubator and accelerator support: Students who join university start-up incubators typically gain access to office space, legal and financial advice, pitch training, and introductions to investors. Many incubators also provide seed funding competitions, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and structured programs that help refine business models. This hands-on support ensures that ideas can move quickly from concept to market.
Access to global markets: The UK is a gateway to Europe and beyond, with London ranked among the top startup ecosystems worldwide.
Practical learning: Many UK business schools embed entrepreneurship modules, hackathons, and venture labs directly into their programs, ensuring you graduate with both theory and hands-on experience.
Supportive ecosystem: From Santander Universities enterprise grants to Innovate UK’s Young Innovators Awards, international students can tap into a thriving ecosystem of competitions and funding.
Post-study visa options for entrepreneurs
One of the biggest advantages of studying in the UK is the ability to stay and build your business after graduation. The key routes include:
Graduate route visa: Allows international graduates to remain in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD graduates) to work or explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
Start-up visa: Designed for graduates with innovative business ideas endorsed by a UK university or approved body. It provides two years to establish your venture.
Innovator founder visa: For those ready to scale, this visa offers a pathway to permanent residency if your business meets growth and innovation criteria.
These visas make the UK uniquely attractive for students who want to transition seamlessly from classroom to company founder.
Scholarships currently open for international entrepreneurs
At Scholarship Scanner, we’ve identified enterprise-focused scholarships now being advertised for 2026 intakes:
Skoll Scholarship (Oxford Saïd Business School) – Full MBA funding plus living stipend.
Imperial College Business School Entrepreneurship Scholarship – Up to £20,000 toward MBA tuition.
University of Edinburgh Business School MSc Entrepreneurship Scholarships – £4,000–£10,000.
Warwick Business School MBA Entrepreneurship Scholarship – Partial tuition (25–50%).
University of Strathclyde MSc Entrepreneurship Awards – £2,000–£10,000.
Santander Universities enterprise grants – Seed funding up to £15,000, available across partner universities.
These scholarships not only reduce tuition costs but often include access to incubators, mentorship, and networking events—perfect for aspiring founders.
Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week is about celebrating innovation and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. For international students, it’s the ideal time to explore how the UK can support your ambitions. With world-class education, visa pathways for entrepreneurs, and scholarships designed to fuel your ideas, the UK stands out as a destination where your business dreams can take flight.