Written By – Ruth Arnold, Executive director, External Affairs at Study Group & Member of London Higher’s International Network and Matthew Jayes, Director of Industry and Engagement, University of Huddersfield – London For ambitious students across the world, London isn’t just a place to study, it’s where global careers begin. Ranked the world’s number 1 student city (QS, 2025), London offers world-class education along with purpose, opportunity and a launchpad to lead in AI, business, and innovation. Walk through London’s innovation districts and you’ll feel it, the quiet hum of ambition. From the co-working spaces of Shoreditch to the world-leading fintech towers of Canary Wharf, this city is shaping industries of the future.

For global graduates, London is where aspirations align with possibility.

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That was certainly the case on a warm July evening in the heart of King’s Cross, London’s vibrant frontier innovation hub, as global talent took centre stage. Representatives from some of the UK’s top universities, leaders from the City of London and influential entrepreneurs gathered at University College London’s dedicated innovation space to discuss one vital question:

How can students, entrepreneurs, employers and government make the most of the best city in the world for international talent?

The setting was fitting. Just a stone’s throw from Google DeepMind and surrounded by a dynamic mix of start-ups and global firms, King’s Cross exemplifies the kind of ecosystem that draws international students to London.

London stands out not just as a European capital, but as a truly global centre where creativity, talent and ambition intersect. As one of the city’s senior leaders for talent and skills put it, companies come to London not just for its financial expertise or trusted legal system, but for the energy and innovation of the people who call it home. At its core, London’s biggest asset is its global talent.

A Rich Legacy of International Excellence

Indian students have long played a central role in shaping this story. From Dr B.R. Ambedkar, who studied at the London School of Economics before going on to draft India’s constitution, to modern leaders in business and industry, London has been a second home for generations of international talent.

Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer and a leading British-Indian business figure, shared how international students bring “vibrancy and passion” that fuels the city’s innovation. As a former head of the Confederation of British Industry and successful serial founder, he is living proof that London rewards vision, hard work, and global ambition. Reflecting on his own experience as an entrepreneur and assessing the landscape today, he described London’s ecosystem simply as “a dream”.

It’s no surprise that Indian businesses are participating in record numbers at events like London Tech Week. Today, London is a global leader in AI, biosciences, fintech and the creative industries, home to investors and cutting-edge academic research with international graduates contributing to its continued momentum.

World-Class Education in a World-Class City

With two of the world’s top ten universities, Imperial College London, University College London, and many more specialising in everything from music and business to law and veterinary science, London offers an academic environment few places can match. The sheer variety of its institutions means there is a match for every student.

But alongside academic excellence, London’s universities are increasingly focused on preparing students for the world of work. The event highlighted how institutions are rethinking career preparation to help students thrive in a fast-changing job market.

The CEO of AGCAS, the UK’s expert body for university careers services, delivered a strong message for an AI age: “To be employed is to be at risk. To be employable is to be secure.” He praised forward-thinking universities like Kingston, which run independent assessment centres during students’ second year, offering personalised feedback to develop core skills like teamwork, communication and emotional intelligence. But the real results, he says, came from embedding employability within courses, ensuring students completed not only a degree but also acquired the range of skills that employers value. For example, a survey of over 500 tech leaders showed that they prize qualities, namely, adaptability (particularly to new technologies), effective communication, critical thinking, reasoning ability combined with global outlook and cultural fluency. London’s academic institutions are taking note and reshaping curricula to reflect these evolving needs.

A Connected Campus for a New Generation

The brand-new University of Huddersfield – London campus is a reflection of this forward-looking approach. It supports students as they build employability through digital tools, expert-led learning and real-world business application. Strategically positioned in the eyesight of London’s stunning financial district and the city’s new Enterprise Zone, intended to create 55,000 new jobs, the modern campus benefits from major transport links nearby that students can use to explore London and be truly inspired. The professional team supports them to do this safely and intentionally, while encouraging careful curiosity.

This emphasis on employability and industry alignment is also central to Study Group’s approach in London. With industry-led academic experience as the foundation, it combines high-quality teaching and real-world career development. Working with leading universities, Study Group helps international students transition smoothly into the UK’s academic and professional environments.

Whether it’s through entrepreneurship, technology, sustainability, global business or increasingly a blend of all, students are encouraged to think big, act collaboratively, and lead with purpose.

London: A City That Welcomes the World

What truly sets London apart is its openness. As Mayor Sadiq Khan shared, “If you live in London, you are a Londoner.” In a city where over 300 languages are spoken and cultures from across the world thrive, international students don’t just study in the city, they belong.

Today’s graduates are making their mark in AI, fintech, life sciences and more, powered by access to world-class research and a globally connected job market. World-class careers support, the UK’s Graduate Route and tailored visa pathways for employment, entrepreneurship and further study, mean that opportunities have never been greater.

The city of London is a platform for ambitious students to grow, contribute and thrive. For students looking to launch global careers in one of the world’s most connected, innovative and inclusive cities, London certainly emerges as a credible choice.

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