The United Kingdom continues to rank among the best nations for overseas education owing to its excellent educational standards, extensive program offerings, and vibrant culture. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, around 55,000+ Indian students are estimated to be studying in the UK in 2024.
The country is a hub of more than 160 prestigious universities, including the internationally renowned Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. That’s why international students prefer to Study in UK for their higher education.
In addition, the United Kingdom has many job opportunities and is a strong economy. According to Prospects and AGCAS's "What Do Graduates Do?" report, 1.5 years after graduation, the following career outcomes were observed in the UK for first-degree graduates: 57.3% were working full-time, 11.4% were working part-time, 10.6% were working and studying, 9.2% continued their education, 5.7% were engaged in other activities, and 5.9% were unemployed or about to start work.
If you are considering studying in UK, first check the key highlights which are mentioned below.
Head | Details |
---|---|
Number of Universities in the UK | 160+ |
Cost of Studying in the UK (per year) | £10,000 to £50,000 |
Cost of Living in the UK (per month) | £400 to £1,500 |
Part-time Work | 20 hours/week |
Post-study Work Visa (PSW UK or Graduate Route Visa) | 2 years (3 years in case of Doctoral qualification) |
Top 5 Universities (QS) | University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, London School of Economics, University College London, University of Edinburgh |
Everyone has a dream of studying in top universities. However, finding the best universities in the UK with hundreds of options is difficult. So, here, we have provided the top 10 universities to study in UK for Indian Students.
University | QS World University Rankings 2024 | THE World Rankings 2024 |
---|---|---|
2 | 5 | |
3 | 1 | |
6 | 8 | |
9 | 22 | |
22 | 30 | |
32 | 51 | |
40 | 38 | |
45 | 46 | |
55 | 81 | |
67 | 106 |
Many international students want to study in UK to benefit from its top-notch education and excellent career opportunities.
Below, you can check the advantages of studying in UK.
UK Universities provide various courses in different fields. Below, you can check the list of top courses that international students can select to study in UK for graduate or postgraduate courses.
Academic Discipline | Top Courses in UK |
---|---|
Business and Administrative studies |
Economics Finance and Accountancy Business and Management Studies |
Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics |
Computer Science Mathematics Civil Engineering Electrical and Electronic Engineering Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering |
Humanities |
History Languages Philosophy |
Natural Science |
Biology Physics Chemistry |
Social Science |
Sociology Law Politics Education |
Creative Arts |
Art and Design Media Performing Arts |
Now, if you have decided to study in UK and apply to top reputable universities there, follow the steps below for a smooth application process.
If you are confused about which university and course to opt for and are facing challenges in the application process, you can reach out to study in UK consultants or study abroad consultants.
Below, you can check the basic information about the admission process in UK.
Where to apply | UCAS Portal/ University Portals |
---|---|
Application Fee | 27.5 GBP (If applying through UCAS) |
Basic Requirements | Transcripts, Passport, Standardized tests for studying in UK |
Additional Requirements | Updated CV, Statement of Purpose, Reference letter |
English LanguageRequirements |
IELTS: 6.0-6.5 for UG, 6.5 to 7.0 for PG
TOEFL: 80
PTE: 60-70
|
To study in UK, candidates have to prove their English proficiency by submitting some English proficiency test scores. Generally, universities in UK accept IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE scores. However, your selected university or course's minimum score requirement may differ.
Below, you can check the details of all 3 main English proficiency tests.
International applicants should be aware that different courses and institutions in the UK have varying application deadlines. So, it is crucial to stay updated with all the deadlines related to the program and organisation you're interested in.
There are 3 intakes in UKfor international students. These are as follows -
Before going to study in UK, it is essential to know about the cost of living in UK. Understanding the estimated living cost helps candidates to manage expenses in another country. The costs include tuition fees, travelling, food, accommodation, and other expenses. Below, you can check the cost of studying in UK along with the living cost.
The cost of the various programs offered in the nation will vary depending on several internal and external criteria, namely the program's level and university of choice.
Type of program | Average fee in GBP | Average fee in INR |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate bachelor program | 11,400 to 38,000 per year | 11.43 to 38.11 |
Postgraduate or master’s program | 10,000 to 35,000 per year | |
MBA programs | 15,000 to 50,000 per year | |
Doctoral degrees | 18,000 to 35,000 per year | 18.05 to 35.10 |
The average cost of housing and other living expenses in the United Kingdom will largely depend on your preferences and the city in which you choose to reside.
For example, the rental cost for a student who wants to live in Northern Ireland will be 91 GBP (9,605 INR), while it will cost almost 182 GBP (19,211 INR) in London, which is exactly double. The average cost of student accommodation in the UK is about 125 GBP (13,194 INR) per week.
Therefore, knowing the approximate cost of living and other expenses for a student intending to study in the UK is essential.
Types of Expenses | Cost of Living in UK Per Month (INR) |
---|---|
Housing | 50,300 |
Bills (electric/ gas/ water) | 4000-5000 |
Food | 16000- 20000 |
TV license | 1260 (or 15000 per year) |
Mobile phone | 1500-5000 |
Clothes and Leisure | 4000-5000 |
Books & supplies | 3000 |
Socializing | 12000 |
Transportation | 3500-4000 |
London is unquestionably the top preferred city in the UK. The city is the top-ranked city among QS Best Student Cities for 2024. Around 23.1% of 2023–24 graduates were employed in London, according to the ‘What Do Graduates Do?’ report from Prospects and AGCAS
Check the top UK cities for international students from the table below:
QS Rank | 1 |
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QS Rank | 16 |
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QS Rank | 36 |
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QS Rank | 30 |
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QS Rank | 44 |
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QS Rank | 49 |
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Students who get offer letters from universities in UK are required to apply for a Tier 4 study Visa. A Tier 4 student visa in UK allows students to study. Moreover, candidates can also work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during breaks through the study visa.
You should apply for a visa as soon as possible after receiving an acceptance letter from the institution and at least 3 months before the degree program starts. Your visa may take up to 30 days. The application cost will be around INR 35,000.
Candidates have to apply for the visa by submitting the essential documents such as:
International students seeking financial help to study in UK can apply for several awards and scholarships offered by the UK government. They are eligible to get up to 100% of scholarships for studies in the UK.
Moreover, many universities also grant merit-based and supplementary rewards for deserving candidates. These scholarships are available for all undergraduate students. However, due to strict and specific qualifying requirements, scholarships for postgraduate and doctorate studies in the UK are not available to all applicants.
Below, you can check the Scholarships for Indian Students to study in UK.
Scholarship to Study in UK | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name of Scholarship | Level of Study | Countries Eligible | Eligibility Criteria | Applications Open | Amount |
Chevening Scholarships | Master’s | 144; around 700 scholarships per year | - | - | - |
Commonwealth Scholarships | Master’s and PhD | 62 Commonwealth nations | Commonwealth citizen, refugee or British protected person and at least 2:1 Honours degree | August before the course is due to start | Covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance and travel costs |
Saltire Scholarships | Master's | Canada, India, Pakistan, USA and China | - | October, till May | 50 scholarships worth 8,200 GBP |
Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships | Master's/PhD | - | Degree from any Canadian university with a minimum grade A, across all courses | January | 8,710 GBP worth scholarships plus travel allowances |
BAFTA Scholarships | Master's | - | Chinese national seeking to study a postgraduate course in the field of film, television or games | March (closes in June) | 10,246 GBP as tuition fee plus additional living expenses |
Inlaks Scholarship | All levels (but you must have an undergraduate degree) | - | Undergraduate degree, offer letter from a ‘top-ranking' instit |
There are several job options available in the UK in a variety of fields. For Indian students, the UK offers lucrative employment opportunities in the domains of computer science, healthcare, finance, engineering, and education. The average yearly incomes and employment prospects for some of the most attractive career pathways in the UK for Indian students are shown in the table below.
Field | Average Annual Salary (Approx) | Job Prospects |
---|---|---|
IT Services | INR 46.6L to INR 61.75L | Software developers, Data analysts, and Cybersecurity experts |
Healthcare | INR 42L to INR 70L | Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Researchers |
Banking | INR 57L to INR 59L | Finance analysts, Investment bankers |
Engineering | INR 44.65L to INR 46L | Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer |
Social Media | INR 34L to INR 43L | Social Media Specialist, Social media manager |
Ans. To choose the right UK University, you should consider factors such as the university's course offerings, reputation, campus facilities, location, and available support services. However, it is important to research university rankings and reviews to make an informed decision.
Ans. The application process to study in UK typically involves selecting a course, gathering required documents, submitting an online application through the university's portal, and paying application fees. You must start the process at least a year before your intended start date.
Ans. Yes, there are entry requirements for international students studying in the UK. However, these requirements may vary by course and university. Generally, international students must meet academic criteria and demonstrate proficiency in English through recognised language tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Ans. Business, engineering, computer science, social sciences, and humanities are popular choices for international students who want to study in UK. However, the best field for you depends on your interests, career goals, and the strengths of each university.
Ans. To manage expenses as an international student in the UK, you must create a budget, explore scholarships and financial aid, consider part-time work (within visa regulations), and research affordable accommodation options. Also, familiarise yourself with currency exchange rates and banking processes.
Ans. Most UK universities offer orientation programs, cultural exchange initiatives, and support services to help international students adapt to the new environment. Attend these programs to ease your transition.
Ans. Generally, family members can join you, but it depends on your visa type. Check the specific regulations and requirements for bringing family members and ensure they have the necessary visas.
Ans. UK universities offer a plethora of clubs, societies, sports, and cultural events. Explore these opportunities to meet people, engage in activities, and enrich your university experience.
Ans. International students are usually eligible for healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS). Register with a local doctor and understand how to access healthcare services during your stay.
Ans. Candidates can explore options such as a post-study work permit in the UK, further studies, or seeking employment. Stay updated on immigration regulations and connect with career services at your university for guidance.