Home to more than 300 higher education institutes, the UK primarily offers four-year undergraduate programmes and one-year master’s programmes for students from all over the world. The country is renowned for some of the world’s best universities that use innovative teaching methods to train students to meet the evolving demands of global organisations, and over 400,000 international students make their way to the UK to fulfil their dream of a world-class education.
Let’s get started by understanding what studying in the UK means for Indian students.
One in four world leaders have chosen the UK as their study destination due to the high quality of education being provided by UK universities. A combination of innovative teaching methods and the best subject matter experts as lecturers means that students are encouraged to reach their full potential in the UK. Here’s what studying in the UK looks like in 2025:
| Study in UK: Latest Updates | |
|---|---|
| No. of universities in the UK | 150+ Universities |
| No. of international students in the UK | Over 600,000 |
| No. of Indian students in the UK | Over 180,000 |
| Visas to study in the UK | You generally have to obtain a UK Student visa to live and study in the UK for the duration of your degree. |
| Post-study work (PSW) options in the UK | Indian students can easily obtain a Graduate visa, an unsponsored visa route for those graduating with bachelor’s or master’s in the UK. You’ll be able to stay in the UK for at least two years on this visa to explore the UK and your career options. |
With nearly 600,000 international students currently in the UK, it remains a highly popular destination for Indian students due to its diversity and quality of education. Let’s take a look at the key benefits of studying in the UK below.
UK universities are some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions – for example, the world-famous University of Oxford is over 1,000 years old. These universities are located in a multicultural and supportive environment that provides students with a well-rounded education experience. Along with this, there are many other benefits to studying in the UK:
Top-ranking universities – According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, four of the top 10 universities in the world are in the UK. Additionally, the quality of teaching at all UK universities is regulated by the UK government which leads to UK degrees being recognised all over the world.
Diverse course options – UK degree programmes are often very specialised. There are more than 5,000 undergraduate courses being offered in the UK, which means that you have a wide range of choices to pick the degree that best suits your interests and future plans.
Part-time work opportunities – Generally, international students can work up to 20 hours a week while their term is in session. This gives students the chance to gain new skills and fund some of their living expenses.
Internships and networking opportunities – UK universities support students in finding internships through great networking opportunities and some courses may even require students to complete an internship as part of their course. This will give you the chance to gain valuable hands-on experiences and build key skills that help you stand out to employers.
Multicultural environment – The UK is a unique mix of different cultures and food. You’ll be able to experience diverse lifestyles and expand your horizons.
Unsponsored PSW route – The Graduate visa route in the UK allows any international student to apply for a two or three-year PSW visa without having a job offer or sponsor first. Graduates can use that time to find a job and explore their career interests in the UK.
Shorter duration of degrees – The UK’s education system is unique in that it provides students the chance to complete their courses in a shorter period of time. For example, the two-year degree in the UK is a fast-track option which provides the same qualifications as a four-year degree and the UK’s taught master’s degrees can be completed in just a year’s time.
In addition to having two-year degree programmes and taught master’s degrees, the UK has a wide range of options for students of any education level. This can help you learn more about study options where you can leverage your unique experiences, language proficiency skills, and previous education. We’ve outlined the main study options in the UK below.
The UK has study options for students of any study level, so that students with diverse qualifications and experience levels can find a programme that meets their needs. Here are the study options for Indian students when it comes to studying at a UK university.
| Pre-university study options | UK higher education courses |
|---|---|
| Foundation | Undergraduate |
| English Language Schools | Pre-Masters |
| Summer School | Postgraduate/Master's |
| A-Levels | Two Year Degree |
| Colleges | PhD/Research Degree |
| Boarding School | Distance Learning |
Once you’ve identified your level of study, the next step is to decide which course you want to pursue. To help you get started and narrow down your options, let’s take a look at some of the most popular UK courses that many students choose.
UK universities offer a wide range of course options for students at multiple levels of study. Since there are many subjects to select from, you may be unsure about where to start and we’ve made this process easier for you by categorising the most popular subject areas in the UK.
| Most popular undergraduate courses in the UK | Most popular master’s courses in the UK |
|---|---|
|
Social Sciences |
|
|
International Business |
After finding the course that best fits your interests, it’s time to explore UK universities. When picking a university for your future studies, think about the faculty, the diversity of the student body, its location, its facilities, and its ranking.
The UK is home to some of the world’s best-ranking universities. Find the top 10 universities in the UK, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025, below.
| University | QS World Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 |
| University College London | 9 |
| University of Edinburgh | 27 |
| University of Manchester | 34 |
| King's College London | 40 |
| London School of Economics | 50 |
| University of Bristol | 54 |
| University of Warwick | 69 |
When considering your university options, it’s also important to think about the intake you’ll apply for. Your intake will determine which time of the UK you’ll arrive in the UK to start your studies, and since the UK offers three main intakes for university students, you have flexibility in making this decision. Let’s take a closer look at intake periods that you should consider.
Of the three intakes in the UK for university students, the autumn or September intake is the most popular one while the spring or May intake is the least popular.
There are pros and cons to each intake. For example, the September intake will have the most course offerings but will also be the most competitive as it sees the most number of applicants. On the other hand, the January intake allows you some time to perfect your applications but you may have to pick from a smaller selection of courses at some universities.
| Intake | Application period |
|---|---|
| September intake | October to June |
| January intake | August to November |
| May intake | October to February |
After you’ve reached a decision about which course you’ll be studying in the UK, which university you’ll be studying at, and which intake you’ll be applying for, it’s time to start planning to study in the UK as an Indian student. The most important element of this planning process is to understand how much funds you’ll need for life in the UK.
Your tuition fees in the UK will depend on the university you choose, the course you’ll study, and the level of study you’re in:
| Tuition fees in the UK at the undergraduate level | Tuition fees in the UK at the master’s level |
|---|---|
| £11,000/INR 12 lakhs per year to £65,000/INR 71 lakhs per year | £10,000/INR 10 lakhs per year to £35,000/INR 38 lakhs per year |
When planning your funds to study in the UK, you can account for scholarships which will assist you in covering some of the expenses involved. Let’s take a look below at some UK scholarships for Indian students.
One of the biggest advantages of studying in the UK is the wide variety of scholarships that are available for international students. Many scholarships, being provided by the UK government, UK universities, and private donors, are awarded based on a number of criteria, including academic merit, professional achievements, and extracurricular activities. They either cover a portion of your full tuition fees or help with funding some of your living expenses.
| Scholarships for undergraduate students in the UK | Scholarships for postgraduate students in the UK |
|---|---|
| International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, University of Sheffield Value: £10,000 towards tuition fees |
Commonwealth Scholarships Value: Fully-funded |
| Global Undergraduate Mathematics Scholarship, University of Edinburgh Value: £5,000 towards living costs |
Chevening Scholarship Value: Fully-funded |
| NTU Excellence Scholarship, Nottingham Trent University Value: 50% of first-year tuition fees |
British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM Value: Fully-funded |
| Undergraduate Excellence Awards, University of Nottingham Value: A contribution towards tuition fees |
Felix Scholarship Value: Fully-funded |
| UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship Value: Fully-funded |
GREAT Scholarship Value: £10,000 |
To study in the UK, you’ll need to meet the entry requirements of your course, which varies depending on whether you’ll be doing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. However, in general, all UK universities expect a certain level of English proficiency from students which can be demonstrated through English language tests like IELTS. When applying to a UK university, you’ll need the following documents:
Transcripts of previous academic study
Degree certificates (if applicable)
Proof of your English language scores
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Reference letters
CV (if applicable)
When applying, remember to show your achievements and your interests as UK universities look for well-rounded students. Once your application is approved, you will get the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from your university which you can use to apply for your UK Student visa.
You’ll typically need a UK Student visa in order to live and study in the UK for the duration of your course. In order to obtain your UK Student visa, you need to submit an online application via gov.uk, along with your supporting documents.
These documents are crucial in deciding whether you’re eligible to live and study in the UK. Here’s an overview of the documents you need when applying for your UK Student visa:
A current passport
Your CAS
Documents of financial evidence
ATAS certificate (if required)
Proof of guardian consent (if applicable)
Proof of your relationship to your guardian (if applicable)
Your TB certificate
Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)
Documents about your dependants (if applicable)
It’ll cost you £490 to apply for your visa and you will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge which costs £776 per year for students. While these will be your main pre-arrival expenses, you’ll also have to plan for your expenses while you study in the UK as an Indian student.
The cost of living in the UK is one of the most important factors for international students like you to consider, alongside the degree and university you’re applying to. Understanding the monthly expenses you might face can help set a realistic budget and prevent surprises once you’re in the UK.
Living in London is generally more expensive than living outside of London as transport and rent is higher in the city. When structuring your budget, it’s best to categorise as follows:
| Type of cost | In London | Outside of London |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £848 | £664 |
| Miscellaneous | £38 | £33 |
| Groceries | £155 | £116 |
| Transport | £103 | £54 |
While scholarships are one way to assist you with some of the above expenses involved in studying in the UK as an Indian student, another option you have is taking up a part-time job.
Indian students studying in the UK can do part-time work to help cover some of your living expenses or to have some extra cash in hand for leisure and entertainment. If classes are in session, the number of working hours for students is capped at 20 hours per week for any degree level.
Some examples of part-time jobs include tutoring and freelance writing. Indian students can generally earn about INR 2,000 per hour with part-time work in the UK.
The UK is a top choice for Indian students seeking higher education abroad, and with the introduction of the Graduate visa in 2021, it has become an even more lucrative option as it allows an unsponsored visa route after studies. The key benefits of the Graduate visa route for Indian students include:
Ability to work in the UK – Since the Graduate visa allows Indian students to stay in the UK for either two or three years after their studies, you can use this opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience for your future career. The UK provides multicultural work environments and is home to top companies, so Indian students can work towards building a strong professional network.
No sponsor required – One of the biggest advantages of the Graduate visa route is that it requires no work sponsorship. This means that Indian students can graduate without stressing about finding an employer to sponsor their PSW in the UK.
Ability to work in any sector – The Graduate visa doesn’t restrict you to a particular job or field. You can use your time in the UK to explore different jobs and opportunities so you can shape your future the way you wish to.
The UK is home to many of the world’s top companies and Indian students in the UK go on to work at top industries with competitive salaries. UK universities support you in this process as you’ll generally find a careers office in most universities. They’ll be able to help you with internship and networking opportunities while giving you advice on your CVs and reference letters.
International students are generally able to find post-study work options that fit their qualifications in the UK itself. For instance, the International Graduate Outcomes Report 2024 shows that 78% of graduates who remained in the UK after graduating found work straight away. According to the report, the top industries for work for international students are education, health/medical, finance, consulting/professional services, and technology.
Graduates who consider working in the UK after completing their degree do so mainly due to the high-paying careers available in the country. The average gross annual earnings for full-time employees in the UK was £37,430 in April 2024. The pay depends primarily on the area of work you do in the UK.
The highest-paid roles in the UK are as follows:
Pilots and air traffic controllers – £91,000 per year
IT directors – £81,000 per year
Chief executives – £81,000 per year
Marketing, sales, and advertising directors – £80,000 per year
Public relations and communications directors – £73,000 per year
The UK is historically known for providing world-class higher education to students from around the world. Since there are many study options available in the UK, you may be unsure about where to start. We can help you in deciding which course and university would suit you best, so arrange a free consultation at our offices in India today. Our university specialists will find the right institution, course, and location for you.
While studying in the UK is not completely free for Indian students, many scholarships are available to cover some or all of your tuition fees and living expenses. It’s best to research scholarships and apply as soon as possible to improve your chances of receiving a scholarship.
Undergraduate tuition fees typically range from £11,000 to £65,000 per year (INR 12 to 71 lakhs), while master’s courses can range from £10,000 to £35,000 per year (INR 10 to 38 lakhs) in the UK. Living expenses also vary; UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) recommends international students a budget of around £1,334 (approx. INR 146,000) per month in London and £1,023 (approx. INR 112,000) per month outside of London.
Indian students can pursue an undergraduate law degree (LLB) or a postgraduate law degree (LLM) in the UK. Most LLB programmes take three years, while LLM programmes are generally one year. Entry requirements can vary depending on the university, but they typically include academic transcripts, English language proficiency test (such as IELTS or TOEFL) scores, and a Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Scholarships are available from the UK government, universities, and private organisations. You can start by researching well-known awards like the Chevening Scholarship, GREAT Scholarships, and the Commonwealth Scholarships, and apply early to improve your chances of receiving your chosen scholarship. Make sure you prepare well before applying for a scholarship as many of them require academic merit, a strong Statement of Purpose, and extracurricular achievements.
SI-UK India study abroad consultants provide independent guidance, advice, and full application support to Indian students applying for UK study.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end.
Rashmi Lakshanya Urban Development and Planning at University College London
