Quick Read
- UK LLM: one year full-time, September start.
- LLM fees in UK: £19,000 to £55,000 (Rs.24.5L to Rs.71L), varying by university.
- Minimum entry for LLM in UK for Indian students: LLB with 60% marks and IELTS 7.0 overall.
- Bar Council of India recognizes approximately 35 UK universities for law.
- Indian LLM graduates can qualify as UK solicitors via the SQE route.
- Graduate Route: 18 months post-study for September 2026 starters; 2 years if you apply by 31 Dec 2026.
Top Universities for Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students 2026-27 Fees
According to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, six UK universities rank in the global top 25 for law, with Oxford at 2nd and Cambridge at 3rd. The Bar Council of India recognises approximately 35 UK universities offering law programs.
Here are the top Law colleges and fees for Indian students. Fees are confirmed from official university pages for 2026-27 where they are published. All sources are linked.
| University | QS Law Rank 2026 | Program | International Fee | INR |
| University of Oxford | 2 | BCL/MJur | ~£53,000 | ~Rs.68.4L |
| University of Cambridge | 3 | MCL | £48,540 | Rs.62.6L |
| LSE | 7 | LLM | ~£38,000 | ~Rs.49L |
| UCL | 9 | LLM | ~£35,500 | ~Rs.45.8L |
| King’s College London | 15 | LLM | £38,300 | Rs.49.4L |
| University of Edinburgh | 22 | LLM | ~£26,000 | ~Rs.33.5L |
| Queen Mary University of London | 51-100 | LLM | ~£23,500 | ~Rs.30.3L |
| University of Manchester | 51-100 | LLM | £31,000 | Rs.40L |
| University of Bristol | 51-100 | LLM | ~£25,500 | ~Rs.32.9L |
| Durham University | 51-100 | LLM | ~£23,000 | ~Rs.29.7L |
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Exchange rate used throughout: £1 = Rs.129.09. Fees for Oxford and UCL are indicative. Confirm directly on official university pages before applying.
Oxford and Cambridge note: Oxford's BCL (common law background) and MJur (civil law background) and Cambridge's MCL are all closed for 2026-27 entry. Applications for 2027-28 will open in Autumn 2026. If you are targeting either option, plan 18 months in advance.
The LLM in London fees for Indian students, particularly at LSE, KCL, and UCL, sit at the upper end. Studying at Edinburgh, Manchester, or Bristol cuts living costs by £400 to £600 per month with no loss of academic quality.
Counselor insight: Queen Mary (QMUL) is consistently overlooked despite its London location, strong commercial law faculty, and fees significantly lower than LSE's or KCL's. For students targeting City of London firms, QMUL's proximity and graduate network provide underrated advantages.
Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students: Specializations
| LLM Specializations in UK | Best For | Strongest Universities |
| Corporate and Commercial Law | Magic Circle firms, Big Law India, in-house MNC roles | LSE, KCL, UCL, Manchester |
| International Business Law | Cross-border arbitration, UN, the WTO, and government law | Edinburgh, LSE, UCL |
| Intellectual Property and Technology Law | Tech companies, patent law, India-return IP roles | QMUL, Bristol, Edinburgh |
| Financial and Banking Law | Financial regulation, City of London banking roles | LSE, KCL |
| Human Rights Law | NGOs, the UN, and academic careers | LSE, UCL, Essex |
| International Law | State disputes, treaty-making, international organisations | Edinburgh, LSE, Nottingham |
Corporate and Commercial Law gives the strongest India-return ROI. It applies directly at Indian Tier 1 firms (AZB, Cyril Amarchand, and Shardul), in-house at MNCs and banks, and in international arbitration. IP and Technology Law is increasingly valued by Indian tech companies. Human rights law has a limited paid employment market in India.
Counselor insight: Indian students often choose human rights law because it sounds impressive, then struggle to find paid roles that justify a Rs.60L investment. If repaying debt within 3 to 4 years is a priority, corporate or financial law is a more direct path.
Eligibility for Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students in 2026
Academic Qualification
A recognized 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated BA LLB/BBA LLB from a university approved by the Bar Council of India or UGC. This includes NLU degrees, state university LLBs, and degrees from deemed universities.
Percentage Requirements by University Tier
| University Tier | Minimum % | Notes |
| Oxford, Cambridge | 70%+ (First Class) | A writing sample and two academic references required |
| LSE, UCL, KCL | 65% (2:1 equivalent) | Strong SOP and references expected |
| Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol | 60% (2:1 equivalent) | Work experience strengthens a profile. |
| QMUL, Durham, Sussex | 55-60% | 2:2 sometimes accepted with strong supporting profile |
Most UK universities convert Indian marks as follows: 60-65% = 2:1 (Upper Second), 55-60% = 2:2 (Lower Second). NLU graduates receive a slight advantage at top schools.
English Language Requirements for Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students
| University | IELTS Overall | Minimum Per Component |
| Oxford BCL/MJur | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| Cambridge MCL | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| LSE, UCL, KCL | 7.0 | 6.5 |
| Edinburgh, Manchester | 6.5 to 7.0 | 6.0 to 6.5 |
| QMUL, Bristol, Durham | 6.5 | 6.0 |
For full IELTS requirements for UK universities, including pre-sessional English options, see our guide.
Work Experience
Not mandatory for most LLM programs. For specialized programs in Financial Law or Healthcare Law, and for applicants targeting Oxford or Cambridge, 1 to 2 years of legal practice strengthens your application.
Total Cost of Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students in 2026-27
Tuition Fees for Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students
| University Group | Tuition Fee | INR Equivalent |
| Oxford, Cambridge | £48,540 to £53,000 | Rs.62.6L to Rs.68.4L |
| LSE, UCL, KCL | £35,500 to £38,300 | Rs.45.8L to Rs.49.4L |
| Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol | £25,500 to £31,000 | Rs.32.9L to Rs.40L |
| QMUL, Durham, Sussex, Exeter | £19,000 to £25,000 | Rs.24.5L to Rs.32.3L |
Sources: Cambridge MCL fees | KCL LLM fees | Manchester LLM fees | LSE Fees Table 2026-27 | Edinburgh Law School fees
Living Costs
| Location | Monthly Cost | Monthly INR | Annual (9-12 months) | Annual INR |
| London | £1,334 to £2,000 | Rs.1,72,206 to Rs.2,58,180 | £12,006 to £18,000 | Rs.15.5L to Rs.23.2L |
| Oxford, Cambridge | £1,405 to £2,105 | Rs.1,81,372 to Rs.2,71,734 | £12,645 to £18,945 | Rs.16.3L to Rs.24.5L |
| Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, Durham | £900 to £1,400 | Rs.1,16,181 to Rs.1,80,726 | £8,100 to £12,600 | Rs.10.5L to Rs.16.3L |
Sources: UKVI London maintenance guideline | University of Oxford living costs 2026-27 | University of Cambridge living costs 2026-27
Pre-Departure and Mandatory Costs (One-Time) for Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students
| Cost Item | Amount | INR |
| UK Student Visa Application Fee | £558 | Rs.72,032 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 per year | Rs.1,00,573 |
| TB Test at UKVI-approved clinic | Rs.2,000 to Rs.3,500 | INR cost only |
| University Seat Deposit | £500 to £2,000 | Rs.64,545 to Rs.2,58,180 |
| Flights (India to UK, one-way) | £400 to £900 | Rs.51,636 to Rs.1,16,181 |
| Initial Setup (SIM, bedding, basics) | £200 to £400 | Rs.25,818 to Rs.51,636 |
Realistic Total Budget (Full Year) for Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students
| Programme Type | Tuition | Living + Pre-Departure | Total |
| Top London LLM (LSE, KCL) | £38,000 (Rs.49.1L) | £18,000 to £22,000 (Rs.23.2L to Rs.28.4L ) | £56,000 to £60,000 (Rs.72.3L to Rs.77.5L) |
| Mid-London LLM (QMUL) | £23,500 (Rs.30.3L) | £18,000 to £22,000 (Rs.23.2L to Rs.28.4L) | £41,500 to £45,500 (Rs.53.6L to Rs.58.7L) |
| Outside London (Edinburgh and Manchester) | £26,000 to £31,000 (Rs.33.6L to Rs.40L) | £12,000 to £16,000 (Rs.15.5L to Rs.20.6L) | £38,000 to £47,000 (Rs.49L to Rs.60.7L) |
| Budget LLM (Bristol, Durham) | £23,000 to £25,500 (Rs.29.7L to Rs.32.9L) | £11,000 to £14,000 (Rs.14.2L to Rs.18.1L) | £34,000 to £39,500 (Rs.43.9L to Rs.51L) |
Exchange rate used throughout: £1 = Rs.129.09. Verify the live rate before finalizing your budget. A 5% currency shift changes your total cost by Rs.2L to Rs.4L.
Students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. At the National Living Wage of £12.21/hour (2025-26), this work generates approximately £7,326 (Rs.9.5L) over 30 weeks. Useful, but not enough to cover tuition.
Scholarships for Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students in 2026
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility | Deadline |
| Chevening | Full tuition, living, flights, visa | 2 years work experience, leadership record | November |
| Gates Cambridge | Full funding at Cambridge | Outstanding academic record, non-UK applicants | December |
| Felix Scholarship | Full tuition and living | Indian students from underprivileged backgrounds, Oxford/Reading/SOAS only | December to January |
| GREAT Scholarship | £10,000 partial | Indian postgraduate students, 25+ participating universities | January to March |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Tuition, airfare, living | Low- and middle-income Commonwealth nationals | October to December |
| University bursaries | £3,000 to £10,000 | Merit-based, varies per university | Varies |
For the full list, including the Inlaks Shivdasani Fund and Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships, see our guide on scholarships for Indian students to study law abroad.
For broader postgraduate funding, see top UK scholarships for Indian students.
Counselor insight: Chevening covers everything and carries strong recognition with Indian law firms and the judiciary. The application requires four essays and two references. Students who treat it as a last-minute task do not get it. Start preparing 3 months before the November deadline.
Documents Checklist for LLM in UK for Indian students
| Document | India-Specific Detail | When Required |
| LLB Marksheets | Semester-wise or year-wise originals. Photocopies are accepted at the application stage; originals are required at enrollment. | All universities |
| Consolidated Marksheet | Single sheet showing aggregate marks. Not all Indian universities issue this: check with your registrar. | Most universities |
| Degree or Provisional Certificate | A provisional certificate from the registrar is accepted at the application stage. Final degree certificate is required at enrollment. | All universities |
| ENIC/UK NARIC Statement | This confirms that an Indian degree is equivalent to a UK qualification. Cost: ~£52. Some universities verify the equivalency themselves. | Oxford, Cambridge, LSE; check per university |
| IELTS/TOEFL Score Report | Academic IELTS only. Valid for 2 years. Order additional TRFs if applying to multiple universities. | All universities |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | 500 to 1,000 words. Explain why this specific university and specialization and how it connects to your career goals. Generic SOPs are the most common reason for rejection at top-tier schools. | All universities |
| Two References / LORs | One academic (law professor) and one professional (supervising advocate or employer). Submitted via university portal. | All universities |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended course end date. Bio page copy is only at the application stage. | All universities |
| CV | Maximum 2 pages. Include academic awards, moot court, internships, publications, and Bar Council enrollment if applicable. | Most universities |
| MOI Letter | If LLB is taught entirely in English, a registrar letter on university letterhead may exempt you from IELTS at some universities. | Some universities, as IELTS alternative |
| Police Clearance Certificate | Obtain from your local police station or Passport Seva Kendra. | UK visa stage |
| TB Test Certificate | Mandatory for Indian applicants at a UKVI-approved clinic. | UK visa stage |
| Financial Evidence | Bank statements showing required maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days. | UK visa stage |
Month-by-Month Planning Calendar for LLM in UK for Indian Students
This is mapped to the Indian academic year for final-year LLB students and recent graduates who are applying now.
| Month | Action |
| May 2026 | Start IELTS preparation. Book a test for July or August. Research 6 to 8 universities and confirm the 2027-28 entry requirements. |
| June 2026 | Take IELTS. Check Chevening eligibility (closes November 2026). Shortlist LLM specializations. |
| July 2026 | Final LLB exams end for most Indian universities. Draft SOP. Brief two referees early on. |
| August 2026 | IELTS results arrive. Retake if needed. Begin university applications: rolling admissions mean early applicants get faster decisions. Apply for university bursaries. |
| September to October 2026 | Submit applications to 3 to 5 universities. Chase references. Apply for Chevening. |
| November 2026 | Chevening deadline. Follow up with admissions offices if no acknowledgement is received. |
| December 2026 to January 2027 | Offers arrive. The Gates Cambridge deadline is December. The Felix Scholarship deadline is December to January. GREAT Scholarship deadlines at most universities fall in January. |
| February to March 2027 | Pay seat deposits. Start collecting visa documents. Chevening results are expected in April 2027. |
| April 2027 | Chevening results. Begin UK Student Visa application: you need your CAS number from the university. Book a UKVI TB test. |
| May to June 2027 | Submit a visa application with a 28-day bank statement. Apply for university accommodation early: halls fill quickly. |
| July 2027 | Visa decisions typically arrive within 3 weeks of biometrics. Book flights. |
| September 2027 | Arrive 2 to 3 weeks before the course starts. Induction and term begin. |
Most UK LLM programs use rolling admissions with no fixed deadline. Applying by October 2026 gives the best chance of an early offer and scholarship consideration. Applying after February 2027 is possible, but most scholarship windows will have closed.
Career After Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students : SQE Route, Graduate Visa, and India Return
Decision Framework: Three Indian Student Scenarios
- If you are a final-year LLB student targeting a Magic Circle firm: Apply to LSE, KCL, or UCL for Corporate or Financial Law. During your LLM year, apply for vacation schemes at Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Linklaters, Allen & Overy, or Slaughter and May. Applications open November to December. Your LLM gets you shortlisted. The SQE and 2 years of QWE then qualify you as a solicitor, funded by the Graduate Route visa.
- If you are a practicing lawyer in India with 2 to 5 years PQE: Your Indian legal experience can count as SQE Qualifying Work Experience if confirmed by a solicitor of England and Wales. Consider an integrated LLM plus SQE program at BPP University or The University of Law. These are faster and cheaper than a Russell Group LLM with a direct qualification pathway.
- If you are undecided between the UK and India: The SRA reports a first-time SQE1 pass rate of 58%. Full qualification takes 2 to 3 years post-LLM. If returning to India within 2 years, skip the SQE and focus on Corporate, IP, or Financial Law for in-house and Tier 1 firm roles.
The SQE Route for Indian LLM Graduates
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in September 2021, replaced the LPC as the route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Three stages:
- SQE1: Tests functioning legal knowledge in English and Welsh law (FLK1 and FLK2). Fee from September 2026: £2,006 (Rs.2,58,914).
- SQE2: Tests practical legal skills including advocacy, drafting, and client interviewing. Fee from September 2026: £3,086 (Rs.3,98,332).
- QWE (2 years): Confirmed by a solicitor of England and Wales. Can be done across up to 4 organizations, in paid or volunteer roles, in the UK or overseas. Indian legal work experience at a law firm, in-house department, or legal aid clinic can count as QWE if properly confirmed.
Total SQE exam fees from September 2026: £5,092 (University of Law confirmation). Preparation courses add £8,000 to £15,000, depending on the provider.
The Law Society of England and Wales confirms that QWE can be completed overseas, provided that a solicitor of England and Wales confirms it meets SRA criteria.
An LLM is not required to sit the SQE, but it provides the UK student visa route, academic credibility with firms, and specialist legal knowledge.
Graduate Route Visa
After your LLM, apply for the Graduate Route visa from inside the UK. Students who apply on or before 31 December 2026 receive 2 years of post-study work without employer sponsorship; those who apply on or after 1 January 2027 receive 18 months. September 2026 LLM graduates will apply in 2027 and receive 18 months. PhD graduates retain 3 years regardless of application date. Verify at gov.uk/graduate-visa before planning your SQE timeline.
Practicing Law in India After LLM in UK
The Bar Council of India recognises approximately 35 UK universities for law. To appear in Indian courts, clear the AIBE (an open book held twice yearly). For corporate, in-house, or international roles, BCI enrollment is not mandatory.
Salary benchmarks: UK Magic Circle NQ solicitors earn approximately £100,000 to £125,000 (Rs.1.29Cr to Rs.1.61Cr). Returning LLM graduates at Indian Tier 1 firms (AZB, Cyril Amarchand, Shardul, Trilegal) can expect Rs.18L to Rs.35L. In-house roles at MNCs and investment banks range from Rs.25L to Rs.50L at mid-senior levels.
Counselor insight: Most Indian LLM graduates underestimate how much preparation the SQE requires alongside a full-time LLM. SQE1 alone takes 3–6 months of structured preparation on top of your degree. The students who pass the first time treat it as a parallel qualification, not an afterthought. Budget Rs.10L–Rs.20L for a preparation course on top of your exam fees, and map out which 2 years of QWE you will accumulate and where before you arrive, not after you graduate.
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
- Your LLB marks are below 60% or you have backlogs:
QMUL, Durham, Exeter, Brunel, and The University of Law accept 55% with a strong profile. A focused SOP explaining your marks, combined with relevant work experience, can offset a lower percentage. If you have backlogs, request a backlog certificate from your registrar; some universities ask for this explicitly. Cleared backlogs (1 to 3) are not a disqualifier at most universities. - Your IELTS score is below requirement:
IELTS One Skill Retake: If you narrowly missed on one component, retake that section alone rather than the full test. Most UK universities also offer pre-sessional English programs (6 to 10 weeks before term) that can meet the IELTS requirement on successful completion. - Your final-year LLB results are delayed:
Submit your current transcript for all completed years and apply on that basis. UK universities issue conditional offers and convert them once you send your provisional certificate. Your registrar typically issues this in July or August. Do not wait for the final degree certificate before applying. - You receive a rejection from your top-choice university:
Apply immediately to second and third choices. Most UK LLM programs accept applications until July. Request feedback from the admissions office. A rejection from LSE does not preclude an offer from KCL, Edinburgh, or Manchester. - Your UK Student Visa is refused:
Common refusal reasons for Indian students: insufficient funds documentation, unexplained large deposits within the 28-day bank statement window, or unconvincing study intent. You can request an administrative review or reapply with corrected documentation. - You miss a scholarship deadline:
Chevening and Commonwealth deadlines are fixed. University bursaries are more flexible, and some are awarded at enrollment. Apply for the GREAT Scholarship as a backup: over 25 universities participate. Consider Indian education loans (SBI Scholar Loan, Bank of Baroda, and Axis Bank) as a parallel track.
What to Do Next: 3 Specific Takeaways
- Pick your university based on employer connections and specialization, not ranking alone. LSE and KCL recruit strongly into Magic Circle and Silver Circle firms. Edinburgh suits international organisations and academic careers. QMUL is underrated for City of London access at a significantly lower cost.
- Start your application and Chevening preparation 12 to 14 months before your intended start. Chevening closes in November. GREAT Scholarship deadlines fall from January to March. Both close before Indian LLB results are out.
- The LLM is an academic degree, not a license to practice. If qualifying as a UK solicitor is your goal, plan your SQE timeline before you arrive. Exam fees from September 2026 are £5,092. Preparation courses add £8,000 to £15,000. Budget for these expenses from the start.
Verified by: LeapScholar's UK counseling team, with direct experience guiding Indian law graduates through LLM applications, scholarship processes, and UK Student Visa submissions.
Have questions about Masters in Law in UK or the SQE qualification route? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Masters in Law in UK for Indian Students
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How much does a Masters in Law in UK cost for Indian students in total?
The total budget for a Masters in Law in UK for Indian students ranges from approximately £34,000 (Rs.43.9L) at budget universities outside London to £60,000 or more (Rs.77.5L) at top London schools such as LSE and KCL. This covers tuition, living costs, Immigration Health Surcharge, visa fees, and pre-departure expenses. Tuition alone ranges from £19,000 to £55,000. Plan your education loan around the upper end of this range.
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Which UK university is best for an LLM for Indian students in 2026?
There is no single right answer. Oxford and Cambridge carry the strongest global brand but are closed for 2026-27 entry. For a City of London legal career, LSE, KCL, and UCL offer the strongest employer pipelines. For quality balanced with cost, Edinburgh and Queen Mary are consistently strong. Choose based on your target specialization, employer connections at that campus, and your realistic entry profile, not just the ranking.
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What marks do I need in my LLB to apply for a Masters in Law in UK?
Most universities require 60% to 65%, equivalent to a UK 2:1 for Masters in Law in UK for Indian students . Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE typically expect 65% to 70% or above. If your aggregate is between 55% and 60%, QMUL, Durham, and Exeter are realistic targets provided your SOP is strong and your supporting profile adds context.
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Can I practice law in India after completing a Masters in Law in UK?
Yes, with conditions. The Bar Council of India recognises approximately 35 UK universities. If your university is on the BCI list, you can enroll with the BCI on return. To appear in Indian courts, you must also clear the AIBE. For corporate, in-house, or international roles that do not involve court appearances, BCI enrollment is not required. Check the BCI list before finalizing your shortlist.
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What is the SQE and how does it work for Indian students after an LLM in UK?
The SQE is the qualification route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. Pass SQE1, pass SQE2, and complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience. Confirmed Indian legal experience can count toward QWE if verified by a solicitor of England and Wales. SQE exam fees from September 2026 total £5,092. The LLM is not required to sit the SQE but provides your student visa route, legal specialization, and UK network.
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How long is a Masters in Law in UK for Indian students and when does it start?
Almost all Masters in Law programs in UK are one year full-time, starting in September. There is no January or spring intake for most LLM programs in UK. Part-time options typically take two years. For the September 2026 intake, most competitive universities close applications by January 2026, so start early.
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Which LLM specialization is best for Indian students planning to return to India?
Corporate and Commercial Law is the most practical choice. It is directly applicable at tier 1 Indian law firms, in-house legal teams at MNCs and banks, and in international arbitration. IP and Technology Law is gaining value at Indian tech and pharma companies. Human rights law has a limited paid employment market in India and is worth pursuing only if your career is specifically in that space.
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Is work experience required to apply for a Masters in Law in UK from India?
No. Indian students can apply directly after their LLB. Work experience strengthens applications at competitive universities, and some specialized programs prefer candidates with a professional background. For the SQE qualification route, two years of Qualifying Work Experience is mandatory after the LLM, but that is a post-study requirement, not an admission one.
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What should I do if my final-year LLB results are not out when I apply for a Masters in Law in UK?
This scenario is common and fully manageable. UK universities issue conditional offers based on current transcripts and predicted results. Apply with the mark sheets you have. As soon as your registrar issues your Provisional Certificate, typically between July and August, send it to the admissions office. Do not wait for final results before applying.
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