Studying in the UK offers incredible chances for employment, cultural diversity, and academic brilliance. UK universities are renowned for their excellent teaching, innovative research, and robust industry connections.
Another benefit of studying in the UK is the country’s multicultural environment. Interacting with students from different countries will expand your horizons and cultivate a global perspective. This diversity not only enhances your educational experience but also prepares you for a workforce that is becoming more and more global in scope.
This blog will examine why studying in the UK will be beneficial for Indian students and how it will help you become more future-ready. Let’s dive deeper into the blog and learn about why study in the UK as an Indian student.
Benefits of Studying in the UK
When it comes to the benefits that UK universities provide to the Indian students, there are a few key components that differentiate them.
- Academic excellence: A wide range of globally acknowledged courses and degrees are offered by UK institutions, which are among the most respected universities in the world.
- Cultural Diversity: Studying in the UK allows you to experience various cultures and meet people from all over the world. The UK is a melting pot of cultures, which is why study in the UK is important for exploring cultural diversity across the world.
- Employment opportunities: Excellent job opportunities are the major reason why study in the UK is noteworthy. Studying in the UK can open up numerous job opportunities for graduates because of its booming job market.
- Quality of Education: Every university and institution in the UK has its educational standards routinely evaluated by the independent Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). It assists in identifying the finest teaching practises and provides feedback for improvisation in addition to evaluating their performances through audits and subject reviews. These research standards are also examined by the UK funding organisations for higher education, and their results are periodically published.
- Shorter duration of Courses: In the UK, you’ll graduate sooner without sacrificing quality because courses are more intensive and shorter than in many other nations. A graduate programme or post-graduation in the UK can be completed in just one year, whereas an undergraduate programme takes three years to complete.
Top Universities to Study in the UK
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the UK
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Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the UK
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
Discover the best universities in the United Kingdom’s four major states: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Some of the top universities in the United Kingdom are:
| Top Universities | IELTS Score |
| 1. University of Warwick | 7.0 |
| 2. Imperial College London | 7.0 |
| 3. Kings College London | 7.0 |
| 4. University of Cambridge | 7.5 |
| 5. University of Oxford | 7.0 – 7.5 |
| 6. University College London | 6.5 |
| 7. London School of Economics and Political Science | 7.0 |
| 8. University of Manchester | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| 9. University of Edinburgh | 6.5 |
| 10. University of Bristol | 6.5 |
Other Popular Universities to study in The UK
If you’re searching for a famous university to attend in the UK, some well-known options are:
| Popular Universities | Minimum IELTS Score |
| 1. Aston University | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| 2. Birmingham City University | 6.0 |
| 3. Cranfield University | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| 4. Cardiff University | 4.0 – 7.5 |
| 5. De Montfort University, Leicester | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| 6. Keele University | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| 7. Kingston University | 4.5 – 7.0 |
| 8. Durham University | 4.0 – 7.5 |
| 9. New Castle University | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| 10. University of Glasgow | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| 11. University of Leeds | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| 12. University of Sheffield | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| 13. University of Southampton | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| 14. University of Nottingham | 4.0 – 7.5 |
| 15. University of York | 6.5 |
Education Cost for Indian Students in the UK
The education cost for Indian students can vary depending on the university, course, and level of study. According to 2023 statistics, education costs for undergraduate and postgraduate courses are mentioned below:
| Courses | Annual tuition fee (GBP) | Annual Tuition fee (INR) |
| Undergraduate | 11,400 GBP – 32,081 GBP | 1,149,154 INR – 3,233,861 INR |
| Postgraduate | 6,500 GBP – 51,360 GBP | 60,481 INR – 5,177,242 INR |
Job Opportunities for Indian Students While Studying in the UK
If you’re an Indian student hoping to study in the UK, you might be curious about what kind of jobs you can work on during your studies. A survey indicates that there is a great need for qualified individuals in the UK in a number of industries, including secondary education, IT & IT, creative, and healthcare.
Indian students are permitted to work full-time during semester breaks and up to 20 hours per week of part-time employment during the academic year. Indian students can find three different kinds of part-time jobs in the UK: internships, off-campus jobs, and on-campus jobs. A few instances of employment that can be found on campus are research assistant, library assistant, bookstore assistant, university health centre trainer, tutor, gym trainer, student ambassador, and student mentor.
Education System of the UK
The UK’s educational system is split into four basic components: elementary education, secondary education, post-secondary education, and higher education. Here we will discuss higher education in the UK.
Higher education system in the UK
In the UK, higher education is an aspect of tertiary education. Universities are part of the higher education system, along with colleges, institutes, schools, and academies. Three levels make up the UK higher education system: postgraduate, other undergraduate, and undergraduate courses. A bachelor’s degree is awarded after completing three or four years of undergraduate coursework. Postgraduate studies can result in a master’s or doctorate and last one or two years.
The management of higher education in the United Kingdom is currently overseen by four distinct bodies: the Office for Students (OfS) in England; the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), which is quickly to be replaced by the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER); the Scottish Funding Council (SFC); and the Higher Education Division of the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.
Due to the high demand and variety of career alternatives, these courses are regarded as having excellent employment prospects. The work market is dominated by industries including computer science, engineering, business management, finance, data science, healthcare, and the other courses mentioned offer solid employment opportunities. You can acquire important knowledge and skills that companies want by taking these courses, making why study in the UK extremely beneficial for you.
Entry Requirements to Study in The UK
Depending on your level of education and the program you’re interested in, different overseas students must meet different entry requirements in the UK.
| Exam | Minimum requirement for UG | Minimum requirement for PG |
| IELTS | 5.5 – 6.5 | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 92 – 100 | 92 – 100 |
| PTE | 43 | 59 |
| Duolingo | 105 – 120 | 105 – 120 |
Other tests like TOEFL, GMAT, and GRE are not that popular and some universities do not accept these and just go with IELTS and PTE the most.
Visa Requirements for Indian Students
You must apply for a Tier 4 student visa (16 years or above) if you are an Indian student and want to study at a university in UK. In the event that your course lasts less than 11 months, you may apply for a short-term study visa.
- You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number, along with the supporting documentation, in order to be eligible for a student visa.
- The offer of a spot on the course must be unconditional, with the licenced sponsor.
- Along with having sufficient funds to sustain yourself and pay for your studies, you must also have acceptable English language competency test results, such as the IELTS.
- You will require a current passport or other acceptable form of identification to travel, a recent photo, and a biometric resident permit when applying for your visa. Currently, a visa application costs 363 GBP/ 36,613 INR.
Financial Aid for Indian Students in the UK
The availability of financial aid is a major reason why studying in the UK is famous. However, the availability of financial help varies based on the college and program you select to attend. So it’s crucial to thoroughly consider your options and submit your financial aid application as soon as you can.
Scholarships for Indian Students
Indian students who want to study in the UK can apply for a number of scholarships. These are a some of the well-known scholarships:
- British Chevening Scholarships: The scholarship is given to qualified professionals with a track record of academic achievement and leadership potential. The scholarship covers tuition, a monthly stipend, travel expenses, and other expenditures.
- Rhodes Scholarship: This scholarship is given to deserving students worldwide who want to attend the University of Oxford for a postgraduate programme. The award pays for a monthly stipend, travel expenses, and tuition fee.
- Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan: Recipients of this fellowship are exceptional students from Commonwealth nations who want to study for a postgraduate degree in the UK. Travel expenses, tuition, and other expenditures are covered by the scholarship.
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT): The scholarship is offered to Indian students who want to study or conduct research in the UK in the fields of the arts or historic conservation. Tuition and other costs are covered by the award.
Living Expenses in the UK
The actual cost of living in the UK may change depending on your lifestyle and spending patterns. As it is challenging to plan ahead and budget carefully.
In the UK, there are a variety of housing alternatives available to you for lodging. Your options will be greatly determined by where you live, whether or not your institution or university has residence halls, how much money you have available each month, and which city you attend.
If you require on-campus accommodations, inform them when applying to a college or university. Never assume that you will receive accommodations without asking for them. If you’re an Indian student, you’ll probably obtain housing preferences, such as flats, rented apartments, dorms, and self-centred halls.
| Cost of living | Expenses in GBP | Expenses in INR |
| Average cost of living in London | 1,334 GBP (per month) | 134,164 INR (per month) |
| Average cost of living outside London | 1,023 GBP ( per month) | 102,886 INR (per month) |
| Approximate estimate | 12,000 – 15,000 GBP (per year) | 1,206,876 – 1,508,595 INR (per year) |
Major Sources of Funding in the UK
The availability of numerous funding sources is a major attraction why studying in the UK is beneficial for its students. There are several sources of funding available to you in the UK. Here are some of them:
- Education loans: Indian banks provide a range of loans with various repayment alternatives so that you can make future plans as necessary. Loans can be used to pay for tuition, travel, lodging, and other expenses associated with your course of study. Repayments typically don’t start until six months after your course is ended or when you find employment.
- Charitable Trusts: There are a number of charity foundations that offer financial aid to Indian students studying in the UK. By providing financial aid, grants, and scholarships, these trusts hope to assist students in pursuing higher education. The Tata Trusts, JN Tata Endowment, and the Aga Khan Foundation are a few well-known charity trusts. Researching each trust and its offers in-depth is essential because these organisations have various eligibility requirements and application procedures.
- Research funding: Indian students studying in the UK have access to various research funding possibilities. Several colleges offer research grants and scholarships for overseas students, especially those from India. In addition, financing opportunities are offered by institutions like the British Council, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, and the Department of Science and Technology of the Indian government.
Getting Around in the UK
Travelling through the UK may be thrilling. A well-developed cost-efficient public transport system has been established by the UK government for easy access to travel and explore around, making studying in the UK further helpful for its students. The most convenient ways to travel around major UK cities including Bath, Liverpool, York, Edinburgh, and London are discussed below.
- Public transport: The UK boasts a robust public transit system that includes buses, trains, and the London Underground. To receive lower prices on London’s public transport, students can obtain a Student Oyster Card. This is a major reason why study in UK is better.
- Car hire: The UK offers car rentals, but they might be pricey. Students under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
- Taxi: In the UK, taxis are commonly available and can be either hailed on the street or reserved in advance.
- Cycling: In the UK, several cities offer bike-sharing programs and designated cycle lanes to encourage the use of bicycles as a form of transportation.
Future Prospects of Studying in the UK
The future prospects are promising in the UK. Other fields are also desirable for students pursuing careers in science and technology because of its economy’s emphasis on research and innovation. Many Indian students aim to remain in the UK following their studies because the nation boasts an employment rate of over 75%; this is another reason why studying in the UK is popular.
Final Thoughts
To put it briefly, there are very few barriers to admission to UK universities. After you have been admitted, your institution will provide you with all the information you need to travel to and easily settle into the UK as a student. In the UK, your application should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject matter, as you select your curriculum prior to enrolling in college. If you’re not sure, you can use the search on our website to identify a course that interests you. Our user-friendly website will walk you through the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How do I apply for a Graduate Route Visa in the UK?
A. You must apply online for a Graduate Route visa to the UK. Create a UK Visas and Immigration account on the GOV.UK website to accomplish this. You must utilise a mobile app after creating an account to confirm your identity. Additionally, you will be required to submit several documents, including your passport, your biometric residency permit (BRP), and proof of your credentials.
Q. How long does it take to get a student visa for the UK?
A. In the UK, a Tier 4 (generic) student visa application can take up to three weeks to process. But, in order to prevent any last-minute delays, it is advised that you apply at least six months before your study begins. The visa application fee is 363 GBP/ 36,613 INR.
Q. Can international students work while studying in the UK?
A. International students may work while they are studying in the UK, but only if they hold a Tier 4 student visa. The majority of overseas students with a Student Route visa who are pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree (for a duration of more than six months) are permitted to work:
1. Work more than 20 hours per week, excluding any breaks or a scheduled internship or work placement.
2. Work for yourself, run a business, or perform professionally as a sportsperson or entertainment.
3. Fill out a permanent full-time vacancy to advance your career.
Q. What are the benefits of living in the UK?
A. There are several benefits of living in the UK, here are some of them:
High-quality education: The UK’s universities have a distinguished international reputation and are among the best in the world.
Shorter courses: Since most undergraduate programs in the UK last three years, shorter programs result in quicker graduation times and cost savings on items like tuition and living expenses.
Financial aid: Each academic year, numerous scholarship options are available to students at all UK universities.
Living in the UK is an intriguing experience: There are a variety of urban centres and rural communities here, as well as historical sites, renowned music festivals, ethnically diverse food, and exciting activities to keep you occupied while you’re studying.
Q. Can I extend my student visa?
A. Yes, your student visa can be extended in the UK. If you match the criteria listed below, you can extend your student visa, according to the UK government website. Applying before your current visa expires is required if you want to extend it. Upon the expiration of your current visa, your new course must start within 28 days. You can apply online to extend your student visa if you satisfy these requirements.
Q. How long does it take to extend the student visa extension application?
A. For the majority of UK visa extensions and switch requests, the processing time is typically 8 weeks (40 working days). The processing time, however, may change based on the type of visa you are seeking and your unique situation. You can apply online if you intend to extend your student visa in the UK. The earliest you can apply is three months before the commencement of your course.
Q. Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
A. Yes, it is feasible to study in the United Kingdom without taking the IELTS exam. International students who attended schools where English was the primary language of teaching are reportedly eligible to apply to UK universities without having their IELTS scores. Certain UK universities may also examine X and XII English marks or conduct their own interviews to test applicants’ language ability.
Q. What is the cost of studying in the UK?
A. The average annual cost of studying in the UK is between 10,000 GBP and 38,000 GBP/ INR 9.5L to INR 36.5L. The annual tuition costs are 9,250 GBP/INR 918,316 for social sciences and humanities degrees, while the average cost is 10,000 GBP/INR 993,387.
Q. What are the minimum IELTS requirements for the UK?
A. Different universities and programs have different minimum IELTS score requirements. However, most UK colleges typically accept applicants with an IELTS score of 6.0 to 7. IELTS scores must be at least 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each section to be accepted for undergraduate courses. IELTS scores of at least 7.0 are needed for postgraduate courses, with each section needing to be at least 6.5.
Q. What are some other English language proficiency tests accepted by the UK Universities?
A. In addition to IELTS, there are several other English language proficiency tests that are accepted by UK universities. Some of these tests include
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language is not a commonly accepted test in the UK, but some universities do accept. In addition to taking admission in the universities accepting TOEFL, it is utilised for a number of other purposes, including immigration and employment.
PTE Academic: Another well-liked exam that is recognised by UK universities is the Pearson Test of English Academic. The four language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are evaluated on a computer.
Cambridge English Advanced: The Cambridge ESOL test, sometimes known as the Certificate in Advanced English, is recognised by several UK universities. It is made for students who desire to study or work in an English-speaking setting and evaluates the four language skills.
Q. What are the top universities for masters in the UK?
A. A few of the most esteemed universities in the world are located in the UK, the best master’s programs in the UK are listed here:
1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. Imperial College London
4. University College London
5. University of Edinburgh
