Introduction

The United Kingdom is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for Indian students. With a strong education system, multicultural environment, and industry-based courses, the UK provides an entry point for academic success and lucrative career prospects.

Whether to pursue studies in United Kingdom schools or study in the UK without IELTS options, the advantage is evident, from top-ranked institutions to lucrative post-study work possibilities.

Key Highlights:

  • There are over 160 universities in the UK.
  • The cost of studying in the UK for Indian students ranges from ₹18 lakhs to ₹36 lakhs per year for undergraduate courses.
  • For postgraduate courses, the cost ranges from ₹16 lakhs to ₹28 lakhs per year.
  • The monthly cost of living in the UK as a student is between ₹1.4 lakhs and ₹2 lakhs.
  • Students are allowed to work part-time while studying in UK.
  • The post-study work visa in the UK, also known as the Graduate Route Visa or PSW, is valid for 2 to 3 years.
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Study in the UK: Overview

For an international student wanting to study in England, here’s a quick overview of all the essential factors to consider:

Language Instruction

English

Average Cost of Study

INR 18 lakhs to INR 36 lakhs

Average Cost of Living

INR 1.4 lakhs to INR 2 lakhs

Sources of funding

Scholarships, Grants, Part-time jobs, Bursaries, awards, fellowships

Exam Required

IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, PTE, UCLES

Intakes

2 times a year - January/February and September/ October 

Types of Visa

Short term study visa and Tier 4 (General) student visa

Top Courses

Law, Computer Science, Management studies, Design, Preclinical medicines

Types of Degrees

Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate

Best Student Cities

London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, New Castle, Coventry, Nottingham

Why Study In UK?

More than 1.6 lakh Indian students moved to the UK in 2025 for their higher education. The UK offers an excellent infrastructure for education for Indian students, a diverse environment, and good career opportunities. Pursuing a master’s in the UK will be expensive, but it’ll be worth it. 

With some of the best universities in the world, such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London, you have state-of-the-art facilities, the best faculty, and a great ROI. 

Moreover, as an international student, you are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week when classes are in session. Let’s look more closely at why you should consider studying at UK:

  • Premier Institutions: The UK boasts some of the world's top universities, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, which consistently rank high in global rankings.
  • Diverse Programs: With a vast selection ranging from cutting-edge engineering and computer science programs to renowned law and business schools, you're sure to find a course that aligns with your aspirations.

  • Global Recognition: UK degrees hold immense weight and are highly respected by employers internationally.

  • Language & Cultural Immersion: Immersing yourself in a predominantly English-speaking country like the UK naturally enhances your language proficiency. Moreover, the UK's multicultural environment provides a rich cultural experience.

  • Flexible English Requirements: While IELTS is a common requirement, many UK universities offer alternative English proficiency tests or even waive the requirement under certain circumstances, making UK education accessible to a wider range of students.

Once UK students complete their 12th studies, the next step would be to pursue higher education. The higher education system in UK is provided by universities. Here are the 3 types of degrees provided under the British higher education system:

  • Undergraduate Degree: UG is an undergraduate degree that is also referred to as a Bachelor’s degree. It is a full-time course with a duration of 3 to 4 years. Students can also pursue a joint honours degree where students can study two or three major subjects instead of one. 

  • Masters Degree:  A Masters Degree study duration is between 1-2 years based on the subject choice.

  • Ph.D. Degree: Ph.D. or doctorate programs are courses that can be studied either full-time or part-time. The study duration is between 3-6 years depending on the subjects. 

Education System of UK

UK higher education is known for its systematic degree routes, stringent quality control, and high-quality research facilities. In the UK, the UG courses generally take 3 years in England (4 years in Scotland), master's courses are finished within 1 to 2 years, and PhD studies take 3 to 6 years. 

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of these features with tangible numbers and examples:

Aspect

Details

Key Facts & Examples

Degree System

  • Bachelor's: 3-4 years

  • Master's: 1-2 years

  • Doctoral: 3–6 years

  • Bachelor’s: Typically 3 years (e.g., University of Oxford) in England and 4 years (e.g., University of Edinburgh) in Scotland.

  • Master’s: Generally 1-2 years (e.g., Imperial College London’s 1-year MSc programs).

  • Doctoral: Ranges from 3-6 years across institutions.

Quality Assurance

  • Regular evaluations by external agencies

  • Ongoing monitoring and accreditation

  • Quality Assurance Agency (QAA): Established in 1997, it reviews over 130 higher education institutions.

  • Over 90% of these institutions meet strict quality benchmarks as per recent QAA reports.

Research Focus

  • Emphasis on collaborative and independent research

  • Access to advanced facilities and expert supervision

  • Research Excellence Framework (REF): In the REF 2014, approximately 30% of research outputs were rated as world-leading (4*), with an additional 45% classified as internationally excellent (3*).

  • Leading research institutions include Imperial College London and UCL.

Best Universities to Pursue in the UK

In UK, higher education is provided by universities and they have the power to grant degrees. Here’s a quick look at the types of universities in UK:

Types of University

Key Points

Ancient Universities

A group of the 7 oldest universities in the UK 

Redbrick or Civic Universities

A group of 6 Universities established in the nineteenth century. 

Plate glass Universities/ 1960s Universities

Formed between 1963 and 1992, these universities introduced new syllabus, examination format and  teaching methods.

New Universities/Polytechnic Universities/ Metropolitan Universities

Recently conferred university status. These institutions evolved from Polytechnics, Teacher Training Colleges, Further Education Colleges, University Colleges and other higher education institutions 

Russell Group Universities

A group of 24 prestigious British research universities.

Credit System in UK

UK follows a credit system to monitor, record as well as encourage an easy movement between courses and institutions. In general, one UK credit equates to 10 hours of work. Students have to accumulate credits per program to be able to acquire a degree. 

Degree Type

Credits Required

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor Degree with Honours- 360 credits, Basic Bachelor Degree- 300 credits

Integrated Masters Degree

480 credits

PG Taught Masters Degree

180 credits, Professional doctorate- 540 credits

The main reason why international students prefer UK to study abroad is for its  well-ranked universities. There are many top universities in UK that excel in academics and help in shaping the future of students. Let us have a look at the best universities in UK:

University

QS World Rankings 2022

Average Tuition Fees/ Year

University of Oxford

2

£18,000 - £40,000

University of Cambridge

3

£16,000- £50,000 

Imperial College London

7

£16,000- £36,000

University College London

8

£25,000- £34,000

London School of Economics and Political Science

49

£16,000- £30,000

University of Edinburgh

16

£16,000- £26,000

King's College London

35

£17,000- £28,000

University of Manchester

27

£19,000- £26,000

University of Warwick

61

£18,000- £29,000

University of Bristol

62

£20,000- £24,000

Top Courses in UK for Students

There are multiple top courses in UK that provide diverse programs. Here’s a quick look at the best courses in UK for international students.

  • Business studies

  • Accounting and Finance

  • Undergraduate Law

  • Economics

  • Computer Science

  • Politics

  • Biological sciences

  • Electrical Engineering

The programs to study in UK for Indian students are:

Program

Duration

Average Tuition Fees

MBA

1 year

£57,200/year

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

4 years

£25,900/year

LLB 

3 years

£16,000/year

Bachelor of Medicine

5 years

£43,100/year

MSc Computer Science

1 year

£33,200/year

MSc Economics 

1 year

£25,000/year

MSc Accounting & Finance

1- 2 years

£26,600/year

MSc Physiotherapy

2 years

£28,000/year

Process of Admission for Studying at UK Universities

An online option is needed to study in UK for Indian students. To apply for UK university, follow the steps below:

  • Research & Shortlist: List the universities and courses that fit your academic record and professional objectives.

  • Check Eligibility: See specific entry qualifications, such as academic qualifications and language skills.

  • Application Submission: Submit applications online through the official portal of the university.

  • Receive Offer: You will be offered a shortlisting after which you receive an offer letter and a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).

  • Accept Offer: Respond to the acceptance and pay necessary deposits.

  • Apply for Visa: Start your student visa application process with required papers.

  • Finalize Enrollment: Attend to any loose ends of the enrollment process before leaving.

The application process can turn out to be a long and complicated task. Hence you may want to get in touch with our career counsellors at Yocket to simplify the journey for you.

UK University Requirements For International Students

To apply to a university course in UK, you need to ensure that the below UK university admission requirements are met: 

Degree

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree 

  • Completed at least 13 years of education 

  • IELTS - 5.5

  • SAT/ AP Exam scores

Masters Degree

  • Bachelor’s degree 

  • IELTS - 6.5

  • GRE/ GMAT

  • Work Experience may be required 

Doctorate/Ph.D. Degree

  • Bachelors and Masters degree proof (minimum 60%)

  • Relevant Research experience 

  • IELTS - 6.5

The cost of living in UK depends on your lifestyle. The factors that will determine your cost of living are accommodation, transport, food, etc. The average cost of living in UK is discussed below:

Particular

Cost Per Year

Apartment housing including utilities

£6,000

Food

£2,400

Dormitory Housing

£4,000-£9,000

Food for Dormitory Residents

£1,700

Books and Supplies

£400

Miscellaneous

£3,000

There are multiple cities to study in UK. From educational factors to the living conditions, these are the top 5 best-preferred student destinations to consider in UK for further education. 

City

Average Cost Of Living

London

£15,600/year

Edinburgh

£8,500/year

Manchester

£10,330/year

Glasgow

£12,360/year

Coventry

£8,400/year

Visa Process

To apply for a UK student visa, the process to be followed is simple. Once you receive a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) certificate from the university, you can apply for a student visa. To apply for UK student visa, follow this step by step guide:

  • Determine the type of Visa you require - Short term or Tier 4 

  • Apply for the student visa under the respective visa category.

  • You are required to attend a visa interview as per the university rules.

  • You need to get a screening test done for Tuberculosis.

  • If you’re going to stay in UK for more than 6 months, you have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

  • Once you’ve filled in your visa application, you need to send in your biometric information after which your visa will be processed.

  • The process for a student visa is 3 weeks and can be extended based on your visa application.

Necessary documents and personal details needed to apply for a student visa in UK

  • Proof of current passport or valid travel document

  • Valid ATAS certificate

  • Proof of tuberculosis test

  • CAS certificate

  • Proof of funds

  • Proof of English speaking skills

Ensure for your visa interview, you are reaching 30 minutes prior to the interview time.

Level Wise UK Studying Cost

Higher education in the UK costs differ widely by level of study and institution, offering clear and competitive charges. For under-graduate degrees, yearly fees for tuition are around INR 16 lakhs to INR 30 lakhs. Masters programs generally cost between 16 lakhs to 28 lakhs per year, and for doctorate, you get a monthly stipend that covers your living costs. 

Living Expenses costs incurred in UK

Planning your budget effectively requires a clear understanding of the typical living expenses in the UK, which can vary by location. 

Accommodation charges vary between INR 1 to 2 lakhs per month, with living expenses in London much higher than other UK cities like Cardiff, Newcastle and Nottingham. When planning your university, make sure you consider all the expenses to make a holistic decision. 

  • Accommodation: College-owned pen-houses are very expensive, so make sure to find cheaper accommodations. Rent can be up to INR 1 lakh per month.

  • Food & Utilities: INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per month on groceries.

  • Transportation & Miscellaneous: Around INR 20,000 to INR 40,000 for miscellaneous costs

UK Permanent Residence Permit

The UK provides transparent avenues for international students to move from study to permanent residence, supported by organized visa schemes. 

For instance, the Graduate Visa allows students to work in the UK for a maximum of 2 years upon graduation, or 3 years for PhD graduates, as a means of securing post-study work experience. 

Alternatively, through the employment of an approved sponsor and satisfaction of certain salary and residency requirements, you can move to a Skilled Worker Visa, which can ultimately lead to permanent residence.

  • Graduate Visa: Provides two years (or three years for Ph.D. holders) to secure work experience.

  • Skilled Worker Visa: If you have gained employment with an approved sponsor, you can become eligible for this visa, which may result in permanent residence.

  • Eligibility Criteria: Normally comprise continuous residence, passing salary levels, and demonstrating your skills are in demand.

Scholarships in UK for Students

Scholarships are a great source of funding for international students. There are multiple scholarships for international students in UK. Some of them are government-funded while the rest are non-government-funded. Apart from this, even universities offer scholarships options. Some top scholarships for Indian students in UK are:

Chevening Scholarships

  • International Students pursuing Masters in any UK universities

  • Amount/Benefit: Covers tuition fees, travel, and other allowances

Euraxees UK

  • Students pursuing research programs such as PhD.

  • Amount/Benefit: 100% Funded and covers air tickets, books, medical insurance, and accommodation.

Commonwealth Scholarships

  • Students pursuing Full-time Masters degree in selective courses

  • Amount/Benefit: Covers tuition, examination fees, airfare, thesis grants, study travel grant, excess baggage/ warm clothing allowance, and a stipend of £1,116 per month for those studying in London’s metropolitan areas.

Felix Scholarships

  • Indian students pursuing Masters/Research programs in a UK University (except Medicine)

  • Amount/Benefit: 100% Funded Tuition fees and Stipend

Clarendon Fund Scholarships

  • International students pursuing  Masters/Ph.D. degrees at Oxford University

  • Amount/Benefit: Fully funded coverage on course fees and grants for living expenses

Denys Holland Scholarship at UCL

  • Students pursuing Undergraduate Studies

  • Amount/Benefit: £9,000 per year for 3 years

University of Westminster International Scholarships

  • Students pursuing full-time Masters degree in any subject (except MBA)

  • Amount/Benefit: Covers tuition fees, flights charges, accommodation, and living expenses.

International students have several job opportunities in UK after Masters. Right before expiry of a student visa, you can apply for a Graduate visa wherein students can stay for a minimum of two years after completing a course. These two years will give you time to find the right job.

Jobs for International Students after Studies

Here is a quick look at the top fields that offer job opportunities in UK after masters:

Area of Specialisation

Average  Annual Salary

Engineering

£48,000 

Finance 

£52,000

Marketing and Sales 

£45,000

Law 

£60,000

Healthcare

£47,500

Work Visa & PR in UK

As stated above, a Graduate visa can help international students get a UK work visa that can help them stay for 2 years after their course. For Ph.D. holders, the stay is up to 3 years.

If you’re looking to extend your stay, apply for the Skilled Worker visa. On this visa, you are eligible to work with an approved employer and can stay in the UK accordingly. 

With this visa, you are eligible to apply for PR as well. To be applicable for PR in UK, ensure the below checklists are met:

  • Lived and worked in UK for 5 years

  • Meet the salary requirements

  • Prove that your skills matter for the job position

When applying for PR, you need to pay a fee of £2,389. The process will take up to 6 months. If you wish to seek an immediate reply, you need to pay an additional £500- £800.  Availing PR in the UK opens a wider door to better career opportunities as well as other benefits the UK provides to its residents. 

Choosing to pursue higher studies in UK can dramatically improve your access to excellent education and quality life. For this  reason, the UK has always been a preferred student destination among international students. If you too are thinking of moving to UK for higher education, you have picked the right destination. To seek better assistance on going forward with your decision to study in UK, get in touch with Yocket counsellors today!

Frequently Asked Questions about Studying in UK

How much are the tuition fees for international students to study Masters in the UK?

What are the new visa regulations changes for international students in the UK?

When should I apply for UK Universities for a master’s course?

Can I pursue a part-time post-graduate course in the UK?

What is the difference between 'ordinary' and 'honors' degrees for undergrad in UK?

Do I need a compulsory need to give Visa Interview?

In what cases will a visa get rejected?

What funds do I require to procure a UK Visa?

What types of financial proofs can I show for funds?

Can I get a student loan from the UK government?

Can I pursue a part-time post-graduate course in the UK?

How much are the tuition fees for international students to study Masters in the UK?

What are the different types of Master courses offered in the UK?

What is the duration of the Masters in the UK?

Name 5 top universities in the UK for engineering.

Which are the four regions included in the UK?

Describe the climates across the UK?

Mention five popular courses to study in the UK.

What is the M.Phil course which is popular in the UK?

Name 3 popular scholarships popular in UK?

What is the Masters with placement option?

Which universities in the UK require GRE scores?

How long can I stay in the UK after the completion of MS?

What is the point-based system for a UK work visa introduced recently?

What's the difference between a taught and research Masters?

What are the most popular subjects for a Masters?

What GPA do you need for a Masters?

Can students work during studies in the UK?

What are Sandwich courses for bachelors in UK?

What are the types of Sandwich courses?

Do I get any payment during placement in a Sandwich course?

In what cases do my bachelors degree be converted as hons. degree?

Name some bachelor's degree courses I can study in UK.

Is Scottish masters of Arts a bachelor's degree?

How many courses can I find on UCAS for my undergraduate degree in UK?

Where can I search for undergraduate courses on UCAS?

What terminology is followed in UK for undergraduate degree?