Study in UK
Study in the UK if you wish to learn from the most innovative curriculum in the 2nd best education system in the world. Gather from here the most critical information about the UK, including top universities, fees, programs, and many more.
Interested in Studying Abroad in UK? Let Us Help You!
About Study in UK: Highlights
Besides offering premium education and affordable tuition, UK, an international tech hub, provides exciting work while studying opportunities. Discover why this vibrant, welcoming country is one of the top study abroad destinations, known for its rich culture, scenic beauty and thriving job market.
Key Highlights of Study in UK:
Universities in the UK | 164 |
Average Living Expenses for International Students | £1300-£1400 per month in London or £900-£1300 in the rest of the UK |
Popular Courses in the UK | · MBA · Engineering · MBBS · Law · Nursing · Languages & Linguistic |
Part-Time Allowance | No specific Hours |
Part-Time Wage | £7- £19 hourly |
Work Permit in UK Post Study | 2 Years |
UK Study Visa Cost | £363 |
No. of International Students in the UK (2021-22) | 679,970 |
No. of Indian Students in the UK | 120,000 |
Education System in UK
The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts: primary education, secondary education, further education, and higher education.
1. Primary education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 11, and it lays the foundation for their future learning.
2. Secondary education is divided into two phases: Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) and Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16). At the end of Key Stage 4, students take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams, which determine whether they can progress to further education or not.
3. Further education includes a range of courses, such as vocational and technical education, apprenticeships, and adult learning. These courses help individuals acquire practical skills and knowledge to enter the workforce or progress to higher education.
4. Higher education system in the UK is known for its quality and diversity. It comprises universities, colleges, and institutions that offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs.
- Undergraduate degree programs, also known as Bachelor's degrees, typically last for three years, while some courses, such as engineering, architecture, and medicine, may take longer.
- Postgraduate programs, also known as Master's degrees, usually last for one to two years, depending on the program.
- Doctoral or PhD programs can take three to four years to complete.
One of the notable features of the UK higher education system is its emphasis on research. The best universities in the UK for Indian students are globally renowned for their research output and are at the forefront of ground-breaking discoveries in fields such as science, medicine, and technology.
Credit System in UK:
In the UK higher education system, the credit system is used to measure the amount of learning required for a course or program. The credit system assigns a certain number of credits to each module, which is then used to calculate the total number of credits required for a degree.One credit is equivalent to 10 hours of study, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and self-study. For example, a typical undergraduate degree program in the UK is typically 360 credits, which takes three years of full-time study to complete.
The credit system in the UK provides a flexible approach to higher education, allowing students to study at their own pace and transfer credits between institutions.
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is also widely used in the UK to facilitate credit transfer and recognition across Europe. Students can easily transfer credits earned in the UK to other European universities and vice versa. The credit system also enables students to build a personalized program of study, combining different modules and subjects to suit their interests and career goals.
Best Courses to Study in the UK & Tuition Fees:
There are many popular courses to study in the UK for international students, including:
· MBA
· Engineering & Technology
· Computer Science and IT
· Medicine and Healthcare
· Law
· Nursing
· Languages & Linguistic
· Fashion Design
Top Courses | Duration | Annual Course Fees |
MBA | 15-21 months | £64000 - £109,700 |
Engineering & Technology | 4 Years | £28,950 - £44,240 |
Computer Science & IT | 3-4 Years | £38,300 - £44,240 |
Medicine & Healthcare | 6 Years | £39,740 - £52,490 |
Law | 3 Years | £24,507 - £44,240 |
Nursing | 3 Years | £29,000 - £33,160 |
Fashion Design | 90 Weeks | £22,000 - £25,970 |
Top universities to study in the UK:
There are many popular universities to study in the UK for Indian Students. Here is a list of some of the best universities in the UK:
Name of the University | QS World Ranking 2023 |
University of Cambridge | 2 |
University of Oxford | 4 |
Imperial College London | 6 |
UCL | 8 |
The University of Edinburgh | 15 |
The University of Manchester | 28 |
King's College London | 37 |
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 56 |
University of Bristol | 61 |
The University of Warwick | 64 |
Intakes Available in the UK:
In the UK, universities typically offer two to three intakes for international students:
1. Autumn or September/October Intake: This is the central intake and the most popular among international students. Most universities offer courses starting in September or October, with applications closing in June or July. University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University of Cambridge usually do Autumn intake.
2. Spring or January/February Intake: Some universities also offer a January or February intake, ideal for students who miss the September intake or want to take a gap year. However, the January/February intake usually has fewer courses available than the September intake. Universities like Queen Mary University of London, University of Liverpool, and Brunel University usually do spring intake.
3. Summer or May-August Intake: Some Universities & Colleges also offer Summer Intake. University of Chester, Keele University, and Northumbria University do summer intake
Cost to study in the UK:
The following is a list of universities, along with the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students.
Name of the University | Cost to study (Annually) |
University of Cambridge | £24,507 - £63,990 |
University of Oxford | £28,950 - £44,240 |
Imperial College London | £ 32,500 - £ 46,650 |
University College London | £26,200 - £47,000 |
The University of Edinburgh | £24,500 - £35,000 |
The University of Manchester | £29,000 - £31,000 |
King's College London | £17,220 - £29,460 |
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | £13,352 - £71,086 |
University of Bristol | £24,500 - £29,000 |
The University of Warwick | £23,390 - £47,580 |
Cost of living in the UK:
The cost of living in the UK for international students varies depending on location, accommodation, and lifestyle. Monthly living expenses in London range from £1300-£1400, while in the rest of the UK, they are typically £900-£1300. However, affordable student accommodation is available, and part-time work opportunities can supplement living expenses. It's crucial for international students to plan their budgets carefully and make use of resources such as scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs.
Expenses Incurred to Study in UK
Expense | Average Living Cost Per Month in London | Average Living Cost Per Month in Rest of UK |
Student halls | £ 848 | £ 664 |
Room in private accommodation | £750 | £554 |
Household bills (gas, electricity, water, broadband, and a TV License) | £140 | £80 |
Groceries | £155 | £116 |
Socializing (dining out, going to cafés and bars) | £150 | £80 |
Public transport | £103 | £54 |
Mobile phone bill | £18 | £18 |
Student gym membership | £20 | £15 |
Best Student Cities in UK:
According to QS Best Student Cities 2023, the following are the best cities for International students:
Name of the City | QS Best Student Cities 2023 Global Rank | Overall score out of 100 |
London | 1 | 100 |
Edinburg | 10 | 90.6 |
Glasgow | 25 | 80.7 |
Manchester | 25 | 80.7 |
Coventry | 40 | 74.5 |
Newcastle Upon Tyne | 42 | 74 |
Birmingham | 45 | 72.8 |
Bristol | 49 | 70.2 |
Nottingham | 50 | 69.5 |
Leeds | 56 | 68 |
Admission Requirements to Study in UK:
Below are the requirements to study in the UK for Indian students.
· For undergraduate programs, students must have completed their secondary education or high school equivalent.
· Direct entry to the first year of an undergraduate/bachelor's degree is available for students who are studying A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB).
· For postgraduate programs, students must have a relevant undergraduate degree. Some courses may also require relevant work experience.
· International students must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
· For Bachelor's degrees requiring IELTS, a minimum overall score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component is required, while Master's degrees require a minimum overall score of 6.5 with a 6.0 score in writing.
· For Bachelor's degrees requiring TOEFL, a minimum score of 78 is needed with at least 17 in Listening, Writing, 18 in Reading, and 20 in Speaking; for Master's degrees, a minimum score of 88 is required with at least 17 in Listening, 21 in Writing, 18 in Reading, and 20 in Speaking.
Admission Process in UK’s Universities:
The admission process for UK universities involves several steps:
1. To study in the UK, it's necessary to research and compare different courses, colleges, and universities and check their admission requirements.
2. To apply for an undergraduate course in the UK, you can use UCAS, while postgraduate courses have their application processes, which can be found on the individual course websites.
3. After applying to a university or college through UCAS, you will receive an offer via email with specific requirements that you must fulfill, and for some courses, you may be required to attend an interview before receiving an offer.
4. Once you receive an offer, arrange for funding now and check if you are eligible for any scholarships that can assist with the expenses of your studies.
5. Apply for a Visa and plan your stay.
6. After receiving your offer and visa, you can start preparing for your trip by considering your travel arrangements, accommodation options, and other necessities.
Documents required to study in the UK:
To apply for a UK student visa, you need:
· A valid passport
· Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
· Proof of English language proficiency
· A bank statement showing you have enough funds for tuition fees and living expenses
· Evidence of your relationship with your parents if the funds are in their name.
· Tuberculosis test result
· If any document is not in English, you must provide a translation.
Student visa requirements for UK
To study in the UK from India, most students need to obtain a Tier 4 or General Student Visa, which has two categories: Tier 4 (General) Student Visa for those above 16 years old and Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa for those aged 4-15 years.
For students over 18 years old taking a short course, a short-term study visa is available, valid for up to six months for most short courses, and can be extended for up to 11 months for English language courses.
Applications for UK student visas can be made up to three months before the course start date, and the processing time is typically within three weeks (15 working days) of application. To acquire a UK student visa under the Tier 4 General category, one must pay a fee of around £348.
Enrolment in any bachelor’s degree program or master's in the UK for Indian students listed in the UKBA Sponsor List or recognized body list allows students to work full-time during holidays and up to 20 hours per week. Additionally, the government has reinstated a two-year after-study work visa for all international students.
Documents you may require to apply for a study visa to the UK:
· Original Passport with validity
· Receipt of fee payment
· Medical Certificate
· Original Appointment Letter from University
· Original Mark sheets
· Scores of IELTS/TOEFL
· Bank Statement
· Passport size photograph
· Income Tax Return
Which exam is required for study in the UK?
For studying in the UK, international students may be required to take one of several exams to demonstrate their English language proficiency.
The most common ones are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
These exams assess the student's skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English. The specific requirements for English language proficiency vary depending on the institution and the course of study.
Other than the English Test, Specific courses may require applicants to take certain exams as a part of the admission process such as:
Exam | Required for |
GRE | MBA |
GMAT | MBA |
MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) | Mathematics & Computer Science |
STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) | Mathematics Courses |
LNAT(Law National Aptitude Test) | Law |
CLT (Cambridge Law Test) | Law |
BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) | Medicine and Biomedical Science |
GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) | Medicine |
HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test) | Medicine |
UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) | Medicine & Dentistry |
Scholarships for Higher Studies in the UK for Indian Students:
Name of Scholarship | Benefits |
Rhodes Scholarships |
|
British Chevening Scholarships |
|
The Felix Scholarship |
|
AS Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship | The Hornby Educational Trust prioritizes capacity building for English language teaching in low- and middle-income countries. Up to 10 fully funded scholarships (full fee waiver plus a maintenance payment of £15,000 minimum for the year) are available to students who fully meet the University of Exeter’s admission criteria for the MEd TESOL This scholarship is only available for study on the University of Exeter’s MEd TESOL program and is not available for PGCert or PGDip programs of study. |
Inlaks Scholarships | Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships have been granted to Indian students to read at top-rated American, UK, and European institutions in a full-time Master, MPhil, or Doctoral program. The maximum funding given is USD 100,000. If the total budget required to complete the proposed course of study exceeds this amount, at the time of application, candidates must show evidence that they can cover the additional costs on their own. Candidates having a postgraduate qualification (e.g., Master’s or PhD) from an institution abroad are not eligible to apply. Candidates already studying or have started their postgraduate education at an institution abroad are not eligible to apply. |
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships | In collaboration with Scottish universities and colleges, the Scottish Government offers scholarships to pursue full-time postgraduate Master’s programs. These scholarships offer at least 50 awards, with each reward having a monetary value of £8000 for any one year of study. The scholarships will be awarded to citizens who are permanently and ordinarily resident in Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA and who are accepted for admission on a full-time basis for a postgraduate one-year Master's program of study at the University of Edinburgh in subjects related to the following themes:
|
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships | The scholarship helps gain expertise in their chosen fields through postgraduate study (one year course) at a UK university. CWIT grant includes accommodation and living costs in the UK and a contribution of £700 towards international travel costs. The eligibility criteria for the scholarship are:
|
Post-Study Work Options for International Students in the UK:
The United Kingdom is a highly sought-after destination for international students due to its world-renowned universities and numerous career opportunities. The country boasts a strong economy, with thriving industries in business, science, technology, and healthcare. While the cost of living in the UK may be relatively high, the rewards are substantial, including a promising employment rate and an excellent quality of life in a diverse and multicultural environment. As a result, many international students opt to apply for post-study work permits in the UK.
Route | Information & Requirements |
Graduate route |
|
Skilled worker route |
|
Start-up route |
|
Students' union sabbatical officers |
|
Innovator Founder |
|
IndiaYoung Professionals Scheme |
|
Why Study in UK
With many world-recognized universities and colleges, the UK offers a wholesome academic experience to students. Educational institutions in the UK are known for creating a challenging yet creative environment for students to thrive.
There are various reasons for students to pick the UK as their education destination. Some of them are:
- Academic Excellence - Four leading UK universities have been rated in the top 10 list, as per QS World University Rankings, 2021.
- Quality Education - The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is a national body established to ensure the highest teaching standards in institutions across the UK.
- Flexibility - Students get the freedom to customize their degree courses and pick a combination of subjects they want to study.
- Graduate Visa - The UK government allows students to apply for a Graduate Visa. It can help a student stay in the country for two years after the course completion and search for work opportunities.
- Diverse Atmosphere- People from all corners of the world come to study in the UK. As a result, you get to network with people from multiple cultures.
Admission Requirements to Study in UK for Indian Students
Admission requirements for UK universities vary with the level of education and the program students choose. However, Indian students will be required to prove their English proficiency by submitting scores of globally accepted English language proficiency tests like
Ensure that the minimum score matches your selected institution's guidelines. Students must also have a stellar academic record in the past with at least 65% in the high school certificate for humanities and 70% or above for science and commerce.
For selected courses, the students will also need to submit SAT/ACT scores between 400 to 1,600.
Students must ensure that all essential documents are available at hand. Some of the standard paperwork needed is
- Relevant academic transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation and Statement of Purpose
- Bank balance proof
- English proficiency test score
- Updated resume
- Portfolio if applicable
Top Universities in UK | |||
Some Useful Facts About UK
Here are some key facts worth knowing if you wish to study in UK.
LondonCapital
270Universities & Colleges
679,970International Students in the UK
1000+ scholarshipsScholarships for International Students in the UK
£22,200Average Tuition Charges in the UK
67 million (approx)Total Population
75%Employment Rates
0.6%Economic Growth
EnglishPrimary Language
Want to Study in UK
Why Study in UK?
High-Quality Education
The UK is home to some of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge
Wide Range of Programs
One can choose a degree in business, engineering, law, medicine, social sciences, and more based on interests and career aspirations in UK
Quality Education
UK boasts Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), a national body established to ensure the highest teaching standards at institutions across the UK.
International Recognition
UK degrees are recognized worldwide, which gives graduates a competitive advantage in the job market. UK has become the second most popular study destination after the US.
Cultural Diversity
The UK is a diverse and multicultural society that allows international students to experience different cultures and lifestyles.
Scholarships and Financial Support
UK universities offer a range of scholarships and financial support to international students, which can help them cover tuition and living expenses
Requirements to Study in UK
Here are some of the requirements to pursue study programs in UK.
- Admission Requirements
- Examination Requirements
- Academic qualifications
- VISA documentation
- Health insurance
- Additional requirements as per university guidelines
Top Places to Study in UK
Below are some of the top places to study in UK for international students.
Coventry
A multicultural city with low crime rates, making it safe for international students.
Edinburgh
It is consistently known to be the second-best city to study in, right after London.
london
The city is home to most of the top globally-ranked universities in the UK.
Manchester
One of the most affordable and vibrant cities for students in the UK.
Top Universities to Study in UK
Here are the top universities to study in UK for international students
University Name | Rank | City | Courses |
---|---|---|---|
University of Cambridge | #2 | Cambridgeshire | 1 |
University of Oxford | #4 | Oxford | 259 |
Imperial College London | #6 | London | 287 |
University College London | #8 | London | 91 |
The University of Edinburgh | #15 | Edinburgh | 366 |
University of Manchester | #28 | Manchester | 704 |
Kings College London | #37 | London | 428 |
University of Bristol | #61 | Bristol | 470 |
The University of Warwick | #64 | Coventry | 439 |
Top Courses in UK
Here are some of the top courses to study in UK as per UK News.
POPULAR CATEGORIES:
University of Greenwich
Executive Master of Business Administration, MBA
MSc Data Science with Work Placement
University of Roehampton
University of the West of Scotland
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Buckinghamshire New University
MBA International Master of Business Administration
MSc Global Business Management with Work Placement
University of Roehampton
All About Studying in UK
Studying in the UK for Indian students is rewarding as the country is one of the biggest global hubs for education, offering an education system at par with the best. Let us look at the UK culture, economy, education system, study options, employment opportunities, and other critical aspects.
- Cost of Study
- Cost of living
- Intakes
- Job Prospects
- Scholarship
- Student Visa
£490
VISA
£22,200 on average
Tuition
£162
English Language Proficiency Exam
Around £848
Housing
£155
Food
£235 for periods of 1-6 months
IHS: Additional £470 for periods of 6-12 months
£103
Transportation costs
£150
Recreation and leisure
£18
Telephone
£140
Other expenses like utilities and bills
Fall/Autumn Intake Intake
Application Timeline
September/October
Winter Intake Intake
Application Timeline
January/February
Software Developer
£24,000 - £54,000/yr
Financial Analyst
£24,000 - £54,000/yr
Marketing Manager
£25,000 - £55,000/yr
Civil Engineer
£24,000 - £52,000/yr
Nurse
£24,000 - £43,000/yr
Data Analyst
£22,000 - £46,000/yr
Chevening Scholarships: Funded by the UK government, offering full financial support for a master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.
Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships: For students from Commonwealth countries, covering tuition fees, travel, and living expenses for Master’s and PhD study.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships: For outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject at the University of Cambridge.
Rhodes Scholarships: Providing full financial support for students to pursue a degree at the University of Oxford.
British Council GREAT Scholarships: Targeted scholarships for students from specific countries, covering part of the tuition fees, amounting to up £10,000.
Select a course and institution recognized by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Select a course and institution recognized by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Apply to your chosen institution and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from them.
Apply to your chosen institution and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from them.
Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Fill out the online visa application form (Tier 4) and pay the application fee.
Fill out the online visa application form (Tier 4) and pay the application fee.
Schedule and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center.
Schedule and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center.
Submit supporting documents including passport, CAS, financial evidence, and biometric information.
Submit supporting documents including passport, CAS, financial evidence, and biometric information.
Wait for decision.
Wait for decision.
Collect visa once approved, and plan your travel to the UK.
Collect visa once approved, and plan your travel to the UK.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about UK.
- Visa
- Scholarships
- Admissions
- Cost
- Jobs
- Intake
What visa is required to study in UK?
You can apply for a Student Visa to pursue your chosen academic programs in the UK. You will require proper funds to support yourself throughout the course duration, English language proficiency, and a confirmed offer of place from an institution in the UK.
Is UK study visa easy?
It is not difficult to get a UK study visa, provided you meet the basic requirements and have enough funds to cover your living and tuition costs.
How much does a study visa cost in UK?
The cost of a study visa in the UK is £490 (approximately INR 52,604)
Can I get PR in UK after study?
The Graduate route offers visas to students who can stay back in the UK and find work. This visa allows you to stay for up to two years in the country. Once you find work, you can switch to a skilled work route and remain for longer in the country. Once you have resided here for five years, you can apply for PR or permanent residency.
Can I study in UK without a visa?
It is not possible for foreign nationals to study in the UK without a visa. EU nationals do not require visas to study in the country for courses with tenures up to 6 months, as long as they are offered by accredited institutions.
How can I get UK student visa?
You have to apply six months before your course starts (the earliest) and prepare the documents, while paying the visa fees accordingly.
- Study Abroad
- Study in UK for International Students
Disclaimer
All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.