The UK is one of the most popular countries in the world when it comes to studying abroad. It has been a dream destination for international students for years now given that the 160+ high-end UK universities are laced with progressive curriculums, learned faculties and an abundance of resources. Situated in the Northwest of Europe, the island country was home to around 6,80,000 overseas students in the year 2021-22 as per a report by the House of Commons Library. In alignment, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that 55,465 Indian students set out to study in the UK in 2022 and the number has only increased ever since.
It is a fact widely recognised that adding a degree from a reputed university to your list of experiences enhances your prospects of employment and network opportunities. Several multinational corporations such as Google, Microsoft, KPMG, IBM, etc., are headquartered in the country. So, studying in UK paves the way for students to easily interact with professionals through the medium of career fairs, events, workshops, etc. Besides the shorter duration of the courses and degrees recognised across the globe, studying in the melting pot of cultures, i.e., the UK comes with a dash of expansive exposure to multicultural identities and diversity of languages.
The United Kingdom has long been a premier destination for international students, offering a blend of rich academic heritage and vibrant cultural experiences. Here are compelling reasons to consider the UK for your studies:
The UK is home to some of the world’s most esteemed universities, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Degrees from UK institutions are internationally respected, enhancing your global employability.
UK universities are renowned for their rigorous academic standards and innovative teaching methods. The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regularly reviews institutions to ensure excellence in education, fostering critical thinking and creativity among students.
With a vast array of courses spanning various disciplines, UK universities offer flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations. Whether you’re inclined towards traditional fields or emerging industries, there’s a programme for you.
Studying in the UK immerses you in a multicultural environment, enriching your personal growth and global perspective. This diversity enhances cross-cultural communication skills, invaluable in today’s interconnected world.
International students in the UK can work part-time during term and full-time during holidays, providing practical experience and financial support. Additionally, the UK’s strong ties with industries offer ample internship opportunities.
Many UK undergraduate programmes are three years and master’s programmes often last one year, allowing for a quicker transition into the workforce and cost savings on tuition and living expenses.
The UK offers a unique blend of rich history and contemporary living. From historic landmarks to modern art galleries, students can experience a dynamic lifestyle that caters to diverse interests.
The UK government offers a Graduate Route, allowing international students to work or look for work for up to two years after completing their studies, providing a valuable opportunity to gain work experience.
UK universities provide extensive support services for international students, including orientation programmes, academic assistance and counselling, ensuring a smooth transition and a supportive study environment.
The UK’s education system is globally renowned for its practical learning, research-driven approach and strong industry connections. With an emphasis on critical thinking, hands-on experience and career readiness, UK universities produce graduates who are highly sought after worldwide.
UK universities follow a rigorous academic framework, ensuring that bachelor’s and master’s degrees are globally accepted. Institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and LSE are consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide.
UK universities collaborate with leading global companies such as Google, IBM, KPMG and Deloitte, ensuring that students gain real-world industry exposure. Many courses include internships, placements and live projects to bridge the gap between academics and the job market.
Apart from traditional courses, UK universities offer specialised degrees in cutting-edge fields like FinTech, AI, Cybersecurity, Biopharmaceuticals and Renewable Energy. Additionally, conversion courses allow students from one field to transition into another (e.g., Business to Data Science).
Undergraduate Degrees (UG): Typically 3 years (4 years with a placement year).
Postgraduate Degrees (PG): 1-year master’s programme, making it cost-effective and time-efficient compared to other countries.
The UK ranks among the top 5 countries for research output, with universities contributing groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, engineering and environmental sciences. Institutions like Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh are pioneers in AI and climate research.
With over 680,000 international students, the UK provides a diverse and inclusive academic environment, allowing students to network globally and gain cross-cultural exposure.
Studying in the UK requires students to meet academic, language and visa requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to apply:
Most UK universities require an IELTS score of 6.0 – 7.0. Some also accept:
Studying in the UK involves tuition fees, living expenses and additional costs. Here’s a breakdown of what Indian students can expect:
Public universities are generally more affordable than private institutions.
Students can work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holidays to support their expenses.
The UK offers a diverse range of courses that cater to students from various academic backgrounds. From specialised programmes to new-age courses and conversion courses, there’s something for everyone. Here are the most in-demand courses for Indian students:
With 18 UK universities ranked in the top 100 globally as per the QS World University Rankings 2024, the UK is a top destination for higher education. Moreover, the UK is home to 26 of the world’s 124 Triple Crown-accredited business schools, which ensures the highest possible academic standards.
Here are some of the top universities in the UK that stand out for their reputation, academic rigour and industry collaborations:
While applying for any course in a UK university, the student must have documents such as
The undergraduate applications are managed by UCAS which allows students to apply to a maximum of two choices at one university or five choices at five different universities. On the other hand, in order to apply for post-graduate programmes, one has to fill out application forms available on university websites. The eligibility criteria and tuition fee for these programmes vary depending on your choice of discipline.
| For UG programmes to study in the UK | |
|---|---|
| UCAS Application Fee | 27.5 Pounds |
| Application Turnaround time | 4 to 5 weeks |
| Deadlines | 30 June, 16 October, 31 January |
| For PG programmes studying in the UK | |
| Application Fee | Varies (Fee Waiver for Fateh at specific universities) |
| Turnaround Time | 4 to 5 weeks (Varies depending on the university) |
| Intakes | Autumn Intake- SeptemberSpring Intake- January |
| Average Tuition Fee (for both UG and PG courses)- 14,000 to 25,000 Pounds (14-25 Lac INR) | |
| Intake Period | Description | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn/Fall Intake | This is the primary intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK. It usually begins in September/October. | January – June |
| Spring Intake | Available for specific postgraduate courses, particularly those in business and management fields. It typically begins in January. | September – November |
| Summer Intake | Less common, but some universities offer summer intake for certain programmes, particularly in short-term courses and pre-sessional English programmes. | February – April |
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Eligibility | Coverage | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | UK Government | International students with strong leadership potential. | Full tuition fees, living costs, airfare and travel. | November – January |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | UK Government | Students from Commonwealth countries. | Full tuition, airfare and living stipend. | February – March |
| Rhodes Scholarship | University of Oxford | Exceptional students from select countries. | Full tuition, living costs and travel. | July – October |
| GREAT Scholarships | British Council & Partner Universities | Students from specific countries (India, China, etc.). | £10,000 towards tuition fees. | Varies by university |
| University-Specific Scholarships | Individual UK Universities | Varies by university; often based on merit or financial need. | Full or partial tuition fee waiver. | Varies by university |
| The UK University Scholarships | Multiple UK Universities | Undergraduate and postgraduate students with excellent academic performance. | Varies from partial to full tuition coverage. | Varies by university |
| Erasmus+ Scholarship | EU Funded | EU students wishing to study in the UK. | Full tuition fees, travel and living costs for a semester or year. | April – May |
Moreover, the UK government runs various scholarship programmes to provide financial support to international students. However, the eligibility for these scholarships varies depending on the selected discipline and the university. While a number of them are self-allocated with the application, there are a few for which the student has to apply separately.
| Great Scholarship | Great scholarship offers a 10,000 pounds discount to international students towards their tuition fee. This scholarship needs to be applied separately by visiting the institution’s page. |
| Chevening Scholarship | Chevening scholarships are fully funded scholarships that include tuition fees, living costs and flight tickets to the UK. |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Commonwealth scholarships are allocated to international students and permanent residents of Commonwealth countries. These are also fully funded scholarships covering tuition fees, airfare and living allowance. |
Further, it might be interesting for you to note that several scholarships are awarded specifically to students applying through Fateh Education from the likes of Cranfield University, University of Exeter, University of Bath, University of York, University of Glasgow, etc.
1. London – London is an iconic choice for international students, boasting world-class universities like UCL, Imperial College and King’s College. With its vibrant cultural scene, extensive job opportunities and numerous networking events, it’s the perfect hub for students pursuing a career in industries such as finance, media and technology. While living costs are higher, the city’s dynamic atmosphere is unmatched.
2. Manchester – Known for its strong student community, Manchester offers a range of universities including The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The city is renowned for its thriving music scene, sports culture and tech industry. With a lower cost of living compared to London, it’s a popular choice for those looking for an affordable yet lively student life.
3. Edinburgh – As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city steeped in history and academic prestige. Home to The University of Edinburgh, one of the UK’s oldest universities, it offers students a combination of high-quality education and a stunning environment. The city’s festivals and arts scene also provide excellent cultural experiences.
4. Bristol – Known for its eco-conscious attitude and thriving creative industries, Bristol is perfect for students interested in design, media and engineering. Institutions like The University of Bristol and UWE Bristol, combine an excellent academic reputation with a relaxed, green atmosphere.
5. Glasgow – Glasgow offers a vibrant student experience with a blend of arts, music and engineering. It’s home to the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde, making it an academic hotspot for those pursuing STEM and arts-related fields. Its affordability compared to other UK cities adds to its appeal.
International students in the UK can work 20 hours per week during term-time and 40 hours per week during holidays, providing an excellent opportunity to support themselves while gaining valuable work experience. Many students take part-time jobs in retail, hospitality and student unions.
With a large population of 67 million, the UK is home to approximately 1.4 million Indians. This cultural influence is reflected in the university societies and student activities, many of which celebrate Indian traditions. Major festivals like Diwali and Holi are regularly hosted, making international students feel at home.
The UK offers a vibrant food scene with many restaurants specialising in South Asian cuisine. Popular chains such as Asha’s, Urban Choolah, Jewel in the Crown, Mowgli, Akbar’s and Jamavar provide a taste of home for Indian students, ensuring they can enjoy familiar flavours while abroad.
After receiving an offer letter from the targeted university, the visa is the next important step. A few of the documents needed to apply for a Tier-4 general student visa include
A decision is usually granted in three weeks or less after document verification and interview. Students also need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge that allows them to access healthcare for free or at a reduced price through the National Health Service in the UK.
| Minimum Student Age | 16 years+ |
| When to apply | 6 months before the commencement of the course |
| Processing Fee | 490 Pounds (general category) |
| IHS Fee | 624 Pounds for 12 months |
International students in the UK can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and 40 hours during holidays. Part-time work is commonly available in retail, hospitality and administrative sectors.
The Graduate Visa allows students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing a degree, offering opportunities to gain professional experience in various industries.
The UK boasts a strong job market, especially in technology, finance, healthcare and engineering. Graduates from top universities often find it easier to secure roles in these high-demand fields.
UK universities provide career services, helping students with CV writing, job applications and interview preparation. Many also offer placement opportunities during or after their studies.
The percentage required varies by university and course. Typically, 50-70% in your 12th-grade exams is acceptable for undergraduate programmes, but more competitive courses may require higher percentages.
The UK offers strong courses in diverse fields. Popular and in-demand subjects include Business and Finance, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Law and Social Sciences. It depends on your interests and career goals, but courses in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) are particularly popular due to strong industry demand.
After completing 12th, you can apply for undergraduate courses in the UK. The process typically involves selecting a course, applying via UCAS and meeting the specific entry requirements, which may include a certain percentage in 12th exams and English proficiency tests like IELTS.
Obtaining a UK study visa is relatively straightforward if you meet the requirements. You need a valid offer letter from a recognised UK university, proof of sufficient funds and proficiency in English. The visa application process can take time, so ensure to apply well in advance.
Fateh Education, your trusted partner for study in UK, has guided several thousand students to embark on a glorious journey since 2004. So, what are you waiting for?
Contact us today and get a chance to benefit from the knowledge of our seasoned counsellors through personalised guidance sessions absolutely free of charge. From selecting the right course to application assistance, education loans, SOP support, visa filing, and accommodation arrangements, we are here to support you at every step of your journey to study in United Kingdom. We are located in nine major cities across the country.
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