Complete Guide for Indian Students thinking of studying in UK
- Be accepted into a programmed through an authorized sponsoring institution
- Be financially stable enough to afford both your living expenses and your tuition - Your specific situation will determine the appropriate sum.
- Can communicate effectively in English
- Obtain parental permission if you are 16 or 17 years old; you'll need to show proof of this when you apply.
- Those who are 16 or older who have been accepted to a degree at a UK educational institution that is a Tier 4 sponsor
- Apply three months before the start of your course.
- Arrive If your course is less than six months long, up to one week prior. If your course is longer than six months, you can register up to one month in advance
- Those who have been accepted to take a short-term course in the United Kingdom, be it an English language program or a vocational training program.
- Plan your trip to the UK at least three months in advance.
- All depends on the dates you choose to arrive in the UK
To study in the United Kingdom, you will need to take an English language proficiency test. International students are expected to demonstrate their command of the English language by submitting test results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). In addition to the TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC, students can also submit results from the Duolingo English Tests, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), or Trinity Secure English Language Tests (SELT).
Scholarships to study in UK
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
- GREAT Scholarship
This award comes from the GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council’s Study UK initiative. There are a total of 99 postgraduate scholarships available across a wide range of disciplines at 36 different universities in the UK. However, there are 13 postgraduate scholarships available at 12 different UK universities for Indian students.
- Scotland Saltire Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarship
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
Top courses to study in UK
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for overseas students because of its high-quality educational institutions, knowledgeable faculty, and wide range of career options. Learn about the most sought-after majors at UK institutions so you can make an informed decision about your future.
Top Universities to study in UK
It is essential to consider both the UK university rankings and international rankings when determining where to enroll. Knowing how your prospective school stacks up internationally helps you make an informed decision about where to spend your education money.
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
Imperial College London
University College London
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Manchester
King’s College London
London School of Economics
A college letter is required for all international students in the UK to create a bank account. This letter will be provided to you by the college during orientation. All international students studying in the UK should make an appointment with a local doctor. The college will again assist you in making these plans during orientation and registration.
The university’s many groups and organizations are open and available to you. Throughout your time at the college, you can participate in both academic and social activities. Tours of the city, ice skating, bowling, and road trips to other British cities are typical examples. In addition, there are a plethora of fantastic ways to relax and have fun in the United Kingdom. Strike a balance between your studies and your extracurricular activities without sacrificing either.
Accommodation
The first thing you must do is choose between living in university-managed housing and renting from a private landlord. You may select either catered or self-catered meals when living in university-managed housing. The catered lodging provides convenience (meals are prepared for you) and predictability (you know roughly how much each meal will cost).
The university’s housing office is the best location to find out what kinds of rooms are available if you already have some concept of what you’re looking for. If the university you’re interested in doesn’t have any available housing on campus, or if you’d prefer to rent privately, the housing office should be able to put you in touch with local landlords and rental homes.
No matter where you call home, it’s important to understand your legal obligations and protections under contracts. Tenancy agreements are standard practice and should be carefully reviewed before being signed.
- Short-term accommodation - Hotel chains and hostels. While getting established in, your institution may provide you with temporary housing. For further information, contact your school's international service center or visit their website.
- Rental - One person or a group of people can "lease" (rent) a home or other property. You can hire a realtor for this, or you can do it yourself.
- On-campus housing is a convenient alternative to commuting off-campus. On-campus or nearby housing complexes are a common amenity at today's universities.
- During a homestay, you'll stay with a host family rather than a hotel.
What Undergraduate Visa Applicants to the United Kingdom Need?
- Mark sheets and certificate of the tenth and twelfth
- Academic transcript
- Personal statement
- CV (if applicable)
- English proficiency test scores: IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE Test/ Other
- Reference letters
- Copy of passport
- Accommodation rent (on campus or off campus)
- Groceries and food
- Phone bills
- Utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet
- Airfare for travelling back to India
- Text and reference books
- Dining out
- Travel and Vacation
- Car rental and Car insurance
- Cable TV connection
Highest paying degrees in the UK
There is a large number of available jobs in the United Kingdom, and graduates of degree programmes in these sectors command competitive salaries. The UK’s top-paying degrees are shown below.
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Mathematics
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Social Work
- Dentistry
- Computer Science
- Medicine
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration
- Computing
- Veterinarian
- Economics
- Chemical Engineering
- Architecture
- Electronic Engineering
- Aeronautics
Employment Industries in UK
- Supermarkets
- Charities
- Hospitals
- Temporary Employment Placement
- General Secondary
- Direct Selling and Marketing
- Constructions Contractors
- Service Restaurants
- Takeaway Fast Food
Cost of living in the UK
|
Expenses
|
Monthly cost
|
|---|---|
|
Bills (electric/ gas/ water)
|
INR 4,000 - 5000
|
|
Food and housekeeping
|
INR 16,000 - 17,000
|
|
TV license (mandatory with TV or watching BBC online)
|
INR 12,00 - 1400
|
|
Mobile phone
|
INR 1500 -5000
|
|
Clothes and shoes
|
INR 2500
|
|
Leisure and sports (calculated on membership for the students’ sports centre)
|
INR 100-200
|
|
Books and stationery
|
INR 2100
|
|
Socializing
|
INR 1200
|
|
Travel and transport (based on the monthly cost of a student bus pass)
|
INR 3200
|
|
Childcare (if needed)
|
INR 6700
|
Student life in UK
Uk entertainment for international students
Pop, rock, electro, hip-hop, classical, folk, jazz, opera, and many forms of world music can be enjoyed or performed in the UK. You may listen to and dance to live music in a wide variety of venues across the UK, from intimate clubs and independent cafés and bars to massive concert halls and rock festivals. The UK’s university and college venues regularly host performances by both established acts and up-and-coming acts.
Traditional museums, modern art spaces, and galleries may be found in most UK cities, in addition to a plethora of college and community-based organisations and organisations. Visual arts such as sculpture, painting, video, and photography can be seen all around the UK. There is a strong tradition of theatre and performing arts in the country, with both classical plays and musicals and experimental works being actively supported.
Movie theatres offering international fare can be found in nearly every city or town across the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is also home to a plethora of film festivals that celebrate everything from a particular director’s oeuvre to animated shorts.
UK food
Many different cultures are represented in the food available in the UK. Supermarkets typically stock ingredients from all over the world, including Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The British are becoming more health conscious eaters, and organic food options are plentiful.
While the traditional English breakfast and fish and chips will still be available, students in the UK will also discover a wide variety of other cuisines represented on restaurant menus. Cooking and sharing a traditional meal from your home country is a terrific way to make new friends when you become an international student in the UK.
Pubs and wine bars are a staple of British culture, and moderate alcohol consumption is accepted there as it is across much of Europe. You can have a good time at a bar or pub without ordering an alcoholic beverage. The United Kingdom is home to a thriving coffee culture, with cafes in nearly every major city.
UK Leisure Activities
You may make the most of your free time by engaging in enjoyable pursuits like mountain biking and cycling in the UK, thanks to the country’s diverse topography. This includes the mountains of Scotland and Wales, the rolling hills of England and Northern Ireland, the Lake District and the Yorkshire moors, and the coastlines of all regions of the country.
While many UK universities and colleges boast cutting-edge sports facilities, residents can also use public or private leisure complexes. There are many options for students in the UK to become involved in structured sports and charity events like walks and races for a good cause. The ever-popular London Marathon and the Bupa Great Runs are both possibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Universities in the United Kingdom are often regarded as among the best in the world. Education in these institutions is often regarded as among the best in the world, and graduates enjoy great recognition and respect around the globe. UK higher education institutions offer a wider variety of specialised programmes than their Indian counterparts. The institution gives you the freedom to combine academic and vocational studies in whatever way works best for you. It gives you a sense of autonomy you might not find in India. Support for international students is considerable during their time in educational institutions, and continues with the graduate route, which permits them to remain in the country for at least two years after graduation to work or look for work.
Course costs in the UK change depending on whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student. Three years of international undergraduate tuition ranges from 8 lakhs to 31 lakhs. The estimated range of international postgraduate tuition costs between 12 lakhs to 34 lakhs .The specifics of this will change from course to course.
- Credibility - With a focus on a well-rounded education, they equip students with the skills necessary to compete in the global labour market. Educators who care about their students' futures provide them with guidance and mentorship. Students can save time and effort by taking shorter courses towards their master's degree because they only take a year to finish.
- The UK's employability system is excellent because it provides students with opportunities to get real-world work experience through internships and placements. The best part is that it gives students the opportunity to hunt for work in the UK for two years.
- In comparison to other international destinations for higher education, the cost of studying there is relatively high. They have a cheap one-year programme that is not available at all universities around the world. They encourage students to apply for university-sponsored scholarships like the Chevening and Commonwealth fellowships so that they can help more students in India afford the higher education of their dreams.
- The research faculty provides excellent resources, such as journals and laboratories, for student use in their education.
- The NHS (National Health Service) provides free medical care to international students. They will just be required to pay a nominal IHS (International Health Surcharge) fee.
- Students are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours a week on top of their studies. They have the option of working full-time during their breaks. With this, they'll have more money to cover their costs.
When it comes to studying in UK universities, these are the most desirable majors among Indian students:
- Business management,
- Engineering
- Computer science and IT,
- Medicine and science
- education and Law.
- Media Studies
- Hospitality Management
- English Literature
- Education
- Music
- Graphic Design
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Creative Writing
- Makeup
- Liberal Arts.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) recognises the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training and IELTS Life Skills exams as evidence of English proficiency for persons seeking to work, study, or migrate to the United Kingdom.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
A successful academic career is possible even without IELTS. Some universities accept applicants with a minimum score of 60% on the English portion of the SAT or ACT, or with evidence of having completed an undergraduate degree in English, or with completion of a pre-sessional language course for overseas students. University of Greenwich, University of Northampton, University of Plymouth, and University of Warwick are among those that do not require students to take the International English Language Testing System. Sheffield Hallam University, Robert Gordon University, University of Essex, University of Bristol, University of Southbank, and University of Essex.
A passing score on the IELTS is not specified. Bands 1–9 are used to determine an overall IELTS score. If you haven't taken the test, you can get a "band 0" score.
Aside from considerations like institution type and level of study, each course has its own unique minimum IELTS score need. Only scores 6.5 are considered acceptable.
No limit is placed on the length of time an overseas student can spend away from education. While a two-year break from school is typically acceptable, certain institutions sometimes consent to lengthier breaks. If your degree programme is longer than 2 years, you may still be eligible to apply for bachelor's status.
No limit is placed on the length of time an overseas student can spend away from education. While a two-year break from school is typically acceptable, certain institutions sometimes consent to lengthier breaks. If your degree programme is longer than 2 years, you may still be eligible to apply for bachelor's status.
The United Kingdom has a long history of embracing international students from over the world, and it currently provides Indian students with an academic and living experience that is difficult to match anywhere else in the world due to its low cost of living, diversified culture, and safe student-friendly atmosphere.
Yes, the living expenses is expensive excluded from the tuition fees
Cost of living in London, excluding tuition, is between 19 lakhs to 39 lakhs depending on the location per month for international students. The average rent for an international student in London is (1.06 lakhs INR), making it the costliest component of life there.
Yes, it is safe, The UK's emergency services are helpful, simple to contact, and available nationwide. The fire department, police, and emergency medical services can all be reached quickly and easily by dialling either 999 or 112. Emergency services for Indian students in the UK are plentiful.
If you want to extend your stay in the UK after your programme ends so that you can find work, you will need to apply for a visa extension. Make yourselves aware that the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa is no longer available. It is required that you submit a Start-up visa application.
Networking, career centres, recruiting agencies, online job searches portals, job fairs, and other methods can all help you find a good job.
Graduate Immigration Route allows international graduates of UK universities to immediately enter the labour market. Eligible students can stay in the UK for another two years of work with this post-study work visa.
Indian job-seekers in the UK are able to give a sigh of comfort: the market is flooded with opportunities. The most recent rules adopted in 2022 have made it possible for highly skilled Indian workers to relocate to the destination. Opportunities for skilled workers, professionals, and students are enhanced by the new UK work visa for Indians.
Yes, the living expenses is expensive excluded from the tuition fees
Cost of living in London, excluding tuition, is between (85,000 and 1.35 lakhs INR) per month for international students. The average rent for an international student in London is (1.06 lakhs INR), making it the costliest component of life there.
Typical weekly income for part-time work in the United Kingdom is between 10,000 rupees and 20,000 rupees. A master's degree or other higher education can increase your weekly salary to the upper three figures. This could result in a hefty yearly income of to 40,000 rupees to 70,000 rupees.
If you want to continue working in the UK after your programme ends, you'll need to apply for a visa extension. Please be aware that you will no longer qualify for the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa. You'll have to fill out a Start-up visa application
Students enrolled in degree programmes full time in the UK are allowed to work with a Student visa. Here are the norms and prerequisites: Twenty hours a week are possible during the school year. According to UKVI, a "week" consists of "a seven-day period beginning on Monday and ending on Sunday."
A master's degree holder can negotiate a starting salary of Rs. 7-8 Lakhs, which can rise to Rs. 20 Lakhs with time in the field.
- You have at least five years of residency in the UK. After five years of continuous residence in the UK, an individual is eligible to apply for permanent residence.
- You have a relative who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United Kingdom.
- Obtaining a work visa
- Prepared to submit an application for citizenship.