Why Indian students prefer the UK as a top study destination?

The United Kingdom (UK) is home to some of the world’s oldest universities and colleges having their roots in the 12th and 13th centuries. Coming from such a strong legacy, education in the UK has become a benchmark for other countries. The UK’s reputation and legacy as a world centre for scientific research makes it a magnet for some of the very best thinkers in the world. The UK offers a world-renowned education system with qualifications that can make a real difference to your future. The UK education system gives students the freedom to combine courses and subjects from different areas of studies, so you can tailor your degree to your own needs and interest.

World-ranked universities

The UK’s higher education institutions are all held to strict standards by the government, so you know you are getting the best teaching, support and resources available. The UK has been a leader in academia for centuries. It’s home to two of the world’s top three universities (with a further 26 ranked among the global top 200) and has one of the most diverse subject offerings in the world. Thanks to rich traditions of critical thinking and academic rigour, more than one in three undergraduate students who study in the UK obtain a first-class degree. Here are the top UK universities according to QS World University Rankings 2023.

Institution	QS Ranking 2023 (Globally)
University of Cambridge	2
University of Oxford	4
Imperial College London	6
UCL (University College London)	8
The University of Edinburgh	15
The University of Manchester	28
King's College London	37
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	56
University of Bristol	61
The University of Warwick	64
Queen Mary University of London	125
University of Bath	179
University of East Anglia (UEA)	342
University of Essex	439

Student Visa Requirement

UK Student Visa, formerly called as Tier 4 (General) Student Visa or Tier 4 Student Visa, is applicable for those who want to pursue higher education in the UK. Students can apply for UK Student Visa 6 months before the commencement of their course, and not before that. Students can expect to receive a decision within 3 weeks of application. On the UK Student Visa, students can stay in the UK for up to 5 years if their course is at degree level. Visa processing fee is £363. Moreover, students are also required to a healthcare surcharge.

Highest paying popular courses in UK

UK universities offer a diverse range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Explore some of the subjects most popular with our international students below. With world-class universities and experienced faculties, and multiple opportunities in different fields, the UK is a top choice among international students. With a huge job market, UK universities offer some popular degree courses that are in demand in the job market, and professionals in the fields are paid well. 

• Business and Management
• Engineering and technology
• Medicine
• Art and Design
• Media and communication
• Hospitality and Tourism

Cost of Studying in UK

Your expenditure on tuition fees depends on the type of qualification and university or school you opt for. There are many high-ranking universities and colleges in the UK with their own fee structures. Here’s the basic cost of studying. For accurate fee details, students are advised to check the official webpage of that particular course.

Study program	Tuition fee / annum
Undergraduate level	£11,400 to £38,000
Postgraduate level	£9,000 to £30,000
Medicine	£50,000

*If you want to bring down your educational expenses, it is best to apply to various scholarships available for Indian students.

Duration of Courses in the UK

The duration of an undergraduate program is 3 years and a postgraduate program is 1 year in the UK, which in turn helps students save time and money.

Popular Intakes in the UK

Intake	Starting Months	Application Deadlines
Fall	September	June- July
Winter	January/February	August-September
Summer	April/May	October-January

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

English Language Requirement

Because the scorecard for these tests is valid for two years, students should familiarise themselves with the university calendar and apply for admission carefully.

Test	Average Score Required
IELTS	6.0 – 6.5
TOEFL	80 – 90
PTE	56 – 61

Documents Required

• All official academic transcripts and grade cards
• Passport photocopy
• Passport size photographs
• Updated CV/Resume
• Portfolio (if asked or required)
• IELTS score
• Letter of Recommendations
• Statement of Purpose
• Research Proposal (for PG Research)

Cost of living in the UK

Studying in the UK is good value for money and the average costs here are lower than in both the USA and Australia. Here are some details on the type of budget, without dependent you are going to need to study in the UK.

Expenses	Monthly cost
Groceries	£150
Accommodation	£500
Household bills	£100
Mobile phone bill	£18
Clothing and leisure	£50
Socializing (Dinning out, cafes and bars)	£120
Travel and transport	£150-200

*Visa costs £363 which will allow you to live and study in the UK throughout your course. And £470 for your Immigration Health Surcharge per year which will give you access to the UK's National Health Service.

Part-Time Work Permit

Working part-time along with your studies, helps cover expenses, teaches financial management, and provides practical experience for resumes and personal growth. On average hourly pay for part-timers in 8 GBP TO 15 GBP.

• If you hold a Tier 4 Student Visa, you can generally work part-time during term time and full-time during vacation periods.
• Full-time students at a degree level or above can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
• Students studying below degree level, such as foundation courses or English language programs, are generally allowed to work up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.

Post-Study Work Permit (PSW)

The UK post-study work visa (PSW) or work permit for UK allows international students to stay back in the UK to search for work for a period of minimum 2 years after completing their graduate studies. Students with a doctoral degree are permitted to stay for three years. Once the PSW in UK visa expires, those who are looking to stay longer in the UK need to apply for a skilled work visa or general work visa (Tier 2 visa) or any other relevant visa.