The Ultimate Guide for Indian Students Planning to Study in the UK
Top Universities, Costs, Scholarships, and Your Step-by-Step Visa Guide
Key Benefits of Studying in the UK for Indian Students
- World-Class Education: UK universities offer prestigious, research-focused programs that align with India’s emphasis on global excellence, supported by initiatives like the National Overseas Scholarship.
- Shorter, Cost-Effective Degrees: A Bachelor’s is typically three years (vs. four in the US) and a Master’s is one year (vs. two). This saves time and money, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: The Graduate Route visa provides 2 years (3 for PhD) to work in the UK after graduation, enhancing your career prospects back in India or globally.
- Cultural & Professional Growth: Immerse yourself in a multicultural environment, perfect your English, and build a global network that boosts employability in India’s competitive job market.
- Abundant Scholarship Support: From Chevening and GREAT to university-specific awards, numerous funding options are available and tailored for Indian applicants.
For students in India aiming for a global career, selecting a study destination is a critical decision. Increasingly, the United Kingdom remains a top-tier choice. Research suggests the UK is a top choice for over 126,000 Indian students annually, drawn by its academic prestige and clear, practical benefits.
Students from India are drawn to the UK for its combination of high-impact education and significant post-study career opportunities. Recent Indian government initiatives, such as the National Overseas Scholarship scheme, further align with the UK’s offering. This guide will cover every aspect of your journey, from application to arrival.
Am I Eligible? Study in UK Requirements for Indian Students
Eligibility for UK universities depends on your academic background and English proficiency. Here are the typical requirements for Indian students.
Academic Requirements (After Class 12th)
- CBSE/CISCE Boards: Most UK universities accept direct entry for students with strong Class 12 scores, typically ranging from 75% to 90%+, depending on the university and course.
- State Boards: Some universities may accept state board qualifications, while others may require students to complete a one-year International Foundation Programme.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Scores from 32 to 42 points.
- A-Levels: Grades from BBB to A*AA.
Academic Requirements (Postgraduate/Master’s)
- Bachelor’s Degree: You will need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university.
- For 2:1 (Upper Second-Class) equivalent: Typically a CGPA of 7.5/10 or 60-65%+.
- For 2:2 (Lower Second-Class) equivalent: Typically a CGPA of 6.5/10 or 55-60%+.
English Language Requirements (IELTS & Waivers)
- IELTS: The most common requirement.
- Undergraduate: Typically 6.0 – 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any section.
- Postgraduate: Typically 6.5 – 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any section.
- TOEFL/PTE: Most universities also accept TOEFL iBT (typically 80-100) and PTE Academic (typically 58-65).
- IELTS Waiver: Many universities will waive the IELTS requirement if you have scored 75% or higher in English in your Class 12 (CBSE/CISCE) board exams. This is at the university’s discretion.
The UK Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the application process is simple when you break it down. Here is the typical journey for an Indian student.
Step 1: Research Courses, Universities & Intakes
Shortlist universities based on your course, rankings, and budget. Be aware of the three main student intakes:
- September (Fall) Intake: The main, largest intake. All courses and universities are available.
- January (Winter) Intake: A popular secondary intake, primarily for postgraduate and some undergraduate courses.
- May (Spring) Intake: A much smaller intake, offering a limited number of foundation and postgraduate programs.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents
Gathering your documents is the most important task. You will need:
- Academic Transcripts: Mark sheets from Class 10, 11, and 12 (for undergraduate) and all semester/year mark sheets for your Bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A critical essay (approx. 500-1000 words) explaining why you want to study your chosen course at that specific university.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Usually one academic LOR for undergraduate and two (academic or professional) for postgraduate.
- Passport Copy: A clear copy of your passport’s photo and data pages.
- CV/Resume: Required for most postgraduate applications, detailing your academic projects, internships, and work experience.
- IELTS/TOEFL Score Report: If not seeking a waiver.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- For Undergraduate: Applications are made through a centralized portal called UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). You can apply to five universities with one application.
- For Postgraduate: Applications are made directly to the university’s website. You can apply to as many as you like.
Step 4: Accept Your Offer & Get Your CAS
You will receive either an “Unconditional” offer (you’re in!) or a “Conditional” offer (you’re in *if* you meet final grade/IELTS requirements). Once you meet all conditions and pay your deposit, the university will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This is the most important document for your visa.
UK Student Visa Guide for 2026
Once you have your CAS, you can apply for your UK Student Visa. Here are the exact requirements and costs.
What is a CAS?
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number from your university that confirms you have a place. You cannot apply for your visa without it. It is valid for 6 months.
Financial Proof: How Much Money to Show?
You must prove you have enough money to pay for your first year of tuition fees *plus* living costs. The funds must be held in your (or your parent’s) bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.
- Tuition Fees: The outstanding amount for your first year (as listed on your CAS).
- Living Costs (Fixed Amount):
- In London: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months, totaling £12,006)
- Outside London: £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months, totaling £9,207)
Example: If your tuition is £18,000, you’ve paid a £2,000 deposit, and you are studying in Manchester (Outside London), you must show: (£16,000 fees) + (£9,207 living) = £25,207 (approx. ₹26.5 Lakhs).
Visa Application Fees & Health Surcharge
When you apply, you will pay two main fees:
- Visa Application Fee: £524(approx. ₹51,500) for a standard application from India.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is a mandatory fee that gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). It is currently £776 per year (approx. ₹81,500) for students. You must pay this for the entire duration of your visa upfront.
Cost of Studying in the UK (in £ and ₹)
A UK education is a significant investment. Here’s a breakdown of costs and how to fund them.
Estimated Tuition Fees (Annual)
| Program Type | Average Annual Tuition (GBP) | Average Annual Tuition (INR) |
| Foundation / Pathway | £15,000 – £22,000 | ₹15.7 – ₹23 Lakhs |
| Bachelors (Classroom) | £18,000 – £28,000 | ₹19 – ₹29.5 Lakhs |
| Bachelors (Lab/Engineering) | £22,000 – £40,000+ | ₹23 – ₹42+ Lakhs |
| Masters (Classroom) | £19,000 – £32,000+ | ₹20 – ₹33.5+ Lakhs |
| Medicine / MBA | £38,000 – £60,000+ | ₹40 – ₹63+ Lakhs |
Top UK Scholarships for Indian Students
A variety of scholarships are available. GloboPrime Study Abroadcan help you identify and apply for them.
| Scholarship Name | Amount | What It Covers |
| Chevening Scholarships | Fully Funded | Tuition, living allowance, airfare, and other costs for a one-year Master’s. |
| GREAT Scholarships | Min. £10,000 | A tuition fee contribution for eligible postgraduate courses at various UK universities. |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarships | Fully Funded | Tuition, airfare, and living expenses for select Master’s programs (for eligible nationalities). |
| Felix Scholarships | Fully Funded | Full tuition, living allowance, and other costs for graduate study at select universities. |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation | Up to $100,000 | Tuition, living, and travel for postgraduate study. |
| University-Specific Awards | £2,000 – £10,000 | Most universities (e.g., Birmingham, Bristol, Warwick) offer their own international scholarships. |
Life in the UK: Working & What to Expect
Working Part-Time While Studying
Holding a UK Student Visa allows you to work part-time, helping you gain experience and support your living costs.
- During Term-Time: You can work up to 20 hours per week (for degree-level students).
- During Official Holidays: You are permitted to work full-time.
The Graduate Route: Work in the UK After Your Degree
This is one of the biggest advantages. The Graduate Route (or Post-Study Work visa) allows eligible international students to stay in the UK to work—or look for work—at any skill level after graduation.
- Duration: Two years for Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates.
- Duration: Three years for PhD graduates.
- Key Benefit: You do not need a job offer to apply. You can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if you find a suitable sponsoring employer during this time.
Top 30 UK Universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
While rankings aren’t everything, they are a great starting point for your research. Here are the top UK institutions as per the 2026 QS World University Rankings.
- Imperial College London
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- UCL (University College London)
- The University of Edinburgh
- King’s College London
- The University of Manchester
- London School of Economics (LSE)
- University of Bristol
- The University of Warwick
- University of Glasgow
- University of Southampton
- University of Birmingham
- University of Leeds
- University of St Andrews
- Durham University
- University of Sheffield
- University of Nottingham
- Queen Mary University of London
- Newcastle University
- University of York
- Lancaster University
- University of Bath
- University of Liverpool
- University of Exeter
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Reading
- Cardiff University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Sussex
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How will studying in the UK help my career?
Studying in the UK gives you access to the Graduate Route visa, allowing you to stay and work for 2 years (3 for PhD) after your studies. This international work experience, combined with a degree from a globally-respected UK university, makes you a top-tier candidate for roles worldwide.
Can I get UK PR in 2 years?
The Graduate Route visa is a 2-year work visa, not a direct path to Permanent Residency (PR), which is called ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’ (ILR). To get ILR, you typically need to live in the UK for 5 years on a qualifying visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa. The Graduate Route visa does not usually count towards this 5-year requirement, but it gives you time to find a job that can sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa.
Can I study in the UK under 10 lakhs?
It is extremely difficult to study in the UK for under 10 lakhs (approx. £9,500) for a full year. While some tuition fees for specific courses at certain universities might be near this cost, you must *also* show proof of living expenses, which are over £1,023/month (£12,276/year) outside London. Therefore, your total budget will almost certainly exceed 10 lakhs. This budget might be feasible only for short-term (6-month) courses or with a very large scholarship.
How long does it take to get a UK Student Visa from India?
Standard processing for a UK Student Visa from India typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. We recommend applying at least 3 months before your course start date. Priority services are often available for an extra fee, which can provide a decision in as little as 5 working days.
Can I work in the UK with a student visa?
Yes. Students on a Student Visa for a degree-level course can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during official holidays.
Do I need IELTS to study in the UK?
Most universities require an IELTS (or other Secure English Language Test like TOEFL/PTE) score. However, many universities may waive this requirement if you have scored highly (e.g., 75%+) in English in your Class 12 board exams (CBSE/CISCE). This is known as an ‘IELTS waiver’ and depends on the university’s specific policy.
What is the Graduate Route visa in the UK?
It’s a post-study work visa. It allows Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates to stay and work (or look for work) in the UK for two years after graduating. PhD graduates can stay for three years. You do not need a job offer to apply.
Start Your Journey from India with GloboPrime Study Abroad
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