Study in the United Kingdom: World-Class Education Meets Rich History
Some of the world’s oldest universities and colleges, which originated in the 12th and 13th centuries, are located in the United Kingdom (UK). Studying in the United Kingdom has become a benchmark for other countries due to its strong legacy.
Student visa requirements for the UK
The following is a summary of the application requirements and the various categories of study visas:
| Type of student visa | Who it’s for | When to apply | Arrival in the UK |
| Tier 4 (General) student visa |
Students who are 16 years of age or older and have been granted admission to a course at a UK educational institution with a legitimate Tier 4 sponsor | Three months prior to the commencement of your course | If your course is six months or shorter, you may submit your application up to one week in advance.if your course is longer than six months, up to one month in advance |
| Short-term study visa | Students who have been granted admission to a short-term course in the United Kingdom, such as an English language course or training course | Three months prior to your intended departure for the United Kingdom | Depends on your nominated travel |
Cost to study in the UK
The amount of tuition fees you pay is contingent upon the type of qualification and the university or institution you choose. Numerous universities and institutions in the United Kingdom have their own fee structures. Studying incurs the following fundamental expenses.
| S.No. | UK Study Program | Average fee (in Euros*) |
| 1 | Undergraduate bachelor’s degree | GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year |
| 2 | Postgraduate master’s degree | GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year |
| 3 | Doctoral Degree | GBP 15,000 to GBP 24,000 per year |
*Please be advised that all figures are illustrative and that the expense of a PhD may vary, as there are also fully funded options available in the United Kingdom.
It is advisable to submit applications for the numerous scholarships that are available to Indian students in order to reduce your educational expenses.
Scholarships to study in UK
The type of award and the quantity of money available for study in the UK are subject to variation among institutions. In addition to covering a portion of your living expenses, certain research programs may provide up to 100% of the tuition fee.
As an Indian student, you may apply for one of the following government scholarship programs to pursue your education in the United Kingdom:
| S.no. | Name of the UK scholarship | Description |
| 1 | Chevening Scholarship | Assists exceptional professionals who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective disciplines and possess prior leadership skills. Chevening offers the opportunity to apply for a scholarship or fellowship, with the high commission and British embassies responsible for the selection process. |
| 2 | Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship | The Commonwealth scholarship is designed to provide international students from Commonwealth countries with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees in the United Kingdom. In essence, the scholarship program is designed to facilitate the study of students from Commonwealth nations in the United Kingdom. |
| 3 | GREAT Scholarship | The British Council and the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign jointly fund this scholarship as part of the Study UK campaign. This program offers 99 postgraduate fellowships from 36 universities in the United Kingdom, covering a wide range of subjects. Nevertheless, 12 of the UK’s higher education institutions are providing 13 postgraduate scholarships to Indian students. |
| 4 | Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT) | The Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT) is a scholarship fund of the Charles Wallace India Trust that offers grants to Indian students who are presently residing in India and are in the initial or intermediate phases of their professional development. These students are either students or professionals in the fields of humanities, arts, or heritage conservation. |
| 5 | Scotland Saltire Scholarships | Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships are a scholarship initiative that the Scottish Government collaborates with Scottish universities to offer in the fields of renewable and clean energy, healthcare, medical sciences, technology, and creative industries. |
Intakes in the UK
Colleges and universities in the United Kingdom provide two primary intakes; however, only a small number of universities also offer summer intakes.
| Intakes | Duration |
| Autumn/Fall intake | September to December |
| Spring intake | January to April |
| Summer intake | April to June |
Top courses to study in the UK
The United Kingdom is a preferred destination for international students due to its world-class universities, experienced faculties, and a variety of opportunities in various disciplines. Make the most of your employment choice by becoming familiar with all of the popular study abroad courses offered by UK universities.
- Business management
- Engineering and technology
- Medicine
- Law
- Social Sciences
- Media and communication
Top universities to study in the UK
It is imperative to consider the international university rankings when selecting a university in the United Kingdom. This enables you to compare and comprehend the rankings of universities and the position of your desired institution on the global map. According to the 2023 QS World University Rankings, the following universities are the most prestigious in the United Kingdom:
| S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2025 (Globally) |
| 1 | University of Oxford | 3 |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | 5 |
| 3 | Imperial College London | 2 |
| 4 | UCL (University College London) | 9 |
| 5 | The University of Edinburgh | 27 |
| 6 | The University of Manchester | 34 |
| 7 | King’s College London | 40 |
| 8 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |
50 |
| 9 | The University of Warwick | 69 |
| 10 | University of Bristol | 54 |
Job prospects in the UK
International scholars are presented with numerous opportunities in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is the fifth largest economy in the world, as indicated by the World Bank’s data. Consequently, it is an ideal location for establishing a prosperous career.
Highest-paying degrees in the UK
UK universities provide a variety of degree programs that are in high demand in the job market, and professionals in these disciplines are compensated well. This is due to the vast job market. The following are the most lucrative degrees in the United Kingdom.
- MBA
- Executive MBA
- Masters in finance
- LLM
- Doctorate
Popular sectors with job opportunities in the UK
International students studying in the United Kingdom have a variety of career prospects upon completion of their studies. The following are the most frequently pursued disciplines of higher education:
| Technology and Telecom | Insurance | Financial services |
| Law | Apps, web, and e-commerce | Energy, Mining, Chemicals, Environmental |
| Pharmaceuticals & Biotech | Consumer goods | Transportation and logistics |
| Consulting and professional services | Retail and trade | Media and communication |
| Public sector and education | Service, tourism, restaurants | Health care |
| Charity and not profit | Sports, culture, and recreation | Construction and real estate |
Cost of living in the UK
The following is a comprehensive summary of the minimum monthly amount that you should anticipate for living expenses in the United Kingdom:
| Expenses | Monthly cost |
| Bills (electric/ gas/ water) | £40 – £50 |
| Food and housekeeping | £160 – £200 |
| TV license (required for viewing BBC online or with a television) | £12.56 (or £150.50 per year) |
| Mobile phone | £15 – £50 |
| Clothes and shoes | £25 |
| Leisure and sports (based on the student athletics center’s membership) |
£10 – £20 |
| Books and stationery | £21 |
| Socializing | £120 |
| Travel and transport (on the basis of the monthly cost of a student transit pass) |
£32 |
| Childcare (if needed) | £656 |