UK Student Visa

Master all about Universities, colleges, Eligibility, Scholarships & more Study In UK

 

About UK - Highlights

Students wishing to study at some of the top universities in the world, renowned for their superior academic programs and research, will find that the UK provides an outstanding academic experience. There were 55,465 Indian students studying in the UK in 2022, according to data from the Ministry of External Affairs about Indian students studying overseas. The data shows that more and more overseas students are choosing to study in the UK. Indian universities and several UK universities, including Imperial College London and University College London, have longstanding academic and research relationships. UK universities have a very high rate of successful employment outcomes.

The following job outcomes for first-degree graduates in the UK were observed 15 months after graduation, according to the Prospects and AGCAS "What Do Graduates Do? report: 5.9% did not have a job or were going to start one, 11.4% worked part-time in the UK, 10.6% worked while studying, 9.2% pursued further education, and 5.7% did other activities, and 11.4% worked full-time in the UK. International students can therefore choose to study abroad in the UK Visa.

Top Reasons to Study in the UK

For every student, choosing to study abroad is a life-changing experience. Students must have strong arguments before deciding between multiple options for a study destination and academic institution. Here are some justifications for considering the UK as your study abroad destination:

Academic Quality:- 4 UK universities are ranked among the top 10 by the QS World University Rankings 2025. Among them are Imperial College London, University College London, University of Cambridge, and University of Oxford. Oxford University is ranked #1 in the Times World University Rankings for 2024. The excellent caliber of these universities' academic programs and research is demonstrated by their rankings.

Research Quality:- The most recent Research Excellence Framework 2021 evaluated the research output of 157 universities in the United Kingdom World-leading (41%), internationally excellent (43%), internationally recognized (14%), and domestically recognized (2%), were the overall ratings for the quality of research contributions. Excellent research has been done by UK universities, thus students who are motivated to pursue research should consider the UK as a possibility.

Student-friendly Destination:- London, a UK city, has been ranked as the top student city for three years running in the QS Best Student Cities list (2023, 2024, and 2025).There were about 605,000 international students enrolled in UK higher education, including EU and non-EU.

institutions during the 2020–21 academic year. Approximately 55,000, or nearly 16% of all new registrants, are from India. The number of international students studying in the UK is rising, indicating that it is becoming a more popular destination for study abroad programs.

Scholarships:- UK universities offer outstanding scholarships to students. To mention a few, these include the Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship, the International Scholarships Award, Chevening Scholarships, and GREAT Scholarships.

Leisure and Travel:- The UK is an intriguing destination for historical sites, musical performances, culinary events, and other cultural festivals. In the UK, universities have a rich history, and attending one of these institutions allows you to help add to this history.

Study in UK: Key Highlights

Here are some of the key highlights of studying in the UK:

Education System in UK

The UK's education system is divided into five phases, which are as follows:

Early Years:- A variety of public nursery schools, nursery classes, and reception classes within primary schools offer early years education and childcare to students up to the age of 5.

Primary Education:- This program serves students between the ages 5 and 11. This is further divided into 2 Key Stages. Children in Key Stage 1 range in age from 5 to 7 while those in Key Stage 2 range in age from 7 to 11. 

Secondary Education: It encompasses pupils from the age of 11 years to 16 years. This is further divided into two Key Stages. Key Stage 4 students range in age from 14 to 16, whereas Key Stage 3 students are between the ages of 11 and 14. Students typically take external exams at the conclusion of their study, such as the Standard Grades in Scotland and the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary study) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Further Education: Further Education: It consists of students from 16 year to 18 years of age. It includes non-advanced courses and is post-compulsory education. These might include skill development, higher vocational education such as City and Guilds or Foundation Degree. This does not include university education.

Higher Education: Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including doctoral programs, are offered in colleges and universities.

India's educational system and the UK's are not too dissimilar. International students will therefore not experience significant adjustment problems if they opt to study in the UK.

Read More :- Applying for a UK Visa

Top Courses in UK

Every Academic subject is covered by the vast array of courses that UK Universities have to offer. Still, a few courses are highly well-liked by pupils. A summary of well-liked academic specialties and the range of courses available within them can be found in the table below:

Level Wise Cost of Studying in UK

According to your academic level, the following information is intended to give you an idea of how much studying in the UK would cost. Students are urged to visit the course's official website for up-to-date information on fees.

Undergraduate Level: The annual cost of tuition for an undergraduate degree can range from £11,400 to £38,000. This corresponds to around £22,200 annually on average.

Postgraduate Level: The annual cost of tuition for postgraduate studies can range from £9,000 to £30,000. This works out to about £17,109 year on average.

A medical degree, for example, might set you back more than £50,000 annually.

Costs of Living in the United Kingdom

The cost of living in the UK varies depending on a number of variables, including your location, kind of housing, way of life, food preferences, etc. The following table offers an estimated monthly cost of living in the United Kingdom:

(Source: Oxford University)

We may conclude that, as a general range, the monthly cost of living for overseas students in the UK can be between £900 and £1,300. Be prepared to spend anywhere from £1,300 to £1,400 a month on living expenses if you want to live in London.

UK Permanent Residence Permit

After completing their studies, students must apply for the Graduate Route Visa or Post-Study Work Visa (PSW UK) in the UK. It permits a student to complete two years of employment in the UK (three years for those with a doctorate). If students want to remain in the UK after their Graduate Visa expires, they must apply for a skilled work visa, a general work visa (Tier 2 visa), or any other applicable visa. If students meet certain requirements, such as demonstrating English language competency, passing the "life in the UK" exam, and having five years of continuous residency in the country, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR) in the UK.

Admission Requirements to Study in UK Universities

The requirements for admission to UK universities differ based on the course and students' academic standing. Nonetheless, the following details will give you a general idea of what's required to study in the UK:

Formal Schooling

Graduate/ Postgraduate Degree (if application)

Academic Transcripts

SAT, GMAT, or GRE test results (according to the course)

Results of the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and other English proficiency tests (depending on the course)

Personal Statement (for applicants who are undergraduates, the UCAS Personal Statement)

Essays

Resume

Letters of Recommendation

Portfolio (in case of creative courses)

ID Proofs

Financial Proofs

Medical Proofs

Top Cities Preferred by Students

A study conducted by Prospects and AGCAS titled "What Do Graduates Do post-taking the Graduate Route in the UK? found that 23.1% of graduates in 2019–20 have jobs in London.

London is therefore unquestionably the best option for overseas students. Additionally, London is placed #1 on the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list. The following table lists the top UK cities for overseas students:

Scholarships to Study in UK

Getting a scholarship is a fantastic method to lower your study abroad expenses. They also serve as an acknowledgement of your talents in extracurricular activities and/or academics. Numerous scholarships are available for students to apply for in the UK. While several scholarships are provided by universities, others are provided by organizations. Top scholarships for studying in the United Kingdom include:

Global Study Awards

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship

Chevening Scholarships

GREAT Scholarship

Scotland's Saltire Scholarships

Rhodes Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Postgraduate Courses

Education Loan for Studying in UK

Studying overseas, especially in the UK, is undoubtedly costly. Other expenses include the cost of a visa, travel, lodging, food, university fees, stationery, etc. in addition to the tuition. To lower the cost of pursuing an education from the UK, students can apply for scholarships. Scholarships are highly competitive, though, so in certain cases students can apply for education loans to study in the UK. Study abroad loan schemes are offered by a number of financial institutions, including Bank of Baroda, Syndicate Bank, and State Bank of India. The loan process for study abroad in countries like the UK is typically quick if the students receive an offer letter from a reputable university.

Part-time Jobs in the UK for International Students

Working part-time is another option available to students who are enrolled in UK courses to lower the expense of their education there. However, there are restrictions on part-time employment for international students in the UK. For example, those pursuing a degree or higher may only work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Students enrolled in language centers are permitted to work 10 hours per week while sessions are in session. On the other hand, students who have vacation time can work full-time. Furthermore, students have the option to search for one-year industry assignments, which often occur in the year between their penultimate and final year of study.

Post study Work Permit in UK

After finishing their undergraduate or graduate degree program, international students are eligible to apply for the PSW UK, often known as the UK Graduate Route Visa. After earning their degree, students with a PSW UK or UK Graduate Visa are permitted to return and work for a period of two years. For doctorate students, the course lasts three years. Students must pay an annual healthcare surcharge of £1,035 and an application cost of £822 in order to apply for a post-study work visa in the UK. Students may apply for a skilled work visa, a general work visa (Tier 2 visa), or any other appropriate visa when their UK post-study work visa expires.

Job Prospects in UK (ROI)

When students are choosing a course, university, or foreign study destination, ROI (Return on Investment) is a crucial consideration. The payment or compensation package that a student receives upon finishing a course is referred to as ROI. It demonstrates whether or not the investment he or she made in that specific course has yielded any big returns. The following table lists universities, the cost of a given course, and the students' salaries:

Study in UK FAQs

Q. Is UK good for studies?

A. One of the most popular places to study abroad for academic and research purposes is the UK. Numerous ranking indices, including the Times Higher Education Rankings 2024 and the QS World University Rankings 2025, have given UK universities positive reviews. The QS World University Rankings 2025 list included four universities within the top 10. Furthermore, when it comes to the caliber and output of their research, UK universities have done exceptionally well on the Research Excellence Framework. More than 605,000 international students and more than 55,000 Indian students study in the UK. Travel, recreational, and cultural choices abound in this diversified nation. Students who want to study overseas should give the UK serious consideration.

Q. Can you briefly explain UK student visas to me?

A. student with a valid UK student visa can stay in the country for up to five years in order to complete academic coursework. A student must obtain an unconditional offer to enroll in a course from a licensed student sponsor in order to apply for a UK student visa. He or she must provide the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) in order to accomplish this. Additional requirements include financial verification, medical clearance, and English competence. If a student is applying from outside the UK, the cost of a UK student visa is £490. Additionally, depending on how long they plan to stay in the UK, pupils will have to pay an annual health fee.

Q. How can I return to the UK once my studies are over?

A. Students who want to remain in the UK after completing their studies must apply for a UK graduate visa or a post-study work visa (PSW UK). Students can work in the UK for two years, or three years if they have finished a doctorate, with a UK Graduate Visa. The cost of applying for a UK Graduate Visa is £822. Furthermore, for every year that you want to remain in the UK, you must pay a £1,035 yearly healthcare premium. You can apply for additional appropriate visas, including the Tier-2 visa, when your Graduate Visa expires.

Q. What are the best universities in the United Kingdom?

A. The top universities in the UK are Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, King's College London, London School of Economics, University of Bristol, and University of Warwick, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025 and Times Higher Education Rankings 2024. Each of these universities has demonstrated strong academic and research performance. Universities in the UK provide a range of amenities, including labs, housing, sports and recreation centers, and more, in addition to academic programs.

Q. What is the approximate cost of living in the UK for international students?

A. Foreign students who want to study in the UK should budget between £1,000 and £1,800 a month, depending on their location, style of living, food habits, lifestyle, course requirements, university fees (which include gym, library, and other fees), extracurricular activities, travel, etc. Students can lower their cost of living in the UK by working part-time or applying for scholarships. Note that during the hours that their classes are in session, students may work up to 20 hours a week.