UK universities are among the top institutions known for developing world leaders. Thanks to its unmatched education with a world-class teaching approach and great minds delivering it. And with the changes to visa policies, it has become an even more appealing destination for many international students, particularly in India, to pursue their study and career dreams. If you too are looking to study in the UK, this guide is just for you.

Overview

The United Kingdom is a sovereign state in Europe made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

English

Official language

Pound Sterling

Currency

6.72 crores

Population

#22

Quality of life index

160+

Total universities and colleges

432,279

Study visas granted in 2021

Why study in the UK?

Studying in the UK offers a variety of benefits that makes it an ideal destination for international students.

  • World-class education
  • Numerous options of study programs
  • Work while studying
  • Numerous scholarships programs
  • Home to 10 of the world’s top 70 universities
  • Home to the best student cities in the world (Including the #1, London)
  • Among the top welcoming countries for students
  • Opportunity for post-study work permit
  • Offers masters and MBA programs of short duration (1 year)
  • Affordable education compared to the USA and Australia

Universities in the UK

As of 2019, there were 164 universities and colleges in the UK. It has a long reputation for offering the world’s finest education in a range of fields, including business & management, finance, law, engineering, science, art, and design. Further, UK universities are an important hub of scientific research, thinkers, and world leaders. As per the QS World University Ranking, the UK has 10 of the top 70 global universities.

Top universities and colleges in UK

1 University of Oxford
2 University of Cambridge
3 Imperial College London
4 University College London
5 University of Bath
6 University St Andrews
7 London School Of Economics And Political Science
8 Durham University
9 Loughborough University
10 University of Warwick

Intakes

The academic year in the UK starts in September and ends in July with three intakes during the year — similar to that of Canada and the US.
The three intakes include:

Fall Intake

Starts in September

Winter Intake

Starts in January

Spring Intake

Starts in May

The fall intake is the primary and most preferred intake, followed by the secondary in winter. Although most of the programs are available in all three intakes, you can get more information about the program’s availability on the college/university website. This will help you ‌plan your admission well in advance.

Admission requirements

The admission requirements may vary depending on the field of study and program credential you choose. However, the standard requirements include your previous field of study, academic record, and English language proficiency. Here are the details:

  • For undergraduate and bachelor’s programs, you’ll need 12 years of full-time education (A 10+2 or secondary school certificate).
  • For postgraduate and master’s programs, you’ll need 16 years of full-time education. (A three or four-year bachelor’s program).
  • Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent.
  • At least 2 Letters of Recommendation.
  • Proof of English proficiency (Note: Many universities accept admission applications even without IELTS/TOFEL if students meet certain criteria.)
  • Optional GRE/GMAT for MBA. (Note: Except for a few top business schools, most universities do not require GRE/GMAT scores.)

Popular programs

Universities in the UK offer myriad undergraduate and postgraduate programs — which may include your favorite and even yet-to-be-discovered career interests. Some of the popular programs of studies among Indian and other international students include:

Business and Management

Computer Science

Law

Health and Medicine

Hospitality and Tourism

Arts

Media and Communication

Social Sciences

Engineering and Technology

Cost of studying in UK

The major expenses of studying in the UK comprise course fees and living expenses. As an Indian student (country listed in Appendix ST paragraph 22.1 of the Immigration rules), you are also required to submit a financial document showing funds to support yourself while studying in the UK. Here are the details:

Tuition fees

Most universities and college tuition and ancillary fees range from 7,000 GBP to 30,000 GBP. The fees majorly depend on your program of study.

  • Undergraduate program tuition and ancillary fees can be between 7,000 to 21,000 GBP per year.
  • Postgraduate or master’s program tuition and ancillary fees can be between 10,000 to 25,000 GBP per year.
  • MBA and doctoral degree tuition and ancillary fees can be between 15,000 to 30,000 GBP per year.
Living expenses

The major living expense as a student will include house rent, food, and travel. These expenses may vary based on the city you live in and your preferences. For example, living in a popular city like London is more expensive — approximately 1300 GBP per month — as compared to smaller cities, which can cost you around 900 GBP.

  • House Rent – 370 – 600 GBP
  • Food – 90 – 250 GBP
  • Travel – 40 – 80 GBP
Financial requirement for visa

While applying for the student visa, you’ll need to submit documents showing you meet the financial requirements, also known as maintenance requirements, for studying the UK. You’ll need to show the fund amount of 12006 GBP, which is your living costs for nine months (£1,334 for each month). Further, the fund has to be maintained in the respective account for consecutive 28 days while being shown.

Scholarships

The UK government and many institutions offer numerous scholarships and bursaries. These scholarships come as massive financial support to students to fulfill their study dreams and progress in their career. To check your eligibility and apply for the scholarships, you can visit the official website of UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs).
Here’s a list of some popular scholarships provided to study in the UK:

  • A. S. Hornby Trust Scholarship
  • British Chevening Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries
  • Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme at UK Universities
  • Marshall Scholarship
  • The Royal Society Grants
  • Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
  • Saltire Scholarships
  • Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship
  • GREAT Scholarships

Part-time work opportunities

  • As an international student, you can work while you study but there are some rules to be followed. During academic sessions, you can only work part-time — 20 hours a week, you can’t do freelancing or contract work, and during the language course term, you’re only allowed to work 10 hours per week.
  • However, during academic breaks, you can work full time. These rules are laid to ensure that employment doesn’t hinder your academics and that you find the perfect study-work balance.
  • Some of the popular part-time work opportunities include on-campus jobs such as student mentoring and jobs in the college cafeteria, administration, and marketing. There are also many off-campus opportunities for jobs in local businesses, cafes, and restaurants.

Post-study work permit

  • Upon successful completion of your study program, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Route and apply to stay in and work in the UK. For undergraduate and master’s program, you can apply to stay for 2 years after your studies. While upon completing of Ph.D., you’re eligible to stay up to three years.
  • Further, once you have found a suitable job from an approved employer, you’ll be eligible for Skilled Work Route visa and apply to stay in the UK for an extended time.

Getting started with your admission process

Since now you have some information about studying in the UK, here’s what you need to do next:

  • Understand your education requirements
  • Shortlist universities, colleges, and programs
  • Attempt an English language proficiency test and get acceptable scores
  • Apply for the programs, get an offer letter, and pay the fees
  • Apply for the study permit visa
  • Prepare to move to the UK

And if you need any help to make your study in the UK dream come true, feel free to reach out. We at Sarem Education are here to assist you at every step — from study counseling to short-listing the course to admission to help with fees to visa application and beyond.

Contact us now to get your free
1-to-1 counseling

Connect with an expert counselor