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The United Kingdom (UK) is an optimal study abroad destination with over 150 esteemed universities, which enriches students’ academic and career prospects. Every year, millions of students study in UK in various programs like MBA, Engineering, 1-Year Master’s, Nursing, etc. Based on the UK Government's official data, higher education institutions nearly doubled in UK, reaching 433,102 in March 2023 from 222,047 in September 2019. Similarly, 477,931 study visas were granted, a 22% increase from the year ending March 2022. In 2021-22, about 679,970 international students from over 100 countries worldwide were studying at UK universities. Out of these, 120,140 were from EU countries, and 559,825 were non-EU students. Also, as per the Ministry of External Affairs, around 55,465 Indian students were studying in the UK in 2022. With that said, if you’re a serious candidate, read this entire blog to know the popular universities & courses, visa requirements, education costs, scholarships, 2024 intakes, etc., to study in UK.
From the above table, it is clear that you need to have good academic records, prove English language proficiency skills, apply for Tier 4 (General) Student Visas and pay £363 as visa cost to study in UK. Among various English-speaking countries, the UK is a welcoming, safe, and friendly destination for foreign students. It offers a helping environment for learning and personal growth. Indian students choose the UK as their preferred study abroad destination due to their high-quality education and globally recognised degrees offered by its universities. UK colleges and universities are known for providing excellent academic standards, innovative teaching methodologies, and a strong emphasis on research. The UK presents diverse programs, from Business Management, Engineering, and Computer Science to Arts, Medicine, and Environmental Studies, enabling students to align their choices with their goals.
Top-tier universities in the UK take a hands-on learning approach in their pedagogical system. It means students learn by doing real-world tasks. Students pick their favourite courses from Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Social Sciences, and Arts through three main types of degrees: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral research programs. The list of popular courses to study in the UK is given below based on global needs:
The popular courses to study in United Kingdom are:
- Business Management and Entrepreneurship
- Medicine
- Law
- Social Sciences
- Media and communication
- Data Science and Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity and Information Security
- Nursing and Healthcare Management
- Biomedical Science and Bioinformatics
- Public Health and Epidemiology
- Digital Marketing and Communications
- Engineering and technology
- Finance and Accounting
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Architecture and Urban Planning
- University of Oxford
- University of Bristol
- University of Warwick
- University of Manchester
- King's College London
- University of Edinburgh
- University College London (UCL)
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- Imperial College London
- University of Cambridge
The cost of studying in UK ranges from £10,000 to £38,000 (~INR 9.5L to 36.5L) per year, similarly, it is £4,625 (~INR 4,84,424) per semester and £2,312 (~INR 2,4,2,212) per quarter/term. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, food, and travel, and other expenses, varying by program, location, university, and level. The UK government supports international students with scholarships and aid. Moreover, it helps Indian students to estimate their expenses accurately by considering both internal and external factors, lifestyle, and university choices. Per term per year per semester Let's take a closer look at the course levels and their corresponding tuition fees.
| Study Program | Public Universities | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree (Licence) | £10,000 to £38,000 per year, depending on the course (with medical degrees on the higher end). | £12,000 and £20,000 per year |
| Master's Degree | £10,000 to £40,000 per year | £10,000 to £25,000 per year |
The average cost of living in UK is around £12,000 (12,56,397 in Indian rupees) per year, including house rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, and leisure. Living in the UK, especially in popular cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester is expensive. The UK offers free healthcare through the NHS, serving as a safety net.
| Expenses | Cost per month (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £800 to £1,500 per month |
| Other living expenses | £400 to £600 per month |
| Total Monthly Cost | £1,200 to £2,100 |
| Books and study materials | £30 to £100 per month |
| Transportation | £50 to £100 per month |
| Health Insurance (for international students) | International students must pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application, which is £624 per year |
Scholarships are funds awarded to eligible students in the UK to cover their education costs, with values and criteria varying by the host institution. Scholarships are provided by various sources, including the UK government, educational institutions, private organisations, and international bodies. To promote international educational exchange programs, the government offers UK scholarships for Indian students. Students should research and apply for scholarships aligning with their academic achievements, field of study, and financial needs. Check out the different notable scholarships available for international students to study in the UK.
| Scholarship Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | UK governments global scholarship program for international students, covering tuition, living expenses, and more. |
| Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship | Funded by the UK government, open to students from Commonwealth countries, offering various study levels and fields. |
| GREAT Scholarship | Collaboration among UK universities to provide scholarships for students from specific countries, promoting cultural exchange. |
| Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT) | Supports Indian students academic and professional development through grants and fellowships. |
| Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT) | Supports Indian students academic and professional development through grants and fellowships. |
| Scotland Saltire Scholarships | Scholarships for students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA to study in Scotland. |
| Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships | For Canadian graduates to study in the UK, with emphasis on leadership and public service. |
| BAFTA Scholarships | Scholarships for talented individuals pursuing careers in film, games, or television industries. |
| Inlaks Scholarship | Supports Indian students for postgraduate courses at top international universities, including the UK. |
| Global Study Awards | Aimed at encouraging students to study abroad, covering travel, accommodation, and academic expenses. |
| Rhodes Scholarships | Prestigious award for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, based on academic excellence and leadership. |
| Erasmus Mundus | Joint masters and doctoral programs offered by European universities, including UK institutions. |
| UK Excellence Scholarship | Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students studying in the UK. |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Fully-funded scholarship for outstanding postgraduate students at the University of Cambridge. |
| Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship | Supports exceptional MBA students at the University of Oxford pursuing social impact projects. |
The UK provides post-study work opportunities for international students after the completion of their degrees. The UK Graduate Route Visa lets students stay and work for 2 years (3 years for Doctoral students) post-graduation. The National Living Wage has increased the UK average salary by £10.42 per hour for international students. To get a UK Graduate Route Visa, students pay a £715 application fee and a £624 annual healthcare surcharge. This guarantees valuable work experience and potential employment options. After the visa expires, students can apply for skilled work visas, like the Tier 2 visa, and continue their careers. To apply for an open work permit under the UK's Graduate Route, aspiring candidates need to submit the following documents:
The documents required to apply for the open work permit are:
- Valid Passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Confirmation of Award or Certificate of Qualification
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results (if applicable)
- Proof of Financial Sustainability
- Health Surcharge Payment Receipt
- Passport-size Photographs
