The Ultimate Guide to Study in UK: Top Universities, Visa, Fees & More

Study in UK

 

Study in UK – Top Universities, Visa, Scholarships, Courses


Want to study in UK? Get free counselling for top universities in UK, courses, student visas, scholarships, costs, and more!

Do you want to study in UK? It is a wise decision, considering how the country is one of the premier study abroad destinations in the world. The UK granted 110,006 sponsored study visas to Indian nationals for the year concluding in June 2024 (25% of the total applicants). A majority of foreign student increases between 2019 and 2024 was also from Indian nationals as per reports. The UK is a favored destination for international students due to several reasons, including its top-ranked universities and higher quality of life. 

At the same time, there are exciting opportunities for graduates in the UK job market after the completion of their studies. With globally-accredited degrees, a cosmopolitan and multicultural society, and cutting-edge academic infrastructure, the UK has retained its position in the list of most coveted study abroad destinations globally. Let us take a look at everything you need to know about studying in the UK, from universities and scholarships to intakes, visas and more. 

 

 

Latest Update: – 

Here is one of the biggest updates about studying in the UK: 

  • Those wishing to study in the UK will have to demonstrate a minimum of 11% higher financial reserves from January 2025, in comparison to the present requirements.
  • The UK Government has updated the new financial guidelines for students (applying for study visas in the country). 
  • They will have to show funds of at least £1,483 per month for courses in London and £1,136 per month for courses outside London. 
  • This is higher than the current threshold of £1,334 per month for London and £1,023 per month for other areas. 
  • For a one-year master’s course, the living costs will now be around £13,347 and £10,224 for London and places outside London respectively (nine months). 
  • These funds should be held by aspirants for at least 28 consecutive days prior to the submission of the visa application. 

 

 Free Guide to Studying in UK

 

Key Highlights

Courses availableCourses available Doctorate, bachelor, master
Top CoursesLaw, psychology, computer science, data science, economics, etc.
Average Tuition Fees£9,000-38,000 per year
Number of Higher Education InstitutionsMore than 288
Post-Study Work Visa2 years (3 years for PhD or other Doctoral students)
Average Cost of Living£1,400 per month
Part-Time Work20 hours per week (During University Term)
Top 5 Universities (QS World University Rankings 2025)#2 Imperial College London

#3 University of Oxford

#5 University of Cambridge

#9 UCL (University College London)

#27 The University of Edinburgh

Why Study in UK?

  • Globally-recognized education system 
  • Multicultural and welcoming community
  • Excellent research and development prospects
  • Flexible degree tenures, with 3-year and 1-year UG and PG programs
  • Graduate Route visa for staying back and finding work

 

Education System in UK

Primary & SecondaryCompulsory from 5-16 years
FE (Further Education)For 16+ students (including vocational programs and A-Levels)
HE (Higher Education)From 18 years, including bachelor’s and master’s courses
Postgraduate Education1-year master’s degrees and 3-4-year PhD degrees
Technical & VocationalOffered for specialized pathways at colleges

Eligibility to Study in UK

  • High school academic records for undergraduate admission.
  • Undergraduate/graduate degree with requisite marks for postgraduate admission
  • Subject/Course-specific requirements 
  • English language proficiency score of minimum 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent score in other tests.
  • Qualification in admissions tests for certain courses.
  • Portfolio & work experience for some courses.
  • Qualification in interviews for some courses.

Document Required to Study in UK

  • Academic transcripts and mark sheets
  • Filled-up form via UCAS/university portal 
  • Score sheet of IELTS, TOEFL, or other proficiency tests
  • Proof of funds 
  • Passport and photographs
  • LORs and SOP

 

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Top Courses to Study in UK

Course NameAverage Fees (Annual)Intake
Law£12,000 – £22,000September
Computer Science£15,000 – £27,000September, January
Engineering£10,000 – £20,000September
Medicine£30,000 – £50,000September
Business Management£12,000 – £24,000September, January

Top Universities to Study in UK

University NameQS RankingActionAverage Fees (per year)
Imperial College2Apply£40,000
University of Oxford3Apply£35,260
University of Cambridge5Apply£40,000
UCL9Apply£30,000
University of Edinburgh27Apply£24,000
University of Manchester34Apply£21,500
King’s College London40Apply£30,000
The London School of Economics and Political Science50Apply£28,100
University of Bristol54Apply£28,000
University of Warwick69Apply£30,000

 

 

 

Intake in UK

TypeMonthAction
Fall/AutumnSeptemberApply
WinterJanuaryApply

Cost of Studying in UK

Study ProgrammeAverage Fees (per year)Action
Undergraduate£9-38,000 per yearApply
Postgraduate£11-30,000 per yearApply
Doctorate£16-25,000 per yearApply

Cost of Living in UK

  • Accommodation/Housing- £500-1,200 per month 
  • Transport- £40-100 per month 
  • Utilities- £40-80 per month
  • Food- £200-300 per month 
  • Other expenses (miscellaneous)- £50-150 per month

 

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Scholarships to study in UK

Scholarship NameDescriptionFunding Type
Chevening ScholarshipExceptional students are given the chance to study for one-year master’s programsUp to £18,000 + stipend for living costs and allowances
Commonwealth ScholarshipAround 700 students from Commonwealth countries are given this scholarship to pursue postgraduate programsTuition fees, airfare, and living costs
GREAT ScholarshipGiven to students from various nationalities for one-year postgraduate courses£10,000
Rhodes ScholarshipFully-funded postgraduate scholarship for talented students to study at the University of OxfordCourse fees and a living cost stipend up to £19,092 per annum

 

 

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in UK

  • Up to 20 hours per week during the session and 40 hours per week during breaks
  • Those in language centres or foundation programs can work up to 10 hours each week 
  • The same laws apply for minimum wages, i.e. £8.60 per hour for those between 18-20 years of age and £11.44 per hour for those who are 21 years of age and older
  • Some job positions include tutors, student ambassadors, servers, Baristas, translators, and research assistants

Post-Study Work Permit in UK

  • If you have graduate from a UK institution, you can apply for this permit 
  • You have to apply within 6 months of completing your program 
  • The cost is £700 for the application along with the Immigration Health Surcharge fee 
  • It will be valid for 2 years if you’re a master’s or bachelor’s course graduate. The validity period is 3 years for PhD graduates. 

Student Visa Requirements for UK

  • English proficiency 
  • CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies) from a recognized institution 
  • Valid passport with proof of funds and recent photographs
  • Tuberculosis test result (if necessary)
  • Receipt of health surcharge payment

Documents Required for Visa Application

  • Passport 
  • Photograph 
  • CAS reference number
  • Academic certificates and transcripts 
  • English language proficiency score sheet
  • Health surcharge receipt of receipt 
  • Documents showing funds

Job prospects in UK

The UK promises excellent job prospects for graduates. Here are some of the top-paying roles with average annual salaries. 

  • Software Engineer- £30,000 – £50,000
  • Investment Banker- £40,000 – £70,000
  • Marketing Manager- £28,000 – £48,000
  • Healthcare Professional- £32,000 – £55,000
  • Data Scientist- £32,000-£55,000 
  • Management Accountant- £35,000 – £50,000

FAQs on Studying in the UK

1. What are the top universities in the UK?

The top universities in the UK include globally renowned institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London (UCL). Other highly-regarded universities for specific fields are the University of Manchester, the University of Edinburgh, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

 

2. What are the average costs for international students to study in the UK?

The cost varies, but undergraduate tuition fees generally range from £11,400 to £38,000 per year, and postgraduate fees are typically between £9,000 and £30,000 per year. Living expenses can be around £900-£1,300 per month outside of London and higher in London.

 

3. What are the key requirements for a UK student visa?

You need an unconditional offer from a licensed UK university (with a CAS), proof of sufficient funds for your studies and living expenses, and evidence of your English language proficiency. You must also pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

 

4. Is IELTS mandatory for a UK student visa?

Not always. Many universities accept other English language tests like TOEFL or PTE. You might also be exempt if you have a strong academic record from a high school or university where English was the primary language of instruction.

 

5. Can I work while studying in the UK?

Yes, most international students on a Student visa are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.

 

6. What is the “Graduate route visa”?

The Graduate route visa is a post-study work visa that allows international students to stay and work in the UK for at least two years after graduating. It’s a great way to gain professional experience without needing an employer sponsor.

 

7. What are some common types of scholarships for international students in the UK?

There are many scholarships available, including merit-based scholarships from universities, government-funded programs like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, and scholarships for specific fields or demographics.

 

8. How long do UK master’s degrees usually last?

A typical full-time master’s degree in the UK can be completed in just one year, which can be a significant advantage for international students.

 

9. What documents do I need for the visa application?

You will need a valid passport, your CAS, financial statements, and proof of your English language ability. You may also need an ATAS certificate for certain subjects and a tuberculosis (TB) test depending on your country of origin.

 

10. Are UK degrees recognized globally?

Yes, UK degrees are highly respected and recognized worldwide. The UK’s high standards of education and quality assurance ensure that your qualification will be valuable for your career on a global scale.

 

 

Final Take Away

Reputed universities, acclaimed courses, top-notch infrastructure, and competitive costs make the UK one of the best choices for pursuing your higher education abroad. The fabulous job prospects and global exposure are the icing on the cake.

If this sounds like your dream educational journey, contact us today to make it a reality!

 

 

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