Study In UK for Indian Students: Universities, Intakes, & Scholarship | Admissify

The United Kingdom is an extremely popular study-abroad destination for students globally including those from India. Some of the main highlights that attract over 22,000 Indian students every year to the UK for higher education are:

• Universities – The UK is home to some of the most prestigious, top-ranked universities in the world like Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial College, King’s College London etc. These universities offer very high-quality teaching and research.
• Course Flexibility – Students have the option to choose from a wide range of programs and specializations across fields like technology, engineering, humanities, management, economics, law etc. This allows you to tailor your studies to your interests.
• Scholarships – There are numerous partial and fully-funded scholarship opportunities offered by UK universities and external organizations that Indian students can avail to lower financial burdens.
• Post-Study Work Visa – International graduates can stay back in the UK for 2 years after finishing studies to find work under the Graduate Immigration Route. This facilitates the transition to eventual work visas and permanent residency.
• Multicultural Society – The diverse British society offers a warm, welcoming environment for international students to live and study while also having large ethnic communities like Indian, Chinese etc.

Top 10 Reasons to Study in UK

1. World-Class Universities: The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial College London, and more. These universities consistently rank amongst the global top for research, teaching standards, employability rates, and student satisfaction.
2. International Recognition of UK Degrees: Degrees from UK universities are recognized and respected by employers and academics worldwide. This gives graduates excellent prospects for employment both within and outside the UK.
3. Multicultural Society: Indian students are able to adjust seamlessly due to the multicultural British society that is warm and welcoming to international students. There are large Indian communities already well-integrated across the country.
4. Post-Study Work Opportunities: International students can stay back up to 2 years after graduation to find work through the Graduate Immigration Route. This allows students to gain valuable UK work experience.
5. Shorter Course Durations: Undergraduate degrees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland only require 3 years of study compared to most countries which take 4 years. This saves both time and tuition costs.
6. Scholarships Availability: There are numerous partial and full scholarships offered by UK universities and external organizations that Indian students can avail to fund their education.
7. No IELTS Requirement for Certain Courses/Universities: Students can find many undergraduate and graduate courses across UK universities that allow admissions without an IELTS score.
8. Lower Cost of Living Outside London: While London is expensive, other popular student cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool etc. have a comparatively affordable cost of living with cheaper accommodation options.
9. Vibrant Student Cities: UK cities have excellent student infrastructure with affordable accommodation, great transportation links, bustling nightlife, cultural hotspots and large student communities.
10. Opportunity to Travel: The UK’s compact geographic area and efficient transport links makes travelling around the country quick and easy. Students can immerse themselves in British culture through travels.

Admission Requirements to Study in UK

Academic Requirements

• For undergraduate (UG) programs, you typically need 60%+ in your Grade 12 exams from a recognized education board in India. Some universities may accept 55% marks.
• For postgraduate (PG) programs like Masters, you require at least 60% or First Class in your Bachelor’s degree from a reputable university. Some universities require higher percentages like 65% or 70%.
• Your previous academic transcripts and performance are important. Good grades reflect strong subject knowledge and the likelihood to succeed in university.

English Language Proficiency

• You need to prove English proficiency through standardized language tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
• Minimum test scores required are typically: IELTS – 6.0 to 7.5 overall; TOEFL – 80 to 100+ (internet-based)
• Some universities have higher IELTS/TOEFL requirements while a few provide IELTS waivers for certain cases.

Statement of Purpose (SOP) for UK

• The SOP plays a key role in admissions. Universities assess if your interests and goals align with the program based on your SOP.
• It should explain why you wish to study that particular program, how it will benefit your career, and showcase relevant prior achievements/experiences.

Letters of Recommendation

• LORs from professors or employers acquainted with your academic/professional capabilities provide credibility.
• LORs corroborate claims made in your SOP about qualities, strengths, achievements etc.

Other Requirements

• Portfolios, interviews, entrance tests like LNAT (for law) etc. may be needed depending on subjects/universities.

What exams are required to Study in UK

1. English Language Tests:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• PTE (Pearson Test of English)

These tests demonstrate your English proficiency which is compulsory for admission. Minimum test score requirements range between:

IELTS: Band 6.0 to 7.5 (overall)

TOEFL: 80 to 100+ (internet-based test)

2. Entrance Exams:

• GMAT/GRE – Required for Master’s degrees in Management, Finance, Business, and Economics programs.
• LNAT – National Admissions Test for Law required for law programs.
• UKCAT – For Medicine-related and some health sciences programs.

3. Subject-Specific Exams:
   Certain Master’s programs may need relevant subject exams like:

• Mathematics admissions tests
• MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

However, many Master’s courses like Engineering, IT, Data Science etc. do not require entrance tests and primarily assess your UG scores, statement of purpose etc.

In summary, every student must take English tests like IELTS/TOEFL. Additional entrance exams depend on the chosen course/university requirements and are taken to demonstrate strong subject knowledge.

Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarships make studying in the UK significantly more affordable. Here are some of the top scholarships Indian students should apply for:

• Chevening Scholarships – Fully funded UK government scholarships for international students with strong academic backgrounds. Covers full tuition fees and provides stipends.
• Commonwealth Scholarships – Fully funded scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries like India. Jointly funded by UK universities.
• Rhodes Scholarships – Prestigious Oxford University scholarship covering all tuition fees and accommodation costs. Extremely competitive.
• Felix Scholarships – Fully funded PhD scholarships at multiple top UK universities in various disciplines like engineering, law, business etc.
• University of Birmingham Scholarships – Numerous partial and full scholarships offered by the University of Birmingham across programs.

How to study in UK without IELTS

1. Look into Universities with IELTS Waivers Some UK universities waive the IELTS score requirement if the previous education medium for the student was English. For example – University of York, the University of Exeter etc.

2. Enroll in a Pre-Sessional English Course Many universities offer short Pre-Sessional English language courses of 10-40 weeks. Bypassing these internal language courses conducted by the university, students can gain entry 

without external IELTS.

3. Take Advantage of Duolingo English Test Waivers A few UK universities allow admissions based on Duolingo English Test scores instead of IELTS. The Duolingo test can be easier to clear for some students.

4. Consider Degree Programs with Lower Overall IELTS Requirements Some universities have undergraduate programs tailored for international students with lower overall IELTS bands like 5.5 or 6.0 instead of the usual 6.5 or 7.0. These 

help students enter the UK without high test scores.

5. Check for Equivalent Alternate English Tests Accepted Apart from IELTS and TOEFL, some universities may accept PTE, ESOL, Cambridge C1 Advanced etc. These could be easier options for students struggling with IELTS.

So while IELTS is a key admission norm, Indian students should explore university-specific relaxations, pre-sessional courses, Duolingo waivers and equivalent English test options as alternative routes to enter their preferred UK universities without IELTS.

Documents Required for UK Student Visa 

• Current passport 
• Student visa application form 
• Admission letter Proof of funds (must cover living and study costs for up to one year) 
• Payment receipt 
• English proficiency test scores 
• Original mark sheets

Best Courses to Study in UK

Below are some of the most popular and employable course options that Indian students opt for in the UK:

• MBA – Amongst the world’s best MBA degrees tailored to business specializations from top UK business schools.
• MSc Data Science/AI – Cutting-edge programs in upcoming fields like data, coding, machine learning, AI etc. Great post-study work opportunities.
• MSc Finance/Accounting/Economics – Specialized business and finance programs with integrated industry exposures. Ideal precursor to ACCA, CFA etc.
• LLM Law – Prestigious legal Master’s program recognized globally producing expert commercial lawyers.
• MEng/MSc Engineering – Rigorous engineering specializations like civil, mechanical, aerospace, electrical etc. from leading technical universities.
• MSc Management – Prepares students in core areas of business like marketing, HR, operations, strategy etc. Varied specializations available.

Study in UK for Free

Although rare, certain universities and programs do offer scholarships that cover full tuition fees and also provide stipends for living expenses, allowing students to study for free. Some options are:

• PhD Programs: Exceptional PhD candidates are fully funded by UK Research Councils and major universities across disciplines. Covers fees plus ~£15,000 annual stipend.
• University-Specific Scholarships/Programs: For instance, the University of Bath offers a Gateway Scholarship for Masters students from certain countries including India which covers full first year tuition fees and £1,000 towards living costs.

1. Apply for Scholarships There are various fully-funded scholarships offered by the UK universities and external organizations that cover your full tuition fees and living expenses. Some popular ones include:

• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Chevening Scholarships
• Rhodes Scholarships
• Felix Scholarships

2. Look for PhD Programs Exceptional PhD candidates are often provided full scholarships by UK Research Councils and universities. This covers your full tuition fees and provides an annual stipend of around £15,000 for living costs.

3. Research University-Specific Financial Aid Certain universities like the University of Bath, University of Sussex etc. have scholarships/programs specifically for international students from developing countries that cover 1st year tuition fees and offer bursaries.

4. Become a Teaching Assistant Many universities offer students opportunities to work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) as teaching assistants, lab demonstrators etc. This allows you to earn extra money and cover basic living expenses.

5. Apply for Education Loans Indian banks like SBI, and Bank of Baroda offer affordable education loans with collateral for tuition fees and living expenses at low interest rates. These can be paid back once you gain employment post-studies.

While studying for free in the UK is highly competitive, with thorough research, financial planning and applying to multiple scholarship avenues, it is possible for meritorious Indian students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

University admissions criteria differ slightly between undergraduate and post-graduate courses. However, basic requirements are:

• Academics: Minimum marks percentages required in Grade 12 results for UG degrees and bachelor’s results for Master’s degrees. Usually, first-class or 60%+ scores are needed.
• English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL score reflecting good English skills. Scores vary across universities/courses ranging from an overall 6.0-7.5 IELTS band required.
• Statement of Purpose & Letters of Recommendation: A strong SOP and LORs are key. They showcase your achievements, interests in the course/specialization, career goals etc.
• Portfolio: Relevant for creative courses in fields like design, architecture, arts etc. Applicants must submit a portfolio of previous work undertakings displaying their skills.

Costs to Study in UK

Average annual study + living costs for international students are:

• Undergraduate degrees: £12,000 to £18,000 (~Rs. 12-18 lakhs)
• Master’s degrees: £18,000 to £25,000 (~Rs. 18-25 lakhs)

Factors impacting costs include chosen university, program/discipline, city of study etc. Scholarships help reduce financial burdens significantly. Part-time work of up to 20 hours/week during term-time is allowed for international students.

Post-Study Work Opportunities in the UK

International graduates have ample opportunities for post-study work and permanent settlement in the UK.

the key opportunities for post-study work and long-term settlement in the UK after graduating:

1. Graduate Immigration Route

• International students can stay and work in the UK post-completion for a period of 2 years.

• Allows you time to gain UK work experience and apply for long-term work visas.

2. Skilled Worker Visa

• For eligible foreign professionals offered jobs in the UK with suitable skill-levels and adequate salary packages.

• Can apply for permanent settlement after 5 years of continuous stay.

3. Startup/Innovator Visa

• For graduates wanting to establish an eligible startup or innovative business in the UK.

• Accelerated path to permanent settlement in 3 years.

4. Job Shortage Occupation List

• Lists specialization areas like engineering, technology etc. that have acute talent shortages in the UK.

• Occupations on this list get special preference for obtaining work visas.

In summary, the UK offers abundant post-study work, career, and immigration opportunities for international students to live and work long-term after finishing their education. The 2 years stay-back period plays a crucial role in facilitating this transition.

Short-term post-study work:

• Graduates can stay back for 2 years after finishing studies to work full-time or look for work under the Graduate Immigration Route.

Long-term immigration routes:

• The Skilled Worker visa helps qualify to apply for permanent settlement after 5 years if working full-time in the UK.
• Students beginning startups can apply for the Innovator visa leading to permanent residence.

FAQs

What percentage is required for UK universities?

The exact percentage varies across UK universities and courses but a basic requirement is 60%+ (First Class) in Grade 12 boards for undergraduate admission and bachelor’s degree for postgraduate courses. Some universities may accept 55%+ in certain cases.

Why study in UK and not the USA or Canada?

Compared to countries like the US and Canada, the UK offers shorter course durations helping save time and costs, has lower living expenses in smaller cities, eligibility for post-study work/immigration, easier permanent residency policies, proximity to home countries allowing more visits etc.

What exams are required for Master’s in UK?

A compulsory English language test like IELTS or TOEFL is needed to show English proficiency skills for university. GMAT/GRE may be required for certain business/science programs. Subject-specific tests like LNAT for law courses may also be needed depending on universities.

Is IELTS required for Master in UK?

An IELTS score between 6.0-7.5 overall (varies across unis/courses) is generally required. However, certain universities provide IELTS waivers if candidates have sufficient previous English medium academic backgrounds.

Is it easy to get PR in UK after studies?

The 2-year post-study work visa after graduation leads well into the Skilled Worker or other work visa routes enabling students to gain permanent settlement 5 years onwards if working full-time in the UK.

How much does it cost to study in UK for Master’s? 

Master’s costs can range between £18,000 to £25,000 per year including living expenses. Costs in London tend to be higher than other popular student cities. Discounts/scholarships would help reduce costs significantly.

Can I work part-time as a student in the UK? 

Yes, international students on Tier-4 visas are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, providing perfect opportunities to earn money to help with expenses and gain valuable UK work experience.

Can I stay in the UK after finishing my degree? 

Yes, under the post-study Graduate Immigration Route introduced recently, international graduates get 2 years of work visa after completing studies to find jobs or get sponsored. This can set you up for long-term settlement thereafter.

What GPA percentage do I need for UK university admission? 

Typical requirements are 60%+ (First Class) in your UG degrees for Masters courses. Some universities may accept 55-59% grades depending on various factors. Strong academic credentials are a visa requirement too.