Top 10 Benefits of Studying in the UK for Indian Students
If you are considering pursuing higher studies abroad, the UK can be your top choice for several reasons.The UK is the 2nd most popular study destination among Indians, followed by the United States, due to the presence of globally recognised universities, post-study work opportunities, exposure to a wide range of international professionals and industries, etc.
In this blog, we have discussed the top 10 benefits of studying in the UK for Indian students.
- Presence of the World’s Leading Institutes
- Shorter Duration of the Course
- Low Cost of Study
- Affordable Living Expenses
- Graduate Visa for Post-Study Career
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Exciting Career Opportunities
- Scholarships for Indian Students
- Access to Other Parts of the UK
- Multicultural Exposure to Indian Students
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
Presence of the World’s Leading Institutes
- Choosing to study in the UK offers exposure to top universities, which have a global reputation for providing high-quality education, research, and employment opportunities.Â
- Institutes such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, University of Manchester, and University of Edinburgh are among the top universities in the UK, which consistently ranks higher in the QS world university rankings.Â
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 |
| University College London | 9 |
| University of Edinburgh | 27 |
| University of Manchester | 34 |
| King’s College London | 40 |
| London School of Economics & Political Science | 50 |
| University of Bristol | 54 |
| University of Warwick | 69 |
Shorter Duration of the Course
- Unlike in the USA, the duration of the bachelor’s degree programs, such as the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), in the UK (except Scotland) is 3 years.
- Undergraduate programs focus on specialised education from the start.Â
- On the other hand, the duration of master’s programs is 1 year, which is a distinctive feature of the UK education system.Â
- This is because they focus intensely on their field of study rather than adopting the generalised approach.
Low Cost of Study
- The cost of studying in the UK is relatively lower than in the USA, despite the popularity of its universities and courses worldwide.Â
- This is also one of the significant benefits of studying in the UK, as the shorter duration of the programs allows students to pay lower tuition fees.
- On average, the annual cost of study in the USA is around USD 40,000-70,000 or INR 34 Lakhs-59 Lakhs.Â
- The cost of study in the UK for Indian students is around GBP 10,000-30,000 or INR 11 Lakhs-32 Lakhs per year.Â
Affordable Living Expenses
- The shorter duration of study programs in the UK also significantly reduces the living expenses for students.Â
- The average cost of living in the UK is around GBP 11,000-18,000 or INR 12 Lakhs-19 Lakhs per year.Â
- While studying in the UK, students can pursue internships and part-time work, which helps them afford their living expenses.
- Several universities offer on-campus stays to Indian students if they apply for them in due time, which helps them save the finances they could have spent on outside accommodation
Graduate Visa for Post-Study Career
- After completing a postgraduate study program in the UK, Indian students can apply for a UK Graduate Visa (post-study work visa), which offers several benefits.
- One of the key benefits of studying in the UK for Indian students is that the Graduate Visa allows international students to stay in the UK for 2 years and are free to work anywhere in the country at any skill level.
- Graduates can apply for a wide range of jobs and earn competitive salaries, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
- The Graduate Visa does not require specific employer sponsorship, allowing students to look for full-time work without the pressure of securing a visa sponsorship immediately.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Upon the expiry of their Graduate or post-study work visa, graduates can apply for a Skilled Worker visa (formerly known as a tier-2 general visa).Â
- Living in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa offers the significant advantage of becoming eligible to apply for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after completing 5 years of continuous residence.
- Later, they can apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months.
Exciting Career Opportunities
- While the UK is facing a short-term economic crisis and inflation issues, it continues to support international students, including those from India.
- The popular industries in the UK that consistently demand skilled workers include healthcare, IT, engineering and technology, management, and art and entertainment.
- Industries and job roles facing a shortage of skilled workers are listed on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which invites overseas workers and executives to join them at the minimum threshold salary.
- Based on the ISL, Indian students can choose study programs that align with their interests and career goals.
- However, only Skilled Worker Visa holders can apply for job profiles listed under the ISL.
Scholarships for Indian Students
- Numerous scholarships are available for Indian students who wish to study in the UK.
- Most scholarships in the UK are fully funded and cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and more.
- Popular UK scholarships include the GREAT Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, Rhodes Scholarship, and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship.
Access to Other Parts of the UK
- The UK is well connected to other parts of Europe, such as France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, and more, making it easy for students to travel across the continent for academic and professional purposes.
- UK universities often organise study tours and on-field visits across European countries for other academic and research purposes.
- This offers students significant cultural, academic, and social exposure while studying in the UK.
Multicultural Exposure to Indian Students
- The UK can be considered a second home for South Asian students and working professionals.
- Approximately 7.5% of the UK population is of South Asian origin.
- In addition, residents from several other countries, such as the USA, China, Japan, the UAE, and South Korea, also constitute a significant portion of the UK population.
- For Indian students, life in the UK is a transformative experience worth embracing.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The United Kingdom is home to over 250 higher education institutions offering a wide range of courses in science, social science, engineering, technology, arts, business management, and more. These courses are available at various levels, including degree, diploma, and certificate programs, ensuring a broad selection for students.
Indian students have the opportunity to choose courses that align with their interests. Additionally, cross-cultural interactions enhance the educational experience, making the UK an attractive destination for higher education.
FAQs
Why study in the UK as an Indian student?
Like students from other countries who come to the UK for higher studies, Indian students enjoy the same benefits. They receive a world-class education, exposure to diverse cultures, and opportunities to work with global organisations after graduation. These experiences help build their confidence and prepare them to pursue a successful career path.
What is the average salary of an Indian student working part-time in the UK?
The average salary of an Indian student working part-time in the UK depends on factors such as working hours, industry, location, and job role. However, it typically ranges between GBP 640 and 1,000, or INR 68,000 and 1 Lakh per month.
When should I apply for a master’s program at UK universities?
To apply for a master’s program at UK universities for the fall intake, you should submit your application between September and January. For the spring intake, applications are typically accepted between September and December.
What type of visa is required to study in the UK?
Indian applicants can apply for a UK Tier 4 (General) Visa to study in the UK.
How do I apply for scholarships in the UK?
Indian students can apply for UK scholarships through the official websites of the granting organisations. Most universities automatically consider applicants for scholarships if they meet the eligibility criteria.
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