How to apply UK Student Visa
Overview
The United Kingdom continues to rank among the best nations for overseas education owing to its excellent educational standards, extensive program offerings, and vibrant culture. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, around 55,000+ Indian students are estimated to be studying in the UK in 2024.
The country is a hub of more than 160 prestigious universities, including the internationally renowned Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. That’s why international students prefer to Study in UK for their higher education.
In addition, the United Kingdom has many job opportunities and is a strong economy. According to Prospects and AGCAS’s “What Do Graduates Do?” report, 1.5 years after graduation, the following career outcomes were observed in the UK for first-degree graduates: 57.3% were working full-time, 11.4% were working part-time, 10.6% were working and studying, 9.2% continued their education, 5.7% were engaged in other activities, and 5.9% were unemployed or about to start work.
Key Highlights to Study In Uk
Head | Details |
Number of Universities in the UK | 160+ |
Cost of Studying in the UK (per year) | £10,000 to £50,000 |
Cost of Living in the UK (per month) | £400 to £1,500 |
Part-time Work | 20 hours/week |
Post-study Work Visa (PSW UK or Graduate Route Visa) | 2 years (3 years in case of Doctoral qualification) |
Top 5 Universities (QS) | University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, London School of Economics, University College London, University of Edinburgh |
Why Study in UK?
Why Study in UK?
Many international students want to study in UK to benefit from its top-notch education and excellent career opportunities.
Below, you can check the advantages of studying in UK.
Globally Acknowledged Universities – UK universities have a worldwide reputation. According to QS World University Rankings 2024, 3 universities – the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and Imperial College London- secured their places in the top 6 universities worldwide.
Post Study Work Permit in UK – Studying in the UK is now more highly regarded as the UK government allows international students to stay there for 2 years after completing their studies. This gives students enough time to look into other options and seek employment in reputable organisations.
Reduced Length of Course – Universities in UK have a shorter duration of almost all courses than others. Generally, their bachelor’s degree course length is 1 year. Moreover, more than 60,000 degrees are offered by prestigious UK universities so that students can choose any course they are interested in.
Reduced Tuition Cost – he average cost of a master’s program in the UK is low compared to other countries where the usual charge for most graduate courses is higher, like the USA (17,392 GBP to 38,380 GBP).
Robust Research Infrastructure – The universities in UK have robust research infrastructure. According to the latest report of Research Excellence Framework (REF), 30% of UK university research is categorised as “world-leading”, and approximately 46% is considered “internationally excellent.”
Scholarships & Financial Aid – Many candidates want to study in UK due to its scholarships and financial aid options. The UK gives everyone an equal opportunity to participate in the UK educational system by providing up to 100% of scholarships for tuition at some of the most prestigious institutions.
Employment & Job Opportunities – Graduates from UK universities have a high employment rate of over 90% due to their globally acclaimed curriculum and research-oriented abilities.
Revolution in Education – Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the UK, decided that courses with low employability or high dropout rates would be discontinued in all universities. It will help Indian students choose the right courses with high employability rates.
Popular Courses in UK
UK Universities provide various courses in different fields. Below, you can check the list of top courses that international students can select to study in UK for graduate or postgraduate courses.
Academic Discipline | Top Courses in UK |
Business and Administrative studies | Economics Finance and Accountancy Business and Management Studies |
Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics | Computer Science Mathematics Civil Engineering Electrical and Electronic Engineering Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering |
Humanities | History Languages Philosophy |
Natural Science | Biology
Physics Chemistry |
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Social Science | Sociology Law Politics Education |
Creative Arts | Art and Design Media Performing Arts |
How to Study in UK: Application Process
Now, if you have decided to study in UK and apply to top reputable universities there, follow the steps below for a smooth application process.
Research for University and Course – Choose the most suitable university and course among over 160 universities and 60,000 courses. Check their eligibility criteria to find out if you are eligible for it.
Financial Planning – In order to be qualified to study in UK, an international candidate must have a minimum of 12,006 GBP ( if inside London) or 9207 GBP (If outside London) in their account as proof of money and financial stability.
Prepare your application in Advance – Gather the necessary paperwork and pay special attention to deadlines. Schedule your application at least two months in advance to ensure you have enough time and prevent last-minute difficulties.
Apply Online and Wait for the Acceptance Letter -Students must apply to all UK universities through the UCAS site and wait for the acceptance letter.
Apply for a student visa to UK – After receiving your offer letter, apply for a study visa in UK. You can also get in touch with us.
If you are confused about which university and course to opt for and are facing challenges in the application process, you can reach out to study in UK consultants or study abroad consultants.
Admission Requirements to Study in UK
Below, you can check the basic information about the admission process in UK.
Where to apply | UCAS Portal/ University Portals |
Application Fee | 27.5 GBP (If applying through UCAS) |
Basic Requirements | Transcripts, Passport, Standardized tests for studying in UK |
Additional Requirements | Updated CV, Statement of Purpose, Reference letter |
English Language Requirements | IELTS: 6.0-6.5 for UG, 6.5 to 7.0 for PG TOEFL: 80 PTE: 60-70 |
Tests Required to Study in UK
To study in UK, candidates have to prove their English proficiency by submitting some English proficiency test scores. Generally, universities in UK accept IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE scores. However, your selected university or course’s minimum score requirement may differ.
Below, you can check the details of all 3 main English proficiency tests.
IELTS
IELTS or IELTS UKVI is conducted for those who want to study and work in the UK. Although both exams are similar, UK Offices administer IELTS UKVI. The exam consists of 4 sections – Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. All sections are scored between 1 to 9 band score. The overall score is the combination of all section scores.
Generally, UK Universities accept 6.0 to 6.5 IELTS Band scores for undergraduate courses. Candidates who get a 7+ band score are eligible to study in UK.
TOEFL
Candidates who want to study graduate or postgraduate courses in the United Kingdom can take TOEFL iBT. The exam is conducted both online and offline mode. Getting a good score in TOEFL shows your proficiency in English. Generally, a score of 70 is accepted by the universities in UK.
PTE
PTE is continuously gaining popularity due to its easy process and quick declaration of results. The exam consists of 4 sections, just like IELTS and is accepted by almost all universities. Generally, candidates with 50-63+ PTE scores can apply for their courses in UK universities.
When to Study in UK?
International applicants should be aware that different courses and institutions in the UK have varying application deadlines. So, it is crucial to stay updated with all the deadlines related to the program and organisation you’re interested in.
Deadline for Entry Applications
Mid of October – The deadline for the majority of Oxford and Cambridge courses. Primarily for medical, dental, and veterinary facilities, among others.
End of January – Most undergraduate courses have a deadline (UCAS Deadline).
Intakes in UK
There are 3 intakes in UKfor international students. These are as follows –
Fall Intake in UK (September to December) – This intake opens doors for major courses in almost all UK Universities. If you apply in the September intake in UK, you will have ample opportunity to familiarise yourself with both the university and the nation. There are various scholarship options available for international students in this intake.
Winter Intake in UK(January through April) – Those who were not able to apply in time for the Fall intake in UK may have the option to apply for top universities in the Winter intake. Compared to the Fall intake, the winter intake has fewer applications, increasing the chances of getting your dream university.
Spring/Summer Intake in UK(May to August) -This intake is not available for all institutions and courses. The application pool is less than it was for the prior two. However, if you find your course and dream university, then you can apply for this intake.
Study in UK Cost
Before going to study in UK, it is essential to know about the cost of living in UK. Understanding the estimated living cost helps candidates to manage expenses in another country. The costs include tuition fees, travelling, food, accommodation, and other expenses. Below, you can check the cost of studying in UK along with the living cost.
Tuition fees
The cost of the various programs offered in the nation will vary depending on several internal and external criteria, namely the program’s level and university of choice.
Type of program | Average fee in GBP | Average fee in INR |
Undergraduate bachelor program | 11,400 to 38,000 per year | 11.43 to 38.11 Lac |
Postgraduate or master’s program | 10,000 to 35,000 per year | 10 to 35 Lacs |
MBA programs | 15,000 to 50,000 per year | 15 to 50 Lacs |
Doctoral degrees | 18,000 to 35,000 per year | 18.05 to 35.10 Lacs |
Cost of Living in UK
The average cost of housing and other living expenses in the United Kingdom will largely depend on your preferences and the city in which you choose to reside.
For example, the rental cost for a student who wants to live in Northern Ireland will be 91 GBP (9,605 INR), while it will cost almost 182 GBP (19,211 INR) in London, which is exactly double. The average cost of student accommodation in the UK is about 125 GBP (13,194 INR) per week.
Therefore, knowing the approximate cost of living and other expenses for a student intending to study in the UK is essential.
Types of Expenses | Cost of Living in UK Per Month (INR) |
Housing | 50,300 |
Bills (electric/ gas/ water) | 4000-5000 |
Food | 16000- 20000 |
TV license | 1260 (or 15000 per year) |
Mobile phone | 1500-5000 |
Clothes and Leisure | 4000-5000 |
Books & supplies | 3000 |
Socializing | 12000 |
Transportation | 3500-4000 |
Student Visa in UK
Students who get offer letters from universities in UK are required to apply for a Tier 4 study Visa. A Tier 4 student visa in UK allows students to study. Moreover, candidates can also work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during breaks through the study visa.
You should apply for a visa as soon as possible after receiving an acceptance letter from the institution and at least 3 months before the degree program starts. Your visa may take up to 30 days. The application cost will be around INR 50,000.
Candidates have to apply for the visa by submitting the essential documents such as:
- Passport
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Medical Test Certificates
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Completed Application Form
- Official transcripts of a relevant degree or high school
How to Study in UK with a Scholarship?
International students seeking financial help to study in UK can apply for several awards and scholarships offered by the UK government. They are eligible to get up to 100% of scholarships for studies in the UK.
Moreover, many universities also grant merit-based and supplementary rewards for deserving candidates. These scholarships are available for all undergraduate students. However, due to strict and specific qualifying requirements, scholarships for postgraduate and doctorate studies in the UK are not available to all applicants.
Scholarships for International Students in UK
Below, you can check the Scholarships for Indian Students to study in UK.
Name of Scholarship | Level of Study | Countries Eligible | Eligibility Criteria | Applications Open | Amount |
Chevening Scholarships | Master’s | 144; around 700 scholarships per year | – | – | – |
Commonwealth Scholarships | Master’s and PhD | 62 Commonwealth nations | Commonwealth citizen, refugee or British protected person and at least 2:1 Honours degree | August before the course is due to start | Covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance and travel costs |
Saltire Scholarships | Master’s | Canada, India, Pakistan, USA and China | – | October, till May | 50 scholarships worth 8,200 GBP |
Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships | Master’s/PhD | – | Degree from any Canadian university with a minimum grade A, across all courses | January | 8,710 GBP worth scholarships plus travel allowances |
BAFTA Scholarships | Master’s | – | Chinese national seeking to study a postgraduate course in the field of film, television or games | March (closes in June) | 10,246 GBP as tuition fee plus additional living expenses |
Inlaks Scholarship | All levels (but you must have an undergraduate degree) | – | Undergraduate degree, offer letter from a ‘top-ranking’ instit |
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Job Opportunities
There are several job options available in the UK in a variety of fields. For Indian students, the UK offers lucrative employment opportunities in the domains of computer science, healthcare, finance, engineering, and education. The average yearly incomes and employment prospects for some of the most attractive career pathways in the UK for Indian students are shown in the table below.
Field | Average Annual Salary (Approx) | Job Prospects |
IT Services | INR 46.6L to INR 61.75L | Software developers, Data analysts, and Cybersecurity experts |
Healthcare | INR 42L to INR 70L | Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Researchers |
Banking | INR 57L to INR 59L | Finance analysts, Investment bankers |
Engineering | INR 44.65L to INR 46L | Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer |
Social Media | INR 34L to INR 43L | Social Media Specialist, Social media manager |