Studying in the UK is the best decision for your future as a student because of its famous universities, dynamic culture, and amazing employment chances. With our knowledgeable experts, find your education that is worldwide.
Why study in UK?
There are top 10 reasons that make you choose to study in UK. The UK has been on the top for study for a long time now for international students. It’s not just about the degree it’s also about the life changing experience that prepares students for success on a global scale. Let’s breakdown to these top 10 reasons to study in UK:
- Globally Recognized Degrees: UK degrees are respected and famous all over the world. After your graduation, employers from everywhere know that you have a high quality of education.
- Shorter Courses: In the UK, most of the Bachelor’s degrees only take up to 3 years and the Master’s degree will be complete within 1 year. This means that your education will be completed faster and save money on fees and living costs, and can start your career sooner. This will make the study in UK cost easier to handle.
- Learn from the Best: UK is the leader in new discoveries and in research. You will get to use the top-notch facilities in Universities and learn from the best professors who are experts in their fields.
- Great Job Opportunities After School: This is a huge benefit for international students!, they can stay there for 2 years after their Graduation with the Post Study Work Visa UK.
- Meet people from everywhere: The UK is a mixture of different cultures with different types of people. You will get to meet the students from around the world, and make them your friends and build a global network.
- Money to Help You Study: Many Universities in the UK give scholarships to International Students, including special scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK. These Scholarships will help you pay for your degree and make your dream to study in the UK come true.
- Learn useful Skills: Schools in the UK mainly focus on practical skills like problem solving and thinking for yourself. These are the main skills that companies are looking for.
- Study Without IELTS: Some of the Universities in the UK let you in without an IELTS test if your English grades from high school are high. This is the best option if you want to study in the UK without IELTS.
- Travel is Easy: You can easily travel from the UK to other countries in Europe. It’s a great place to start your European adventure.
- Help When You Need It: UK Universities offer lots of help to the international students, from help with their studies to career advice and well being services. They will get the help they need on their study abroad UK journey.
These are just a few benefits of studying in the UK. This is the great choice for those students who want to get ahead in their future.
Getting Your UK Study Visa
Getting your UK study visa can be complicated sometimes, but with our help it will not be that difficult. The visa you will need to study is called a student visa. Let’s take a look at what you need to get it.
What do you need to do for a UK Study Visa?
To get your study visa you must have the following things:
- A Place at School: You must have the letter from the University that has accepted you. This letter includes the special code called CAS, which is very important for your UK study visa application.
- Enough Money: You must show in your bank account that you have enough money to pay for your first year of tuition fees and your living cost. The amount you need to show is set by the UK government.
- English Skills: You must know how to speak and understand English. This is to show that your understanding in English is better and this will be shown by the test called IELTS, but the key point in this is that some Universities in the UK don’t need the IELTS result.
- Passport: You need a valid Passport.
- TB Test: You must get a special medical test for TB from an approved doctor, this is the essential part for some countries like India.
The UK Study Visa Process in 5 Simple Steps
- Get Your Offer: First you need to get the acceptance letter by UK university and the CAS Code.
- Get Your Papers Ready: You should gather all your documents in one place like your passport, your CAS and your bank statements.
- Fill Out the Form: We can help you make sure everything is filled out correctly, to apply for UK study visa online.
- Pay Your Fees: You will have to pay the visa fee and a health insurance fee (called IHS). The embassy fees for UK study visa and other costs will be paid online. We will also tell you the exact UK study visa embassy fees.
- Go to Your Appointment: You will need to go to the visa centre to give your fingerprints and photo.
Working After School
A big reason to study in UK is the chance to get to stay and work after your graduation. This is all because of the Graduate Route Visa, generally known as the UK post study work permit.
- Long Term Future: The experience you will get on your UK post study work permit can help you get a long term work visa letter.
What kind of Job Can You Get?
You can work for any company, in any Job you want. This gives you a lot of freedom to find the perfect Job.
How Long Can You Stay?
You can stay in the UK up to 2 years after your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. Also if you are a PhD Student you can stay up to 3 years.
Paying for Your Study in UK
There is a lot of help available for you, even though study in the UK is an investment.
- Scholarships: Many Universities and schools provide their own scholarships to help the International Students. We can help you find these and apply in Universities and schools to make your study in the UK for Indian Students more affordable.
- Cost: The study in the UK includes tuition fees and living expenses. Your tuition fees can be anywhere from £12,000 to over £38,000 per year, and your living cost will be £1,000 to £1,300 per month outside London.
Ready to Begin Your UK Journey?
Your dream of study in UK is waiting for you. Our expert study in UK consultants are here and ready to help you with everything, from picking a University and getting your UK study visa.
Success Stories
Student
I chose NEF to apply for UK study visa, and the UK study visa application process was smooth and stress-free. Their expert counseling and mock interviews made me confident for my journey.
Student
If you’re planning to study abroad UK, NEF is the right place. They even explained how to study in UK without IELTS and supported me with scholarships and the post study work visa UK process.
Student
Best Courses in UK
At over 370 institutions in the UK, there are more than 37,000 undergraduate courses available. For Indian students, studying in the UK generally focuses on five popular courses that have remained in demand over the years.
1. Architecture Building Planning
This course focuses on planning and designing structures and transforming them into physical buildings. It combines creativity and scientific knowledge to create structures of various shapes and sizes.
2. Business Management and Maths
We have seen many professionals choose Business and Management programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs provide a deep understanding of business and management, helping students excel in their careers. An MBA is a popular choice for professionals with significant experience who want to advance to senior positions.
3. Computer Science
This course is popular among students who want a strong theoretical foundation in Information and Computation technologies. It involves scientific and practical approaches to computation and its applications.
4. Creative Arts
Creative Arts programs offer exciting opportunities for students to build a career in the creative field. These programs help students become specialists in creative theory and its cultural context.
5. Engineering
Engineering is a highly sought-after course worldwide. It emphasizes mathematical and scientific knowledge to develop structures and buildings. Students at UK universities are encouraged to apply this knowledge practically through design projects and industry networking. This approach helps students gain valuable skills like teamwork and management.
6. Law
A Law degree is often chosen by students aiming for a successful career in the legal field. This program equips students with skills such as research, interpretation, analytical thinking, problem solving, communication, negotiation, teamwork, and drafting formal documents.
Other popular courses to study in the UK include:
- Medicine & Dentistry
- English Literature and Media
- VFX
- Geography
- History
- Languages
- Nursing and Health
- Politics
- Philosophy and Theology
- Animation Design
- Psychology
- Veterinary Studies and Agriculture
- Fashion Design
- Graphic Design
- Sociology
- Sciences & Biosciences
- Interior Design
Career Opportunities in the UK
The UK, one of Europe’s largest economies, has seen a significant drop in unemployment. This makes studying in the UK a great opportunity for Indian students to build successful careers.
Part-Time Employment in the UK
Students in the UK are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. However, students enrolled in courses below degree level can only work 10 hours a week, though Foundation Degree students can work 20 hours. Indian students studying in the UK can expect to earn between £5 and £7 per hour, or approximately £375 to £525 per month during term time. During vacations, they can work full-time.
We advise students to look for job opportunities in local newspapers, job shops, and through their university’s career services. While universities help students find jobs, they do not guarantee part-time employment.
Students who plan to study in the UK for six months or less cannot work or extend their visas.
Employment in the UK After Graduating
The UK government has updated its visa rules to attract international students. Under the new rules, students from India and other countries can stay in the UK for up to 2 years after finishing their studies, up from the previous 6-month limit. This new visa applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. To get this visa, students need to make a new application and pay the visa and health surcharge fees.
One of the key benefits for Indian students is the chance to stay and look for work in the UK. If they find a job, they can switch to a skilled work visa. This visa allows for a broad range of job types.
This new visa route, introduced in 2021, is available to graduates from the summer of 2021 and those who started their courses in 2020. It provides a chance for students to gain work experience and build their careers in fields such as Information Economy, Oil & Gas, Construction, Graphic Design, Animation, Health Care, Restaurants, and Medical Consulting.
Cost of Studying in the UK
The cost of studying in the UK depends on factors like the institution, course, location, and funding opportunities. One advantage is the shorter duration of programs.
Tuition Fees
| Subject | Tuition Fees (Per Year) | Tuition Fees in Indian Rupees (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Humanities | £8,000 to £10,000 | 7,44,000 to 9,30,000 |
| Engineering / Science | £10,000 to £13,000 | 9,30,000 to 12,09,000 |
| Business | £12,000 to £16,000 | 11,16,000 to 14,88,000 |
| MBA | £10,000 to £25,000 | 9,30,000 to 23,25,000 |
Living Expenses
| Places | Living Costs (Per Year) | Living Costs in Indian Rupees (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Outer London | £9,207 | 8,56,251 |
| Inner London | £12,006 | 11,16,558 |
(Conversion rate used: Rs 101.50 = £1. Subject to change)
Students are generally satisfied with the cost of living in the UK compared to other study abroad destinations.
UK universities offer various courses with different durations. Many universities provide guaranteed accommodation in their Halls of Residence for at least the first year if students apply by the deadline. Accommodation options include:
- On-Campus: College hostels (self-catered or fully catered)
- Off-Campus: Renting a flat or apartment
- Homestay: Staying with families near the institution
Accommodation periods typically range from 40 to 52 weeks. On average, an undergraduate student might spend around Rs. 8 – 9 lakhs per year, while a postgraduate student may spend about Rs. 10 – 11 lakhs. Discounts are available at various shops and establishments, which help reduce living costs. Private accommodation tends to be more expensive than university options.
Students studying in London should expect higher costs, around £13,521, as it is the most expensive city in the UK.
| Student Name | Scholarship Amount | Program | University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Himaja Kameswari Tallapragada | 17,500 GBP | Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics | The University of Nottingham |
| Chandrika Dhariwal | 13,000 GBP | MA Advertising | Bournemouth University |
| Shruti Gupta | 1,820 GBP and Stipend 13,726 per year | PhD EEE | University of Southampton |
| Saylee Jangam | 9,000 GBP | BSc Bioengineering | University of Sheffield |
| Nikhil Gurav | 8,750 GBP | MSc IT | University of Nottingham |
| Yash Gupta | 6,500 GBP | Molecular Biology with Biotechnology | Bangor University |
| Shaivya Ramani | 6,450 GBP | BA International Relations | University of East Anglia |
| Sahebjot Kaur Dhindsa | 6,000 GBP | MSc Hospitality and Tourism Management | Bournemouth University |
| Aastha Dawer | 5,000 GBP | BA (Hons) Fashion Communication and Promotion | Nottingham Trent University |
| Pranav Arneja | 5,000 GBP | MSc Finance and Investment | University of Edinburgh |
| Kohinoor Darda | 5,000 GBP | MSc in Foundations of Clinical Psychology | Bangor University |
| Garima Chauchan | 5,000 GBP | MSc Astrophysics | University of Glasgow |
| Juhi Parmar | 5,000 GBP | MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology | Bangor University |
| Nikita Mann | 5,000 GBP | MSc Management | University of Edinburgh |
| Siddhant Shah | 3,430 GBP | MA Heritage Management | University of Kent |
| Rasika Tamhane | 3,000 GBP | MSc in Construction Management | University of Salford |
| Ajay Pekhale | 3,000 GBP | MSc Business Analytics and Management Science | University of Southampton |
| Akshat Koradia | 3,000 GBP | MSc Management | Sussex University |
| Vineeth Rajan | 2,000 GBP | MSc Structural Engineering | University of Sheffield |
| Mohammed Aslam | 1,500 GBP | MSc Project Management | University of Sunderland |
Application Procedure in the UK
The UK education system is flexible, allowing students to choose and combine courses and subjects from different areas to meet their needs. This approach helps tailor the degree to individual requirements.
The UK education system is divided into four main stages:
- Primary Education: For children ages 5 to 11.
- Secondary Education: For students ages 11 to 16.
- Further Education: Post-secondary education before higher education.
- Higher Education: Includes undergraduate and postgraduate studies. In the UK:
- The “O” level is equivalent to the SSC in India.
- The “A” level (2 years) is equivalent to the HSC.
- Bachelor’s degrees typically last 3 years, or 4 years for Sandwich programs.
- Master’s courses last 1 year.
- Ph.D. programs last 3 years.
Types of Certification:
- University
- Open University
- College and Institution of Higher Education
- Open College
- College of Technology
- Teacher Training College
- Institute
Grading System:
The UK uses an alphabetical grading system in secondary schools:
- A: Excellent/Outstanding
- B: Above Average
- C: Average
- D: Below Average
- E: Failing
Other Grading Systems:
- Numerical System: Used alongside the alphabetical system.
- Degrees:
- Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas (PGCert; PGDip)
- Master’s (MA; MSc)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Master of Research (MRes)
- Professional/Taught Doctorates (DEng, DMus, DEd, DBA, DClinPsych)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. or DPhil)
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Foundation Degrees
- Higher National Diplomas
- Higher National Certificates
- Diplomas of Higher Education
- Foundation courses, Foundation years, or Access/Bridging courses
Education System in the UK
The UK education system offers flexibility, allowing students to combine courses and subjects from different areas to tailor their degree to their needs.
Four Main Stages:
- Primary Education: For children ages 5 to 11.
- Secondary Education: For students ages 11 to 16.
- Further Education: Post-secondary education before higher education.
- Higher Education: Includes undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Qualifications in the UK:
- “O” Levels: Equivalent to SSC in India.
- “A” Levels: Equivalent to HSC in India (2 years).
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Typically 3 years; 4 years for Sandwich programs.
- Master’s Degrees: 1 year.
- Ph.D.: 3 years.
Types of Certification:
- University
- Open University
- College and Institution of Higher Education
- Open College
- College of Technology
- Teacher Training College
- Institute
Secondary Schools:
- A: Excellent/Outstanding
- B: Above Average
- C: Average
- D: Below Average
- E: Failing
Higher Education: The same alphabetical grading system is used:
- A: Excellent/Outstanding
- B: Above Average
- C: Average
- D: Below Average
- E: Failing
Other Grading Systems:
- Numerical System: Used alongside the alphabetical system.
- Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas (PGCert; PGDip)
- Master’s Degrees (MA; MSc)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Research Degrees:
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Master of Research (MRes)
- Professional/Taught Doctorates (DEng, DMus, DEd, DBA, DClinPsych)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. or DPhil)
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Foundation Degrees
- Higher National Diplomas and Certificates
- Diplomas of Higher Education
- Foundation Courses, Foundation Years, or Access/Bridging Courses
UK Student Route and Graduate Visa
Student Route:
- Reformed Immigration System: On October 5, 2020, the UK introduced the Student Route, replacing the Tier 4 route.
- Points-Based System:
- Offer from Approved Institution: Students must provide proof of an offer from an approved educational institution.
- Financial Proof: Students need to demonstrate that they can support themselves financially during their stay.
- English Language Proficiency: Students must show proof of adequate English language skills.
- Points Requirement: A total of 70 points is needed to secure a student visa.
Graduate Visa:
- Launch in 2021: This new visa route allows graduates to stay in the UK for 2 years after completing their studies.
- Ph.D. Graduates: Those who complete a Ph.D. program can stay for 3 years.
FAQs for Studying in the UK
1. What benefits do international students receive in the UK?
- NHS Coverage: International students studying in the UK for 6 months or more are eligible for NHS health care. A nominal fee for this service is included in the visa application fees.
- National Union of Students (NUS): Free NUS membership provides discounts on books, stationery, food, clothes, travel, and entertainment, reducing financial strain.
2. Will I get a refund if my visa is refused?
- Yes, if your visa is refused, your deposit paid to the university will be refunded. You must send the institution a copy of your visa refusal letter. Some institutions may deduct a small administrative fee, usually no more than £100.
3. How can I fund my studies in the UK?
- You can finance your education through family funds, bank loans, scholarships, bursaries, and sponsorships. Many nationalized banks offer student loans at competitive rates, often requiring collateral. International bank loans are also an option. For more details, consult an NEF GLOBAL counsellor
4. Should I pay a deposit to secure admission?
- Yes, some UK universities require a deposit to secure your admission and positively support your student visa application.
5. How are universities in the UK rated?
- There isn’t a formal ranking system, but the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education monitors university standards. The Research Assessment Exercise evaluates research activity every five years, with departments graded from 1 to 5*. Newspapers like the Sunday Times and Financial Times also publish league tables.
6. How do I calculate the cost of studying in the UK from India?
- The cost includes tuition fees and living expenses. For the first year, plan for approximately GBP 1,015 to GBP 1,265 per month for tuition and living expenses. If your program is less than 9 months, calculate proportionately.
NEF guided me to study in UK with complete support. They explained the UK study visa requirements in detail and helped with documentation. Truly the best guidance for Indian students planning higher education abroad.