Britannica Team Updated on - Sep 26, 2025

Study in UK from India in the top universities is the most favourite study destination among the international students. The Quality Assurance Agency UK for higher education UK maintains the high standards of study in the UK for the international students from 140 countries around the globe and UK is known for its world ranking universities as per QS 2022 world rankings. Study in UK caters the student services up to 5% of the research in sciences and has an honor of the second highest number of Award winner Scientists in the world.

According to the findings of a survey conducted by India Today, the United Kingdom stands as one of the most favoured international study destinations for Indian students. The most recent report reveals a noteworthy count of 679,970 international students currently engaged in education within the UK, based on data sourced from the Higher Education Statistics Agency. Surpassing both Canada and the USA, the UK holds the top position with almost 28% of the total votes, showcasing its immense allure among global applicants. In the year 2022, India ranked as the second-highest contributor to the UK's student population, following China.

Study in UK: Top Universities for International Students

To help you research your dream university, some of the globally reputed and top-ranking universities in the UK are listed below.

Why Study In UK?

The primary motivation behind international students choosing the UK for their studies is the extensive selection of courses available. Furthermore, top UK universities offer a multitude of scholarship opportunities, rendering education at these institutions cost-effective and accessible. Additionally, Indian students studying in the UK have the privilege of staying back for a duration of two years after completing their studies, which presents them with employment prospects and post-study work opportunities within the UK.

• Internationally Recognised Universities: Universities in the UK enjoy a remarkable global reputation. As per the QS World University Rankings, four out of the top six universities worldwide are situated in the UK.
• Two-year Stay Back: The UK Government's provision of a standard two-year stay-back period for international students has proven to be a valuable aspect of studying in the UK. This duration affords students ample time to explore various opportunities and seek employment after successfully completing their degrees, enhancing the attractiveness of pursuing education in the UK.
• Shorter Duration of Courses: With a vast selection of more than 60,000 courses offered by esteemed universities in the UK, there exists a diverse array of options tailored to cater to the needs of every individual. The availability of short-duration courses, ranging from 6 to 11 months, not only aids in minimizing tuition expenses but also contributes to lowering accommodation costs.
• Lower Tuition Fee: The average fee for a master's program in the uk country is relatively lower compared to its counterparts in the US, where the standard fees for most graduate courses stand at 17,392 GBP and 38,380 GBP, respectively.
• Strong Research Infrastructure: The latest Research Excellence Framework classified 30% of UK's college research as 'world-leading'. About 46% is considered as 'internationally excellent'.
• Employment/Job Opportunities: Benefiting from a globally acclaimed curriculum and research-focused skill set, individuals who have pursued education in the UK experience a remarkable employment rate, surpassing 90% for the majority of its universities.

Top Courses In Canada For International Students

The study programs in MBA, Civil Engineering, Master in Law, MS in Computer Science and MS Psychology are famous among the international students who pursue their study in the UK.

Study in UK Cost for International Students

The cost of living in the UK for an international student encompasses various elements including fundamental tuition, food, transportation, accommodation, and more. To assist you in financial planning, here is a compiled estimate of these expenses:

Tuition fees

1. For undergraduate courses, the application fee is 20 to 26 pounds varying as for single courses or the multiple courses.
2. For post graduate courses, the application fee is 50 to 150 pounds.

For Study in UK for the international students, there is an estimated cost of course in UK so the students can plan ahead their budgets accordingly as:

Steps To Plan The Financial Budget:

• Calculate the tuition fee in the UK.
• Check the accommodation costs in the area where you want to live.
• Calculate the other living expenses in the UK.
• Check the study permit fee for the UK.
• Consider the health insurance cost in the UK.

Cost of Living in UK

Therefore, though pinpointing an exact figure is challenging, an approximate average cost encompassing living expenses and other financial considerations for a student aspiring to study in the UK is outlined as follows:

Admission Requirements to Study in UK

After completing 10+2, the students can apply for the study in the UK for undergraduate programs. There is a wide range of courses for study in the UK after 10 + 2.The eligibility to Study in the UK for the Indian students after 10+2 is to take the English proficiency test, letter of recommendation and Statement of Purpose.

• For the undergraduate courses, the students can apply by UCAS.UCAS is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK acting as an independent charity organisation helping in the higher education admission services.
• For the post graduate course, the students can apply by using the internet portal of the University.

Some basic information regarding the admission process is as tabulated below.

Study In UK VISA Requirements

The students can get their student visa by either applying at the UK embassy or applying at the UK government portal. Due to the restrictions of Covid, the international students can travel to the UK in case they are fully vaccinated. The complete dose of Covid vaccine is required to enter the UK. Due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions, it may take months to hear the decision on your application.

Steps To Get Student Visa For Study In UK

Eligibility For Student Visa (Tier 4 Student Visa)

• The student must be 16 years of age.
• Can communicate in English( speaking, reading and understanding )
• Funds for Study in UK (tuition fee, living expenses, health insurance)
• Unconditional Offer of Acceptance from the recognised university for study in the UK.
• English Language test SELT with CEFR level B2 for degree program.

Documents Required For Student Visa

• Application for study visa in UK.
• Valid passport.
• Passport-sized photograph.
• Proof of funds
• Consent letter from parents if age is under 18 years.
• Medical test for Tuberculosis.
• Proof of payment of visa application fee.
• Health Insurance Get Acceptance Letter – Firstly, you need to apply for study at a UK university. Then the university will send the acceptance letter which is the primary requisite of application to study in the UK.

Apply for the student visa and depending on the length of your studies, the type of UK student visa is given either short- term study visa and a general student visa i. e, Tier 4 Student Visa.

• Short- term Student visa is for 6 to 11 months for the studying a short language course or a short period of research programme.
• General Student Visa (Tier 4 Student Visa) is for studying graduation, postgraduate and doctorate courses. Tier 4 Student Visa is valid for the full length of studies.

Biometrics are done at the visa application center along with taking your photograph.

List Of Scholarships For Study In UK

The study in the UK is cost free in case the students get the benefit of the various scholarships available in the UK top universities for international students.

Top Cities To Study In UK For The International Students

According to the QS Best Student Cities Index 2021, the best top ten cities in the UK which are regarded as the best cities to live for the international students are as:

• London
• Milton Keynes
• Bath
• Aberdeen
• Cambridge
• Oxford
• Edinburg
• York
• Portsmouth
• Manchester

Work Opportunities During Study In UK

The job opportunities for the graduates after study in the UK are ample and are highly paid.The average salary of the international students after their study in the UK is 100,000 GBP per year. Among the employed graduates from the UK , the graduates with MBA degrees are the highest.

According to the Guardian 2020, the international students find employment opportunities with the big employers such as Google, Amazon, Glaxosmithline, etc.

The top employers in the UK are: