It is not difficult to study in the UK for Indian students, considering smoother application procedures, sufficient benefits for learners, and high educational standards overall. The UK is one of the biggest global hubs for education, offering a system at par with the best worldwide, along with multiple options in terms of educational courses and disciplines.
Read More: Why study in UK
Table of Contents
Study in the UK for Indian Students- British Education System
The education system in the UK comprises four components, namely primary, further, secondary, and higher education. Children must complete primary and secondary schools, right from five to sixteen years of age. The key stages are the following:
● Key Stage 1: 5-7
● Key Stage 2: 7-11
● Key Stage 3:11-14
● Key Stage 4: 14-16
Here’s taking a look at the educational stages:
1. Primary Education
This starts from five years and goes till the age of 11. Some schools offer Junior or Infant education levels.
2. Secondary Education
This begins from seven to eight years. Students pursue subjects like Mathematics, English, Modern Language, Sciences, and a Humanity subject. Elective subjects include Drama, Sport, Latin, Music, Computer Science, Art, Design Technology, etc. Common entrance examinations may begin in year seven. There are three sessions in November, January, or May/June.
3. Secondary school
This happens from the ninth year with students transitioning to senior school from junior school. It sets the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) program foundation. Students study subjects like Sciences, Maths, English, Languages and Humanity.
4. Secondary levels
Years 10 and 11 begin from 14 years of age, with students preparing for their GCSE. In the UK school setup, students have nine-12 subjects. Mathematics, English and two-three Science subjects are compulsory along with a Modern Language and History or Geography. Students get their GCSE certificates after completing this two-year program.
5. Intensive 1-year GCSE
Some schools have one year GCSE courses for international students.
6. IGCSE
This program helps prepare international students for IB or A-Levels.
7. University
UG and PG courses of three and 12 months respectively (in most cases) are a fixture of the education system.
Read More: Study in UK for Indian students after 12th
Various higher education institutions
There are multiple types of institutions for higher education in the UK. They include:
● Diverse or autonomous institutions (independent and government-reliant).
● Universities.
● Other higher education providers with public funding.
● Alternative education providers.
● Groups of institutions.
UK Grading Scale
| Grade in the UK | Corresponding Approximate Grade in the USA |
| 75-100 | A+ |
| 70-74 | A |
| 64-69 | A- |
| 60-63 | B+ |
| 55-59 | B |
| 50-54 | B- |
| 46-49 | C+ |
| 43-45 | C |
| 38-42 | C- |
| 35-37 | D |
| 0-34 | Fail |
Features of UK Universities
The chief benefits of study in the UK for Indian students after graduation at universities include the following:
● Globally acclaimed institutions which top global rankings consistently.
● Globally recognized degrees.
● Creative and innovative academic curriculum and educational models.
● Ample scope of research and development.
● Excellent industry interface and mentorship.
● Access to the best infrastructure and equipment.
● Multicultural ambience and plethora of activities.
Read More: Job Opportunities after MS in UK
Intakes in the UK
The admission intakes in the UK are the following:
● Fall- September to December.
● Spring- March to April.
A winter intake also exists though it stays reserved for specific courses and institutions. Most students choose to apply in the fall or spring.
Source: Sana Grover
Course Duration
The average course duration for undergraduate programs is about three years. The average duration for a postgraduate course is a year. It means that students can complete their education in four years instead of the usual five to seven years needed in other countries.
Cost of study in the UK for Indian students
Indian students can expect average costs of £10,000-20,000 or roughly INR 9.99 lakhs to INR 19.98 lakhs. Similar course fees may be applicable for postgraduate courses, while doctoral degrees may require anywhere between £15,000-24,000 annually or between INR 14.99 lakhs to INR 23.98 lakhs.
Requirements for study visa in the UK
Here is the student visa system in the UK:
● Tier 4
Those who are 16 or more, coming to study at an educational institution in the UK. You should apply three months before the commencement of the course. You should arrive up to one week if it is a six-month course and one month in advance if it is more than six months.
● Tier 4 (Child)
Students between four-17 get a place in courses at educational institutions in the UK with a valid sponsor. They should apply three months before the commencement of the course. Arrival is up to one week in advance or a month in advance.
● Short-term study visa
This type of study visa is for students applying for short-term UK courses in English or training programs. Application timelines are usually three months before the date of travel. The arrival will depend on the course and institution.
● Tier 4 (General)
It is for people from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and wants to enter the UK as a student. The same three-month application guideline is applicable in this case, while they can arrive up to a month beforehand (if the course spans more than six months).
Read More: How to settle in UK
Health Coverage in the UK
International students are required to pay around £470 or INR 46,968 every year as health insurance charges. It is the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) and is payable with the visa charge. However, international students with valid student visas can get free treatments from the NHS (National Health Service). To be eligible, they should be studying in a course spanning at least six months or higher.
Best Places to Study in the UK
These are the best study destinations in the UK:
● Birmingham
● Aberdeen
● Glasgow
● Nottingham
● Coventry
● London
● Edinburgh
● Manchester
Best Courses in the UK
The UK offers a wide variety of educational courses that are popular amongst students worldwide. Some of the options include:
● Computer Science
● Creative Arts and Design
● Engineering and Technology
● Law
● Medicine and Dentistry
● Education
● Mass Communication
● Architecture
● Veterinary Science
● Music
● Archaeology and Anthropology
● Hospitality and Tourism
● Psychology
● Sociology
● English Literature
● Photography
● Industrial Engineering
● MBA (Management, Finance, International Relations, Marketing, etc.)
● Economics
● Biological Sciences
● Pharmacy
● Biotechnology
● Automotive Engineering
● Mechanical Engineering
● Molecular Sciences
● Electrical Engineering
● Civil Engineering
Read More: Student Life in UK Colleges
Exams needed to study in the UK
The examinations required for studying in the UK include the following:
● TOEFL or IELTS (English language proficiency)
● GMAT or GRE
● LNAT (National Admission Test for Law) and Cambridge Law Test for law aspirants
Available part-time jobs
International students may work part-time for up to 20 hours each week during the session. Popular part-time jobs include retail workers, receptionists, library assistants, student ambassadors, mystery shoppers, baristas, waiters, bartenders, shelf packers, and more.
Top UK universities
The UK is home to several universities ranked in the top global echelons as per several ranking organizations such as the QS World University ranking
| University | Ranking (QS World) |
| University of Cambridge | 7 |
| University of Oxford | 4 |
| University College of London | 8 |
| The University of Manchester | 27 |
| University of Edinburgh | 20 |
| Imperial College London | 9 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | 44 |
| University of Bristol | 49 |
| University of Warwick | 69 |
| King’s College London | 33 |
Scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK
There are many scholarship options available for eligible aspirants. Some of them include the following:
● Chevening Scholarship
● GREAT Scholarship
● Commonwealth Fellowship and Scholarship
● Scotland Saltire Scholarship
● Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship
Read More: Scholarship for MS in UK
Post-study work visa for Indian students in the UK
As per the new post-study work visa policy, international students graduating from summer 2021 onwards can stay in the UK and work for 24 months.
Job Opportunities in the UK
The UK houses some of the world’s biggest and most reputed global companies and MNCs. Some of the fastest-growing business sectors include health services, management, food, aviation, human resources, telecommunications, technology, and more.
Industries like mining, energy, financial services, insurance, law, manufacturing, consulting, media and communications, real estate and construction, e-commerce, healthcare, transportation and logistics, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, sports, culture, tourism, food and beverages and education are also fast-growing sectors in the UK. The country is known for its robust economy and attractive salaries for skilled graduates.
Conclusion
The UK is a top global study destination for international students, offering highly ranked institutions, advanced courses, and excellent prospects in diverse sectors. The country is known for its multicultural and cosmopolitan society, along with its high standards of living.
Read More: IELTS Score for UK
FAQs
Q1. Is studying in the UK good for Indian students?
A. The UK is one of the best options for Indian students. It offers high-quality education along with globally renowned and acclaimed institutions. Degrees in the UK are recognized worldwide, while educational institutions provide great opportunities for learning, research, and industry exposure. The UK is also a flourishing job market for skilled graduates pursuing various courses in the country. Another advantage is that English is the preferred mode of communication, while the UK is also home to a cosmopolitan and multicultural community.
Q2. Is education free in the UK for Indian students?
A. No, education is not free for Indian students in the UK. Tuition-free institutions or universities are absent in the country. Yet, Indian students can find and apply for various government and private scholarships in the country. They will help cover tuition costs along with other related expenditures. Hence, check scholarships where you are eligible and apply for them without any delays.
Q3. Is studying in England expensive?
A. Yes, studying in England and several parts of the UK is costlier than in many other nations, especially India. You may end up spending anywhere around INR 20-40 lakhs on your course, depending on the nature of the program, institution, location, and many other factors. The cost of living is also on the higher side, which you need to watch out for. However, with scholarships and additional financial support, you can manage some of these costs.
Q4. Why is the UK the best for Indian students?
A. The UK is one of the best study abroad destinations for Indian students. It offers high-quality academics, while English is both the main language of teaching and daily communication in the country. The UK offers great prospects both for employment and research, while highly ranked institutions, excellent infrastructure and a welcoming society are other plus points.
Q5. What are the problems faced by Indian students in the UK?
A. Indian students in the UK sometimes face hurdles like homesickness, which may be tough to overcome, along with the costlier educational and living costs. Securing scholarships and funding is another aspect that may create stress, along with differences in lifestyles, cultures, and food. However, the UK is home to a rapidly growing Indian community, which is reflected through Indian restaurants, and other stores finding a place in the country.
