
UK Study Guide For Indian Students – Everything You Must Know
The admission process for studying in the UK typically involves the following steps, depending on the level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, or others). Here’s a general overview:
Why Study in the UK?
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World-class universities (Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, etc.)
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1-year Master’s programs (saves time & cost)
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Globally recognized degrees
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2-year post-study work visa (Graduate Route)
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Diverse international student community
Types of Degrees
Level | Duration | Notes |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | 3 years | Some courses like Engineering may take 4 years |
Postgraduate (Master’s) | 1 year | Intense, cost-effective |
PhD / Doctorate | 3-4 years | Research-based |
Step-by-Step:
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Choose Course & University
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Use UCAS for undergraduate
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Use university websites or portals like FindAMasters for postgraduate
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Check Requirements
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Academic qualifications
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English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo)
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Prepare Documents
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Academic transcripts & certificates
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
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Passport
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CV/Resume (for PG)
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Apply
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Undergrad: via UCAS (up to 5 universities)
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Postgrad: directly on university websites
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Receive Offer
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Conditional or Unconditional offer
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Accept Offer and Pay Deposit
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Typically between £2,000–£5,000
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Receive CAS Letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
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Apply for Student Visa (Tier 4)
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CAS letter
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Proof of funds (tuition + £1,023/month for 9 months outside London, £1,334/month in London)
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English test result
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Tuberculosis (TB) test report
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Visa fee:£1,035/year
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Book Accommodation & Travel
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On-campus or private housing
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Fly to the UK and Begin Your Course!
Cost of Studying in the UK
Expense | Estimated Cost (per year) |
---|---|
Tuition (UG) | £10,000 – £20,000 |
Tuition (PG) | £11,000 – £25,000 |
Living Costs | £9,000 – £12,000 |
Health Surcharge | ~£1,035 per year |
Visa Fee | ~£490 |
Scholarships for Indian Students
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Chevening Scholarship
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Commonwealth Scholarship
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GREAT Scholarships
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Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
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University-Specific Scholarships (e.g., UCL, Warwick, Nottingham)
Many UK universities offer merit-based scholarships and bursaries to Indian students.
Post-Study Work & PR Path
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After graduation, apply for Graduate Route Visa (2 years for UG/PG, 3 years for PhD)
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Work full-time and gain experience
- Move to Skilled Worker Visa pathway for UK PR
Accommodation
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On-campus: safer and easier for new students
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Private housing: shared flats, homestays, or studio apartments
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Average cost: £400–£800/month
Part-Time Jobs
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Allowed to work 20 hours/week during term-time
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Full-time during holidays
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Common jobs: Retail, hospitality, campus roles
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Average wage: £10–£12/hour
Popular Universities Among Indian Students
University of the West of Scotland |
Manchester Metropolitan University |
Bishop Grosseteste University |
University of Gloucestershire |
University of East London |
University of the West of England |
University of Sterling |
Norwich University of Arts |
Leeds Beckett University |
University of Brighton |
University of Chester |
University of Central Lancashire |
Birmingham City University |
Liverpool Hope University |
University of Wolverhampton |
Roehampton University |
University of Portsmouth |
University of Bedfordshire |
University of West London |
London South Bank University |
Anglia Ruskin University |
QAHE (Northumbria London / Ulster London / Birmingham) |
University of Hertfordshire |
Southampton Solent University |
Teesside University |
University of West London |
Buckinghamshire New University |
University of Surrey |
University of South Wales (known as Uni. of Glamorgan) |
Coventry University |
University of Derby |
Ulster University |
Glasgow Caledonian University |
Bradford University |
Intakes
Intake | Months | Popularity |
---|---|---|
September | Main intake | |
January | Some PG & UG | |
May | Limited PG/short courses |