The United Kingdom is a country located off the northwestern coast of Europe. Comprising the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many small islands, the UK has a population of about 66 million people. The UK is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. Queen Elizabeth II is the current monarch and recently celebrated the platinum jubilee of her service.

The UK is a highly developed country and has the world's fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP. It was the first industrialised country and the world's foremost power during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The United Kingdom has a long and proud history of academic excellence, and Indian students have been studying at UK universities for many years. If you're thinking of studying in the UK, you'll need to know how to apply, what the costs are, and what the best universities are for your chosen subject. This UK study guide for Indian students will give you all the information you need to make your decision.

Table of Contents

1. Why Study in the UK
2. Top Universities
3. Types of degree programs
4. Eligibility
5. Cost of studying
6. Scholarships
7. UK Student Visa
8. Post Arrival

Why study in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s top universities, making it an excellent choice for Indian students looking to study abroad. In addition to world-class education, the UK also offers a diverse and multicultural environment, which can help students learn more about other cultures and ways of life.

Studying in the UK can also help Indian students connect with some of the world’s top businesses and organizations. Many of the world’s top companies have headquarters or subsidiaries in the UK, and studying in this country can help students make valuable connections for their future careers.

Some of the main reasons why students choose to study in the UK are:

- The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities

- The UK offers a high-quality education

- The UK is a culturally diverse and welcoming country

- The UK has a lot to offer international students, including opportunities to earn while studying

- Opportunity to stay in the country for 2 or 3 post completion of the degree program ( PSW)

- Wide range of courses and shorter duration of the programs: faster ROI

- Numerous scholarships and grants available for international students

Top Universities in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s top universities. In the latest QS world university rankings 2022, the UK is represented by four institutions in the top ten: the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University College London.

The top 10 UK universities as per the QS World Universities Ranking 2022;

University of Oxford

Ranks #1 in the UK and #2 globally. It has a high reputation for world-leading research, teaching, and resources. There are 22K students at Oxford with over 40 % international students.

University of Cambridge

Ranks #2 in the UK and #3 globally. With its reputation for academic excellence and traditional scholarly values, the university serves more than 18K students from all corners of the globe.

Imperial College London

Ranks #3 in the UK and #7 globally. It’s a unique institution, that focuses solely on science, engineering, medicine, and business. Imperial offers an education that is research-led which prepares students for real-world challenges.

University College London

Ranks #4 in the UK and 8th globally. It follows a research-based teaching methodology. The university has over 18K international students representing 150 countries with a truly global perspective.

University of Edinburgh

Ranks #5 in the UK and 16th globally. The university has an entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture that attracts more than 44K students from all over the world.

University of Manchester

Ranks #6 in the UK and 27th globally. The university is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in science and engineering. It also has the highest % international students representing 180 countries.

Kings College London

Ranks #7 in the UK and 35th globally. Kings have a particularly stellar reputation in the humanities, law, the sciences, and social sciences including international affairs. Hosts more than 27K students from all over the world.

London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE)

Ranks #8 in the UK and 49th globally. The institution offers an opportunity to study social sciences with a worldwide academic reputation. The student community in LSE is highly diverse representing 140 countries.

University of Warwick

Ranks #9 in the UK and 61st globally. With the highest academic and research standards, Warwick hosts over 26K students from over 140 countries.

University of Bristol

Ranks #10 in the UK and 61st globally. Academic excellence combined with a world-class leading environment. Bristol offers more than 600 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, taught in English.

The UK also has a strong showing in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, with nine universities in the top 50. These are the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, the University of Glasgow, the University of Bristol, the University of Sheffield, and the London School of Economics and Political Science.

If you’re looking for a world-class education, the UK is a great place to start your search.

Types of degree programs

In the United Kingdom, there are a variety of degree programs available at different institutions. These programs can be broadly categorized into three types: undergraduate, postgraduate, and research.

• Undergraduate programs are typically three or four years in length and lead to a Bachelor's degree. There are certain programs called sandwich courses that involve one-year industry experience.
   
• Postgraduate programs are typically one or two years in length and lead to a Master's or Doctoral degree. Research programs are typically three or more years in length and lead to a PhD.

Each type of degree program has its advantages and disadvantages. Undergraduate programs offer a broad education and the opportunity to explore different subjects. Postgraduate programs offer the chance to specialize in a particular area. Research programs provide the opportunity to contribute new knowledge to the field.

Which type of degree program is right for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. If you're unsure, do reach out to our advisors to have a better understanding of which program is best for you.

Eligibility
 

The UK offers a plethora of specialisations across different entry levels, along with vibrant campus life and a cosmopolitan experience that appeals to foreign students. As such, it is no wonder that the UK continues to be the most coveted international destination for higher education. Let us understand the eligibility requirement to study in the UK;

English language proficiency - English proficiency tests are an important requirement for studying at a university in the United Kingdom. All universities and courses require international students to provide evidence of their English proficiency by submitting scores from exams such as the IELTS, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). Other commonly accepted tests are Duolingo English Tests, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) and Trinity Secure English Language Tests (SELTs).

Entry requirements for undergraduate courses-

If you wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in the UK after completing your schooling, you must first finish your 10+2 education at a recognised Indian institution. In addition, you must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for your chosen programme and university. The following is a list of requirements for studying in the UK at the undergraduate level:
 

• Orignal academic mark-sheets
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Passport and ID proofs

Entry requirements for Postgraduate courses-

A lot of international students choose to study for Master's degree in the United Kingdom. UK universities offer a wide variety of popular and unique courses such as MBA, MEM, AI, Data Science, Psychology, Computer Sciences, and STEM courses at the Master's level. Some programmes may require students to submit scores from standardized tests such as the GRE/GMAT, while others may require students to participate in university-specific interviews or exams. The following is a list of requirements for studying in the UK at the postgraduate level:

• Orignal academic mark-sheets or all previous education (10+2, Undergraduate degree)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Detailed CV
• Passport and ID proofs

Cost of Studying in the UK

Studying in the United Kingdom is a wonderful opportunity to explore a new country and culture while receiving a world-class education. However, it is important to be aware of the costs associated with studying in the UK so that you can plan accordingly.
 

Tuition fees for international students can range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year (INR 15 lacs to 30 lacs), depending on the institution and the course of study. In addition to tuition, you will also need to budget for living expenses like accommodation, travel, food and leisure activities which can cost up to £18,000 per year (INR 18 lacs).

The cost of studying in the UK can be expensive, but there are several ways to manage the cost. scholarships, bursaries and grants are all available to help students with the cost of tuition, accommodation and living expenses. There are also many ways to work and study at the same time, which can help to offset the cost of studying. With careful planning and budgeting, studying in the UK can be a very rewarding experience. By being aware of the costs involved, you can ensure that you have a positive and fulfilling experience.

Scholarships

There are several scholarships available to international students who wish to study in the United Kingdom. These scholarships are provided by many different sources, including the British government, private companies, and universities themselves. Some scholarships are awarded based on merit, while others are need-based. There are also many scholarships available specifically for Indian international students. These scholarships can cover a portion or all of the costs associated with studying in the UK, including tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses.

Some of the scholarships available to students include the Chevening Scholarship, the Rhodes Scholarship, the Felix Trust Scholarship, the GREAT Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship and the Charles Wales Trust scholarship. These are just a few of the many scholarships that are available to students who wish to study in the UK. To learn more about the scholarships available, especially for Indian students, please speak to one of our UK advisors or research www.zoomabroad.com.

UK Student Visa

To apply for a UK student visa, check the documents listed below for a seamless process.
 

• letter of acceptance from the university you have been accepted to (CAS)
• Proof of funds.
• A valid passport and recent photographs.
• Details of your university and accommodation.
• Report of your health checkup
• A valid passport. (keep a page blank for the visa)
• Original mark sheets/transcripts

After collecting all the documents, Follow the steps below to apply for a UK student’s Visa.
 

• Sign up and submit your visa application form online. It is advisable to check the online appointment calendar to book an appointment. After submission, you will get an email with an application number.
• After receiving the email, Pay the Visa fees (£348) and IHS surcharge (£625/person/year) and collect the receipt.
• Now appear for the visa interview as per the scheduled appointment and submit the necessary biometrics, photograph, application, and other documents.
• You will get your tier 4 student visa in 6 weeks.

Post Arrival

Once you arrive in the UK, there is a list of important things that you should do to have a smooth transition and an excellent student experience.
 

• Check into your accommodation and buy a local sim with sufficient data plan to keep your family updated about your well-being.

• Collect your biometric residence permit(BRP) that provides proof of the right to study in the UK

• Connect with the student services department of your university and get all the important information.

• Register with a local GP (general practitioner) in the nearest health centre.

• Open a UK bank account. It is very important because you would need a UK bank account for the following;

1. Paying for a UK mobile phone contract by direct debit
2. Household bills directly from your bank account
3. Receive payment for part-time work
4. Send or receive overseas payments.

• Register with the police - If you need to register with the police on your arrival in the UK, it should be written on your entry visa vignette, biometric residence permit or Home Office letter or ATLAS email approving your application for leave.

• Apply for your NI (National Insurance ) number. It is similar to SSN in the USA or Aadhar card in India.

• Attend social events, start networking and make new friends.

The UK is a popular destination for international students, and for good reason. It is home to some of the world's best universities and offers a rich cultural experience. This guide provided an overview of what students need to know before studying in the UK. To learn more, register here to meet with our UK advisors and start your journey to studying in the UK.