by IDP IELTS India 09 January, 2024 The UK hosts some of the world's most ancient universities and colleges, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. There are over 150 institutions with globally recognised courses, including esteemed universities like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge; the UK has garnered an international reputation for academic excellence. The country has a multicultural environment that offers a unique chance to engage with individuals from around the world, fostering a rich cultural experience.
The UK is renowned for housing some of the world's most prestigious universities, providing international students with an unparalleled academic journey, including the following benefits:
You must have proof of English language proficiency to study in the UK. You must appear for language proficiency tests such as IELTS. IELTS evaluates your readiness to study or train, where English is the primary means of communication. Over 3.5 million test takers worldwide prefer IELTS to study abroad. It is accepted by almost all universities and institutions in the UK. IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS Life Skills are accepted by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for those wishing to live, work and study in the UK.
Renowned for its world-class universities, professional faculties, and various opportunities across various disciplines, the UK stands out as a prime preference for international students. Here are some of the popular courses preferred by Indian students to study in the UK:
When selecting a university for your studies in the UK, it's essential to consider global university rankings. This enables you to assess and comprehend the standing of a university and evaluate how your preferred institution performs on the international stage. Below are the leading UK universities, per the QS World University Rankings 2024.
| S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2024 (Globally) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cambridge | 2 |
| 2 | University of Oxford | 3 |
| 3 | Imperial College London | 6 |
| 4 | UCL (University College London) | 9 |
| 5 | The University of Edinburgh | 22 |
| 6 | The University of Manchester | 32 |
| 7 | King's College London | 40 |
| 8 |
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |
45 |
| 9 | University of Bristol | 55 |
| 10 | The University of Warwick | 67 |
When considering studying in the UK, the available funding and the nature of awards differ across institutions. Some research programs may offer full coverage of tuition fees and contribute to a portion of living expenses.
Explore these prominent government scholarship programs that Indian students can apply for when planning to study in the UK:
| S.no. | Name of the UK Scholarship | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevening Scholarship | Supports talented professionals with prior leadership skills and exceptional performance in their respective fields. With Chevening, you can apply for a scholarship or fellowship, the selection of which is done by the high commission and British embassies. |
| 2 | Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship | The Commonwealth scholarship aims to allow international students from commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate degrees in the UK. The scholarship scheme caters to students from commonwealth nations who want to study in the UK. |
| 3 | GREAT Scholarship | This scholarship is jointly funded by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council under the Study UK campaign. This program includes 99 postgraduate scholarships in various subjects from 36 UK universities. However, for Indian students, 12 of the UK higher education institutions are offering 13 postgraduate scholarships. |
| 4 | Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT) | Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT) is the scholarship fund of Charles Wallace India Trust that provides grants to Indian students currently living in India in the early or middle stages of their career and either working or studying in the heritage conservation, arts, or humanities. |
| 5 | Scotland Saltire Scholarships | Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships is a scholarship program of the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities offered in creative industries, technology, science, medical sciences, healthcare, and renewable and clean energy. |
The cost of tuition varies based on the type of qualification and the specific university or institution you choose. Here is an overview of the fundamental expenses associated with studying:
Along with the tuition fees, consider the living expenses as well. Factors like your location, accommodation type, lifestyle, food preferences, and more influence UK living costs. Generally, the monthly living expenses for international students in the UK can vary between £900 and £1,300. However, if you choose to reside in London, be prepared to budget between £1,300 and £1,400 per month.
International students have access to diverse career opportunities after completing their studies in the UK. Consider the following popular fields for pursuing higher education:
| Technology and Telecom | Insurance | Financial services |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Apps, web, and e-commerce | Energy, Mining, Chemicals, Environmental |
| Pharmaceuticals & Biotech | Consumer goods | Transportation and logistics |
| Consulting and professional services | Retail and trade | Media and communication |
| Public sector and education | Service, tourism, restaurants | Health care |
| Charity and not profit | Sports, culture, and recreation | Construction and real estate |
The UK is one of the most preferred countries for academics and research. The UK is a global frontrunner in various educational domains, including engineering, science, art and design, business and management, law, and finance. Its esteemed reputation and historical legacy for scientific research attract some of the most accomplished intellectuals worldwide. Additionally, IELTS for UK is necessary in your student visa application process. The IELTS band score can increase your chances of admission; however, you must recognise the factors contributing to the overall evaluation.
Yes, international students enrolled in a full-time course can work up to 20 hours per week throughout their stay. The allowable work hours are reduced to 10 per week for those undertaking a language course. It's worth noting that there are no restrictions on working hours during vacation periods.
According to the new law, Indian students can obtain a two-year work permit upon completing their degree, thus opening up avenues for permanent settlement in the country. There are immense prospects for a lucrative career after you study in the UK. So, you must engage effectively with your course and look for promising career opportunities!
Pathway or foundation courses are primarily for students who still need to meet academic entry criteria, have not achieved the desired score in English language proficiency tests, or intend to transition to a different field of study. These courses aim to assist international students in improving their language skills and acquiring essential competencies for pursuing higher education in UK universities. Generally spanning one year, pathway courses vary in focus, with some having a specific emphasis while others provide a broader curriculum.
Documents required to get admission to UK universities depend on the specific course and academic application level. However, the following are some basic requirements for studying in the UK:
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