Study in the UK: Universities, Costs and Intakes

• One-year taught master’s programmes in many subjects
• Three-year bachelor’s degrees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (usually four in Scotland)
• A wide choice of universities, from large research-intensive institutions to specialist and modern universities
• A post-study route for eligible graduates (see “After graduation” below)

Academic entry requirements

Undergraduate applications are made through UCAS and are assessed on Class 12 results and subject choices. For postgraduate study you apply directly to each university, which will look at your bachelor’s degree classification, relevant subjects, statement of purpose and references. Each university publishes how it treats Indian qualifications — check the course page for the exact grade it expects.

English language requirements

Most universities accept IELTS Academic and several other approved tests; some accept Class 12 English results for certain courses. The required score depends on the course. If you need a Student visa, make sure the test and score you take are accepted for both the university and the visa.

The main intake is September/October. Many universities also offer a January intake for selected postgraduate courses, and a small number start some courses in spring or summer.

1. 112–15 months before start: shortlist courses and universities, check entry requirements
2. 29–12 months before: prepare SOP and references; book an English test if needed
3. 36–9 months before: submit applications (UCAS has fixed undergraduate deadlines)
4. 4After an offer: meet any conditions, pay a deposit if required, receive your CAS
5. 53 months before: apply for the Student visa and arrange accommodation

Tuition for international students varies widely by university and subject; laboratory-based and clinical courses usually cost more. Living costs are generally higher in London than elsewhere. The Student visa also requires you to show you can cover course fees and living costs — check the current amounts on GOV.UK.

Indicative tuition (our database)

£18,000 – £45,000/year

Indicative living costs (our database)

£10,000 – £16,000/year

Indicative ranges only. Check each university’s fee page and the official visa funds requirement.

Funding includes government schemes such as Chevening, university scholarships for international students, and department-level awards. Most are competitive and many have deadlines well before the course application deadline.

• Gates Cambridge ScholarshipUniversity of Cambridge
• Chevening Scholarship (UK Government)University of Oxford
• Imperial President's PhD ScholarshipImperial College London
• Clarendon Fund ScholarshipUniversity of Oxford
• UCL Global Undergraduate ScholarshipUniversity College London

To study a full degree you normally need a Student visa. You apply after a licensed sponsor (your university) issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You will typically need to show proof of funds, an accepted English level, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Under rules introduced in January 2024, most taught postgraduate students can no longer bring dependants.

Working while you study

Degree-level students on a Student visa can usually work part-time during term time and full-time during official vacations, within limits set on the visa. Your exact permission is printed on your visa — check it before accepting work.

After graduation

Eligible graduates can apply for the Graduate route to stay and work after completing a degree. Its length and conditions are set by the Home Office and have been reviewed in recent years, so confirm the current rules on GOV.UK before you plan around it.

• London
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Leeds
• Nottingham
• Coventry

• Compare course modules, not just course titles — UK master’s programmes are short, so content matters
• Check whether a course has professional accreditation if you need it for your career
• Look at total cost (tuition + living + visa) for the full course length