Why Study in the UK?

Studying in the UK is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The country is home to some of the world’s oldest, most prestigious, and highly respected institutions, making it a dream destination for students worldwide.

With a UK study visa, international students can pursue their education at the best UK universities. For years, the UK has remained one of the most popular choices for higher education, and even today, it continues to attract thousands of students from across the globe.

Top-ranked and reputed institutions such as the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Imperial College London, University College London, and King’s College London are known for their world-class academic programs and groundbreaking research.

In the 2022–23 academic year, almost 758,855 international students were enrolled at UK universities—a 12.4% increase compared to the previous year. This growth shows how studying in the UK not only ensures high-quality education but also opens doors to excellent post-study work opportunities.

The Tier 4 visa, also known as the UK study visa, is specifically designed for international students. It allows them to access world-class education in the UK while also offering opportunities to work alongside their studies.

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• Reputed universities: The UK has some of the world's oldest and most prestigious institutions. There are the world's top 3 universities and 26 institutions ranked in the top 200 universities globally. 
• Innovative Teaching Methodology: The UK is renowned for its novel and innovative teaching methodology offering students with some cutting-edge programs.
• Cultural Diversity: UK has a multicultural and a diverse environment that is inlclusive to people from all international backgrounds to study in the UK.
• Post-study Work Opportunities: After completing their education from well reputed institutions in the UKm the country offers a variety of work opportunities to the  international students, making it easier to cover the return on investment (ROI). 
• Affordability: Tuition fees in the UK are mostly much cheaper than those in other major study destinations. Many master's degrees can be completed in 1 year, saving on a lot of major costs. Studying in the UK offers both quality and value in higher education.

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Key Highlights

• 484,000 UK student visas are issued annually for international students across the world.
• The post-study work visa (PSWV), or the ‘graduate immigration route,’ allows all international students to work in the UK for 2 years upon completion of their studies. 
• 87.7% of graduates from the top universities in the UK  are employed in the UK after they complete their education, showcasing the excellent career prospects available to those who study in the UK.
• The scholarship offered in the UK ranges from £2,500 to £ 10,000, depending on the course and the university.
• The minimum salary of a graduate in the UK is £26 00 per year.

UK Education System: 

To study in the UK, it’s essential to understand the education system in the UK. The education system offers different higher education qualifications divided into undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Under Graduation Degree

A degree under graduation is the education qualification students get when they complete secondary school.  Students either choose to get employed or study further after they have completed their undergraduate. It takes 3 years of full-time courses to complete an undergraduate in the UK. Different undergraduate degrees are provided in the UK, which is also commonly known as a bachelor's degree. A degradation degree is the most common and popular undergraduate graduation in the UK. Here is a complete list of the most common Bachelor's degrees in the UK:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB)

» Pursue a Bachelor’s in the UK

Post-graduation Degrees

A post-graduation degree is another qualification obtained upon completing the under-graduation qualification. A post-graduation degree allows a student in the UK to gain knowledge in specific subject areas. Post-graduation courses are either more teaching-oriented or research-based. Mostly, the master's degree is completed within one year when studying full-time and two years for studying part-time.

Some of the common degrees in master's include:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Research (MRes)
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master's Degree in Law (LLM)

» Pursue MS in the UK

Education Credit System in the UK

The education credit system in the UK is in terms of academic or university credit. The credit system in the UK is a very important criterion for those planning to study in the UK. 1 credit is equal to 10 courses of study. However, every degree has different credit requirements, which are as follows:

UK Study Visa For Indians:

Obtaining a UK Study visa is essential for Indian students looking to pursue their education abroad. The UK is also known for its top-notch universities, multicultural experiences, and quite a rewarding education system.

By studying in the UK, an international student can be exposed to a wide range of educational opportunities, exposure to a global learning environment, and opportunities to build a strong international network. Here is a list of eligibility criteria and documents required for a UK student visa.

Student Visa Requirements For the UK

• The student must have a letter of acceptance from the desired university in the UK
• Tuberculosis Test Certificate (only for a few countries)
• Health Surcharge Reference Number as part of your application.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is sent by the education provider once they have offered a place on a course. 
• Candidates must have enough funds to cover their expenses during their stay in the UK
• ATAS certificate
• Academic and language certificates
• A valid passport or other valid travel documentation

The UK student visa processing time

It takes 3 weeks to process a UK study visa. The processing time for all international students for short-term courses is 15 - 20 days. The processing time also changes depending on the current number of visa applications. It is always recommended that you apply for the England study visa well in advance. 

The UK Student Visa Processing Fee

The cost of a UK student visa is £490 for all international students. Moreover, they also have to pay a basic healthcare charge depending on the duration of their stay in the UK. The payment for the UK study visa fee can be made by following methods:

• Online, either through a MasterCard or Visa card.
• demand draft and selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank.
• cash at the visa application center and selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank.

Student Work Visa Options after Graduation

Many international students use the post-study work visa, or the Graduate route visa, to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing their study program. The visa allows the students to look for employment in the UK.

Eligibility and requirements for a Graduate route visa 

• The candidate should be present in the UK. The candidate's visa application will be withdrawn if they are not in the UK before deciding on the graduate route visa.
• The student must have completed a Bachelor’s postgraduate or doctoral degree from the UK with a student Tier 4 student visa.
• The candidate must have a valid UK student Tier 4 student visa
• Confirmation from the institution that the student has completed the course provided by the education institution to the home office in the UK.
• The minimum duration of study in the UK should be 1 year.

Validity of the Graduate route visa

The graduate route visa in the UK enables the international students to stay back in the UK  and look for employment opportunities for 2 years after completing their course. Extension of this duration is not available beyond 2 years. However For the PhD students, the duration is extended up to 3 years.

However, if the student wants to stay more than 2-3 years, they are supposed to apply for the Skilled worker visa.

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa

Step 1:Get a letter of acceptance from the desired university in the UK. This is the most crucial and the foremost step of the UK student visa application process.
Step 2: Prepare and gather all the necessary documents as per the England study visa requirements. 

Step 3: Apply for the UK student visa online by creating an account on the official visa website.
Step 4: Submit all the required documents and pay the application fee of £490 online. 

Step 5: Schedule an appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate to complete other formalities required under the England study visa requirements.
Step 6: Wait for the approval of the UK student visa. Once the visa is approved, the applicant will receive a notification via SMS or email.

*Want to apply for the UK Tier 4 (General) student visa? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

Top UK Universities to Study (QS World University Rankings 2024/25)

The UK is highly known for having some of the world’s top-ranking universities, as per the  QS World University Rankings 2025. The QS rankings evaluate institutions and universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, network of international research, and sustainability.

The following are the top 10 universities of the world based in the UK featured in the QS Rankings 2024:

Public vs. Private UK Universities

Public universities or institutions are nonprofit institutions owned and funded by the state or the government of the UK. Private universities in the United Kingdom are funded privately and have a smaller enrollment population relative to public universities and those specializing in particular fields of education.

However, a lot of private universities work harder to improve the overall student experience.

The distinction between Public and Private Universities in the UK

Top 10 Courses to Study in the UK

The UK has a well-rounded education system and excels in many academic disciplines with exciting career prospects. Many doors open in the UK for business, engineering, and STEM students.

Here are the top courses in the UK and their other details:

1. Business Analytics:

The demand for business analytics is quite high in the UK. Business analysts play a very important role in making decisions and moving a business forward. Their average annual salary is £47,302.

2. Data science:

This course is thriving in the UK, so universities like Kings College, the London School of Economics, and the London School of Political Science offer a wide range of courses in data sciences. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Cisco are some of the big companies in the IT industry that are offering jobs to data scientists in the UK.

3. Computer science:

A degree in computer science provides students with the core skills to run businesses and organizations. Universities in the UK are at the top in offering computer science, and various departments conduct research for the world's top companies.

4. Master’s in Business administration:

The MBA in the UK is one of the best places to invest in a career for professionals. The average annual salary is £35,000 - £65,000. It has been one of the most sought-after courses in the UK for decades. 

It is one of the most competitive courses in the UK. Top universities like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and King’s College London have high-standard research labs that provide the best clinical practice. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in medicine from the UK also comes with the best employment opportunities in healthcare.

6. Finance, International Business and Accounting:

This course specifically caters to corporate finance, investment management, and applied quantitative finance. The average annual salary for this course starts from £40,000.

7. Law:

Universities in the UK provide LLB degrees with a proper understanding of the core legal practices. Students also have the opportunity to choose a combination subject with Law, such as business, politics, or journalism. The average annual salary in Law in the UK is £20,000 - £70,000.

8. Architecture and Construction Management:

Architecture has a lot of potential in the UK for aspiring students. The country has the best three universities that specialize in this course. There are high job prospects and the average annual salary is £25,000 -£65,000.

9. Engineering:

The UK is consistently ranked 5th globally as it is known for its innovation. Engineering skills today are in high demand in the UK. An engineering degree in the UK lays a stepping stone for many innovative job prospects like chemical / civil and Mechanical engineering.

UK Living Costs: Cities, Expenses, and Lifestyle

As the daily living costs in the UK are increasing, international students have to be more careful with their expenses. The cost of living in the UK varies depending on your lifestyle preference, expenditure habits, the city or the study location, and the course level pursued. The average cost of living in the UK for an international student may range from £12,000 - £15,600 annually, including accommodation, groceries, bills, and other utilities and expenses during their stay in the UK. Here is a list of factors that account for the cost of living in the UK.

Accommodation: Housing and accommodations account for One of the biggest factors influencing your budget while studying in the UK. The average monthly cost of accommodation for an international student living in the UK is £500 -£700. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the average monthly accommodation prices in different cities in the UK

Food: The total cost of food influences the overall cost of living of an international student in the UK. There are dining hall options in the universities in the UK from which students can choose, and the food ranges from £5- £10 per meal. Food usually costs somewhere around £100 -£200 per month. Here is a breakdown of meals from different places in the UK.

Transportation: The breakdown of transportation is as follows:

Cost of Studying in the UKUK University Fees & Costs

Each year, most of the international students enroll in UK institutions in the most reputed study  destinations, like the UK.However, the expense of these universities varies depending on the type of university and the level of their study, but the average annual price of these universities is £9,250 - £10,000. The Social sciences and humanities degrees are cheaper than the clinical and research degrees. STEM fields are usually more costly and premium.

Moreover,  international students must also consider the UK student visa fee, which is a necessary expense for studying in the UK. Here is a list of universities' study levels and expenses.

Fees In Top 10 UK Universities 

Scholarships for International Students

The  UK provides financial aid to international students who do not have access to financial resources in terms of education loans and scholarships. The scholarships reduce the burden of studying abroad and lead to better and more rewarding career opportunities for international students. There is always high competition for getting scholarships, so it is always suggested that the students start the procedure 8 – 12 months in advance.

The award offered in the scholarship varies depending on the institutions and enrolled programs. Some research programs provide fully funded scholarships, whereas some cover part of your living expenses.

UK Scholarships Intake Periods

Some of the major universities in the UK offer scholarships to its international students for the academic year 2024-2025. The scholarships include partially and fully funded scholarships, which also provide them with a monthly stipend for tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and a travel allowance.

Eligibility For Scholarships To Study in the UK

• Must have Certain work experience; only if required 
• The student must be an international student 
• The student must be funding their own tuition themselves as opposed to the government, employer, etc
• Must fulfill the given minimum GPA requirement 
• Provide English Proficiency test scores (IELTS) or TOEFL
• Must have a letter of  Acceptance for a full-time undergraduate course 

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Research the appropriate scholarships available in the UK.

Step 2: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria

Step 3: Prepare and gather all the necessary documents like Letters of recommendation, academic records, etc.

Step 4: Submit the complete application along with the documents.

Step 5: Prepare for the interviews only if applicable.

Part-time Work Options for Students

Management of expenses in the UK  can be really difficult at times for international students, especially when the city and the environment they are living in are more expensive than those in their home country.

This is why most international students choose to work part-time during weekends and during their post-study hours on weekdays. While a part-time job enables international students to be more independent, the certifications received after the completion of the part-time work also help students get good work opportunities in the future.

Many universities and colleges recommend international students work only a maximum of 15 hours per week to maintain a study-life balance. Part-time jobs are the best way for international students in the UK to manage their expenses and also gain valuable experience. 

Restrictions on working part-time in the UK 

• Freelancing, Self-employment, or any kind of contractual work is strictly prohibited on a UK study visa.
• Full-time work for the international students is only strictly allowed during the vacation or an internship added into the course and which should not exceed 50% of the duration of the course.
• An international student can work either( paid or unpaid) 20 hours per week if they are studying at a full-time degree level during the university term time. 
• If an international student is pursuing a language course, which is a short-term course, a student can work (paid/unpaid) 10 hours per week.
• The student must have a valid work visa that should be issued for the entire duration of the course.
• Students enrolled in part-time courses can not work for part-time or full-time jobs in the UK.
• International students can only work full-time once they have received the Tier 2 visa.

Top In-Demand Per Time Jobs in the UK

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Most of the international students after completing the degree course  stay for 2-3 years in the UK to work and gain experience in employment. Every year The UK has more than 1000 work openings in almost every sector. The students start looking for employment opportunities in their final year itself.

Looking for employment online through the company's web pages and official sites is the best way to find employment. Recently, in the UK, 60% of  students were employed within 9 months of graduation, 72% of students worked for graduate-level jobs, and 58% of students reported meeting complete expectations of the post-study work visa

Job Prospects and ROI for Graduates in the UK?

A degree obtained from a university in the UK can produce a major return on Investment (ROI) as the degrees from the universities in the UK are globally recognized. International graduates from such universities secure high-paying jobs and rewarding career opportunities in the future. Even though the initial investment in UK education, including the tuition fee, a student visa can be expensive.

The long-run benefits and the rewarding career potential always outweigh the costs and expenses. The type of industry of job, type of job market, and the level of qualification of the student also have the potential to influence the return on investment.

As per the Institute of Student Employers (ISE), there are sectors like legal, IT, Finance, digital, and other professional services that mostly generate high returns on investment (ROI) in the UK.Other than these common and conventional fields, there are other sectors like financial coaching, data science, cloud computing, and cyber security that will generate stronger financial rewards in the near future. Here is a complete breakdown of the UK's top universities, job placements, and ROI.

Top In-Demand Jobs in the UK for International Graduates

The employment rate in the UK is 75%. The UK job market has ample job opportunities. The following is a complete breakdown of the top in-demand jobs in the UK, including their salaries and the top employers.

Studying in the UK is the most surreal academic experience. There are prestigious and highly reputed universities like the London School of Economics, Imperial College London, and University College London, which are known for their excellence in education, innovative teaching methodology, and globally recognized programs. More than 500,000 UK study visa applications are processed every year. Today, the UK is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students around the globe. 

Y-Axis: Top UK Student Visa Consultants in India

Y-Axis can assist by giving more vital support to aspirants who wish to study in the UK. The support process includes:

• Free Counseling: Free Counseling on university and course selection.
• Campus Ready Program: Fly to the UK with the best and ideal course. 
• Course Recommendation: Y-Path gives the best suitable ideas about your study and career options.
• Coaching: Y-Axis offers IELTS live classes to help students clear with high scores.  
• UK Student Visa: Our expert team helps you to get a UK student Visa