x
EduLeaf

Study in UK for Indian Students

Written by: Priya Sharma (UK & Europe Student Visa Specialist, EduLeaf Consultants)
Reviewed by: Lawrance Goyal (Managing Director & Principal Advisor)
📅 Last reviewed: 27 August 2026Information verified against UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) regulations.

Why Study in the UK?

The United Kingdom offers world-class academic institutions, research excellence, globally recognized qualifications, and accelerated degree formats (3-year Bachelor’s and 1-year Master’s degrees). Home to historic Russell Group universities and modern career-focused institutions, the UK prepares students for leadership across global industries.

Indian students in front of British university campus

⏱️ 1-Year Master's Degrees

Fast-track your post-graduate qualification and save a full year of living expenses.

💼 Graduate Route Post-Study Work Option

Eligible graduates can currently remain in the UK for 2 years when applying on or before December 31, 2026. Applications submitted from January 1, 2027 generally receive 18 months, while eligible PhD and other doctoral graduates receive 3 years.

🏛️ Russell Group Excellence

Learn from world-leading researchers in top universities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

🕒 20 Hours/Week Work Limit

Work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays to gain UK workplace exposure.

UK Intakes & Entry Requirements

UK universities offer multiple entry points for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants:

IntakeApplication TimelineProgram Types
Autumn (September / October)October – JunePrimary intake; all bachelor’s, master’s, and research programs open.
Winter (January / February)July – NovemberMajor postgraduate intake; popular for business, tech, and engineering.
Spring (May / June)December – MarchSpecialized intakes for executive, pathway, and professional courses.

Academic & English Requirements

  • Undergraduate: 65%–85%+ in Class 12 (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards). Applications submitted via UCAS or direct university portals.
  • Postgraduate: 55%–70%+ in a 3-year or 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university.
  • English Proficiency: IELTS Academic (typically 6.0–6.5 overall), PTE Academic (58–65+), or Duolingo/Oxford ELLT where accepted. English test waivers are evaluated on Class 12 English marks (70%+).

UK Student Visa: CAS, Finances & 28-Day Rule

The UK operates the Student Route (formerly Tier 4). International applicants must secure an unconditional offer and a formal Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before applying online.

1. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

The university issues a CAS after verifying your academic certificates, English proficiency, and fee deposit. The CAS details your course tuition, fee deposit paid, and required documents.

2. Financial Living Requirement & 28-Day Rule

UKVI requires proof of maintenance funds to cover remaining first-year tuition plus living costs for up to 9 months:

  • Studying inside London: £1,529 per month (up to 9 months = £13,761)
  • Studying outside London: £1,171 per month (up to 9 months = £10,539)
  • 28-Day Rule: The total funds must be maintained in a personal bank account (student or parent) for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the visa application date.

3. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) & Tuberculosis Test

Applicants from India must undergo a TB test at a UKVI-approved clinic (e.g. in Chandigarh/Mohali) and pay the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), granting full access to the UK National Health Service (NHS).

Tuition Fees & Living Costs in the UK

Cost ElementAverage Annual Cost (£)Approx. Cost (INR)
Undergraduate Degree (Per Year)£13,000 – £26,000₹13.5 Lakh – ₹27 Lakh
1-Year Master's Degree (Total)£14,000 – £28,000₹14.5 Lakh – ₹29 Lakh
Living Costs (Outside London, 9 Mos.)£10,539₹11 Lakh
Living Costs (Inside London, 9 Mos.)£13,761₹14.3 Lakh
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS/yr)£776₹80,000

Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

Indian students can apply for competitive government and institutional scholarships:

  • Chevening Scholarships: Fully-funded UK government scholarships for outstanding emerging leaders undertaking 1-year master’s courses.
  • GREAT Scholarships: Funded by the British Council and UK universities, offering minimum £10,000 tuition discounts.
  • Commonwealth Scholarships: For talented master’s and PhD applicants from Commonwealth nations.
  • University Merit Awards: Automatic discounts ranging from £2,000 to £6,000 for high-achieving applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions on UK Education

UK Student Visa & Study FAQs

How long can Indian students stay in the UK after graduation on the Graduate Route?

Eligible graduates can currently access the UK Graduate Route without requiring immediate job sponsorship. Under current transitional policies, applications submitted on or before December 31, 2026 generally receive a 2-year post-study work visa; applications submitted from January 1, 2027 generally receive 18 months. Eligible doctoral (PhD) graduates receive 3 years.

What is a CAS letter and why is it needed?
+
What is the 28-day financial rule for the UK Student visa?
+
Can Indian students study in the UK without IELTS?
+
How many hours can international students work in the UK?
+
Why are UK master’s degrees popular among Indian students?
+
How does EduLeaf in Mohali help with UK university admissions and visas?
+

Book Free UK Counselling

Get your profile assessed for Russell Group universities and fast-track CAS issuance at our Sector 79 Mohali office.

Discuss Your ProfileMohali UK Desk
Go To Top