Why study in United Kingdom?
The UK is a popular choice for Indian students, especially for postgraduate study. Most taught master’s degrees last 12 months, so you finish sooner and spend less on living costs than on a 2-year course.
To study here you need a Student visa. You apply once a licensed university has given you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
After graduating, you can apply for the Graduate visa to stay and work. It lasts 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027 (3 years for PhD graduates).
- Most taught master’s degrees take 12 months full-time.
- Graduate visa lets you stay and work after your degree: 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027.
- Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full-time in vacations.
- Some universities offer a January or February start as well as September/October.
- Indian students can apply for funded awards such as Chevening and Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.
Popular universities in United Kingdom
Imperial College London
London · 1-year Computing MSc, October start
University of Manchester
Manchester · 12-month MSc Advanced Computer Science
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh · 1-year MSc Computer Science, September start
University of Warwick
Coventry · Warwick Business School: MSc and Full-time MBA
University of Leeds
Leeds · 12-month master’s in data, business, engineering
University of Glasgow
Glasgow · World Changers India Excellence Award for master’s
University of Surrey
Guildford · Hotel management MSc with February and September starts
Popular programmes
- Computer Science
- Data Science & AI
- Business Analytics
- Finance & FinTech
- International Business & MBA
- Mechanical Engineering
- Public Health
- Hospitality Management
Courses from our Course Finder
MSc Advanced Computer Science
University of Manchester · Manchester · Master’s · 12 months
BSc Computer Science
University of Manchester · Manchester · Bachelor’s · 3 years
BEng Mechanical Engineering
University of Manchester · Manchester · Bachelor’s · 3 years
Data Science and Analytics MSc
University of Leeds · Leeds · Master’s · 12 months
International Business MSc
University of Leeds · Leeds · Master’s · 12 months
Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc (Eng)
University of Leeds · Leeds · Master’s · 12 months
Cost of studying: financial breakdown
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | £29,000–£39,700 / yrInternational fees for 2027 entry on the university pages we checked (Leeds, Manchester) |
| Postgraduate tuition (1-year master’s) | £20,700–£54,000International fees for 2027 entry on the university pages we checked |
| Full-time MBA | £62,500Warwick Full-time MBA, 12-month format, 2027/28 |
| Living costs / proof of funds | £1,529 / month in London; £1,171 / month elsewhereUKVI requirement for up to 9 months, held for 28 consecutive days |
| Student visa fee | £558Applying from outside the UK |
| Immigration health surcharge | £776 / yrStudent rate, paid with the visa application |
| Graduate visa (after study) | £937 + £1,035 / yr health surcharge |
Typical tuition in rupees: ≈ ₹26–69 lakh per year (European Central Bank and Bank of Russia reference rates, 9 October 2026).
Application checklist
- 1Offer and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor
- 2Valid passport
- 3English test result that meets your university’s requirement (for example IELTS Academic)
- 4Proof of funds for course fees and living costs, held for 28 consecutive days
- 5Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic in India
- 6ATAS certificate, if your course and nationality need one
- 7Academic transcripts and degree or Class 12 certificates
- 8Statement of purpose and references for your university application
- 9Visa fee and immigration health surcharge payment
- 10Apply for the visa no earlier than 6 months before your course starts
Student visa: Student visa
You need a Student visa to study a full-time course in the UK. Once your university issues your CAS, you can apply online up to 6 months before your course starts. You pay the visa fee and the immigration health surcharge as part of the application.
What you’ll need
- An offer on a course from a licensed student sponsor, confirmed by a CAS
- Enough money to pay your course fees and support yourself
- Ability to speak, read, write and understand English
- A current passport or other valid travel document
- TB test results from an approved clinic (required for applicants from India)
- An ATAS certificate, if your course and nationality need one
- Written consent from a financial sponsor, if they funded your fees and living costs in the last 12 months
Processing time: Usually within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK
Work and employment options
- While you study
- Up to 20 hrs/week in term time at degree level (10 hrs below degree level); full-time during vacations
- After you graduate
- Graduate Route: 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027 (2 years, or 3 for PhD, if you apply by 31 December 2026)
- The Graduate visa lets you work or look for work after a successful degree, without a job offer.
- The Graduate visa cannot be extended, but you may be able to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.
- Use the Graduate visa period to build UK experience in your field, such as software, data, finance, engineering or healthcare.
- Plan your job search early: from 2027 the Graduate visa gives 18 months rather than 2 years.
Good to know: Students starting in 2027 will apply for the Graduate Route after 1 January 2027, so plan on 18 months of post-study work rather than 2 years. Most master’s students can no longer bring dependants (only PhD or research degrees, or government-sponsored students).
Scholarships to explore
- Chevening Scholarships: 1-year master’s; need 2 years’ (2,800 hours) work experience. The 2027–28 round has closed; watch for the next one.
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: India is eligible; cover tuition, airfare and a monthly stipend. 2027/28 applications close 20 October 2026.
- GREAT Scholarships: British Council awards with UK universities for 1-year taught master’s courses.
- University of Glasgow World Changers India Excellence Award: £12,500 fee waiver for a 1-year master’s in 2027/28 (up to 12 awards).
Official sources · checked 10 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Student visa (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Student visa, money you need (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Graduate visa (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Immigration health surcharge, how much you pay (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Immigration Rules Appendix Student (opens in a new tab)
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (opens in a new tab)
Figures are indicative planning ranges and change often. Always confirm fees, funds and visa rules on the university and official government websites before you apply.