What Are the Requirements for Indian Students to Study in the UK?
- Ankit Sharma
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
Studying in the UK is a dream shared by thousands of Indian students each year. With its prestigious universities, multicultural environment, and globally recognized qualifications, the United Kingdom offers the perfect blend of academic excellence and life-changing experiences.
But before you book your flight and pack your bags, it’s essential to understand the complete requirements to study in UK for Indian students.
This comprehensive guide breaks down all the academic, financial, and visa-related criteria Indian students need to meet to study in the UK in 2025 and beyond.
8 Admission Requirements for Indian Students in the UK
1. Academic Eligibility Requirements
The UK has a variety of educational institutions offering a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The first step is meeting the academic qualifications for your chosen program.
For Undergraduate Courses:
12th Grade Certificate: Indian students must have completed their Class 12 from a recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards).
Minimum Marks: Most universities require at least 65% in Class 12 for humanities and 70–80% for science and commerce courses. Top universities like Oxford or Cambridge may require 90% or higher.
Subject Requirements: Depending on the course, certain subjects at the high school level may be mandatory (e.g., Maths for Engineering, Biology for Medicine).
For Postgraduate Courses:
Bachelor’s Degree: A 3- or 4-year undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian university.
Minimum Grade: Generally, a minimum of 60% or a CGPA of 6.5/10. However, top universities may ask for 70% or higher.
Work Experience: Some master’s programs (like MBA or Public Policy) may require relevant work experience of 1–3 years.
2. English Language Proficiency
Since courses in the UK are taught in English, Indian students must prove their proficiency in the language.
Accepted Tests and Minimum Scores:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
Undergraduate: Overall band of 6.0–6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each section).
Postgraduate: Overall band of 6.5–7.0 (with at least 6.0 in each section).
TOEFL iBT: Scores between 80–100, depending on the institution.
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 60–65.
Note: Some universities may waive the English test if the student scored well in English in their Class 12 board exams.
3. UCAS Application for Undergraduate Programs
To apply for undergraduate courses in the UK, Indian students must use the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) platform.
UCAS Essentials:
Apply to up to 5 courses/universities.
Include a personal statement – a 4000-character essay about your goals, academic interest, and motivation.
One academic reference – usually from a school teacher or principal.
Deadlines:
January 31st for most courses.
October 15th for Oxbridge and Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary Science.
4. Direct Application for Postgraduate Courses
For master’s degrees, most universities allow direct applications through their official websites.
Requirements include:
Academic transcripts
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
English test scores
Resume/CV (especially for MBA and other professional courses)
Passport copy
5. Financial Requirements
Studying in the UK can be expensive, so students must show proof of financial capability.
Tuition Fees (per year):
Undergraduate: £10,000 – £25,000
Postgraduate: £12,000 – £35,000 (MBA and medical degrees may cost more)
Living Expenses (as per UKVI guidelines):
London: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months)
Outside London: £1,023 per month
Students must show they can cover tuition + 9 months of living expenses in their financial documents.
Acceptable Proof of Funds:
Bank statements (from the last 28 days)
Education loans
Sponsor’s bank statements (with relationship proof)
6. UK Student Visa Requirements (Tier 4 / Student Route)
To study in the UK, Indian students must apply for a Student Visa (previously Tier 4).
Visa Application Checklist:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK institution.
Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses.
Valid passport.
English proficiency test results.
Tuberculosis test certificate.
Visa application fee: £490 (as of 2025).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Approximately £776 per year of stay.
Visa Processing Time:
Usually takes 3–4 weeks.
Priority and super-priority visa services are available at extra cost.
7. Scholarships and Financial Aid
Several scholarships are available for Indian students to reduce the financial burden.
Popular UK Scholarships:
Chevening Scholarships – For one-year master’s degrees, fully funded by the UK government.
Commonwealth Scholarships – For students from Commonwealth countries.
Rhodes Scholarship – For Oxford-bound students.
GREAT Scholarships – Jointly offered by the UK government and universities.
University-specific scholarships – Most UK universities offer merit-based aid.
Always check individual university websites for updated and course-specific scholarships.
8. Other Requirements and Tips
Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Mandatory for Indian students. Must be taken at a UKVI-approved clinic.
Healthcare: Once in the UK, students have access to NHS through the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Part-time Work: Students can work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during holidays.
Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route): Allows 2 years of work stay after completing a degree (3 years for PhD students).
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