Global Study Compass
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Destination guide

United Kingdom

One-year masters, world-famous universities, and a fast route to global careers.

The UK offers intensive, shorter programmes — most masters finish in 12 months. The Graduate Route lets you stay 2 years after graduation (3 for PhDs) without a sponsor.

Tuition
GBP 18,000 – 45,000 / year
Living cost
GBP 12,000 – 16,000 / year (London higher)
Intakes
September primary · January limited

Student Visa (formerly Tier 4)

Application fee
GBP 524 + IHS GBP 776/year
Processing time
3 weeks (priority 5 days)
Work rights
20 hrs/week term, full-time vacations
Post-study
Graduate Route — 2 years (3 for PhD)

Application timeline

  1. 1Apply via UCAS (undergrad) or direct (postgrad)
  2. 2Receive offer → meet conditions → get CAS letter
  3. 3Take IELTS/UKVI if your university requires it
  4. 4Apply online for Student visa, pay IHS
  5. 5Submit biometrics at a VFS centre
  6. 6Collect BRP within 10 days of arrival

Insider tips

  • Russell Group ≠ always best — check subject-specific rankings (QS, REF).
  • Chevening, Commonwealth and GREAT scholarships are huge — apply early.
  • London cost-of-living is ~40% higher; consider Manchester/Edinburgh/Bristol.
  • Open a UK bank account (Monzo/Starling) before arrival — saves weeks.

Tests accepted

IELTSTOEFLPTE AcademicGRE (some)GMAT (business)

Official resources

Cost of studying in United Kingdom

Tuition, monthly living costs, visa fees and a rupee funding-gap calculator.

Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) document checklist

Every document you need, as a tickable list you can save.

Studying in United Kingdom — FAQs

How much does it cost to study in United Kingdom?

Tuition typically runs GBP 18,000 – 45,000 / year, and living costs come to roughly £1,365 per month in a mid-range city — about ₹48.2 lakh for a typical first year including living costs. Use the United Kingdom cost calculator to model your own numbers.

What visa do I need to study in United Kingdom?

You need the Student Visa (formerly Tier 4). The application fee is GBP 524 + IHS GBP 776/year and processing usually takes 3 weeks (priority 5 days). Apply up to 6 months before your course starts; decisions usually take 3 weeks.

Can I work while studying in United Kingdom?

20 hrs/week term, full-time vacations After graduating: Graduate Route — 2 years (3 for PhD)

Which tests do universities in United Kingdom accept?

Commonly accepted tests are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, GRE (some), GMAT (business). Requirements vary by university and programme, so always confirm on the programme page.

When are the intakes for United Kingdom?

September primary · January limited Applications generally open 9-12 months before the intake starts.

How much money do I need to show for a United Kingdom student visa?

28 days of maintenance funds: £1,483/month in London, £1,136/month elsewhere (up to 9 months).