Why Study in UK and not India?

Why Study in UK and Not in India? When it comes to choosing a study-abroad destination, this question is quite popular among aspiring students. The UK emerges as a top choice due to its internationally recognised degrees, shorter course durations, world-leading universities, advanced research facilities, and promising career opportunities. However, the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students can cost a fortune. So, if you are also planning to study in UK but are on the fence about whether it is the right decision, this blog is for you. In this blog, you will read all about why your should study in the UK and not in India.

Why Study in the UK and not in India?

Approximately 40 universities in the UK feature among the top 200 higher education institutions in the world. Some of them are the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Imperial College London. Furthermore, finding work opportunities abroad definitely does not mean compromising your academic qualifications or achievements.

1. A hub of world-leading universities

The UK is home to over 160 universities out of which 90 have made it to the list of QS World University Rankings 2025. This list has covered over 1,500 universities across 105 higher education systems in the world. Its prestigious universities including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) attract hundreds of international students globally.

2. Scholarships for financial support

The UK offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students, making education affordable. It offers many university-specific awards, such as the Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford) and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship (Cambridge). Some of its notable scholarships are:

• Chevening Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• GREAT Scholarships

3. Unique culture

Most people say that education in the UK is good but the main reason why they choose to study abroad is the experience of life. Firstly, when one talks about the UK, you think of London along with its culture which is something that appeals to most students.

Additionally, the different cultures, people and traditions make it a great experience for anyone who visits the country.

4. Better job opportunities

The UK provides excellent job prospects for graduates. International students can take advantage of the Graduate Route Visa. For the uninformed, this option allows them to work in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD holders) after graduation. A lot of companies have their branches outside India as well and hence it allows you to work there after you graduate.

Great Infrastructure: Another reason why studying in the UK is better than in India is the infrastructure or facilities available for students at universities.

• Most of them have state-of-the-art infrastructure and top-notch advanced facilities like computer labs, sports facilities, libraries etc.
• The professors are experienced professionals who are known for their knowledge and expertise in their respective fields.
• British universities are nowadays very welcoming towards international students and are prepared to offer them support with every aspect of their stay (accommodation, financial matters etc.) so that they can feel at ease in a completely new environment.

Education System in the UK vs India

The education system in the UK and India follows different structures and approaches to cater to diverse academic aspirations. Understanding these differences is essential for students to make the right decision.

The British education system is based on a three-tier structure that has primary, secondary and tertiary education.

• There are some differences between universities in the two countries when it comes to postgraduate studies.
  • In India, universities conduct their entrance exams, while in the UK, they are centralized through UCAS.
• The duration of courses offered in both countries is almost similar. A Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to Hons) lasts for three years.

Also Read: Top 10 Reasons to Study in UK

UK vs India Comparison

In addition, the major difference between the UK and India as a destination for study is as follows:

Feature	UK	India
General Benefits	Quality education Internationally accredited universities Flexible course durations Work opportunities	Top-ranked colleges Second largest education system A wide variety of courses Affordability
Top Universities	Oxford University, Cambridge University, University of Manchester, Imperial College London	IIT, IIM, IISC, University of Delhi, Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Popular courses	Business Studies and Management, Law, Computer Science	Teaching, Management, Engineering
Basic Eligibility	Must have passed 10+2 with minimum marks obtained between 55% and 75%	Completion of UG or PG degree with minimum 65% – 75% aggregate marks
Average Tuition Fees	£18,000 to £35,000 (INR 18.06 lakhs – INR 35.13 lakhs)	INR 40,000 – INR 80,000
Popular Intakes	Fall Intake, Winter Intake, Summer Intake	Depends on the university/college

Also Read: Difference between September and January Intake in the UK

Facts About Universities in the UK

Studying in the UK is a straightforward process that takes only a few steps to complete. The first step is to register at one of the many respected universities in the UK, some of which are listed below: 

• The University of Birmingham offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes including law, business, engineering and social sciences. 
• The University of Bristol delivers world-class education in seven faculties with over 50 departments. 
• King’s College London (KCL) is one of the top 20 universities in Europe and was established in 1829 by King George IV. Moreover, KCL has over 75 departments covering a wide range of subject areas including Science, Arts and Medicine. 
• Durham University is ranked 5th among research-led institutions in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and all its degree programmes have been rated gold or silver under the new TEF.

Top Universities in the UK  

List of top universities in the UK in 2025:

Top Universities in the UK	QS World University Rankings 2025
University of Oxford	#3
University of Cambridge	#5
University College London	#9
Imperial College London	#2
The University of Edinburgh	#27
The University of Manchester	#34
King’s College London	#40
London School of Economics and Political Science	#50
University of Bristol	#54
University of Warwick	#69
Queen Mary University of London	=120
University of Bath	#150
University of East Anglia (UEA)	=332
University of Essex	#472

Top Universities in India

List of top universities in India in 2025:

Top Universities in India	QS World University Rankings 2025
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi	#150
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay	=118
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur	#222
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras	=227
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore	#211
University of Delhi	=328
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune	#631-640
Jamia Millia Islamia	#851-900
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad	#801-850
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi	#1001-#1200

Popular Courses in the UK

Here we have mentioned the best courses in the UK that are selected by the majority of international students: 

• Business Studies
• Accounting and Finance
• Economics
• Law
• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Electrical Engineering
• Politics

Eligibility Criteria to Study in UK

To ensure a smooth admission process, international students must meet certain academic and language requirements such as:

• For undergraduate courses, students need to complete higher secondary education with a minimum percentage or at least 65%-70%.
• For postgraduate courses, all students need a 2:2 honours degree in the same or related field with the minimum required academic marks.
• Students also need at least 2-3 years of work experience to gain admission into some postgraduate courses.
• For PhD programs, students need a master’s degree in the relevant academic field along with a research proposal and a strong academic record.
• Students must also demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
• You also need sufficient GMAT/GRE scores for some courses in the UK.
• You need proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and associated costs.
• To study in the UK, international students also need a Student Visa (Tier 4).

Documents Required

International students must know the essential requirements to Study in the UK:

• Copy of a valid passport
• Copy of the visa
• Academic Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Portfolio (for specific courses)
• Proof of English language test results from IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent
• A CV/Resume (if applicable)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Also Read: Documents Required for Applying to UK Universities

Cost of Studying in the UK vs India

Educational expenses of a graduate degree range from £ 18,000 to £ 35,000 (18.06 lakhs to INR 35.13 lakhs), depending upon the college and scope of courses. As far as the typical cost for basic items, this would cost around £ 11,000 – 12,500 (INR 11.04 lakhs – INR 12.54 lakhs) for an extended time of the study which is 9 months.

In India, the last thing to stress over is the expense of studying as it is a lot cheaper when compared with the UK. 

Also Read: Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students

Popular Intakes: UK vs India

As compared to India, wherein the intake only happens once a year, in the UK you get to choose when you want to begin your course. You can also check out the difference between the September and January intake in the UK.

Intake	Starting Months	Application Deadlines
Fall Intake (Primary Intake)	September	June to July
Winter Intake (Secondary Intake)	January/February	August to September
Summer Intake (Least Intake)	April/May	October to January

Also Read: Intakes in UK 2024: September, January, May Intakes

Post-Study Work Opportunities in the UK 

The UK has a lot more opportunities for work along with studying. Moreover, it is a highly globalised nation and offers various opportunities to people from diverse backgrounds.

• There are different sectors in which you can avail yourself of jobs such as healthcare, engineering, law, accounting and many more.
• Along with that, there are opportunities to do part-time work for international students.
• In addition to that, the country has also come up with a new visa scheme for international students called the New Graduate Route Visa. 
  • The scheme allows international students to work in the UK after their studies for 2 to 3 years without any minimum salary requirements.
  • Therefore, this scheme will open up a lot of doors for you in your career as you will get to experience working in another country.

Also Read: Detailed Guide on Working Part-Time in UK: Jobs, Rules & Regulations, Visa Requirements

UK Work Visa Requirements

Here is a table that describes the UK Work Visa Requirements that would be needed from an international student:

Type of Visa	Restriction	Maximum Staying	Sponsorship Needed	Dependents Allowed
Tier 2 (General) visa	Minimum salary of £30,000 per year	5 years and 14 days	Yes	Yes
Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme	A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by your university	1 year	Yes	Yes
Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa	18 to 30 years old and from the nationals of certain countries*	2 years	Yes but only for the nationals from the Republic of Korea	No
Tier 5 Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa	Authorised exchange schemes	1-2 years depends on different schemes	Yes	Yes
Start-up Visa	Endorsement letter from an authorised body	2 years	No	Yes

FAQs

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Thus, we hope that this blog on Study in the UK and not in India was insightful for you. The application process to get admission to universities abroad can be a tedious task, and to complete the procedure hassle-free, you should seek expert guidance. Reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu who will help in completing your visa application while also taking care of the hassles of writing an impressive SOP!