Studying in the UK has always been recognised as a dream by many. The UK is also recognised for its top-tier education system, which has been consistently ranked amongst the best in the world. While most Indian students consider studying in the UK after completing class 12th, fewer are aware of the opportunities and options available after class 10th. To study in the UK after the 10th from India, UK universities offer pre-university or foundation courses, which are designed to bridge the gap between secondary and undergraduate studies. Today, in this blog, we will provide you with all the information you need to study in the UK after the 10th from India. Join us!
This Blog Includes:
Category | Details |
Courses to Study in UK after 10th from India | Foundation Year programs in various fields, A-Levels or Vocational Courses |
Duration | 1 year |
Average Fees | £16,000 – £22,000 |
Admission Process | Apply via UCAS, IELTS required |
Eligibility | Minimum 65% in 10th grade, IELTS score of 5.5 |
Scholarships | Charles Wallace, Saltire, Felix, Inlaks |
How to Study in UK after Class 10th from India?
Students who want to study in the UK can choose to study from several routes like foundation Programs, A-Levels and International Baccalaureate (IB). For those who are interested in a more hands-on approach, vocational qualifications such as BTECs and NVQs are also provided for job-specific training in various industries. Let us have a look at these courses in detail –
Foundation Programs
Foundation programs are one-year courses which are designed for international students who want to pursue undergraduate degrees in the UK. They help bridge the academic and language gaps by providing targeted support to prepare students for university-level education.
Benefits
- Focused on preparing students for specific degree programs like Business, Engineering, or Medicine.
- Easier admission requirements compared to direct entry into undergraduate courses.
- Offers English language support.
- Duration: 9-12 months
Universities Offering Foundation Programs in UK after 10th
- Oxford University Foundation Year
- Cambridge University Foundation Year
- University College London (UCL) International Foundation Year
- University of Manchester International Foundation Year
- King’s College London Foundation Year
Entry Requirements
- 10th standard with strong academic performance.
- IELTS or other English proficiency tests (some universities offer English preparatory courses if required).
Also Read – Best Foundation Courses in UK for International Students
A-Levels (Advanced Levels)
A-Levels (Advanced Levels) are the standard school-leaving qualification in the UK and are recognised globally. Students usually take 3 to 4 subjects at the A-Level, focusing on areas they wish to study at university.
Features
- Subject-specific focus; students choose their subjects based on career goals.
- Two years of study after GCSEs.
- Required for admission to UK universities.
Popular A-Level Subjects to Apply after 10th in UK
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Psychology
- English Literature
- Computer Science
Entry Requirements
- Strong academic background in class 10.
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
Vocational Qualifications
Vocational qualifications like BTECs and NVQs focus on practical, work-related skills. These qualifications are often more career-focused than academic qualifications like A-Levels or International Baccalaureate.
Popular Vocational Qualifications
- BTEC National Diploma in Business: Prepares students for careers in management, marketing and finance.
- BTEC National Diploma in IT: Offers knowledge in computing, software development and IT infrastructure.
- BTEC National Diploma in Engineering: Focuses on practical engineering skills required for industries.
- NVQ in Health and Social Care: Prepares students for roles in nursing, elderly care, or healthcare management.
- BTEC in Creative Media Production: Focuses on media production, journalism and digital marketing.
Entry Requirements
- Completion of class 10.
- English proficiency (varies by institution).
- Duration: 1-2 years, depending on the course.
GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
For students younger than 16, GCSEs are the UK’s national qualification for secondary school students. This option is ideal if you plan to complete secondary education in the UK before moving to A-Levels or IB.
Popular GCSE Subjects
- English Language and Literature
- Mathematics
- Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- History
- Geography
- Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, German)
- Duration: 2 years (after Class 9 or 10).
Also Read – Top Colleges & Universities in UK
Why Study in the UK after 10th from India?
The reasons to study in the UK after 10th are many. According to a report, in 2022, nearly 1,40,000 Indian students preferred to study in the UK. The UK provides students with a distinct experience of world-class education much earlier in their careers. With various foundation programs, scholarships and other career opportunities open, the UK remains an important destination for Indian students. Some of the reasons are –
World-Class Education System
UK universities are recognised globally for their high academic standards and their foundation programs. Universities like the University of Plymouth, the University of Leicester, Coventry University, etc provide foundation or pathway programmes for students to excel in their studies. The UK is also home to 4 of the top 10 universities in the world, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge (QS World University Rankings 2025). The high quality of education ensures that students are learning from the best.
Early Exposure to International Education
By starting their academic career in the UK right after class 10th, students are exposed and introduced to the global academic environment, different teaching models, and diversity in their cultural upbringing.
Availability of Scholarships
The UK government and universities offer multiple scholarships, even for foundation-level students. Scholarships like the Charles Wallace India Trust and Saltire Scholarships make studying in the UK more affordable for Indian students.
Admission Requirements
The admission process for studying in the UK after the 10th follows a streamlined approach:
- Research and Choose a Program: Begin by selecting a foundation program that aligns with your career goals.
- Apply via UCAS: Use the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) portal to apply. Most universities accept applications through this service.
- Submit Documents: Upload academic transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores).
- Receive an Offer: If accepted, you will receive a conditional or unconditional offer based on your qualifications.
- Visa Application: Apply for a Tier 4 Child Student Visa if under 18.
Also Read – Study in UK for Indian Students After 12th
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for taking admissions in the UK after 10th from India are –
- Completion of 10th Grade: Students must have completed their 10th standard from a recognized education board like CBSE or ICSE.
- Minimum Academic Scores: Most UK universities require a minimum score of 65% in 10th grade.
- English Proficiency: IELTS (minimum score of 5.5) or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores are mandatory. These test scores must be –
- IELTS: Minimum score of 5.5
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 80
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 55
Also Read – Know About UK Student Visa 2024
Scholarships to Study in the UK after Class 10
The Scholarships which are available to students after class 10 in the UK are –
FAQs
Students who have completed their 10th class can enrol in a foundation program or pre-university course which are offered by UK colleges or universities.
Foundation programs can be availed after matriculation/O level completion.
The 10th pass is called the GCSE pass in the UK.
Relevant Reads
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