Request Free Consultation
Move abroad with your family.
Don't know what to do Get free Counselling
United Kingdom · Study abroad
Study in the UK: universities, fees, and the points-based visa
To study in the UK, Indian students choose world-leading universities, with 17 in the global top 100, and one-year master’s degrees that save a year. The UK Student visa is points-based, so you must score 70 points from your CAS, funds, and English. After graduating, the Graduate Route lets you work, which makes the UK a strong, fast-return choice.
Data current as of June 2026
Why study in the UK
The UK pairs some of the world’s best universities with one-year master’s degrees, the Russell Group’s strong employer recognition, and the Graduate Route for post-study work, which is why it is the single largest destination for Indian students.
One thing sets the UK apart from many destinations. It does use a points system for study, but not a competitive one. The UK Student visa is points-based, and you must score 70 points, made up of your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, your funds, and your English. These are pass or fail conditions, not a ranked score, so the goal is simply to meet all three.
With 17 universities in the global top 100, the fully funded Chevening scholarship, and a clear post-study route, the UK offers world-class education and a fast return to the workforce. We guide Indian students through the whole journey, from offer to the points-based visa.
The 70 points explained
Unlike most study destinations, the UK Student visa really is points-based. The good news is that the 70 points are pass or fail conditions, not a competitive score. The diagram shows how they add up.
UK Student visa points table
Here is the points breakdown in full. Unlike a competitive skilled-migration grid, every row is mandatory, so you either meet it or you do not.
| Requirement | Points | How you meet it |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies | 50 | Valid CAS from a licensed student sponsor for a course at the right level |
| Financial requirement | 10 | Show tuition plus maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days |
| English language requirement | 10 | Approved English test or a valid exemption, usually B2 for degrees |
| Total to be granted the visa | 70 | All three are mandatory, not a competitive score |
Source: UK Home Office points-based immigration system, 2026. These are mandatory pass or fail conditions, not tradable points, so you cannot offset a missing block with a stronger one. Rules are set by the Home Office and can change. Confirm current requirements before you apply.
Because all three blocks are required, the safest approach is to lock down your CAS, hold your funds correctly, and meet the English requirement well before applying. We check each block so nothing is missed.
Want to know if you meet all 70 points?
Get a free eligibility check and we will confirm your CAS, funds, and English position for the UK Student visa.
Best universities in the UK for Indian students
The UK has 17 universities in the global top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2026, with four in the top 10. The table shows leading choices and their guide positions.
| University | Known for | QS 2026 guide |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | Science, engineering, medicine | Around 2 |
| University of Oxford | Broad research, humanities, sciences | Around 4 |
| University of Cambridge | Broad research, sciences | Around 6 |
| UCL | Broad research, in central London | Around 9 |
| King’s College London | Medicine, law, humanities | Around 31 |
| University of Edinburgh | Broad research, AI, data | Around 34 |
Source: QS World University Rankings 2026, 2026. Imperial around 2, Oxford around 4, Cambridge around 6, and UCL around 9 sit in the global top 10; King’s around 31 and Edinburgh around 34 are in the top 50. Positions vary by source and year. The Russell Group of research universities carries strong employer recognition. Confirm current requirements with each institution.
The UK’s universities cluster by strength, with Imperial, Oxford, Cambridge, and UCL leading globally and the wider Russell Group strong for research and employability. We help you shortlist the right ones to study in the UK.
Want a university shortlist for your profile?
Get a free eligibility check and a shortlist of the best UK universities for your course and budget.
Tuition fees and the cost picture
UK tuition is paid per year and varies widely, but a one-year master’s keeps the total below a two-year program elsewhere. The table shows the main costs to plan for.
| Cost | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, international students | GBP 11,500 to 38,000 / yr | Many master’s GBP 15,000 to 30,000; medicine higher |
| Visa application fee | GBP 558 | From 8 April 2026, same from India or in the UK |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | GBP 776 / year | Paid as a lump sum at application |
| Maintenance, London | GBP 1,483 / month | For up to 9 months, about GBP 13,347 |
| Maintenance, outside London | GBP 1,136 / month | For up to 9 months, about GBP 10,224 |
Source: UK Home Office and UKVI, 2026, including the visa fee from 8 April 2026 and the 2026 maintenance figures. Tuition is set by universities; fees, the IHS, and maintenance are set by the UK government and can change. A November 2025 levy on universities may push some fees up from later intakes. Confirm before you apply to study in the UK.
The IHS and the 28-day funds rule are where many families underestimate the cost, so plan the full picture early. A scholarship can offset both. We confirm the exact costs for your program.
Maintenance funds and the 28-day rule
The financial points are where many strong applications fail, usually because the balance dips below the total during the 28-day window. This table shows what you must hold.
| Item | London | Outside London |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly living amount | GBP 1,483 | GBP 1,136 |
| Months you must show | Up to 9 | Up to 9 |
| Maintenance total | About GBP 13,347 | About GBP 10,224 |
| Plus tuition | First year, minus deposit | First year, minus deposit |
| Hold period | 28 consecutive days | 28 consecutive days |
Source: UK Home Office maintenance rules, 2026. The funds can sit in your or a parent’s account with a consent letter and proof of relationship, and an officially sanctioned education loan is usually accepted. The balance must not fall below the required total at any point in the 28 days. Figures are set by the government and can change. Confirm before you apply.
Choosing a university outside London lowers the maintenance you must show by roughly GBP 3,000, which can ease the funds proof. We make sure your financial documents meet the 28-day rule exactly.
Admission requirements at a glance
Beyond the visa points, each course sets its own academic and English bar. This table is an indicative guide, not official cut-offs.
| Requirement | Undergraduate | Taught master’s |
|---|---|---|
| Academic record | Class 12 completed | Relevant bachelor’s degree |
| English proof | IELTS for UKVI or PTE | IELTS for UKVI or PTE |
| Apply through | UCAS | Usually direct to university |
| Extra documents | References, sometimes SOP | SOP, references, sometimes work experience |
| Other | Portfolio for some courses | ATAS for some courses |
Source: UK university admission guidance and UCAS, 2026. These rows are indicative only, as each course runs its own selection and may ask for more, including subject prerequisites, an interview, or a portfolio. Some universities waive the English test for English-medium study. Confirm each course’s exact requirements before you apply.
Admission and the visa points are separate hurdles. We assess both your academic eligibility and your points position honestly before you apply.
Scholarships to study in the UK
The UK offers strong scholarships for Indian students, led by the fully funded Chevening award. Most have early deadlines, often before university offers. The table shows the main options.
| Scholarship | Offered by | Can cover |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | UK government | Full tuition, living, travel; needs work experience |
| GREAT Scholarships | British Council and universities | Around GBP 10,000 toward tuition |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | UK government | Full funding for eligible master’s and PhD |
| University awards | UCL, Manchester and many others | Merit-based tuition reductions |
| Course and country awards | Various foundations | Varies, often partial |
Source: Chevening, the British Council, Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, and university scholarship pages, 2026. Eligibility, amounts, and deadlines change each year, and Chevening needs about two years of work experience so most fresh graduates are not eligible. Confirm current details before applying.
Chevening is the headline fully funded route but is competitive and needs experience, while GREAT and university awards are more accessible for fresh graduates. We help you find and apply for the awards you qualify for.
Want help applying for Chevening or a GREAT scholarship?
Get a free eligibility check and we will match you to the scholarships that fit your profile.
Popular courses for Indian students
The UK is strong across business, technology, and health, with one-year master’s degrees that get you into the workforce sooner.
Business and management
MBA and management master’s at world-ranked schools, often one year.
Computing and data
Computer science, AI, and data science at Imperial, UCL, and Edinburgh.
Health and life sciences
Public health, biomedical, and nursing, with strong NHS and research links.
The Student visa process
For a degree-level course, Indian students apply for the points-based UK Student visa after receiving their CAS. This table explains the key steps so nothing is missed.
| Step | What it is | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Get an offer and CAS | Unconditional offer, then CAS from a sponsor | CAS gives 50 of the 70 points |
| Hold your funds | Tuition plus maintenance for 28 days | Gives the 10 financial points |
| Meet English | Approved test or exemption | Gives the 10 English points |
| Apply and pay | Visa fee GBP 558 plus IHS GBP 776 a year | Apply online, then give biometrics |
| TB test and decision | TB test at an approved clinic | Decisions often within about 3 weeks |
Source: UK Home Office and UKVI, 2026. Steps, fees, and timelines are set by the authorities and can change, and some courses also need an ATAS certificate. Indian applicants have a high success rate when files are clean. Start well before your intake.
Good planning is everything here. We confirm your CAS, hold-period funds, and English, then guide the application, IHS, TB test, and biometrics so each of the 70 points is locked in.
Worried about the points-based visa?
We confirm your CAS, your 28-day funds, and your English, then manage your application so nothing slips.
The Graduate Route and what changes in 2027
The Graduate Route is the UK’s post-study work visa. The timing of your application matters, because the period changes for applications on or after 1 January 2027. The diagram shows the flow.
Work rights and post-study options
The UK has clear rules for working during studies and a strong post-study route, with a salary threshold for the longer-term Skilled Worker visa.
| Stage | What you can do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| During studies | 20 hrs / week in term | Full-time in vacations; no self-employment |
| Below degree level | Fewer hours | Often 10 hours per week |
| Graduate Route | 2 years or 18 months | 18 months for applications from Jan 2027 |
| PhD graduates | 3 years | Graduate Route stays three years |
| Skilled Worker visa | About GBP 41,700 | Sponsored job at the salary threshold |
Source: UK government guidance, 2026. The Graduate Route is granted once and cannot be extended, and the Skilled Worker threshold is around GBP 41,700 with lower figures for some STEM PhD holders and Immigration Salary List roles. Hours, periods, and thresholds are set by the government and can change, so confirm current details before relying on them.
Because a 2026 master’s starter usually falls in the 18-month Graduate Route bracket, start your job search in your first term and aim for sponsored roles. We explain how each stage connects.
The Indian community in the UK
The UK has one of the largest Indian communities anywhere, spread across London and major cities, which makes settling in easier for new students.
People of Indian origin are one of the largest minority communities in the UK, long established in London, Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester, and many other cities, working across business, medicine, technology, and academia. Add the very large Indian student community, the single biggest group of international students, and you find Indian grocery stores, restaurants, temples, gurdwaras, and cultural associations almost everywhere, with festivals like Diwali widely celebrated.
Large and established
London has a long-established Indian community across business, medicine, and the professions.
Leicester to Manchester
Strong Indian communities in Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester, and many other cities.
The biggest group
Indian students are the single largest group of international students in the UK.
For an Indian student, this large community and the UK’s English-speaking, diverse cities mean a soft landing, familiar food, and ready support almost anywhere you study.
An honest view for Indian students
The UK offers world-class education and a fast return, but the cost, the 28-day funds rule, and the changing post-study window all need real planning.
Tuition, the visa fee, and the IHS add up before you spend anything on living, so budget the full picture. The financial points trip up many applicants when the balance dips below the total during the 28 days, so plan that window carefully. The Graduate Route is shrinking to 18 months for most 2026 master’s starters, and staying long term means clearing the Skilled Worker salary threshold, which is higher than it looks. Taught master’s and undergraduate students usually cannot bring dependants. Rules change often, so confirm the current position.
The UK Student visa is points-based and needs 70 points, 50 for a valid CAS, 10 for funds, and 10 for English, while Indian applicants must show tuition plus maintenance of GBP 1,483 a month for London or GBP 1,136 outside London for up to nine months held for 28 days, pay a GBP 558 fee and GBP 776 a year IHS, and after graduating can use the Graduate Route, two years now and 18 months from January 2027, before switching to a Skilled Worker visa.
Factual overview, drawn from UK Home Office and UKVI guidance, current for 2026. Fees, funds requirements, points rules, and post-study periods are set by the UK government and can change.
Meeting all 70 points improves your chances, but admission and the final visa decision rest with the institutions and the UK authorities. We give you a realistic view and manage the timeline with you.
Speak with BestMigrationConsultant.com about studying in the UK
Our education experts guide Indian students through every step to study in the UK, from universities and your CAS to the 70 points, maintenance funds, scholarships, documents, and the Student visa. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com, and start with a free eligibility check today.