Studying in the United Kingdom (UK) is an aspiration typically shared by generations in a family. The UK is home to legacy universities such as The University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the Imperial College of London among the top names. In India, studying in the UK is as popular today as it was in the past with many families maintaining a tradition of gaining British education.
Overseas education consultants estimate that about 139,000 Indian students were enrolled in British universities in 2022-23, second only to the US enrollments. The interest in UK education is fuelled by high-quality education, excellent research facilities, work opportunities while studying, and a chance to live and work in the UK later. For the record, many UK universities host research centers that carry out global studies on different subjects. For example, the Imperial College London carries out research in Science, Engineering, Business and Medicine. The University of Manchester is known for its research and study in Engineering and Medicine, including treating life sciences.
Top 7 academic requirements for Indian students to study in the UK:
Age: For degree programs, the minimum age for students should be 18 years and above.
English language: The English language requirements vary by program and university. Typically, IELTS scores between 6.0 to 7.0 are easily accepted. For example, the University of Portsmouth, the University of Westminster, University of London all ask for an IELTS score of not less than 5.5 in all components. A few mandate good scores in PTE, TOEFL and other tests.
3. Academic records: UK colleges and universities ask for a minimum 65% and above achievement for the Humanities stream in class 12. For the Science and Commerce streams, this can go up to 70 - 80% as minimum achievement in class 12.
4. Statement of Purpose (SOP): This is a student’s introduction stating the reasons for him to pursue education in the UK. This is written in first person and should be a detailed preview of a student’s ambitions and past achievements.
5. Letter of Recommendation (LOR): This is usually written by a known authority or student’s mentors stating his achievements and possible reasons for how the UK education will benefit him.
6. Updated resume: A student’s detailed resume with his academic track record mentioned is essential.
7. Proof of funds: These are financial records provided by banks and financial institutions. Students can also provide education loan documents.
Intakes for studying in the UK:
The UK institutes start admissions in two intakes:
September/ October
- January/ February
While students prepare for admissions in the UK in 2024-25, the must also prepare a list of questions for their institutes. We asked leading overseas education consultants MSM Unify to prepare a list of questions for universities. They recommend all students ask these questions:
What is the learning and earning scope of the program?
Is this the most updated curriculum available to students?
How many students have been placed who study this program from their institute?
What are the overall fees for the program?
Is there any extra research or fieldwork to be carried out during the study?
What are the guidelines for passing the curriculum?
How many students continued staying in the UK after the program was completed?
Can I work while my program is on?
What is the global acceptance and employment rate after completing the education?