Studying in the UK from India: what's different for Indian students
Indian nationals are the second-largest group granted UK study visas, and several UK rules are written with Indian qualifications in mind: how a three-year bachelor's degree is assessed, how Class 12 certificates are treated, and the TB test. This guide covers only the points that differ for an Indian passport holder. Rules change, so check each official source before you pay anything.
- A year costs from
- ~US$30,000 all-in
- Next intakes you can make
- May 2027, September 2027
- Published visa figure, Indian applicants
- About 7% of Indian applicants were refused (2026). Source
- Work after graduating
- Graduate visa: 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027 (2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026; 3 years after a PhD)
What is different from India
A three-year Indian bachelor's degree is compared to a UK bachelor's degree
Since September 2025 UK ENIC assesses most Indian bachelor's degrees by length. A degree of 3 years and 120 or more credits is compared to a UK bachelor's degree, and one of 4 or more years and 160 or more credits to a UK bachelor's (Honours) degree. UK ENIC adds that a degree at the first level may still be suitable preparation for UK postgraduate study, but that is the university's decision, not ENIC's. Source
Indian Class 12 certificates are covered by a UK-India recognition agreement
Under the India-UK memorandum of understanding on mutual recognition, Indian Senior Secondary and Pre-University certificates are to be considered suitable for entry into UK higher education, subject to the specific university or programme criteria. In practice each university still sets its own marks and subject requirements. Source
India is not on the English-test exemption list
GOV.UK lists the countries whose nationals do not need to prove English for a Student visa; India is not among them. An Indian applicant proves English with an approved test, a UK school or degree qualification, or, for a degree taught in English outside the UK, an Ecctis assessment code confirming it is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher and was taught in English. Source
A TB test is required for Indian residents coming for 6 months or more
India is on the GOV.UK list of countries where applicants need a tuberculosis test. If you are coming for 6 months or more and have lived in India for 6 months or more, you need a chest x-ray at an approved clinic. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the x-ray date, so time the test close to your application. Source
Funds must sit in your account for 28 days in a row
GOV.UK currently states maintenance funds of 1,529 pounds a month (up to 9 months) for courses in London and 1,171 pounds a month outside London, on top of tuition. The money must be held for at least 28 days in a row, and the 28-day period must end within 31 days of your application date. Check the GOV.UK page for the current rates before you plan. Source
India is the second-largest source of UK study visas, but grants fell
In the year ending June 2026 the Home Office granted 82,523 sponsored study visas to Indian main applicants, about 23 percent of the total and second to China. That was 16 percent fewer than the year before. Source
Most Indian students on taught courses cannot bring dependants
Since the January 2024 policy change, most international students on taught courses cannot bring dependants to the UK. The Home Office notes that master's study is the most common level, at 62 percent of study visa grants, so this affects many Indian applicants who planned to travel with a spouse. Source
Indian nationals are the largest group using the Graduate route
The Home Office reports that Indian nationals received the most Graduate route extension grants in the year ending June 2026 (64,495). Graduate visa length depends on when you apply for it: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, and 3 years with a PhD. If your course ends around that date, check the GOV.UK page. Source
Your steps, in order
- Check the entry rules of the exact course: ask whether it accepts your 3-year degree or your Class 12 board and what marks it needs.
- Choose your English route: an approved English test, or an Ecctis code if your degree was taught in English.
- Get an offer and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK university.
- Plan your funds so the required amount is held for 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of the application.
- Book the TB x-ray at an approved clinic in India shortly before applying; the certificate lasts 6 months.
- Decide before you apply whether you will travel alone, since most taught-course students cannot bring dependants.
- Apply online on GOV.UK and follow the instructions for biometrics and documents.
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Get my free planQuestions Indian students ask
Is a 3-year Indian BSc or BCom enough for a UK master's?
UK ENIC compares a 3-year Indian degree with 120 or more credits to a UK bachelor's degree, and says such degrees may still be suitable for postgraduate study at the university's discretion. The course page of the university you apply to decides.
Do I need IELTS as an Indian student?
India is not exempt, so you need an approved test or an Ecctis code showing your degree was taught in English. Your university may ask for more than the visa requires.
Do I need a TB test?
If you are coming for 6 months or more and have lived in India for 6 months or more, yes. It is a chest x-ray at an approved clinic.
Can my spouse come with me?
Most students on taught courses cannot bring dependants. Check the GOV.UK rules for your course type.
Facts checked 18 October 2026. Rules change often — the official source linked beside each fact always wins over this page. We never promise admission or a visa.