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Study destination · UK

Study in the UK

UK Student visa and Graduate Route guidance for 2026 — including the upcoming reduction from 2 years to 18 months from January 2027.

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WHY UNITED KINGDOM

Why students choose United Kingdom

1

One-year Master's degrees

Complete a full postgraduate qualification in a single year — faster ROI than most countries.

2

Graduate Route — act before the deadline

Students who apply for the Graduate Route on or before 31 December 2026 still get the full 2-year post-study window.

3

No job offer needed for Graduate Route

Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, the Graduate Route lets you work at any skill level, any employer, without sponsorship.

4

World-ranked universities, diverse cities

From London to Manchester, Glasgow to Birmingham — strong Indian student communities across the UK.

POPULAR FIELDS

What Indian students study in United Kingdom

Business & Management (MBA/MSc) Computer Science & AI Law (LLM) Public Health Finance & Accounting Data Science Engineering Media & Communications
WHERE TO STUDY

Popular universities & institutions

A starting shortlist — your OEVS counsellor will match these against your budget, scores and career goals.

UN
University of Manchester
UN
University of Birmingham
UN
University of Leeds
KI
King's College London
UN
University of Sheffield
CO
Coventry University
UN
University of Glasgow
QU
Queen Mary University of London

Institutions listed for reference and course-matching purposes. University admission and any scholarship/partnership terms are set by the institutions themselves.

VISA & POST-STUDY WORK

Visa pathway for United Kingdom

Student Visa Student Route

The UK Student visa covers your full course at a licensed sponsor institution, with defined part-time work rights.

  • Course must be at an eligible UK Student sponsor institution
  • English requirement usually met via IELTS/UKVI-approved test
  • Dependant visas now largely restricted to government-sponsored or specific postgraduate courses
  • From 25 Feb 2026, most visa-free visitors need a UK ETA to enter

Post-Study Work Graduate Route

The Graduate Route lets you stay and work (or look for work) after your degree, without needing employer sponsorship.

  • 2 years for Bachelor's/Master's graduates — if you apply on or before 31 December 2026
  • Reduces to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027
  • PhD graduates keep the full 3-year allowance, unaffected by this change
  • Cannot be extended — plan your switch to Skilled Worker or another route in advance

2026 Policy Update — Confirm Before You Apply

This is the single most time-sensitive visa change across all our destinations: the UK Graduate Route shortens from 2 years to 18 months for any application made on or after 1 January 2027. If you can realistically complete your course and apply for the Graduate Route before that date — which favours a September/October 2026 intake for a one-year Master's — you lock in the full 2-year window. We build your intake plan around this deadline specifically.

BUDGET PLANNING

Cost snapshot

£15,000–£35,000/yr
Tuition (varies by course/city)
£1,171–£1,529/mo
Living costs (2026 UKVI)
Outside London · London
£558 + £776/yr
Student visa fee + IHS (student rate)

Indicative figures for planning only — actual tuition and living costs vary by city, institution and lifestyle. Use our free Cost of Study Calculator for a personalised estimate.

TIMING

Intake calendar

September Intake

Primary intake

Full range of courses; most scholarships and halls of residence available.

January Intake

Secondary intake

Offered by many universities for select programs.

May Intake

Limited programs

A few universities and foundation courses only.

FAQ

United Kingdom — Frequently Asked Questions

When do most students start in the UK?
September and October form the main UK intake, with the full range of courses and most scholarships. Intake choices and deadlines vary by university, so shortlist early and check each institution's dates.
How long is the UK Graduate Route?
It is 2 years for Bachelor's and Master's graduates who apply on or before 31 December 2026. It reduces to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027. PhD graduates keep the full 3 years, and the Graduate Route cannot be extended.
Do I need a job offer for the Graduate Route?
No. The Graduate Route lets you work at any skill level for any employer without sponsorship. Plan your switch to the Skilled Worker visa or another route before it ends, since it cannot be extended.
How much does a UK student visa cost?
The Student visa fee is £558 for applications from 8 April 2026, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge at the student rate of £776 per year of your visa, paid upfront. UKVI living-cost requirements are £1,171 per month outside London and £1,529 per month in London. Tuition typically ranges from £15,000 to £35,000 per year.
Can I bring my family to the UK as a student?
Dependant visas are now largely restricted to government-sponsored students or specific postgraduate courses. Check your course eligibility with your OEVS counsellor before assuming a spouse or children can accompany you.
Do I need an ETA to visit the UK?
From 25 February 2026, most visa-free visitors need a UK ETA to enter. Students who hold a UK Student visa follow the visa route instead, so the ETA applies mainly to short visits before or after study.
Get started

Ready to start your UK journey?

Book a free session with our counsellors — no obligation, honest advice on your best-fit universities and visa pathway.

  1. 1
    We review your profileAcademics, English score, budget and goals.
  2. 2
    A counsellor reaches outTo discuss universities and visa options for UK.
  3. 3
    You get a clear planShortlist, intake timeline and next steps.

Study in UK — free consultation

Tell us a little about your goals and a counsellor will come back with personalised advice.

Takes under a minute — we usually respond within 2 hours.