Studying Masters in the UK: Why a Top Choice among Indian Students?

The United Kingdom has become synonymous with academic excellence by extending a perfect blend of innovative learning in higher education and great job prospects. For Indian students, the preference for pursuing a master’s degree in the UK is unquestionably high. Whether it’s the prestige of studying at world-class universities or the prospect of building a thriving international career, the UK ticks all the right boxes.

Recent statistics paint a vivid picture of this preference as 110,006 students were granted UK student visas by the end of June 2024. But what exactly is fuelling this continued inclination? Why do so many Indian students pack their bags and head to the UK for higher studies? Well, our latest article has the answers, particularly for masters in UK. Keep reading to understand the top 10 reasons behind this phenomenon.

Top 10 Reasons Why Indians Choose to Study Masters in the UK

The United Kingdom has long been a magnet for Indian students aspiring to pursue top-notch higher education. Some of the notable reasons that made the UK remain a top destination for Indian students, particularly those seeking master’s degrees are listed below.

1. Presence of the World's Oldest & Top Universities

The UK is home to some of the most iconic Universities and Institutions in the world. Most of these have never been out of operation and now hold the title of being the oldest and top universities in the world. For instance, the University of Oxford was established in 1096 and now it is ranked 3^rd in the world as per the QS World University Rankings 2025. Apart from this, 3 more UK Universities come in the top 10, signifying the evergreen centuries of legacy of consistently ranked among the best globally.

For Indian students, the opportunity to walk the same hallowed halls as Nobel laureates, global leaders, and industry pioneers is another dream come true reason behind the popularity. Even beyond the elite tier, other leading universities maintain impeccable academic standards, offering programs that are globally recognized and highly valued by employers.

2. Industry-Relevant Course Curriculum

UK universities are renowned for structuring master’s degree programs that meet the demands of the modern job market. Courses are developed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practice-based perspectives. Universities in the UK also emphasize on integrating internships, case studies, and real-world projects, to develop industry-relevant skills during the academic tenure.

Fields like Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Management, Engineering, Economics, Psychology, Architecture, Construction Management, Nursing, Healthcare and Renewable Energy are particularly popular. It offers Indian students the chance to specialize in future-focused domains.

3. In-demand Courses with Shorter Course Duration

A significant advantage of UK master’s programs is their one-year duration, compared to the standard two years in many other top countries. This means students not only save time but also reduce tuition fees and living expenses.

Some of the popular courses include:

• Master of Business Administration
• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Business Analytics
• MSc in Artificial intelligence
• MSc in Management
• MSc in Engineering Management
• MSc in Project Management
• MSc in Healthcare Management
• Master’s in International Business

These courses provide comprehensive learning experiences within this short timeframe. It also enables students to enter the workforce sooner without compromising on education quality.

4. Affordable Tuition Fees

Contrary to popular belief, studying masters in UK can be affordable on the pockets of Indian students. Many master’s programs start at around £11,300 (Approximately INR 12 lakhs) to £20,000 (Approximately INR 21 lakhs). This is competitive compared to universities in the US or Australia. For Indian students, this affordability along with the high-quality education makes the UK a top option.

5. Fully & Partially Funded Scholarship Opportunities

Another reason that adds to the popularity is the UK’s commitment to making education accessible is evident through its extensive scholarship programs. Some of the prestigious scholarships are exclusively for Indian students. They include:

• Chevening Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• GREAT Scholarships
• British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
• Scotland Saltire Scholarships

Most of these are fully funded covering tuition fees and living expenses for exceptional applicants. Additionally, numerous UK universities also provide merit-based scholarships specifically for Indian applicants like excellence awards, and vice chancellor’s awards. These scholarships are automatically awarded and range from GBP 1000 to GBP 5000. Other scholarships offer full or partial funding for Indian students in a variety of disciplines.

6. World-Leading Research Opportunities

The UK ranks among the top countries for research output, making it an ideal destination for students seeking advanced academic opportunities. Russell Group Universities are at the forefront of groundbreaking research in areas such as robotics, medicine, and climate change.

Indian students pursuing research-oriented master’s programs benefit from access to state-of-the-art labs, expert mentorship, and a chance to contribute to globally impactful projects.

7. English Language Requirement Waiver

For Indian students who have completed their undergraduate degrees in English, many UK universities waive the IELTS or TOEFL requirements or if you have good grades in 12 boards.

This simplifies the application process and saves time, effort, and money. Some of the UK are known for their language proficiency requirement waivers on a case-to-case basis, making them highly appealing to Indian applicants.

8. High Employability Rates

UK universities Graduates are greatly sought after by employers worldwide. The Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023 revealed that over 90% of UK master’s graduates secure employment or pursue further studies within six months of completing their degree.

For Indian students, earning a degree from a globally recognized institution enhances their resume, ensuring a competitive edge in international job markets. Fields like Technology, Healthcare, and Finance are particularly lucrative for UK graduates.

9. 2-Year Post-study Work Visa

The introduction of the Graduate Route Visa in 2021 has been a bonus for international students. This visa allows international students, including Indians to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their masters studies.

This policy provides students with invaluable global work experience, allowing them to start their careers on an international stage after studying in the UK.

10. NHS Health Insurance Coverage

Access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is a huge relief for Indian students. By paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) during their visa application, students receive free medical care for the duration of their stay. This comprehensive health coverage ensures students can focus on their studies without worrying about unexpected medical expenses.

Wrapping up this article, with so many outstanding benefits, the UK has firmly established itself as a top destination for Indian students seeking a master’s degree. If you are considering pursuing your master’s degree in the UK for the upcoming academic intake, then Team KC is here to make your journey smooth and seamless. From choosing the right university to the UK student visa process, we have got you covered at every step of studying abroad.

Turn your UK Master’s Dream into Reality today with Team KC!