Masters in UK

UK is the world’s second most popular study destination, hosting over 732,000 international students.  

About 60% of them choose postgraduate programs, which shows how strongly the country appeals to students pursuing advanced education. 

Here are the top highlights:  

Top Universities  

UK has 17 universities ranked in the QS World Top 100, and 4 in the global Top 10, making it one of the strongest destinations for postgraduate education worldwide.  

Here is the top 10:  

Source: QS World University Rankings 2026 

Top Masters Courses

UK universities offer over 17,000+ postgraduate programs across diverse fields, making them a global hub for advanced education. 

Here are the most popular choices:  

Eligibility & Admission Requirements 

To pursue a Master’s in UK, international students must meet academic, language, and sometimes professional benchmarks.  

Requirements vary by university tier. Below is a detailed breakdown: 

Academic Qualifications 

As a part of Academic requirements, universities require a recognized bachelor’s degree equivalent to UK standards.  

In the table below, you’ll find academic requirements by tier: 

English Proficiency 

All UK universities require proof of English proficiency. IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted. 

In the table below, you’ll find English language requirements by tier: 

Work Experience 

Most master’s programs do not require work experience, except for professional courses like MBA or specialized programs.  

In the table below, you’ll find work experience expectations by tier: 

Additional Requirements 

Some programs, especially in business or quantitative fields, may require GRE or GMAT scores.  

In the table below, you’ll find standardized test requirements by tier: 

Cost of Studying 

The total cost of a master’s in UK includes tuition fees and living expenses, which vary by university, course, and city. 

Tuition Fees by Course

Source: British Council 

Tuition Fees by University Tier: 

In the table below, you’ll find the approximate tuition ranges for international students: 

Living Costs 

According to Numbeo: 

• Average monthly living cost: £817 (INR 94.8K), excluding rent 
• Annual estimate: £9,804 (INR 11.4L)

Top Scholarships 

Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in UK.  

Below are the most popular options for international students, including Indian applicants: 

 Masters Intakes & Admission Process 

Many UK universities offer master’s admissions in multiple intakes, which simply means different start months when classes begin.  

Main Intakes in UK 

• Autumn Intake: September – October (Primary intake with maximum course availability) 
• Winter Intake: January – February (Secondary intake for popular programs) 
• Summer Intake: May – June (Limited programs, mostly niche or short courses) 

Below is a table where a few universities are listed along with their available intakes (all under rolling admissions): 

Note: Most universities follow a rolling admission process, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received rather than after a fixed deadline. Seats are offered continuously until the cohort is full. 

For universities that offer rolling admissions, the key factor is not the “deadline” but how early you apply. Once capacity is reached, applications may automatically be deferred to the next available intake. 

How to Apply? 

Applying for a Master’s in UK is a competitive process that requires early planning.  

Below is the step-by-step procedure: 

Step 1: Research Universities – Compare rankings, tuition, ROI, and course options. 

 Step 2: Check Eligibility – Verify academic qualifications, English proficiency, and any additional requirements. 

 Step 3: Take Required Tests – IELTS/TOEFL (mandatory); GRE/GMAT (only for select programs). 

 Step 4: Prepare Documents – Most UK universities require: 

• Academic transcripts 
• English proficiency test scores 
• GRE/GMAT score report (if applicable) 
• Letters of recommendation 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) 
• Passport copy 
• Bachelor’s degree certificate 
• Resume/CV 

Step 5: Submit Application – Apply via official university portals and pay the application fee. 

 Step 6: Attend Interview – Required for some programs, especially competitive ones. 

 Step 7: Confirm Admission – Accept the offer, pay the deposit, and start the visa process. 

Student Visa Requirements 

International students need a Student Visa (Tier 4) to study in UK.  

Below are the essentials: 

Eligibility 

• Be 16 years or older 
• Have an unconditional offer from a licensed UK university (CAS letter) 
• Show English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent) 
• Demonstrate financial ability for tuition and living costs 

Financial Requirements 

• Tuition Fees: Full first-year fees 
• Living Costs:  
• London: £1,529/month (9 months = £13,761) 
• Outside London: £1,171/month (9 months = £10,539) 
• Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before applying 

Documents Required 

• Valid passport 
• CAS letter 
• Proof of funds (bank statements or loan letter) 
• English test scores 
• Academic transcripts 
• Tuberculosis test (if applicable) 
• ATAS certificate (for certain courses) 
• IHS payment confirmation 

Application Timeline 

• Apply up to 6 months before course start 
• Decision: 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK) 
• Arrival: 1 month before courses >6 months; 1 week before courses ≤6 months 

Top Cities 

Choosing the right city matters for cost, lifestyle, and career opportunities.  

Here are the top destinations for master’s students: 

Job Opportunities After Masters 

Graduates enjoy strong career prospects.  

Here are the top 5 high-paying roles: 

Source: Glassdoor 

Note: Salaries vary by experience and location.