Masters in UK: Top Universities, Cost, Courses, Requirements, Eligibility and Scholarships

UK has become one of the top destinations for students who want to study in UK for their Masters.  The average tuition fees for a Master’s in the UK typically range from £9,000 (INR 10.6) to £35,000 (INR 41.23 L) per year, with programs in business, management, engineering, and finance usually at higher salaries.  

Alongside academics, the UK offers students exposure to in demand industries, such as finance, tech, and creative sectors, that provide excellent post-study opportunities.   

The top universities for Masters in UK such as Imperial College of London, University College London (UCL), University of Cambridge and University of Oxford consistently rank on global top 10 of the QS World University Rankings.  

In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into eligibility, fees, scholarships, top universities, job opportunities, and everything you need to know about pursuing a Master’s in the UK. 

Which are the Top Universities for Masters in UK? 

The UK is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, with over more than 7,00,000 international students enrolled in 2025, including a large number from India. Choosing the right university for a Master’s in the UK is crucial, as top-ranked institutions combine academic excellence, global recognition, and strong career outcomes. 

The country has 160 universities offering Master’s programs across disciplines, most lasting 12 months compared to two years in other countries, giving students practical skills alongside their degree. 

Here are top 10 universities for Masters in UK, along with their QS World Rankings 

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary depending on the program and exchange rates.  

Confused about where to apply? Here’s a list of top universities in UK for masters programs across various domains.

What are the Top Masters specializations in UK? 

The UK offers various of master’s programs across various fields, and specializations in popular fields such as IT, healthcare, AI, data science and many more.  Below are some of the most in demand specializations along with the top universities that provides them, and the master's courses that students can pursue. 

Know more: 1 year masters program in UK.

What is the Admission Process for Masters in UK? 

The admission process for Maters in UK is a step-by-step process and may slightly differ between universities. It involves evaluating academic performance, English proficiency, and suitability for the program. 

Here is the admission process that can help students effectively plan their Masters in UK: 

• Step 1: Research programs and universities 

Explore courses that align with your career goals, check university rankings, faculty expertise, and course modules to find the best fit. 

• Step 2: Prepare and submit all required documents  

Gather transcripts, degree certificates, CV, Statement of Purpose, and letters of recommendation, ensuring they meet university specifications. 

• Step 3: Apply online through the university portal 

Complete the application form accurately, upload all documents, and pay any application fees before the deadline. 

• Step 4: Attend interviews (if required) 

Some programs may require an interview or video call to assess your motivation, subject knowledge, and communication skills. 

• Step 5: Receive and accept the offer letter 

If accepted, carefully review the conditional or unconditional offer, confirm your acceptance, and follow the steps for visa and enrolment. 

What are the Academic Requirements for Masters in the UK? 

To get an admission for masters in UK, students need to follow the following academic and admission requirements: 

• Undergraduate Degree: A relevant undergraduate degree is required, typically a 2:1 degree or its international equivalent. This means a strong academic record with a solid foundation in the chosen field of study. 
• Program-Specific Prerequisites: Each program may have its own subject-specific requirements. For example: 
• A Master’s in Engineering typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering discipline. 
• GPA Requirements: Some universities may set minimum GPA requirements for certain programs, although this varies depending on the institution and the program. 
• English Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency through standardized tests is important for international students. IELTS - 6.5 - 7.0 or TOEFL – 90-100 
• Professional Work Experience: For programs like an MBA, universities often require applicants to have relevant professional experience (usually 2-3 years). 
• Portfolio (Creative Courses): Some programs in the arts or design fields may require a portfolio showcasing previous work. 

What Documents are Required for Masters in UK? 

When applying for a Master’s in UK, it’s important to submit the necessary documents to support your application. These documents ensure that universities can assess your academic background and eligibility for the program. Being well-prepared with these documents can make your application process much smoother. 

• Academic Transcripts  
• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate 
• English Proficiency Test Scores 
• CV/Resume 
• IELTS/TOEFL scores (for non-native English speakers) 
• Statement of Purpose(SOP) 
• Letters of Recommendation 
• Passport Copy 

Visa Requirements for Masters in UK:  

After receiving your acceptance letter from the university, you must apply for a UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4): 

Required Documents: 

• A valid passport. 
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your UK university. 
• Proof of financial resources (at least £1,334/month in London or £1,023/month outside London, for up to 9 months). 
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or university exemption). 
• Completed visa application form. 
• Recent passport-sized photographs. 
• Payment confirmation for the visa fee (£490/ INR 57,706) and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS – £776/ 91,388 year). 

Visa Process: 

1. Apply online for the Student Visa on the official UK government website. 
2. Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). 
3. Schedule a biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). 
4. Submit all required documents and attend the appointment. 
5. Wait for visa approval and receive your visa vignette/BRP before traveling to the UK. 

Following these steps and preparing all necessary documents ensures a smooth admission and visa process for studying Masters in UK, helping you focus on academics and career growth. 

What is the Cost of Studying for Masters in UK? 

The tuition fees for a master's in UK may vary by university and program, while living expenses may depend on the city. The average tuition fees for a Master’s program in the UK range from GBP 10,000 to GBP 38,000 (INR 11.77 L to INR 44.7 L) per year, depending on the university and course. 

Here is an estimated cost breakdown for studying for a Masters in UK:  

Read more about Masters fee in UK:Tuition Costs & Budget Guide

What is the Cost of Living in the UK? 

To plan your budget effectively, it's essential to understand the detailed breakdown of the cost of living, including accommodation, transportation, and daily costs. These costs may also vary according to the city and the program.

Note: Living costs are higher in cities like London, Oxford, and Cambridge, while cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, or Newcastle tend to be more affordable. 

What are the top scholarships for masters in the UK? 

Scholarships in UK, like Chevening Scholarship, Gates Cambridge scholarship, and the Clarendon scholarship that is provided by top universities like Oxford , offer up to full tuition coverage, making studying in Australia more affordable.    

Here is the list of the top scholarships pursue Master's in UK for international students: 

Explore more about scholarship for masters in UK for Indian students​.

What are the Top Jobs after Masters in UK? 

Graduating with a Master’s degree from a UK university opens doors to numerous career opportunities, particularly in global business hubs like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.  It opens the doors to a wide range of high-paying career opportunities. Many international students choose to stay and work in the country after graduation, benefiting from post-study work visas and industry demand. 

Here are some of the top job roles along with their average annual salary: 

Source: Glassdoor; salaries may vary depending on industry, city, and experience level.   

Read more about job opportunities in UK after masters​.

What are the top recruiters for Masters in the UK? 

UK is the home to various global companies that also hire many Master’s graduates. Some of the leading recruiters for Master’s graduates in UK include: 

Also Read: Job Prospects in UK for Indian Graduates Freshers 2025