UK universities offer a plethora of undergraduate courses for Indian students to pursue after class 12th. This article provides complete details about the top universities, popular courses, eligibility criteria, and application process etc., to study in the UK after 12th.
The UK is one of the highly coveted study destinations for Indian students. This article is a complete guide to study in UK for Indian students after 12th grade, including top universities, popular courses, admission intakes, eligibility criteria, the application process, and more.
UK universities are well known for imparting quality education and conducting world-class research. If you want to study in the UK after class 12th, you can choose from a variety of undergraduate programs in almost every field. These programs offer global exposure and internationally recognised degrees to propel you towards your dream career.
Top Universities to Study in UK for Indian Students After 12th
Based on the QS World University Rankings 2022, the following table shows the top universities to study in UK for Indian students after 12th:
| Top Universities | QS World University Rankings 2022 | Accepted Scores |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 2 | IELTS: 7, TOEFL: 100, PTE: 66 |
| University of Cambridge | 3 | IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 110 |
| Imperial College London | 7 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 92, PTE: 62 |
| University College London | 8 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 92, PTE: 62 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 16 | IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100 |
| The University of Manchester | 27 | IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 110 |
University of Oxford
One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Oxford offers more than 50 undergraduate programs in multiple fields of study. Some of these courses include medicine, economics, engineering, arts, journalism, and computer science, among others.
The university ranks #1 in the World University Rankings by Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021. In addition to this, US News and World Report have also placed it at the 1st position in the category of Best Global Universities in the UK and Europe.
Indian students must have a 10+2 qualification from CBSE or ICSE with atleast 90% marks for undergraduate admission to the University of Oxford. Additionally, they need to have proof of English language proficiency, evidence of sufficient funds, a personal statement, and a letter of recommendation.
Read More: University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
More than 9,000 international students from over 150 nations are admitted to the University of Cambridge each year. It is one of the top-ranking universities, both nationally and globally. As per the rankings of the US News and World Report 2021, it is ranked #2 in the category of Best Global Universities in the UK and Europe. It also ranks #1 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021.
The university offers more than 30 UG courses in subject areas like engineering, medicine, management, education, and sciences, etc. As far as eligibility requirements are concerned, Indian students must have a minimum of 90% marks in class 12th, English proficiency proof, proof of financial support, statement of purpose, reference letters, etc. Students may refer to the official website to know the course-specific requirements.
Read More: University of Cambridge
Imperial College London
The Imperial College London is one of the top public research universities in the world. US News and World Report placed it at 4th position in the list of Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom and Europe in 2021. The university ranks #12 in the world university rankings by Times Higher Education and #7 in the QS Global World Rankings, 2022.
The application fee for UG admissions is 50 GBP. Candidates must have a higher secondary school certificate with at least 85-90% marks, personal statement, valid passport, English proficiency test scores, reference letters, etc., for getting admission into the Imperial College London.
Read More: Imperial College London
University College London
University College London offers around 440 undergraduate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Some of the major disciplines involve engineering, arts, computer science, economics, analytics, and many more. The university is ranked 3rd among the Best Global Universities in Europe and the UK by US News and World Report, 2021. Additionally, it is ranked 16th as per Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021.
Applicants must have a minimum of 90% marks in 12th grade, along with some important documents like official transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, English language test scores, etc., for securing a seat at this prestigious university.
Read More: University College London
The University of Edinburgh
There are more than 100 undergraduate courses offered by the University of Edinburgh in fields like accounting, data sciences, computer science, arts, and medicine, among many others. A minimum of 85% in 12th grade is required for Indian students willing to study at the University of Edinburgh.
The University of Edinburgh has been ranked 20th by the Times Higher Education Rankings in 2021. In addition to this, the US News & World Report 2021 has placed it at 20th position among the top universities of the world.
Read More: University of Edinburgh
The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester offers over 260 UG level courses in subjects like business, management, engineering, arts, nursing, and many more. It ranks 27th in the world and 6th in the UK according to QS Rankings 2022. In THE World University Rankings 2022, it is listed among the top 50 universities in the world.
Candidates need to have a higher secondary school certificate with at least an 80-95% overall score. However, students should note that they will be subject-specific requirements as well. Additionally, documents like a statement of purpose (1000-4000 characters), reference letters, passport, visa, English proficiency scores, proof of financial sufficiency, and portfolio are also required for admission at the university.
Read More: University of Manchester
Popular Courses to Study in UK for Indian Students after 12th
Indian students have several options available to study in the UK after class 12th, so choosing the right course can be a challenge. It is important that you choose a course based on your interests and preferences. The following table presents a list of subjects that you should be considering to study in the UK according to your stream:
| Streams | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Commerce | Business Management Economics Entrepreneurship Law Accountancy Innovation International Business |
| Arts & Humanities | Anthropology and Archaeology Sociology Mass Communication Hospitality and Tourism Psychology English Literature Music Philosophy |
| Science (Non-Medical) | Automotive Engineering Civil Engineering Industrial Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Chemistry Mathematics Computer Science |
| Science (Medical) | Biology Medicine Biotechnology Molecular Sciences Earth Sciences Animal Sciences Horticulture |
Study MBBS in the UK After 12th
MBBS is one of the popular courses for Indian students to study in the UK after class 12th. In order to study MBBS in the UK, you must score at least 50% in NEET or high scores in UKCAT, BMAT, GAMSAT, etc. In the UK, MBBS is also known as Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and abbreviated as MB, ChB or MB BCh. The duration of this degree in the UK is 5-6 years.
The majority of British medical schools offer students the option to study outside their native university during a six to twelve-week optional term. It is an excellent opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience of how medicine is practised around the world. It costs between £1,33,000 and £3,12,000 to study MBBS in the UK after the 12th standard. Medical graduates in the United Kingdom earn between £21,000 and £47,000, depending on their specialization.
The following are the top medical colleges to study MBBS in the UK after 12th grade for Indian students:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Glasgow
- King’s College London
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- University of Manchester
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Newcastle
Study Law After 12th in the UK
A law degree is a great starting point for a variety of jobs in the United Kingdom. The country attracts thousands of Indians every year to study law. Students enrolled in UK law programs gain a critical understanding of fundamental legal principles and practical skills at the same time.
Candidates with at least a 70% grade point average in high school or college are eligible to apply for a three-year LLB programme. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree are eligible to apply for the two-year LLB Senior Status degree program in the UK. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 out of 4.0 in order to apply for the program.
The following are the top law schools in the UK for Indian students after they complete their 12th grade:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Manchester
- University College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- King’s College London
Diploma Courses in UK After 12th
Diplomas and certificates have been a popular option for Indian students after 12th grade. Considering the short nature of these courses, students are able to gain employment by utilizing the skills they have learned during training. The table given below gives an overview of the top diploma courses that can be pursued in the UK after class 12th.
| Diploma Courses | Universities |
|---|---|
| Screenwriting Diploma | London Film Academy |
| Diploma in Maritime Shipping | Shipping College |
| HND in Accounting and Finance | Regent College London |
| Foundation Diploma in Arts & Design | Cambridge School of Visual Arts & Performing Arts |
| HND in Business HND in Entrepreneurship and Business Management | Regent College London |
| Diploma in Business and Management | London School of Planning and Management |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Diploma | Harley Oxford |
| Diploma in Health and Social Care | London School of International Business |
| Diploma in Accounting and Finance | University of Bolton |
| Executive Diploma in Mediation | International Career Institute |
Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required
You must meet the eligibility requirements specific to the program and university you are applying to. If you are planning to study in the UK after the 12th grade, either for a bachelor's degree or diploma, you must also make a list of the necessary documents for the application process. The general eligibility criteria and documentation requirements are as follows:
- It is mandatory for applicants to have completed their 10+2 education in India from a recognised board with the minimum marks required by their selected university.
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.)
- Proof of Funds
- UK Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Two academic reference letters (optional)
Admission Intakes
The application deadlines and admission procedures for universities in the UK differ for each program, but it is important that you become familiar with the major admission intakes. Basically, there are two admission intakes, the fall intake (September to December) and the spring intake (March to April).
There is a winter intake (January) as well, but it is only offered by certain universities for their specific programs. You may select the winter intake if you are waiting for your degree/ academic transcripts or if you will be appearing for an English language proficiency test.
Application Process
For their undergraduate admissions, top universities in the UK accept applications via the UCAS portal/universities website. Follow these steps to apply for UG courses in the UK after the 12th class:
- Go to the UCAS portal/the university website.
- Check the course requirements and curriculum of the university of your choice.
- Now click on the application form of the selected university.
- You must first create an account using your phone number or email address.
- An email or SMS will be sent to your registered contact number with your login details.
- Log in to your account and fill in your personal details (name, gender, birth date)
- Add your academic qualifications and attach the required documents.
- Choose a course and pay the application fee.
- Each university has a different application fee which can be paid by debit/credit card or online banking.
- Submit the application form. You can also track the status of your application through your account.
- Some universities may require selected students to attend a virtual interview.
Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students
In order to figure out the cost to study in the UK for Indian students after the 12th standard, you will have to take into account the tuition fee, duration of the course, and accommodation and living expenses. Usually, undergraduate courses in the UK range in fees between 6000 EUR and 9000 EUR (approximately 4,92,000-7,38,000 INR, although it will mostly depend on what type of course you choose, including a diploma, business degree, or medical degree.
When it comes to accommodation, you can opt for on-campus housing, but if you prefer to live independently, a one-bedroom apartment may cost about 550 EUR-650 EUR. Apart from this, you will also have to pay an application fee for a student visa. Following are the types of student visas, along with the details of their application fee:
- Application Fee for Tier-4 Student Visas: £348 [approximately 28,650 INR]
- Application Fee for Short-term Student Visas: £97 [approx. 7,990 INR] for a six-month visa and £186 for an eleven-month visa [approx. 15,300 INR]
