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🇬🇧United Kingdom

Study & Work in the UK

Home to world-renowned universities like Oxford and Cambridge. The UK offers excellent education, a 2-year post-study work visa, and diverse career opportunities across Europe's largest economy.

680K+

International Students

160+

Universities

2 Years

Graduate Route Visa

1 Year

Master's Duration

Visa Types & Work Authorization

Student Visa (Tier 4)

Primary visa for international students studying at licensed UK institutions

Duration: Course duration + 4 months after
Work Rights: 20 hrs/week during term, full-time during breaks
Pathway: Graduate Route → Skilled Worker visa → ILR

Graduate Route Visa

Post-study work visa for graduates of UK universities

Duration: 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates)
Work Rights: Full-time work, no sponsorship required
Pathway: Can switch to Skilled Worker for longer stay

Skilled Worker Visa

Work visa for skilled professionals with job offer

Duration: Up to 5 years, extendable
Work Rights: Full-time work for sponsoring employer
Pathway: ILR after 5 years → British Citizenship

High Potential Individual (HPI)

For graduates of top global universities

Duration: 2 years (3 for PhD)
Work Rights: Work without sponsorship
Pathway: Can switch to other visa routes

Cost of Studying in the UK

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate£15,000 - £38,000/year
Postgraduate£12,000 - £45,000/year
MBA£30,000 - £90,000/year

Living Expenses

London£15,000 - £20,000/year
Other Major Cities£10,000 - £14,000/year
Small Towns£8,000 - £10,000/year

Other Costs

Health Surcharge£776/year (IHS)
Visa Fee£490 (Student visa)
Books & Supplies£500 - £1,000/year

Total Estimated Cost: £25,000 - £50,000+ per year depending on course and location

Top Universities (Russell Group & More)

University of Oxford

#1 UK

Oxford

Top Programs: Law, Medicine, PPE

University of Cambridge

#2 UK

Cambridge

Top Programs: Sciences, Engineering

Imperial College London

#3 UK

London

Top Programs: STEM, Medicine, Business

UCL

#4 UK

London

Top Programs: Arts, Sciences, Law

London School of Economics

#5 UK

London

Top Programs: Economics, Politics, Law

University of Edinburgh

#6 UK

Edinburgh

Top Programs: Medicine, AI, Arts

Scholarships for International Students

Chevening Scholarships

Amount: Full funding
Eligibility: Future leaders from Chevening-eligible countries
Deadline: November

Commonwealth Scholarships

Amount: Full funding
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries
Deadline: Varies by country

GREAT Scholarships

Amount: £10,000+ towards tuition
Eligibility: Students from select countries
Deadline: February

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Amount: Full funding
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants to Cambridge
Deadline: December/January

Salary Expectations (GBP)

RoleEntry LevelMid Level (5+ years)
Software Engineer£35,000 - £55,000£60,000 - £100,000
Data Scientist£35,000 - £50,000£55,000 - £85,000
Investment Banker£50,000 - £70,000£100,000 - £200,000+
Consultant£40,000 - £55,000£70,000 - £120,000
Marketing Manager£28,000 - £40,000£50,000 - £80,000
Accountant£28,000 - £38,000£50,000 - £80,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in the UK after graduation?

With the Graduate Route visa, you can stay for 2 years after completing your degree (3 years for PhD graduates) to work, look for work, or start a business without needing employer sponsorship.

What is the UK Honours degree classification?

UK universities use a classification system: First Class (70%+), Upper Second (2:1, 60-69%), Lower Second (2:2, 50-59%), Third Class (40-49%). Most employers and graduate programs look for at least a 2:1.

Can I work during my studies in the UK?

Yes, international students on a Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. Some restrictions apply to certain types of work.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

The IHS is a mandatory fee of £776 per year that international students must pay for access to the National Health Service (NHS). This gives you access to healthcare similar to UK residents.

How do I apply to UK universities?

For undergraduate courses, apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). For postgraduate courses, apply directly to universities. Deadlines are typically October for Oxford/Cambridge and January for most other universities.

Useful Tools for Your UK Journey