Top Universities in the UK for Indian Students 2025

Top universities UK are attracting thousands of Indian students every year. With world-class teaching, strong global rankings, and excellent career opportunities, Indian students prefer studying in the UK after 12th grade. UK universities offer a diverse learning environment, strong alumni networks, and specialised courses that can help them thrive in global industries.

Studying in the UK also means living in historic cities, experiencing innovation first-hand, and gaining international exposure valued by employers worldwide. If you’re planning to study abroad after 12th, the right UK university choice can shape your future. To guide you, we’ve shortlisted leading UK universities that combine academic excellence with strong support for Indian students.

Top 10 UK Universities For Indian Students In 2025

Here are some of the best UK universities for Indian students, but the right choice depends on your course, budget, and career goals. Visit our UK Universities page to compare options. 

University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is one of the top UK universities for Indian students, known for its research strength and high-quality teaching. Popular programs include 

• Business

• Engineering

• Computer Science

• Environmental Studies. 

With campuses in Exeter and Cornwall, it offers a mix of vibrant city life and scenic coastal views.

Indian students benefit from a welcoming international community, scholarships, and career support. Exeter’s acceptance rate for international students hovers around 75–80%, making it accessible while still maintaining academic rigor. The study mode is full-time on-campus, with strong opportunities for internships and placements. For Indian students, Exeter provides the perfect academic growth and personal development balance in a supportive environment.

Coventry University

Coventry University is widely recognised for its practical, career-focused courses in fields like 

• Automotive Engineering

• Business Administration

• Media

• Health

Its central England location makes it affordable compared to larger UK cities, which is a huge plus for Indian students.

The university’s acceptance rate for international students is about 70–75%, which ensures a fair chance for applicants. Most courses are offered on campus, with opportunities for work placements and industrial experience. Coventry is known for excellent student support services, from visa guidance to cultural adaptation programs. It is also one of the UK universities with high employability. For those planning to study abroad after 12th, Coventry’s modern teaching methods and industry-focused curriculum make it an ideal choice.

University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth, located on the southern coast of England, is known for its affordable living costs and strong student community. Popular courses include 

• Law

• Business

• Architecture

• Creative Technologies

The university welcomes Indian students with tailored support services such as academic workshops, mentoring, and career advice. The acceptance rate is around 78%, giving Indian students a good chance to secure admission. Courses are delivered on campus, with options for professional placements. For Indian students, Portsmouth combines affordable living, academic excellence, and great industry links, making it one of the top UK universities for Indian students.

Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

NTU is one of the largest universities in the UK, known for its vibrant student culture and award-winning teaching. It offers courses in 

• Design

• Law

• Business

• Social Sciences

• STEM subjects

The acceptance rate is around 70%, making it moderately competitive yet welcoming to Indian students. Located in Nottingham, a student-friendly city with affordable living, NTU provides plenty of opportunities for networking and part-time jobs. The study mode is mainly on-campus, with flexible learning options. Indian students will benefit from NTU’s global reputation, strong industry links, and excellent employability record. If you are looking to study abroad after 12th, NTU offers the perfect blend of education and student life.

University of Birmingham 

The University of Birmingham, a Russell Group university, is highly regarded worldwide. Its UK campus is based in Birmingham, but it also has a branch campus in Dubai, which is a great option for Indian students seeking proximity to home.

Courses in 

• Business

• Engineering

• International Relations

• Medical Sciences are highly sought after. 

Acceptance rates for international students are around 13–15% at the main campus, making it competitive but prestigious. The study mode is full-time, with modern on-campus facilities. For Indian students, the chance to study at Birmingham opens doors to global research, career opportunities, and a strong alumni network.

University of Manchester 

The University of Manchester deserves mention as a top choice for Indian students due to its QS World Ranking and reputation for research excellence. Courses like 

• Engineering

• Data Science

• Management attracts many Indian applicants

The acceptance rate is around 56%, making it competitive. Located in Manchester, one of the most affordable big cities in the UK, Indian students enjoy a rich cultural scene, networking, and part-time work opportunities. Study modes are full-time, with advanced labs and research facilities. Indian students benefit from Manchester’s global connections and excellent employability outcomes.

University of Edinburgh 

The University of Edinburgh is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It offers programs in 

• Medicine

• Law

• Business Management

• Computer Science

The acceptance rate is around 40%, making it one of the more competitive institutions. Located in Scotland’s capital, students benefit from a rich cultural and academic environment. Study mode is primarily on-campus, with research opportunities in top labs. For Indian students, Edinburgh offers world-class education, an international student network, and a pathway to global career opportunities.

If you’re unsure which university suits your career goals, connect with our advisors directly on WhatsApp via Gradstar for personalised guidance.

Loughborough University

Loughborough University is well-known for its excellence in 

• Engineering

• Business

• Sports Science

• Design

It consistently ranks high in student satisfaction surveys and is part of the UK’s top-performing institutions. The university is located in Leicestershire, a student-friendly town with affordable living costs compared to London.

For Indian students, the university offers scholarships, employability-focused programs, and strong links with industries such as technology, manufacturing, and finance. The acceptance rate is around 65–70%, making it competitive but attainable for qualified applicants. Study mode is full-time on-campus, with opportunities for internships and industrial placements. Loughborough’s focus on research, employability, and student experience makes it one of the top UK universities for Indian students.

Northumbria University

Located in Newcastle, Northumbria University is a modern, career-driven institution offering popular courses in 

• Business

• Law

• Computer Science

• Engineering

• Architecture

This university is one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students and is situated in a lively student city, which appeals strongly to Indian students.

The acceptance rate is around 63–68%, offering a good balance between accessibility and academic standards. Indian students benefit from excellent student support services, including visa guidance, English language support, and career counselling. Study mode is primarily on-campus, with flexible options in certain postgraduate programs. For those planning to study abroad after 12th, Northumbria provides high-quality teaching with a focus on employability and international exposure.

Robert Gordon University (RGU)

Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, is recognised for its strong focus on professional education and employability. Popular programs include 

• Pharmacy

• Nursing

• Energy Engineering

• Business

Aberdeen is known as the “energy capital of Europe,” making RGU particularly attractive for students pursuing careers in oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.

For Indian students, RGU offers tailored support, including scholarships, orientation programs, and career services. The acceptance rate is around 68–70%, giving a fair chance to international applicants. Study mode is on-campus, with opportunities for work placements built into many programs. For Indian students seeking a balance of affordability, career readiness, and a multicultural environment, RGU is an excellent option among the top UK universities for Indian students.

Want to explore more universities beyond this list? Check out our detailed UK Universities page for a complete guide tailored for Indian students.

UK Universities’ Application Process for Indians

Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for Indian students applying to UK universities in 2025:

1. Select your course and universities

• Identify courses you are interested in, check subject rankings, course curriculum, teaching style, and assessment method. If you need to narrow down your course searches, you can use the GradSearch tool to find the best match in UK universities.

• Check if the university is a Russell Group member if you want prestige and strong research/industry links.

2. Meet academic & language requirements

• For undergraduate: Class XII or equivalent, with required grades in relevant subjects. For some courses, specific subjects are required (e.g., Maths for Engineering).

• For postgraduate: Bachelor’s degree with required grade; sometimes work experience may matter (esp. for MBAs).

• English proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or similar. Some universities accept alternative tests.

3. Prepare application documents

• Transcripts, certificates

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement. Write why you want to study the course, why the UK, future goals.

• Letters of recommendation

• CV (especially for postgrad)

• Portfolio (for creative courses)

4. Apply via UCAS / direct

• For undergraduate studies, most applications go through UCAS by certain deadlines (usually mid-January for most courses). Late applications may be considered, but limit options.

• For postgraduate programmes, applications are usually made directly to the university via its website.

5. Visa process

• Once accepted, you need the Student Route visa. This involves proving admission, having enough funds for tuition & living costs, English proficiency, TB test (if required), etc.

• Be aware of deadlines and prepare documents well in advance.

6. Financial planning, scholarships, and funding

• Search for university-specific scholarships, government scholarships (e.g., GREAT Scholarships), etc. Apply months ahead.

• Estimate living costs: London is much more expensive; smaller towns are cheaper.

• Plan for part-time work (up to 20 hours/week during term), budgeting, etc.

7. Accommodation & arrival logistics

• Apply early for halls of residence or private flats.

• Plan travel, health insurance (if needed), banking, SIMs, etc.

If you want to learn about the UK university application process, you can download our country-specific guide here for full details. 

Scholarships at Top UK Universities for Indian Students

For Indian students, scholarships are one of the biggest ways to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Luckily, the top universities in the UK offer multiple scholarships. Some are well-known, others are less talked about but just as valuable. Below is a mix of prestigious awards and hidden opportunities worth exploring in 2025.

Hidden Scholarships You Shouldn’t Miss

While many Indian students chase Chevening or Commonwealth, here are lesser-known scholarships that can also make a huge difference:

• Hornby Trust Scholarship: For English teachers from developing countries pursuing a master’s in TESOL/Applied Linguistics at the University of Warwick. Fully funded.

• Felix Scholarships: For Indian nationals from underprivileged backgrounds. Available at the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and SOAS University of London. Covers tuition + living costs.

• Saltire Scholarships (Scotland): Though often overlooked, these are great for Indian students applying to Scottish universities like Dundee, Aberdeen, or Strathclyde. Worth £8,000 towards tuition fees.

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: Indian-specific, supporting master’s programs at universities like Cambridge, Imperial College, and Royal Holloway. Covers tuition + living allowance.

• Charles Wallace India Trust Awards: Focused on Indian professionals in arts, heritage, and humanities. Short-term funding for study/research at UK universities.

Tips to Secure a Scholarship

1. Start Early: Apply at least 6–9 months before your course begins. Most scholarships have earlier deadlines than university admissions.

2. Tailor Your SOP/LORs: Scholarships like Chevening and GREAT look beyond grades. Show leadership, community service, or unique projects.

3. Track Deadlines Carefully: University-specific awards often close in March–April, months before course deadlines.

4. Reach Out: Contact the university’s international office. Many smaller awards aren’t heavily advertised online.

5. Apply Broadly: Don’t depend on just one big award. Many students fund their studies through a mix of partial scholarships and fee discounts.

Want to know which scholarships match your profile? Connect with us instantly on Gradstar WhatsApp to get personalized scholarship advice.

FAQs

How much tuition does a UK university cost for Indian students?

It varies a lot depending on university, degree level, subject, and location. For many Russell Group and London universities, expect £20,000-£45,000/year for international fees. Less in smaller towns, or in universities outside London. Living costs can add another £10,000-£15,000/year (depending on city).

What is the Graduate Route visa?

This is the UK immigration route that allows international students (with a Student Route visa) to stay in the UK after completing their degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) to look for work, or work. Typically, up to 2 years' stay. This enhances employability and international exposure.

Can Indian students work while studying?

Yes. Under Student Route visa: up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays. This helps with extra expenses and gaining experience.

What are the entry requirements for Indian students?

• For UG: 10+2 or equivalent (CBSE, ISC, or state boards), with required subject grades. Some courses require specific subjects.

• For PG: Bachelor’s degree, often with first class or high 2nd class; sometimes work experience is expected.

• English test (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) unless exemption.

• Some courses may require other tests (GRE, GMAT, especially for business/management).

When should Indian students apply?

• For UG via UCAS: Usually, the deadline is mid-January for most courses; some courses (art, medicine, etc.) may have earlier deadlines.

• For PG: Applications vary; many deadlines fall between November to April for courses starting in September. Scholarship deadlines may be earlier.

Rounding Up

Top universities UK for Indian students go beyond academics. They help you build international careers and connections that stay with you forever. Each of the universities highlighted here provides unique benefits, from industry-linked programs to supportive student services. If you’re planning to study abroad after 12th, choosing one of these universities will ensure you receive quality education, valuable cultural exposure, and excellent job prospects. Take your time to explore each option carefully, match it with your career goals, and take the first step toward an exciting academic journey in the UK.