Indian Students in the UK

Explore the enriching experiences of Indian students in the UK

The life of Indian students in UK is both easy and competing because the lifestyle of people living in the UK is different from Indians such as their language, food, cost of living, and behavior that seems strange for you. It will take time for you to adjust to new the UK with all the difference but at the same time, it is exciting to live in a new country with diverse cultures and social life. Indian students who are planning to move to the UK for studying might find it expensive as when compared to India as it can cost you between INR 19 lakhs to INR 40 lakhs depending on the degree you choose. It is also true that acquiring a master's degree in England will be a chance for your personal growth, to get expertise in a field of your interest.

Recent research states that the fastest growing nationalities of international students in the UK are of Indians and there has been a constant rise in the figure of Indian students shifting to the UK for higher studies. Here are some recently identified statistics for you to know about the increase in the number of Indian students in the UK between the period of 2018-19, the Migration Statistics report presented by UK’s Office show that 21,165 students from India were granted Tier 4 student visa which was earlier given to 15,161 students in 2018. This shows a 40% rise in the range of Indian students studying in the UK.

This will make you feel relaxed as through this you can see that the total of Indian students in the UK has doubled in 3 years, which means the UK is attracting more of the Indian students by offering high-quality education, low cost of living, top-ranked universities, best courses in all fields, job opportunities, two-years work visa and so on.

The United Kingdom has long been a preferred destination for international students seeking high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences. Among the international student population, Indian students have shown remarkable interest in pursuing their studies in the UK. In this article, we delve into the lives of Indian students in the UK, understanding their aspirations, challenges, and contributions. From academics to cultural immersion, this article provides a comprehensive overview of what it's like to be an Indian student in the UK.

Indian Students in the UK: Navigating New Horizons

Studying abroad is a transformative experience, and Indian students have embraced the opportunity with open arms. The UK's world-renowned universities and colleges offer a wide array of academic programs, catering to various fields of study. The chance to receive education from prestigious institutions while exploring a new country has made the journey of Indian students in the UK truly exciting and rewarding.

Brexit Immigration UK: As you all know that the government of the UK has recently announced a new Immigration policy in Immigration White Paper for international students which will allow you to remain in the UK for 2 years and can find work to fulfill your living needs. Hence this will make it easier for Indian students to choose the UK for study destination, whether you plan to do graduation, masters or bachelors, the country has much to offer to international students.

As an Indian student, another reason for you to study and stay in the UK is that 480 scholarships were provided by the UK government in 2018-19 which worth £4.7 million to Indian students and the country also paid over £10 million yearly towards scholarships and bursaries.

Campus Life and Diversity: Campus life plays a pivotal role in the overall experience of Indian students in the UK. These students have the opportunity to engage with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural friendships and learning experiences. Many universities organize cultural events, international student clubs, and festivals that allow Indian students to celebrate their heritage while immersing themselves in the multicultural fabric of the UK.

Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating Cultural Differences: While the UK offers a welcoming environment, Indian students may still encounter cultural differences that require adjustment. From communication styles to social norms, navigating these differences can be a learning curve. However, these challenges also lead to personal growth, increased adaptability, and enhanced cross-cultural communication skills.

Opportunities for Research and Innovation: Indian students are contributing significantly to the UK's research and innovation landscape. Many students pursue advanced research in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as social sciences and humanities. Their contributions not only enrich academic institutions but also foster collaborations between the two countries.

Part-Time Work and Skill Development: Balancing academics with part-time work is a common practice among Indian students in the UK. This not only helps them cover living expenses but also provides a platform to develop essential skills such as time management, customer service, and teamwork. The UK's flexible work policies allow students to gain valuable work experience while studying.

Exploring the Cultural Tapestry of the UK: Beyond academics, Indian students have the chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the UK. From historical landmarks to contemporary art galleries, the UK offers a myriad of experiences. Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi are often celebrated with great enthusiasm, showcasing the vibrant diversity of cultures within the Indian student community.

Health and Well-being: A Holistic Approach: The well-being of Indian students is a top priority for UK universities. Various support services, including counseling, health centers, and wellness programs, are readily available to ensure students' physical and mental health. Universities also promote a healthy work-life balance to enhance overall student well-being.

Building Networks and Alumni Associations: Creating lasting networks is a crucial aspect of an Indian student's journey in the UK. Many universities have robust alumni associations that facilitate connections even after graduation. These networks can play a vital role in career growth, job placements, and collaborations in the future.

Universities for Indian students in the UK

Indian students can now freely choose among the wide options of top-ranked universities in the UK which are located in different states that offer students a high-quality education, quality of life, subject ranking, job opportunities, etc. Some highly ranked universities in the UK are; City University in London, Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University in Edinburgh and so on. Apart from this, you can also get scholarships and financial assistance from such universities to cover your living and study costs but before that, you need to acquire acceptance from the university for the course applied.

Different ways to migrate to the UK for Indian students

Nowadays many diverse visa-related options are available for Indian students who seek to immigrate to the UK from India and this totally depends on your choice of course and for how long you plan to remain in the country. Below are some visas for Indian students:

Tier 4 Student Visas: These UK visa will allow students having the age of 16 or more and wish to study at higher education level, and all you need to do is wait for an offer from your university in the UK you have already applied for and then you are required to apply for this visa.

Short Term Study Visas: As it is already clear by its name that these visas are only for those Indian students who plan to study in the UK and apply for a course that lasts up to 6 months or English language courses up to 11 months

Two-year Post Study Work Visa:This visa is recently announced by the UK government for Indian students which will eligible for students in the 2020-21 academic year. This visa will allow you to stay in the country for two years for a job search soon after completing your course in master, bachelors or graduation in UK universities. 

Prospects offered by the UK Education System

• Broad options in picking your field of learning and university.
• Courses in the UK are for a shorter duration that helps you to lessen tuition and accommodation fees.
• UCAS provides services to Indian students to help them find the best universities in the UK.
• Scholarship study abroad programs and funding opportunities. 

Strong Research Infrastructure: If you are a research student and planning to gain knowledge in UK universities, then let me tell you that it will be interesting for you because the country puts across 6.4% of global journal articles, 15.9% of the world’s most highly-cited articles and 11.6% of citations. Therefore, the UK is known for having reputed world-class research and its degrees and experiences are preferred by employers globally.

FAQs

Q: How can Indian students manage the cost of education in the UK?
A: Indian students can explore scholarships, grants, and part-time work options to manage their educational expenses.

Q: What is the duration of post-study work allowed for Indian students in the UK?
A: Indian students can stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after completing their studies through the post-study work visa (Graduate Route).

Q: Are Indian students eligible for healthcare benefits while studying in the UK?
A: Yes, most Indian students are eligible for National Health Service (NHS) healthcare benefits while studying in the UK.

Q: How can Indian students overcome cultural differences and homesickness?
A: Engaging in student communities, participating in cultural events, and maintaining regular contact with family and friends can help Indian students overcome cultural differences and homesickness.

Q: Can Indian students work part-time during their studies in the UK?
A: Yes, Indian students are allowed to work part-time during their studies in the UK, usually for up to 20 hours per week during term time.

Q: How can Indian students make the most of their educational experience in the UK?
A: Indian students can make the most of their experience by actively participating in academic and extracurricular activities, networking, and exploring the local culture.