Best Courses in the UK for Indian Students (2025): Medicine, Business, STEM & More

In 2025, 81% of Indian students arrived in the UK for a master’s level course. Their strong presence highlights the enduring appeal of the UK universities, recognized for advanced programs, research opportunities, and global significance. (Source: Times of India).

Dreaming of studying in the UK? For Indian pupils, 2025 is the perfect time to explore world-class academics in one of the most popular study destinations.

The UK offers globally recognized degrees, diverse career opportunities, and a vibrant multicultural experience. Whether you’re passionate about Medicine, aiming to master Business, or curious about cutting-edge fields in STEM, British universities have something for every ambition.

Let’s dive into the best courses in the UK for Indian students in 2025—and why they matter.

Why Course Selection Matters for Indian Students

Currently, the UK offers over 3,250 postgraduate courses taught in various universities. (Source: Neil Mosley).

Picking the best courses to study in UK is not just about studying what you like. In fact, it’s also about your future career, financial investment, and global recognition. But which course is “the one” for you?

Here’s why course selection matters:

Global Recognition of UK Degrees

The QS World University Rankings 2024 show that UK universities occupy 17 positions in the global top 100.

UK degrees are accepted globally due to their long-standing reputation for academic excellence and high standards. Also, these UK-based institutes have strong connections with various industries and provide pupils with real-life experience.

Beyond academics, the hiring manager values a solution-focused mindset and leadership skills developed by the UK institutes.

Degree Duration: India vs the UK

In general, the UK degrees are shorter than those in India, especially for undergraduate and master’s programs. In addition, India is also transitioning some bachelor’s programs into a four-year format, narrowing the gap for some degrees.

Undergraduate
	India	The UK
Standard Duration	3 years: Some Indian institutes are transitioning into a four-year undergraduate program as part of their new national educational policy.	3 years: In Scotland, a four-year honors degree is standard. However, some institutes offer a two-year fast-track program.
Specialized Degrees	4-5 years: Engineering (B.Tech) and pharmacy degrees are four years. While degrees in medicine (MBBS) can take five years or more. Law (BA LLB) is a five-year integrated program.	4+ years: Integrated master’s degrees (such as MEng) often take four years. Medical degrees take five or six years. And sandwich programs that include a year of practical work also extend the duration.

Postgraduate
	India	The UK
Standard Master’s	1-2 years: This degree’s duration depends on the subject. For example, some MA or MSc programs are two years. But specialized courses are one year.	1 year: The UK’s master’s programs are known for short, intensive, one-year programs. Some programs might take 2 years.
Doctorates (PhD)	3+ years: The duration depends on the subject, funding, and institution.	3-4 years: A full-time PhD takes three to four years for completion.

Career Scope & Job Opportunities

Many pupils ask, “Can I study and work in UK?” The UK has a strong economy with high demand in healthcare, IT, finance, and creative industries. After completing your studies, you can apply for a Graduate Route Visa that allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD students). Hence, this is one of the best advantages of studying in UK.

How to Choose the Right Course after 12th

Indian students should consider:

• Interest and passion – pick a subject you truly enjoy.
• Job prospects – check career opportunities in India and abroad.
• Budget and scholarships – tuition fees in the UK range between £10,000 and £38,000 per year, depending on the course.
• University ranking and location – some cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh offer more part-time jobs.

Top Medical & Healthcare Courses in the UK

MBBS in the UK

MBBS is the most used acronym for Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery. In addition, this program focuses on providing students with professional knowledge and skills to excel in a career in medicine.

• Duration: The standard duration to study MBBS in UK is 5-6 years. In addition, some programs may be accelerated to 4 years for graduates with a previous relevant bachelor’s degree.
• Fees: Annual Tuition Fee: Expect to pay between £22,000 and £52,000 per year for international pupils. Also, some institutes could be much more expensive than this.
• Top universities: Some of the top-ranked universities to enroll in the MBBS in the UK include: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, and King’s College London.

MSc Nursing in the UK

An MSc in Nursing expands career prospects and allows graduates to specialize in various areas. For example, a psychiatric, obstetric, or nurse manager, etc.

There is a high demand for nurses, including Indian nurses, in the UK’s healthcare system. But why India? There are 5,162 nursing institutes in India, 87% of which are privately run and 13% are government-run. (Source: NIH).

Besides, for pupils who want to study MSc nursing in the UK, they must meet the academic criteria. For example, a 2:1 Honours degree, and an IELTS test score between 6.5 and 7.0. Also, meet DBS check and health and fitness requirements.

Pupils have to choose core and optional modules and write a dissertation for the MSc in Nursing. Additionally, they can also get aid from expert nursing assignment writers for a better understanding of the topic.

Oncology & Medical Research–How to Study Oncology in UK

Oncology is dedicated to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Also, medical research has been a great asset to the healthcare industry. According to NIH, people are actively enrolling in over 20,000 clinical trials in the USA. Oncology research investigates everything related to cancer and comes up with modern and effective solutions.

If Indian pupils want to pursue a career in the NHS, they should register for the Oncology postgraduate degree in the pathway towards it.

The following are the preparations required to study oncology in UK:

• GMC registration: Your qualifications must be recognized by the GMC for registration.
• English language proficiency: You will need to clear an English language exam to complete your GMC registration.
• Professional body membership: Aim for a Royal College qualification, such as MRCP or FRCR.

Career Scope in the UK & India

After completing a medical degree, here are the career scopes in India andthe  UK:

• UK: High-paying jobs in hospitals, research institutes, and healthcare organizations.
• India: Medical graduates from the UK can return to India and work in top hospitals after clearing the necessary licensing exams.

Business & Management Courses in the UK

BBA in the UK

For Indian pupils, it’s best to study BBA in UK as an early career path. In addition, it offers global exposure, strong business sense, and access to a diverse job market.

Also, UK institutes foster connections with global companies, enabling pupils to secure internships and job opportunities. The best part is the mentorship and networking a pupil gets through this program.

MBA in the UK

Pupils often aim to pursue their MBA degree in the USA. But do you know that they offer longer and expensive programs?

If you want to complete your MBA program in a shorter time, then the UK is the right place. Compared to the US programs, the UK offers one-year full-time options. In addition, the shorter duration results in lower overall costs.

The UK costs £30,000 to £60,000 for 1-year programs, unlike the USA, which costs $60,000 to over $100,000 annually for 2-year programs.

Top UK Institutes to Study ACCA in the UK

ACCA is a globally recognized professional accounting qualification based in the UK. It offers a career pathway to finance and accounting.

If you are wondering where to study ACCA in UK, below is the list of some top-ranked institutes:

• University of Manchester
• University of Warwick
• London School of Business and Finance
• University of Glasgow
• University of Leeds

Career Scope in India after Completing UK Degree

UK-certified business and management courses offer solid career prospects in India across sectors like finance, accounting, HR, and consulting.

Here’s a detailed overview:

1. Finance: Opportunities exist in banking, accounting, and financial management.
2. Marketing and Sales: Roles include advertising, public relations, and marketing management.
3. Consulting: individuals are well-suited for management consulting and advising on strategic challenges.
4. Operations in Supply Chain: Positions in operations management, looking after daily operations, and improving processes.

STEM & Science Courses in the UK

Biology & Microbiology

In the UK, Biology and Microbiology are offered under both undergraduate and master’s programs.

• General Biological Sciences BSc: The common undergraduate route is a General Biological Sciences BSc (Hons). In addition, it offers a broad understanding of the field. University of East Anglia (UEA), Edinburgh Napier University, and Middlesex University are well-known institutions to study biology in UK.
• Master’s (MSc or MRes) Program: MSc is typically a one-year program that offers advanced knowledge in biology and microbiology. The University of Manchester, Kingston University, and  Imperial College London are some known names to study microbiology in UK.

Architecture

The Architecture field is focused on the arts and science of designing and engineering buildings. Pupils who aim to study architecture in UK must know that it is a multi-stage process. In addition, it involves a 3-year undergraduate program (part 1), a year of work experience (part 2), and a 2-year postgraduate degree.

The following are the top-ranked universities for an architectural degree in the UK:

• University of Cambridge
• University College London (UCL)
• Masters School of Architecture
• University of Sheffield
• University of Edinburgh

It encompasses roles like architectural design, urban planning, interior design, and construction management. Besides that, one can also work as a production designer, construction manager, structural engineer, architectural technologist, and others.

Engineering & IT Course

Engineering and IT courses have a great importance and scope globally. In addition, it leads to a well-reputed and secure professional career with a good earning potential.

Moreover, there is a strong demand for Indian pupils in this industry, particularly in data science, software engineering, and AI, due to growing industries and high ROI.

Here’s why Indian pupils are in high demand for engineering and IT courses:

• The UK’s tech industry is growing rapidly. Hence, it leads to numerous job roles and skilled men.
• This nation focuses on research and innovations in fields like robotics and automation. Therefore, the UK can be the perfect place for engineering and IT graduates.
• Lastly, these fields offer high salaries and a strong career. Hence, it offers a good ROI for Indian pupils.

Creative & Design Courses in the UK

Graphic Design

The demand for graphic design is growing globally, fueled by the shift to digital content and e-commerce. If you are interested to study graphic design in UK, you can opt for short courses, a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree.

• Short courses and workshops: These help in understanding software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Additionally, it focuses on digital image creation and typography.
• Undergraduate Degree (BA Hons): These degrees, such as those offered by Nottingham Trent University or the University of East London, focus on visual communication and practical design skills.
• Postgraduate Degree (MA/MDes): People with prior knowledge of this field can enroll in the master’s degree to get advanced graphic design skills.

Fashion & Media-related Programs

Fashion and Media programs in the UK cover areas like fashion, communication, journalism, PR, etc. Moreover, these courses combine creative skills with media strategy, content creation, digital marketing styling, and social media.

The following are some of the best universities offering these courses in the UK:

• University of the Arts London (UAL)
• Coventry University
• Nottingham Trent University
• UWE Bristol
• Vogue College of Fashion

Why Creative Industries Attract Indian Students

India has a massive and rich history in art and design. In addition, it’s also a vital part of their curriculum, which later offers job opportunities and strong economic potential.

Moreover, creative industries are rooted in intellectual activity, creative imagination, and critical thinking. In addition, this allows them to contribute new ideas and knowledge.

According to Business Gov UK, the UK creative industry sector contributed £124.6 billion to the economy in 2022.

Therefore, the UK is the perfect place for Indians seeking jobs in the creative industry.

Best Courses to Study in the UK After 12th

Hey Indian pupils! Have you just completed your 12th and want to pursue higher education in the UK?

Well, to study in UK after 12th, you have plenty of options.

So, know your interests and pick the best one today!

Foundation Courses

Foundational programs are the bridge programs that help in learning academic and practical skills. In addition, these are best-suited for international pupils, students with low grades, or people looking for a career change.

Some of the best foundational courses to study in UK after 12th are:

1. Business, Finance, and Management
2. Computer Science and Computing
3. Law and Social Science
4. Science and Medicine
5. Art and Design

Direct Entry UG Programs

Direct entry UG programs offer an alternate path to university. Additionally, it helps pupils to begin their studies at an advanced level rather than starting in the first year.

Indian pupils can directly enter an undergraduate program in the UK by applying with their 12th result through the UCAS application system.

Popular Options for Indian Students

The following are the most popular and best courses to study in UK for Indian pupils:

• BBA (Business)
• Law (UK law degrees are respected globally)
• Computer Science (huge demand in AI, coding, and IT)
• Design & Media (creative career growth)

FAQs – Courses in the UK for Indian Students

Which course is best for Indian students in the UK?
The best courses for Indian students in the UK depend on their interests and career goals. However, popular and high-demand fields include IT, engineering, business management, finance, and others.

Can Indian students study MBBS in the UK after 12th?

Yes, Indian students can study MBBA in the UK after 12th grade. However, they must meet specific academic requirements and clear the necessary entrance test, such as the UCAT or GAMSAT.

Is law worth studying in the UK for Indian students?

Indeed, studying law in the UK can be worthwhile for Indian pupils. The UK has some of the top-ranked institutes, due to which pupils prefer to study law in UK. Additionally, it offers global career opportunities and practical experience in the field.

Which courses in the UK have the best job scope?

Healthcare, IT, Business, and Creative courses have strong job demand in both the UK and India.

Conclusion

The UK remains one of the best study destinations for Indian students in 2025, offering excellent opportunities across medicine, business, STEM, and creative fields. Whether you’re aiming for MBBS, MBA, Computer Science, or Fashion Design, the UK provides globally recognized degrees, shorter study durations, and strong career prospects.

Want details on tuition fees and scholarships? Read our Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students guide