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International students wishing to study in the UK after their 12th grade have a wide range of academic options to choose from, including commerce and the arts. The UK is a well-liked study abroad destination for Indian students because of its stellar reputation for research and education. Being the location of several of the best institutions in the world, including Durham, Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College of London, and the London School of Economics, enables students to obtain degrees that are recognized globally and can have a significant impact on their future. India ranked second among non-EU countries for the number of students enrolled in the UK in 2025, with 84,555.
This blog provides comprehensive information about undergraduate programs available in nearly every subject of study for those who wish to continue their education in the UK after completing their high school education.
Following high school, Business & Management, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Health & Science, Law, and Education & Training are the top courses to pursue in UK universities. About 50,000 courses are offered by UK universities in a variety of subject areas. You can select a course depending on your interests and the stream you studied in your twelfth grade year. Based on the streams, we have listed below the undergraduate programs that are accessible to study in the UK following the 12th grade.
Studying in the UK after completing 12th grade offers a range of popular courses across various disciplines. Here are some of the most sought-after courses for international students:
Courses: Business Administration, International Business, Marketing, Finance, Accounting
Popular Universities: London School of Economics (LSE), University of Warwick, University of Bath
Courses: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
Popular Universities: Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester
Courses: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences
Popular Universities: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL)
Courses: Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence
Popular Universities: University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews
Courses: LLB Law, International Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Law
Popular Universities: University of Oxford, University College London (UCL), King's College London
Courses: Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Economics
Popular Universities: London School of Economics (LSE), University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh
Courses: English Literature, History, Philosophy, Classics
Popular Universities: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Durham University
Courses: Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design
Popular Universities: University of the Arts London, Royal College of Art, Glasgow School of Art
Courses: Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Event Management
Popular Universities: University of Surrey, Bournemouth University, University of Strathclyde
Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science
Popular Universities: University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Edinburgh
Subjects: Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Multimedia Art
Popular Universities: University of the Arts London (UAL), Royal College of Art, Glasgow School of Art
Subjects: Visual Communication, Digital Design, Typography, Branding
Popular Universities: University of the Arts London, University of Edinburgh, Goldsmiths, University of London
Subjects: Fashion Illustration, Pattern Cutting, Textile Design, Fashion Marketing
Popular Universities: Central Saint Martins (UAL), London College of Fashion, University of Westminster
Subjects: Space Planning, Furniture Design, Lighting Design, Sustainable Design
Popular Universities: Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, University of Brighton
Subjects: Theatre, Dance, Music, Acting
Popular Universities: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Subjects: Digital Photography, Photojournalism, Commercial Photography, Fine Art Photography
Popular Universities: University of the Arts London, Edinburgh College of Art, University of Westminster
Subjects: Film Production, Screenwriting, Media Theory, Cinematography
Popular Universities: University of Westminster, University of the Arts London, University of Warwick
Subjects: Fiction, Poetry, Scriptwriting, Non-Fiction
Popular Universities: University of East Anglia, University of Warwick, University of Manchester
Subjects: Architectural Design, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Architecture
Popular Universities: University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), University of Edinburgh
Subjects: Art Criticism, Curatorial Studies, Art Conservation, Visual Culture
Popular Universities: University of Oxford, Courtauld Institute of Art, University of York
Studying commerce in the UK offers a range of courses that can lead to diverse and lucrative career paths. Here are some popular commerce-related courses and the universities known for them:
Popular Commerce Courses:
Subjects: Management, Business Strategy, Organizational Behavior, Entrepreneurship
Popular Universities: London School of Economics (LSE), University of Warwick, University of Bath
Subjects: Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing, Corporate Finance
Popular Universities: University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester
Subjects: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, International Economics
Popular Universities: University of Oxford, London School of Economics (LSE), University College London (UCL)
Subjects: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Strategy, Brand Management
Popular Universities: University of Bath, University of Leeds, University of Strathclyde
Subjects: Global Business Environment, International Trade, Cross-Cultural Management, Global Marketing
Popular Universities: University of Warwick, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh
Subjects: Strategic Management, Operations Management, Human Resource Management, Business Ethics
Popular Universities: University of St Andrews, University of Exeter, King's College London
Subjects: Investment Analysis, Risk Management, Corporate Finance, Financial Markets
Popular Universities: Imperial College London, University of Warwick, University of Bristol
Subjects: Banking Operations, Financial Services, Financial Risk, Banking Regulations
Popular Universities: University of Birmingham, University of Glasgow, University of Reading
Subjects: Hotel Management, Event Management, Tourism Management, Food and Beverage Management
Popular Universities: University of Surrey, Bournemouth University, University of Strathclyde
Subjects: Logistics, Procurement, Supply Chain Analytics, Operations Strategy
Popular Universities: Cranfield University, University of Warwick, University of Manchester
The UK is a popular destination for students who have completed their 12th grade in science. It offers a variety of science courses that can lead to exciting and rewarding careers. Here are some of the most popular science courses and the universities known for them:
Popular Science Courses:
Subjects: Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology
Popular Universities: University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London
Subjects: Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry
Popular Universities: University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London (UCL)
Subjects: Theoretical Physics, Astrophysics, Quantum Mechanics, Nuclear Physics
Popular Universities: University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London
Subjects: Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science
Popular Universities: University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, London School of Economics (LSE)
Subjects: Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity
Popular Universities: University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh
Subjects: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Popular Universities: Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester
Subjects: Environmental Chemistry, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Policy
Popular Universities: University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, University of Exeter
Subjects: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing
Popular Universities: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL)
Subjects: Geophysics, Geochemistry, Paleontology, Environmental Geoscience
Popular Universities: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh
Subjects: Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Neuropsychology
Popular Universities: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL)
One of the most well-known and sought-after programs for Indian students to study in the UK following their 12th grade is MBBS. Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, or MBBS, is the term used in the United Kingdom. It is also known as MBChB or MB BCh at certain UK universities. In the UK, MBBS courses last between five and six years. Indian students wishing to pursue an MBBS in the UK must receive at least a 50% on the NEET, or any high score on the UKCAT, BMAT, GAMSAT, etc.
After their 12th grade, Indian students can expect to pay between £1,33,000 and £3,12,000 for their MBBS studies in the UK. The top UK medical schools for MBBS students following their 12th grade are listed here:
No matter where you work (in the UK or another country), you will be able to make a respectable wage after finishing the course and earning the prestigious British degree. UK medical graduates usually make between £21,000 and £47,000.
Popular Diploma Courses:
Courses: Business Administration, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Project Management
Popular Institutions: London School of Business and Finance, Oxford College of International Education, BPP University
Courses: Software Development, Network Engineering, Cybersecurity, Web Development
Popular Institutions: University of Greenwich, London Metropolitan University, Bournemouth University
Courses: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering
Popular Institutions: City & Guilds of London Institute, Kingston College, London South Bank University
Courses: Healthcare Management, Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, Social Work
Popular Institutions: University of West London, Coventry University, University of Greenwich
Courses: Hotel Management, Event Management, Tourism Management, Culinary Arts
Popular Institutions: University of Derby, Bournemouth University, University College Birmingham
Courses: Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Photography
Popular Institutions: University of the Arts London, Ravensbourne University London, Leeds Arts University
Courses: Journalism, Media Production, Public Relations, Digital Media
Popular Institutions: University of Westminster, London College of Communication, Birmingham City University
Courses: Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Taxation, Financial Planning
Popular Institutions: London School of Business and Finance, BPP University, Kaplan Financial
Courses: Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, International Law, Corporate Law
Popular Institutions: University of Law, BPP University, London Metropolitan University
Courses: Sports Coaching, Sports Management, Fitness Training, Sports Therapy
Popular Institutions: University of East London, Loughborough College, University of Gloucestershire
The finest law schools in the UK provide 1676 legal programs to assist applicants in developing the knowledge and self-assurance needed for their chosen field. A bachelor's degree is optional but preferable for applicants wishing to study law in the UK after their 12th grade schooling. Completing senior secondary school is the main prerequisite. Indian students who wish to study law in the UK after graduating from high school must either complete a bachelor's degree in India, such as a BA or BBA-LLB, and then study LLB there, or they can enroll in a foundation program in addition to their LLB studies there. Top UK law schools are listed below:
Every year, a lot of Indian students plan to study abroad, with the UK being their top choice. In the UK, students enroll in either public or private institutions to earn an undergraduate degree. Numerous highly regarded institutions in the UK provide degrees in a wide range of specialty areas. We have provided you with a list of the best universities in the UK based on the QS World University Rankings 2024 to aid you in your further study:
S.No. | University Name | QS World Ranking 2024 |
1 | University of Cambridge | 2 |
2 | University of Oxford | 4 |
3 | Imperial College London | 6 |
4 | UCL | 8 |
5 | The University of Edinburgh | 15 |
6 | The University of Manchester | 28 |
7 | King’s College London | 37 |
8 | The London School of Economics and Political Science | 56 |
9 | University of Bristol | 61 |
10 | University of Warwick | 64 |
Following high school, the following important documents are needed to enroll in UK universities:
The University College Admissions System (UCAS) oversees the straightforward application procedure for admission to UK universities. The responsibility of gathering student applications and fees and transferring them to the appropriate institutions or universities falls to UCAS. The following are the stages to complete the application process:
It is crucial for you to be aware of the main student admission intakes in the UK for post-twelfth-grade studies, even if universities determine their own application deadlines and admission procedures for different programs. In the UK, these are the Autumn, Spring, and Winter intakes.
January admissions are accepted for the winter intake, but only for a select few programs and colleges. Fall and spring semesters are when most students are admitted to postgraduate programs in UK institutions or undergraduate courses following their 12th grade. If a student is waiting on a degree or other academic transcripts, they might select winter admission and try for language proficiency exams.
The length of the course and its tuition fees determine the cost of studying in the UK, as do living expenses and housing for overseas students. The average cost of tuition for undergraduate courses varies greatly depending on the course type, but often falls between 6000 and 9000 EUR. The cost of tuition for business and medical courses at UK universities is higher than that of other courses.
With a high level of living, the UK is among the most costly countries in the world. Students have the option of private or on-campus housing, with costs varying according to the kind selected. You may pay between 550 and 650 euros for a one-bedroom flat. Visit the blog Cost of Studying in UK to learn more about living and study expenses in the UK.
Undergraduate studies in the UK require the Tier-4 student visa, for which there is an application fee of £348. Although studying short-term courses in the UK requires a short-term student visa, the cost of the application is £186 for an 11-month visa and £97 for a 6-month visa.
Once you've been accepted into a UK university, you need to apply for a student visa. International students must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for a student visa:
International students can apply for scholarships from the UK depending on their academic achievement. The UK government and institutions provide a wide range of scholarships for Indian students to pursue their higher education because studying there is expensive. The following are a few of the best UK scholarships available to Indian students:
In addition to receiving scholarships, students in the UK may choose to work part-time employment to help with their financial needs. During normal sessions, students can work up to 20 hours per week; during the holidays, they can work full-time. The UK government has bolstered its position as a top study destination worldwide by announcing a new two-year post-study employment visa.
One of the most popular study abroad locations for Indian students is the UK. Thus, if you want to go to the UK to pursue higher education, be careful to explore potential programs and universities to make the best decision. I hope this post helped you make up your mind about what to study in the UK after high school.
Q1: What are popular courses?
Business, engineering, computer science, medicine, and arts are popular courses for Indian students in the UK.
Q2: How to apply for undergraduate courses?
Apply through UCAS, submit academic transcripts, personal statement, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency.
Q3: What are the entry requirements?
Requirements include completed 12th grade, specific subject prerequisites, and English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Q4: How much does it cost?
Tuition fees range from £10,000 to £38,000 annually, depending on the course and university.
Q5: Are scholarships available?
Yes, universities and external organizations offer various scholarships based on merit and financial need.
Q6: What is the duration of courses?
Undergraduate courses typically last three years, with some like engineering and medicine extending to four or more.
Q7: Can I work while studying?
Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Q8: How to apply for a student visa?
Apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa online, provide CAS, financial proof, and a valid passport.
Q9: What are accommodation options?
Options include university halls, private student housing, shared apartments, and homestays.
Q10: How to manage living expenses?
Budget for accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses, approximately £12,000-£15,000 annually.
Q11: Are there post-study work opportunities?
Yes, the Graduate Route allows two years of work post-graduation, and three years for doctoral graduates.
Q12: What support services are available?
Universities offer academic support, career services, counseling, and international student offices for assistance.
Q13: How to improve English skills?
Take English language courses, join conversation clubs, and practice speaking, reading, and writing regularly.
Q14: What cultural adjustments are needed?
Adapt to diverse cultures, different academic systems, and independent living; participate in social activities and student groups.
Q15: How to stay connected with family?
Use video calls, messaging apps, social media, and regular emails or letters to stay in touch with family.
Q16: What are popular universities?
University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), University of Edinburgh.
Q17: How to find part-time jobs?
Check university job boards, local businesses, online job portals, and career services for part-time opportunities.
Q18: What health insurance is needed?
NHS surcharge payment provides healthcare access; additional private insurance is optional for extra coverage.
Q19: How to adapt to the UK education system?
Participate actively in classes, seek help from tutors, use university resources, and engage in group studies.
Q20: What are travel options within the UK?
Use public transport like buses, trains, and the London Underground; consider cycling or walking for short distances.