Thinking of Studying in UK? Check Word of Advice from High Commissioner for Indian Students!

UK: Popular Country To Study Abroad For Indian Students!

Do you know that in the year ending June 2025, around 98,014 Indian students received UK study visas? This has made India one of the largest source countries of international students in UK. Moreover, in Q1 2025 alone, Indian students submitted over 18,000 study visa applications. This is up around 29 % year-on-year as per the ApplyBoard.

However, wth the recent immigration policies and other changes in UK for international students, the academic journey in UK from India is not as smooth as it seems, even with the surge in Indian students planning studies in UK. On this, the High Commissioner stressed over and adviced to be prepared for more than just packing your bags.

Advice from the High Commissioner for Indian Students Planning to Study in UK

Here’s what Vikram Doraiswami wants Indian students to know:

• Get familiar with local laws and your rights in the UK environment.

• Build a support network with fellow students, university authorities in UK and the Indian High Commission.

• Step into UK life with both confidence and humility as your mindset matters.

Latest Update: UK Graduate Visa Shorter From January 1, 2027

UK Studies Checklist for Indian Students: Do This Before You Book Your Air Ticket

As an Indian student planning to study in UK in 2026, here is what you absolutely must do before booking your air tickets. The High Commissioner emphasises this:

• Register with your university and with the Indian High Commission in London when you arrive.

• Understand your visa conditions, working hours (part-time), and rights. As per the reports by the UK gov, it shows that Indian students are a significant portion of master's research courses, accounting for 81%.

• Research tuition fees, cost of living, and health cover (in the UK, there’s the NHS surcharge) beforehand. This is because many students underestimate the cost.

• Build a local support group, such as an Indian student society, which is common in UK. Keep the contact details of the High Commission/Consulate handy.

• Respect the host country's culture and try to adapt. However, adapting doesn’t mean losing yourself; it means thriving.

Also Read: Indian Students Shift Away from the U.S.: Why the Move to UK

Challenges Faced by Indian Students While UK is Still Popular As A Study Abroad Destination

In 2025, over 1.8 million Indian students are studying abroad, and the UK remains a top choice for them. According to the recent British data, in the year ending March 2025, Indian nationals made up 23% of all sponsored study visas, and 81% of Indian students arriving that year were enrolled in master's programmes. Despite the current restrictive immigration policies in UK, demand from Indian students continues to rise to study there, showing the UK is worth it.

Challenges for Indian Students to Study in UK Amid Immigration Changes

• For the year ending June 2025, while Indian students remained a large group of international students in UK, the number of study visas for Indian nationals fell 11% compared to the previous year.

• The UK’s 2025 Immigration White Paper has proposals for stricter compliance for universities and lower thresholds for student visa dependents. This is another challenge for Indian students looking to study in UK with a dependent.

• Work-related visas for Indian students in UK have seen a sharp decline this year. So if you are thinking of working after graduating from a degree in UK universities and colleges, you need a solid career plan.

Conclusion

Indian students thinking of studying in UK must consider what High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami has advised! He emphasised the recent immigration changes and how you must be updated about them before making decisions about studying there. If you are still interested in studying in UK for 2026, you must register with both your university and HC, London, upon reaching there, be updated on your visa terms, part-time hours allowed and other rights, finances, and many more.

The studies in UK are definitely worth it, given the top-class education, career opportunities, and global exposure it provides. But, you must plan you studies in UK with a plan where the High Commissioner’s message is not just motivational but it’s strategic. So, if you’re arriving in the upcoming UK semester, remember: being aware, being respectful, and being prepared will set you apart.

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