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Applying for MS in the UK: What You Need to Know
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What All Do You Need To Apply For MS in UK?

What All Do You Need To Apply For MS in UK?

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Planning to pursue an MS in the UK? Learn about the key requirements, application process, eligibility criteria, required documents, and deadlines to apply successfully.

GyanDhan
Arshi Khan
Updated on:  05 Mar 2025  | Reviewed By:  Aman  | 11.9K | 12  min read

As of 2024, around 185,000 Indian students were pursuing higher education in the UK, with a majority of students enrolled in master's programs. This highlights the increasing demand among students to pursue their higher education in the UK. Being home to world-class universities like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London, UK offers a range of opportunities to students enrolled in MS in UK programs. Generally, a Master’s degree is a one-year, full-time course designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge in a subject area they want to specialize in. This helps students save time and costs while gaining a globally recognized qualification. We will guide you on how to apply for MS in UK from India, the UK’s top colleges, MS in UK eligibility criteria, and many more. 

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Eligibility Criteria for MS in UK Universities

You should meet the basic MS in UK eligibility criteria to secure a spot in the top UK universities.

 

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    You must have completed your bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 65% to 80% or equivalent CGPA. However, this varies by the course of study and university of enrollment. 
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    Work experience is generally required for management programs like MBA.
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    Most UK universities accept 15 years of formal education for admission to postgraduate courses, this is the major MS in UK requirements. 
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    You must have test scores of English proficiency like IELTS, TOEFL, and standardized test scores like GRE.
 

Moreover, an Indian Bachelor's Degree like B.com or B.Sc. is equivalent to a British Bachelor's (Ordinary) Degree. However, some universities require a qualification of a British Bachelor (Honours) Degree, which requires 16 years of formal education.

 

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English Language Requirements For MS in UK Universities

Most universities require having an internationally recognized English language qualification such as TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum score requirements vary as per the university and course but generally range from 6.5 to 7.5 for IELTS and 90 - 95 for TOEFL. Let us understand in detail about the English language proficiency exam for MS in UK.

 

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    IELTS (International English Language Testing System): IELTS is usually a paper-based exam. The test comprises two sessions of reading, listening, writing, and speaking (which are done separately).
 
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    TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language):  Unlike IELTS, the TOEFL is both computer-based and paper-based. TOEFL is divided into sections of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. 
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What are Other Requirements to Secure Admission to MS in UK Universities?

Below are the standardized tests that you may need depending on the university and the course of study. However, not all UK universities require the GRE to pursue an MS in UK.

 

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    GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): The test assesses the general academic abilities of the graduates. If you have a good GRE score, it can give you an edge especially when your profile is similar to other applicants. It is not a necessary requirement, but some top universities may ask for it for technical and analytical courses.
 
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    LOR (Letter Of Recommendation): A letter of recommendation plays a pivotal role in your admission. The LOR should briefly explain who you have worked with and should evaluate your skills and accomplishments.
 
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    SOP (Statement Of Purpose): Another important requirement in your application is SOP which describes your goals, your inspirations, and who you aspire to be. You can review your statement of purpose here.
 
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Top 10 Colleges For MS in UK

The UK is home to some of the world's best universities for Master’s programs and is known for its academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong global rankings. Below are the top 10 universities for MS in the UK based on QS World University Rankings 2025:

University QS World University Ranking 2025 Popular MS Courses

University of Oxford

3

Data Science, Engineering, Finance, AI

University of Cambridge

5

Biotechnology, Law, Business Analytics

Imperial College London

2

AI, Engineering, MBA

University College London

9

Data Science, Medicine, Business

University of Edinburgh 

27

Computer Science, Finance, Renewable Energy

King’s College London (KCL)

40

Public Health, Law, Business

University of Manchester

34

Aerospace Engineering, Business, AI

University of Bristol

54

Cybersecurity, Economics, Environmental Science

University of Warwick

69

Business Analytics, Computer Science, Economics

London School of Economics (LSE)

50

Economics, Finance, Data Science, International Relations

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Step-by-Step Application Process for MS in UK

If you are aiming for the UK to pursue your master's and looking for how to apply for MS in UK from India, then you can follow the below-mentioned steps.

 

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    Research Universities - Start researching the universities based on your preference, field of study, academic profile, career prospects, and budget. Shortlist them to move ahead in the application process.
 
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    Choose the Right Application Portal - For several universities, the application process usually starts from an online channel called UK PASS (UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service). UK PASS provides a “Course Search” facility for all postgraduate courses in the UK. However, you can make a direct online application to the desired universities as well.
 
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    Preparing and Submitting Your Application - Collect all your documents, including SOP, LORs, transcripts, resume, and test scores. Fill out the application and pay the application fee. Ensure you review your application carefully before submission.
 

Explore the Top UK Universities Application Deadlines 2025

 

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Education Loan Options For Studying MS in UK

Pursuing an MS in UK can be expensive, but education loans help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. The table below will help you explore various loan options offered by different lenders to Indian students.

Lender Name Maximum Loan Amount (in INR) Rate of Interest Margin Money

SBI

Up to 1.5 Cr

Female - 9.65% 

Male - 10.15% 

10%

UBI

Up to 1.5 Cr

9.25% - 9.75%

10% for the listed university

15% for non-listed university

Axis Bank

Up to 50 Lakhs INR

11% - 13.50%

5%

ICICI Bank

Up to 50 Lakhs INR

10.85% - 12.50%

0 - 15%

IDFC FIRST Bank

Up to 35 Lakhs INR 

11.75% - 13.25% 

Nil

HDFC Credila

Up to 40 Lakhs INR

12% - 13%

Nil

Auxilo

Up to 40 Lakhs INR

12.50% - 13.50%

Nil

Financing is a big part of the eligibility criteria for getting a UK visa. Students need to show the finances in their bank accounts as proof of funds and maintain the amount for 28 days. The living expenses are set at GBP 1,265 if you are living in London, and GBP 1,015 if you are living outside of London. This is in addition to the tuition fees. Students can also present the sanction letter as proof of funds.

 

Explore more about Education Loan Options for UK 2025

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Post-Study Work Options for MS in UK

With over 94,000 Indian students pursuing Master’s degrees in the UK in 2024, the country remains one of the top destinations for higher education, offering post-study work opportunities. After completing an MS in the UK, international students can explore several work opportunities. On 11th September 2019, the Prime Minister of the UK announced the Graduate Immigration Route (GIR) which allows students to get a one-time two-year extension to stay and work in the UK. The extension can be applied at the end of the course. Some of the eligibility criteria are as follows:

 

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    Students who pursue undergraduate, post-graduation, M.Phil, or Ph.D.
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    The level of the course should be either undergraduate or above. 
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    Completion of the said degree.
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How Can GyanDhan Help You?

GyanDhan is a one-stop solution for students who wish to pursue an abroad education with the assistance of education loans. We offer a range of services for students to make their journey easy. From financing your education to guiding you through applications, GyanDhan ensures a hassle-free experience for students planning to study MS in the UK.

 

One of the biggest challenges students face is securing the right education loan. We simplify this by connecting students with the best lenders, helping them compare loan options, understand eligibility criteria, and get the best possible interest rates. Connect with GyanDhan and check your loan eligibility today. 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility for MS in UK for Indian students?
 

Indian students need a bachelor’s degree (65 - 80% minimum), IELTS/TOEFL scores, and GRE scores in some cases. 

Is GRE required for MS in UK?
 

GRE is not a necessary requirement, but some top universities may consider it for competitive programs.

How long is an MS course in the UK?
 

Most MS programs in the UK last 1 year, while some research-based courses may take up to 2 years.

How to study MS in UK as an Indian student?
 

Research a university as per your field of study, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria. Take English proficiency tests, and apply through the UK PASS. 

How much does it cost to study MS in the UK?
 

Tuition fees range from GBP 10,000 to 35,000 GBP per annum, depending on the university and course of study.

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