The UK is one of the best study abroad destinations for students as there are high-quality UK universities, world-class faculty, scholarships, and exceptional post-study work opportunities. This is the reason why many Indian students prefer to study UK courses. But along with the study abroad decision another question comes into mind which is ‘Is the UK safe for Indian Students?’ and many questions regarding safety, discrimination, cost of living, and career prospects in the UK.
If you are a student who wants to study and experience student life in the UK, then this blog is the right one for you and will be your immigration guide. Here you will explore the safety of Indian Students in the UK, UK visa, UK education system, best courses, how to choose the best university for you, etc.
Also read ‘German v/s UK: Which country is better for study abroad?’.
Why do Indian Students prefer to study in the UK?
Indian students want to experience a campus life in a UK university because:
1. The UK provides world-class universities like University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester, etc.
2. The UK offers a 2-year post-study work visa (3 years for PhD students). This is extremely useful for Indian students seeking jobs, PR pathways, and industry experience.
3. Students can apply for scholarships like GREAT Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, etc.
Is the UK safe for Indian students?
1. The overall safety rank for the UK for safety will be high. Top safest cities for Indian Students will be as follows:
| City | Why It’s Safe |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh | Low crime, strong student community |
| Bristol | Friendly locals, good job opportunities |
| Cardiff | Affordable, multicultural |
| Leeds | Student-centric, excellent public transport |
| Manchester | Large Indian community, active university security |
2. Racism and Discrimination: The situation of racism and discrimination occurs generally in Housing refusal, Occasional comments, Local job competition but the incidents are mild, verbal, and not violent.
UK universities have strict anti-discrimination rules under the Equality Act, 2010.
3. Campus Safety: Every UK university has 24/7 campus security, CCTV monitoring, Emergency helplines, Student welfare officers and Anti-bullying & anti-racism policies
4. Accommodation Safety: Students can get accommodation safety through On-campus residence, University-verified private flats, Indian community neighbourhoods and Student areas near campus
5. Safety for Indian Girls in the UK: Girls can feel safe as they can get access to Women’s helplines, Strict laws for harassment, Safe public transport and Active campus police units
Tips to Stay Safe in the UK:
- Stay in student-friendly areas
- Use university transport or public bus/train
- Avoid very late-night walking alone
- Don’t fall for part-time job scams
- Maintain emergency contacts
- Keep documents (BRP, passport) safe
- Avoid controversial conversations with strangers
Top Courses for Indian Students in the UK 2025
Following are some of the courses through which students can make their careers in the UK:
| Course | Why It’s Popular | Approx Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Data Science & AI | High demand, global roles | £45,000–£95,000 |
| Cybersecurity | Shortage of skilled experts | £50,000–£100,000 |
| Nursing & Healthcare | UK faces staff shortages | £30,000–£60,000 |
| Business & Management | Top UK specialisation | £35,000–£120,000 |
| Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical) | Infrastructure growth | £40,000–£90,000 |
| Finance & Accounting | London financial hub | £45,000–£85,000 |
| Law | High-paying profession | £50,000–£150,000 |
| Computer Science & IT | Widely demanded | £40,000–£100,000 |
Cost of Living for Indian Students:
Following are some cities with the approx cost of living:
1. London: ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,60,000
2. Manchester: ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000
3. Birmingham: ₹75,000 – ₹95,000
4. Leeds: ₹70,000 – ₹90,000
5. Glasgow: ₹65,000 – ₹85,000
Top UK Universities for Indian Students
Following are some of the top universities where a student can complete their degree or do master’s:
| University | Strength Areas |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Business, Law, Sciences |
| University of Cambridge | Engineering, Maths, Medicine |
| Imperial College London | Engineering, Technology |
| University College London | Arts, Science, Management |
| University of Manchester | Data Science, Engineering |
| University of Warwick | Economics, Business |
| University of Edinburgh | AI, Robotics, CS |
Part time Job Opportunities for Indian Students
The UK allows students to work 20 hours/week during the semester.
Following are the popular part time jobs:
- Retail associate
- Library assistant
- Teaching assistant
- Food delivery
- Hospitality (café, restaurant)
- Tutoring
Average pay: £10–£15/hour
Post-Study Work Options
A) Under the Graduate Route, students can work for:
- 2 years after a Master’s/Bachelor’s degree
- 3 years after a PhD
B) After gaining work experience, students can apply for:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Health & Care Visa
- Innovator Visa
- UK PR under ILR (5 years)
FAQ’s
1. Which is good for an international student, Finland or the UK?
Ans: Both are excellent, but the UK has better job opportunities, global recognition, and post-study work options. Finland is safer and cheaper but has fewer job openings.
2. Is the UK safe for Indian students in 2025?
Ans: Yes. The UK is safe and multicultural. Minor discrimination exists, but violence is rare.
3. Will I face racism in UK universities?
Ans: Most Indian students report positive campus experiences. Universities have strict anti-racism policies.
4. Which courses are best for Indian students in the UK?
Ans: Data science, AI, cybersecurity, nursing, business, engineering, and finance are some of the best courses that you can go for in the UK.
5. What are the safest cities in the UK for Indian students?
Ans: Edinburgh, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, and Leeds are considered very safe for students.