Study Engineering in the UK for Indian Students in 2023

Studying in the UK is a dream for many Indian students. The UK has historically maintained a lot of prestige for its world-class academics. It is also an excellent place to study because it has many similarities with the Indian education system. Among the popular courses Indian students pursue in the UK is the field of engineering. If you fall into that category, you've likely found your way here in search of some answers. What are the admission requirements and standards for studying engineering in the UK? What are the best options to study engineering in the UK for Indian students? UniSearch breaks it all down for you below, so buckle up! 

Should Indians Study Engineering in the UK?

The UK is among the top destinations for Indian students, with an education system that helps them develop their capabilities in the technical field . It's a great study abroad destination with its rich culture and history and vibrant arts and entertainment scenes.

And of course, its top-ranked universities make it all the more desirable to international students. The country has been the most sought-after destination for bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, among other disciplines. It provides excellent infrastructure, innovative research and development, solid industrial links, and cosmopolitan culture.

Studying engineering in the UK will give you some great benefits in terms of academic and career prospects. Know why you should consider studying engineering in the UK before looking at top institutions here. You'll make a better choice with this insight.

Let's have a look at the reasons why Indian students choose to get their engineering degrees in the UK, and why you should too.

Reasons to Study Engineering in the UK for Indian Students

Studying engineering in the UK could be a great option if you're an Indian student looking for an excellent education at a competitive cost. Although the price tag can be hefty, students opt for a UK degree considering the return on investment of an overseas education.

Diverse Campuses

The UK has a long history of welcoming students from around the world, especially from India. Diversification of their campuses is usually a key goal of universities with a global outlook.

The application process is simple and easy. There are no restrictions on the number of international students that can study in the UK. With hundreds of years of history hosting international students, UK universities have experience dealing with foreign applicants and can help guide you through your application process if necessary.

Shorter Programs

What counts as "affordable" is subjective and depends on your budget. Objectively, an overseas education does not exactly come cheap, especially as international student fees tend to be higher than domestic fees. This does not mean studying engineering in the UK will break the bank, however.

UK university degrees at undergraduate level are typically 3 years long. This is shorter than the average 4-year programs in the US and Canada. Wrapping up your degree in a shorter timeframe may cost you less in tuition and living costs overall.

Similar Education System

The Indian education system and the British education system have a lot of similarities. In fact, the British education system is the blueprint for education systems around the world. 

The academic groundwork in both countries works on the same principles, focusing on problem-solving, critical thinking, and practical work. These systems place great importance on teamwork, communication skills, time management, and other areas such as personal development.

As such, Indian students, especially those with a solid command of English, will be able to transition smoothly into studying abroad.

Travel Around the UK and Europe

Studying in the UK will provide a fantastic experience for Indian students venturing beyond their bubbles. It's easy to travel around the country, making it a perfect place for students who want to get out and about and explore new places.

There are plenty of options for getting around in the UK, including buses and trains that frequently run throughout cities and towns. Students can also take advantage of cheap flights between cities or states in England or Scotland. In fact, studying in the UK might be the perfect opportunity to plan a trip across Europe with friends!

Choosing Engineering Programs for Indian Students

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing your ideal engineering program, such as:

Choosing the right university or college

The best universities in the UK offer excellent teaching and research facilities, but they also tend to be more competitive than other schools. To give yourself the best chances of success, you need to research and pinpoint universities with eligibility requirements you meet. 

These universities also need to suit your preferences, for criteria like costs and work opportunities. The more you research, the better your chances of finding the engineering program that checks all the right boxes.

Selecting a specialization in engineering

New opportunities are coming up in this field every year that could help make your future job prospects brighter. Think carefully about what kind of career path would best suit not only today's market conditions but also tomorrow's needs.

Eligibility Criteria to Study Engineering in the UK

To study at UK engineering colleges, you need specific eligibility criteria. Engineering universities in the UK demand a variety of documents along with academic qualifications. The eligibility criteria to study engineering in the UK are as follows:

• Education Qualification: 10+2 level with a minimum of 60% marks.
• Age: 18 years old or over
• English proficiency test scores: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE
• Additional test: GRE or GMAT (if required)
• Academic documents: Statement of purpose, recommendation letters and transcripts/mark sheet
• Visa Application: A valid passport for at least 6 months before applying for admission.

If you are applying for Master's or PhD engineering courses, you may also require 2-3 years of prior work experience.

Cost of Studying Engineering in the UK

Most expenses incurred while pursuing the course from the best engineering colleges in the UK relate to tuition and living expenses. Annually, the expenditures for engineering in the UK vary from GBP 27,000 to GBP 32,000 (INR 1,831,185 to 2,746,778 on average).

The cost of living in the UK is around GBP 2,500 (or INR 239,163). Your living expenses would depend on several different factors, including the location, modes of transportation, and various additional costs. For example, living costs in London are higher than in other cities such as Manchester or Birmingham because it has a more expensive housing market and higher transport costs due to traffic congestion.

Top Engineering Schools in the UK for Indian Students

You have many options if you're looking for an internship or job opportunity in engineering. The UK has numerous top universities where students can enrol and work on their degrees or certificates. These include:

1. Imperial College London (ICL)

Founded in 1907, Imperial College London is one of the world's top public research universities and the only one in the UK to focus exclusively on science, engineering, and business.

Imperial College London has students from 140 countries. Over 50% of students are international and 32% come from outside the EU. The university offers numerous disciplines in the field of engineering. Some include aerospace engineering, design engineering, earth science and engineering, and others.

Ranking: 8 (QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2022)
Average tuition fee for international students: GBP 31,500 (INR 2,884,117)/year.
Popular courses:

• Aeronautical Engineering
  
• Civil Engineering
  
• Chemical Engineering
  
• Mechanical Engineering

2. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester, one of the Russell Group universities, has a strong research focus. It ranks at #28 for the QS World University Rankings 2023, #28 according to The Guardian for 2022, and #50 according THE World University Rankings 2022.

The university is one of the best institutions in the UK - and indeed the world - for engineering. Courses built upon the university's frontier-pushing research and strong industry links future-proof graduates for their careers. 

Ranking: 21 (QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2022)
Average tuition fee for international students: GBP 24,500 (INR 2,243,202)/per year.
Popular courses:

• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Systems Engineering
• Civil Engineering
  

3. University College London (UCL)

University College London is a world-class institution with a reputation that precedes it for its education. UCL trains you to design a better future for yourself and your community. You will learn to think, create, model, design, analyze, question, and invent, then practise by tackling real-world tasks.

UCL knows that engineers need more than technical expertise. Critical talents include interdisciplinary cooperation, project management, communication, and design. As an engineering student at UCL, you will develop the ability to reconcile business potential with ethics, sustainability, and legality.

Ranking: 37 (QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2022)
Average tuition fee for international students: GBP 32,100 (INR 2,939,052)/per year.
Popular courses:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Electronic and Electrical Engineering
  

4. University of Edinburgh

Because of its excellent track record in academic quality, dating back centuries, the University of Edinburgh has become one of the best places to study engineering in the UK.

Students come from all over the world to enrol at this institution, which boasts both culturally significant and technologically sophisticated infrastructure. The university is among the top 100 institutions worldwide for research, development, and innovation. You'll work with experts in your area and discover the newest breakthroughs.

Ranking: 66 (QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2022)
Average tuition fee for international students: GBP 30,400 (INR 2,783,402)/per year.
Popular courses:

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electronics and Computer Science
  
  

5. University of Southampton

Students graduate from the University of Southampton with a comprehensive knowledge of all engineering aspects. In the 2021 Guardian University Guide, the university placed first in Civil Engineering and Electrical & Electronic Engineering.

International students are eligible for various forms of financial assistance from the institution.

Ranking: 85 (QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2022)
Average tuition fee for international students: GBP 22,760 (INR 2,071,768)/year.
Popular courses:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering
  

6. University of Leeds

The university is one of the UK's most prestigious educational institutions in the engineering field and comprises five different schools. The Faculty of Engineering at Leeds ranks in the top 100 in the world for engineering and technology.

It is also one of the most prominent engineering groups in the UK, with more than 700 faculty members and 3,500 students.

Ranking: 108 (QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2022)
Average tuition fee for international students: GBP 25,900 (INR 2,371,385)/per year.
Popular courses:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechatronics and Robotics
• Architectural Engineering
  
  

7. The University of Sheffield

Sheffield produced some great engineers at the top in their fields worldwide. The curriculum combines the core scientific information necessary for engineering with the creative thinking and problem solving abilities required to deliver exceptional engineers. You will have the opportunity to select to major in a wide variety of fields chemical engineering, computer science, bioengineering, and others.

Ranking: 110 (QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2022)
Average tuition fee for international students: GBP 21,000 (INR 1,825,637)/per year.
Popular courses:

• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Civil Engineering
• Bioengineering
  

8. University of Bristol

Your engineering education under the University of Bristol's Faculty of Engineering will consist of real-world projects in addition to producing exceptional academic results. With an acceptance rate of 68% University of Bristol named in the list of highest acceptance rate universities in the Uk. 

The university has an excellent reputation in research and learning. Students are encouraged to engage in critical thinking independently and many classes provide elective components, such as group projects or multidisciplinary seminars.

Ranking: 110 (QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2022)
Average tuition fee for international students: GBP 25,900 (INR 2,371,385)/per year.
Popular courses:

• Computer Science
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science and Electronics

Top Engineering Majors in the UK

Check some popular specializations for Engineering in the UK below:

Career Opportunities

After studying engineering in the UK, you will have access to numerous career prospects. You'll have the opportunity to work on projects that range from small-scale household appliances to large-scale aircraft carriers. Here are the top engineering jobs in the UK:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is an engineering degree from the UK recognized in India?

Yes, an engineering degree from the UK is recognized in India. The UK is known for producing some of the best engineers in the world. Many Indian students have chosen to study engineering at UK universities because of their reputation for quality and professionalism. UK engineering degrees are often professionally accredited by international bodies.

Can Indian students study in the UK for free?

No. There is no such thing as free university education in the UK. However, there is a large number of financial aid opportunities accessible to international students. These may greatly offset the cost of an overseas education. 

We encourage you to explore the various available scholarships in the UK at your chosen university and for your program. Scholarships can range from discounts on tuition fees to fully covering your tuition with a monthly stipend towards living costs.

Our Concluding Thoughts

The UK education system has an enduring reputation for its excellent quality and academic standards. With high graduate employability and larger median salaries for UK university graduates, it's an attractive destination for international students the world over. UK universities are world-class and offer various courses that cater to students' needs. There are plenty of opportunities to study engineering in the UK for Indian students - this article is a great place to start looking!