The United Kingdom is turning out to be a bright spot for Indian students especially after the Indian-UK Free Trade Agreement FTA ), and also with the US stiffening its stance on immigration, visa policy and now doubling of tariffs. “This makes the UK more attractive for students looking to work and stay after graduation,” said Piyush Kumar – Regional Director, South Asia, Canada and Latin America (LATAM), IDP Education.Additionally, social security benefits and qualification recognition create better career prospects in the UK than what the US currently offers, say experts.“The UK offers predictability while the US offers uncertainty. The graduate route provides clear post-study work pathways,” said Nikhil Jain, founder, ForeignAdmits.The number of Indian students outflow to the UK had decreased to 98,000 in 2024 from 1.36 lakh in the previous year. The UK admissions process typically starts in the autumn about September with a smaller intake in the spring.Indian students are feeling more at the UK institutions, colleges and employers with the FTA in place, the experts said. Living expenses are usually between £10,000 and £15,000 yearly.Indian graduates working in the UK are now exempted from paying UK National Insurance Contributions for up to this year.

Source: The Times August 10, 2025 04:56 UTC