The UK is one of the top destinations in the world for postgraduate education, offering globally recognized degrees, world-class universities, and strong career prospects. If you’re an international student planning to pursue a master’s degree in the UK, it’s essential to understand the academic, financial, and visa requirements to make your journey smooth and successful.
This guide covers everything you need to know.
To be eligible for a master’s degree in the UK, you usually need:
A recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
Typically, a second-class honours degree (2:2 or 2:1) is expected.
Some competitive universities and courses may require a higher GPA or first-class equivalent.
Your undergraduate subject should be relevant to your intended master’s program.
Some courses accept students from diverse academic backgrounds if they show strong motivation and transferable skills.
Since courses are taught in English, you must prove your proficiency through approved tests.
IELTS Academic – Most widely accepted (Typical score: 6.0–7.0 overall)
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
Duolingo English Test
Cambridge English exams
Some universities offer pre-sessional English courses if you don’t meet the required score.
You must prove you can afford your studies and living expenses.
These vary by university and course:
Arts and Humanities: £10,000–£20,000 per year
Science & Engineering: £15,000–£30,000 per year
MBA and specialized courses: £25,000–£50,000+ per year
You must show maintenance funds for up to 9 months:
£1,334 per month if studying in London
£1,023 per month if studying outside London
This money must be in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting your visa application.
You’ll need a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4).
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your university
Valid passport
Proof of funds (bank statements)
English language test certificate
Academic transcripts and certificates
Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (for some countries)
Visa application form and fee payment
ATAS certificate (for specific technical/science courses)
When applying to UK universities, you usually need:
Academic transcripts and certificates
Updated CV/Resume
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Two academic or professional Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Portfolio (for design, architecture, or creative courses)
While studying in the UK, international students are allowed to:
Work up to 20 hours per week during term time
Work full-time during official holidays
This helps students manage living expenses and gain work experience.
International students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This allows access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
Many universities and organizations offer financial support:
UK government-funded scholarships such as Chevening Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships
University-specific merit-based scholarships
Subject-specific grants and bursaries
Applying early improves your chances of securing funding.
The timeline usually looks like this:
September – January: Start researching courses and preparing documents
October – March: Submit university applications
January – June: Receive offers and arrange funding
June – August: Apply for the UK student visa
September – October: Travel to the UK and begin studies
One-year master’s programs (shorter and cost-effective)
High global ranking of UK universities
Strong industry connections
Post-study work opportunities through the Graduate Route visa (allows you to work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation)
Studying a master’s in the UK is a life-changing opportunity, but proper planning is essential. Make sure you meet academic, financial, and visa requirements well in advance to ensure a smooth application process.
With the right preparation, your dream of studying in the UK can become a reality.
