Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - Oct 31, 2025
Thinking of starting your studies in the UK but missed the September intake? The January 2026 (Winter) intake offers a second chance — especially for postgraduate (and some undergraduate) programs. Many UK universities now accept international students, including those from India, for this intake, offering courses in business, engineering, data science, health sciences, law and more.
The UK has over 130 universities offering a wide variety of subjects. Indian students make up a large portion of the international student community — around 25% of all foreign students in the UK. This number has steadily increased owing to better visa routes, post‑study work options and expanding January intake offerings.
Check Out: Study in UK for Indian Students
Top UK Universities Accepting Indian Students for January 2026 Intake
Here is a list of several top universities offering programs during the January 2026 intake and accepting Indian students:
| University | QS World Ranking 2026 | Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (INR) | Popular Courses Offered in January 2026 Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Liverpool | 147 | ₹18,00,000 | MSc Cyber Security, MSc Artificial Intelligence |
| Queen Mary University of London | 110 | ₹11,00,000 - ₹59,00,000 | MSc International Business, MSc Marketing |
| Coventry University | 526 | ₹17,50,000 | MSc Cyber Security, MSc Artificial Intelligence |
| Kingston University | 601-610 | ₹17,00,000 - ₹26,00,000 | MSc Computer Science, MSc Business Analytics |
| University of Derby | 1001-1200 | ₹16,00,000 | MSc Engineering, MSc Business Management |
| Edinburgh Napier University | 801-850 | ₹13,00,000 - ₹15,00,000 | MSc Data Science, MSc Cyber Security |
| Brunel University London | 385 | ₹13,00,000 - ₹15,00,000 | MSc Engineering, MSc Business Administration |
Shortlisting Criteria for Indian Students Applying to UK Universities
Indian students planning to study in the UK for the January 2026 intake must meet specific academic and visa-related requirements. Universities follow a strict shortlisting process to evaluate applicants. Below are the key criteria Indian students must fulfil before applying:
1. UK Student Visa Requirements
To apply for a UK Student Visa (Tier 4), you must:
- Have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK university licensed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- Hold a valid passport
- Show proof of funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses (usually for 9–12 months)
2. English Language Proficiency
Most UK universities require proof of English proficiency through one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.0–6.5 (no band less than 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 80–90
- PTE Academic: Usually 56+
- Duolingo English Test: Increasingly accepted; minimum 105–115
Some universities may waive this requirement if you've studied in the English medium in India.
Check Out:
3. Academic Qualifications
For postgraduate (Master’s) admissions:
- A Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognized Indian university
- Minimum requirement: Second Class Lower Division (2:2) in UK terms
➤ Roughly equivalent to 50–60% aggregate in Indian grading
Highly competitive programs may require a 2:1 (60%+)
4. Financial Documents
You must prove you can cover:
- Tuition fees (as per your offer letter)
- Living costs: approx £1,023/month (or £1,334/month if studying in London)
- Bank statements or education loan documents are commonly accepted
Check:
5. Application Deadlines
- Most UK universities accept applications for January intake between June and December 2025
- It's best to apply at least 4–6 months before the intake to allow time for visa processing and accommodation
Check Out: UK University Application Deadlines
6. Scholarships for Indian Students
- Many UK universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships for Indian applicants
- Common options: Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening, GREAT Scholarships, and university‑specific awards
- Always check individual scholarship eligibility criteria and deadlines
Application Deadlines and Requirements for UK January 2026 Intake
When applying for the January 2026 intake at UK universities, Indian students must be aware of the application timeline, necessary documentation, and visa procedures. Below is an overview of the key steps and important dates to keep in mind:
Application Timeline
- The application process for most UK universities typically begins between January and March.
- Deadlines for submitting applications are usually between September and November, depending on the university.
- To ensure your application is processed in time for January 2026 entry, aim to apply at least 4–6 months before the deadline.
Mode of Application
- Students can apply either through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) portal or directly on the university's official website.
- Some universities allow direct applications, while others may require you to apply through UCAS, especially for undergraduate programs.
- UCAS is typically used for undergraduate courses.
- For postgraduate courses, students usually apply directly through the university's online application portal.
- Required Documents: Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), English language proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), updated CV/resume, and a valid passport.
Visa Processing
- After receiving your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the university, you can apply for the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
- It is recommended to apply for the student visa at least 3 months before the course start date to allow enough time for processing.
- Be prepared to show proof of financial stability to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Application Fee
- The application fee for UK university applications typically ranges between £20–£50 (approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000).
- This fee is payable at the time of submission through the respective portal (UCAS or the university’s site).
Application Deadline for Top UK Universities for January 2026 Intake
Students must check the last date for application submission and must apply before the deadline. Here is the application deadline for top UK Universities
| University | Application Start Date | Application Deadline Date |
|---|---|---|
| University of Liverpool | November 30, 2025 | December 13, 2025 |
| Queen Mary University of London | September 2025 | December 15, 2025 |
| Coventry University | October 25, 2025 | December 10, 2025 |
| Kingston University | September 01, 2025 | December 12, 2025 |
| University of Derby | September 2025 | January 19, 2026 |
| Edinburgh Napier University | March 2025 | November 07, 2025 |
| Brunel University London | July 25, 2025 | November 10, 2025 |
Popular Courses for Indian Students
Indian students in the UK mostly choose courses that are career-oriented, accepted globally, and provide high employment. Here are some of the popular courses for Indian students:
| Popular Courses for Indian Students in UK | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course | Why It’s Popular | Example Universities Offering January 2026 Intake |
| Management MSc (Business & Management) | High demand in global markets; strong placements in finance, consulting, and marketing roles. | Queen Mary University of London, Coventry University, Brunel University London |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Rising demand for data professionals in IT, finance, and research sectors. | University of Liverpool, Edinburgh Napier University, Kingston University |
| Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics) | Strong industry connections, practical exposure, and high employability worldwide. | University of Derby, Brunel University London, Coventry University |
| Computer Science and IT (Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Cloud Computing) | UK is a hub for tech innovation; cyber security and IT roles are in demand globally. | Kingston University, Edinburgh Napier University, Coventry University |
| Health and Allied Sciences (Nursing, Public Health, Healthcare Management) | Growing global need for healthcare professionals; excellent career prospects in the UK and abroad. | University of Derby, Kingston University, Coventry University |
| Hospitality and Tourism Management | UK’s global reputation in hospitality and tourism; strong links with multinational hotel chains. | University of Derby, Coventry University, Edinburgh Napier University |
The January 2026 intake in the UK presents an excellent opportunity for Indian students to start their academic journey without waiting for the traditional September intake. It offers flexibility, a diverse range of career-focused courses, access to generous scholarships, and the significant benefit of the UK Graduate Route (post-study work visa) — allowing students to work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation.
To make the most of this opportunity, students are encouraged to:
- Start planning early
- Shortlist suitable universities and courses
- Prepare all required documents
- Meet application and visa deadlines well in advance
By following a structured approach, Indian students can secure admission into top UK universities and take the first step toward building a successful global career.
Comments