With the ongoing trend of studying abroad, an increasing number of Indian students choose from a mix of renowned and unique destinations for their higher studies. As per the Ministry of External Affairs, the total number of students from India pursuing graduate and post-graduate studies in foreign countries reached 1.3 million (13 lakh) in 2024.
Among the various study abroad destinations students choose, the UK and the USA remain the top choices for Indians pursuing their higher education abroad. In the 2023-24 academic session, Indian students comprised the largest group of international students in the US. According to the Open Doors 2024 report, a total of 3.31 lakh Indian students chose to study in the US, accounting for 29.4% of its 11 lakh international student population. The Office for Students, the regulator of UK higher education, mentioned that around 111,329 students from India chose to study in the UK in 2023-24.
With this clash going on for years, let’s choose which country is the best for you if you’re planning to study abroad in 2025!
Major factors to be considered when choosing UK or USA
Choosing where you’d pursue your bachelor’s or master’s program involves a lot of research. To choose the most suitable foreign country for your higher education, ensure keeping numerous factors in mind, including:
- The education system followed in the foreign country
- Top universities in the country
- The value of the course you plan to pursue in the country
- The admission requirements followed in the country
- The costs you’ll incur
- The ease of the visa process
- The ease of working while studying in the foreign country
- The availability of scholarships
- The opportunities after you complete your education
- The employment opportunities
- The opportunities for obtaining a Permanent Residency
UK vs USA: Education System
The US education system is bifurcated into four categories, the Tertiary education comprises higher education like associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral programs. US universities place great significance on diversity, meaning classes will consist of students of different ages, religions and ethnicities. This provides a stimulating and interesting learning atmosphere that motivates cross-cultural understanding and socialising. Most classes will have no more than 20 students and the faculty member will take the time to get to know students and their strengths. Interactive and practical learning is the basis of American teaching. Most American universities and colleges commence their classes in August/September usually known as the Fall session. A few others also provide a January/February intake, called the Spring intake that goes on till April. A Summer intake is also available for limited programs and colleges between May and August.
The unique factor of the education system in the UK is its Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). It is an independent body that assesses and compares universities and colleges in the country through regular audits and reviews. Higher education in the UK mostly comprises bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The education goes beyond textbook learning – you’ll be engaged in various activities such as workshops, seminars, tutorials and conferences. Education in the UK will eventually enhance your communication skills and help you build critical thought-process, creativity and analytical skills. The standard academic year in the UK begins around September-October. Two other intakes available for programs in the UK are January and April, which are usually smaller than the September intake.
Top Universities in the UK vs USA
As per the QS World University Rankings 2025, here’s a list of the top 20 universities in the US and the UK. These schools are said to produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds with less student debt.
| University | QS World Ranking 2025 | Country | City |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | United States | Cambridge |
| Imperial College London | 2 | United Kingdom | London |
| University of Oxford | 3 | United Kingdom | Oxford |
| Harvard University | 4 | United States | Cambridge |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | United Kingdom | Cambridge |
| Stanford University | 6 | United States | Stanford |
| UCL | 9 | United Kingdom | London |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 | United States | Pasadena |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 | United States | Philadelphia |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 | United States | Berkeley |
| Cornell University | 16 | United States | Ithaca |
| University of Chicago | 21 | United States | Chicago |
| Princeton University | 22 | United States | Princeton |
| Yale University | 23 | United States | New Haven |
| The University of Edinburgh | 27 | United Kingdom | Edinburgh |
| Johns Hopkins University | 32 | United States | Baltimore |
| Columbia University | 34 | United States | New York |
| University of Manchester | 34 | United Kingdom | Manchester |
| King’s College London | 40 | United Kingdom | London |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 42 | United States | Los Angeles |
Popular Courses in the UK vs USA
Check out the list of the most popular courses offered in the UK vs the US:
| United Kingdom | United States |
| Business and Management Studies | IT and applied fields |
| Law | Engineering |
| Social Studies | Business and Finance |
| Arts and Design | Sports and sports management |
| Psychology | Biotechnology |
| Nursing | Cybersecurity |
| Dentistry | Healthcare and medicine |
| Education | Environmental science and sustainability |
UK vs USA: Admission Requirements and Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria to Study in the UK
Some of the basic eligibility criteria accepted in UK universities are:
- The student must be 16 years or above.
- The student must have completed the required academic qualifications as per the course’s demand.
- The student must prove their proficiency in the English language through tests like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE.
- The student must provide proof of finances to cover their education and stay in the United Kingdom.
Documents Required to Study in the UK
Some of the basic documents required by universities to study in the UK include:
- Standardised test scores
- English proficiency test scores
- ID proof
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Academic mark sheets
Eligibility Criteria to Study in the US
Some of the basic eligibility criteria accepted in American universities are:
- The student must be 18 years or above.
- The student must prove their proficiency in the English language through tests like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE with a decent score.
- The student must provide proof of finances to cover their education and stay in the United Kingdom.
Documents Required to Study in the US
Some of the basic documents required by universities to study in the USA include:
- Standardised test scores
- English proficiency test scores
- ID proof
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Academic mark sheets
- Valid passport
- Resume (if you have work experience)
- Scholarship (if any)
Cost of Studying and Living in the USA vs UK
With public and private universities available for higher education, tuition fees are the primary expense for studying in the USA. The cost of education in the USA for Indian students typically ranges from $35,000 (INR 29,49,504) to $85,000 (INR 71,62,759) per year, depending on the type of institution (public or private) and city. While the cost of studying in the UK can range from £30,000 to £45,000 per year.
Let’s take a look at the estimated annual cost of studying for international students in the USA and the UK, including tuition fees, room and board, and other expenses.
| Expense Category | Cost in USA | Cost in UK |
| Tuition and fees | $20,000-$40,000 | £8,000-£15,000 per year |
| Room and board | $10,000-$15,000 | £12,000-£15,000 per year |
| Books and supplies | $1,000-$1,500 | £20-£40 per month |
| Internet | $2,000-$3,000 | £40 per month |
| Health Insurance | $1,000-$2,000 | £470 |
Scholarships to Study in the USA vs UK
Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to study in the UK as an Indian student:
- Chevening Scholarship: Led by the High Commission and British embassies, this scholarship supports talented professionals who have shown prior leadership skills and exceptional performance in their respective fields. Available for 12 months, these scholarships are fully funded and include airfare, living expenses and tuition fees.
- Commonwealth Scholarship: This scholarship offers international students from commonwealth countries a chance to pursue postgraduate degrees in the UK.
- GREAT Scholarship: Jointly funded by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council under the Study UK campaign, this program offers 13 postgraduate scholarships at 12 of the UK higher education institutions for Indian students valued at £ 10,000 each.
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship (CWIT): This scholarship provides grants to Indian students currently living in India in the early or middle stages of their career and either working or studying in heritage conservation, arts, or humanities.
- Scotland Saltire Scholarship: Started by the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities, this scholarship is offered to students in the areas of creative industries, technology, science, medical sciences, healthcare, and renewable and clean energy. With a value of £ 8000, awarded to 50 students for any one year of full-time postgraduate master’s program at any Scottish higher education institution.
Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to study in the UK as an Indian student:
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship: This scholarship is for international students applying to master’s or PhD programs. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accident, and sickness coverage as per US guidelines, airfare, and living costs.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A part of the Fulbright program, this scholarship aims to bring an accomplished young and midcareer professional from a developing country to study in the US for 10 months of non-degree graduate study and related practical experience. This program covers tuition fees, monthly maintenance allowance, living expenses, airfare, professional expenses like field trips etc.
- You Are Welcome Here Scholarship: This scholarship welcomes international students into the US higher education system irrespective of subject area. The participating university and college offer two annual and renewable scholarships that will include a minimum cover of 50% of tuition fees to enrol in the selected international undergraduate program.
- AAUW International Fellowships: Awarded to international women students for full-time study and research in the US, the scholarship supports both graduate and post-graduate students accredited in US institutions.
UK vs USA: How to secure an education loan?
There are numerous options available for Indian students to finance their dream of studying abroad. Opting for education loans is the most affordable of them all. To study in the United States or the United Kingdom, Indian students can choose a secured education loan, an unsecured education loan, a US cosigner education loan (for the United States) or a no cosigner, no collateral education loan.
Securing an education loan to study in the USA or the UK can be a time-consuming process as you will want to compare various lenders to find the most suitable loan for you. It is recommended to start the loan process at least 3-4 months before your enrolment day to ensure smooth and timely completion.
At Lorien Finance, we ensure you don’t have to go through this daunting process that can take months, and thus, we do all the hard work for you.
On getting in touch with you, our loan counsellors understand all your needs related to securing a study abroad loan for your dream university and help you compare the interest rates from among 15 international and domestic banks and NBFCs. They negotiate with these lenders on your behalf so that you fulfil your study-abroad dream cost-effectively.
Once you find the most suitable lender per your needs, the loan counsellor will help you proceed with the application process. After submitting all required information and necessary documents, your application will be logged in with the lender, who after carefully scrutinising it, will approve or reject it.
Lorien’s loan counsellors help you throughout the way to minimise any chances of loan rejection. Once the loan is sanctioned, you decide your loan disbursement date and finalise your loan.
We aim to ensure you have a smooth loan application process without any hassle so that your focus remains on your education abroad.
Visa Process for Studying in the USA vs UK
To get your student visa i.e. F-1 visa for studying in the United States from India, you’re required to complete the following steps:
- On getting accepted by a recognised US university approved by the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) through the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), the university issues an I-20 form, a certificate of eligibility for your non-immigrant student status.
- You will be required to pay a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) I-901 fee worth $350. SEVP uses SEVIS to track and monitor schools, exchange visitor programs; and F, M, and J nonimmigrants while they visit the United States and participate in the US education system.
- To kickstart your visa application, you will have to fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application, DS-160 and pay a processing fee of $185.
- The next step is to schedule your visa interview at your nearest US Embassy. It is recommended to apply for your visa well in advance as the wait times for interview appointments can be anywhere from a month to 3 months.
Requirements
While applying for your US student visa, ensure that you take the following documents at the time of your interview:
- Your valid passport
- Your passport-size photograph
- Your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmation pages
- Your I-20 form
- Your school transcript and official test scores submitted to the university
- Your bank statements
Costs
To estimate the total costs involved in applying for your US student visa, you will have to incur around $535. This cost is divided into a SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 and the DS-160 form fee of $185.
To get your student visa for studying in the United Kingdom from India, you’re required to complete the following steps:
- On getting accepted by a recognised UK university, your education provider will send you a reference number (called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)). You need a CAS before you can apply for your visa.
- Complete the online application and pay the £490 fee.
- Visit a UK visa application centre for your photograph and biometrics.
- Submit all required documents and the printed online application.
Requirements
While applying for your UK student visa, ensure that you take the following documents at the time of your interview:
- Your valid passport
- Your passport-size photograph
- Your CAS number
- Your English proficiency test scores
- Your school transcript and official test scores submitted to the university
- Your bank statement
- Your ATAS certificate (if applicable)
- Your biometric information
Work while Studying in the USA vs UK
Working in the United States as an international student can be financially beneficial and an opportunity to develop practical skills. However, it is important to understand the rules and visa restrictions on international students working in the USA.
On-campus employment
The easiest form of employment for F-1 visa holders, on-campus employment does not require any approval from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service). This involves taking up on-campus like research or teacher assistantship, or at the library or cafeteria in the university itself. Students are permitted to work for up to 20 hours a week during the academic term and full-time during holidays. However, these options would be limited and not related to your field.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT enables F-1 students to work off-campus in a job related to their major, both, during and after their program. To apply for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least nine months and completed at least one year of study. They can only start working once they receive their Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) from USCIS. For students completing their degree, OPT can be part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic term and full-time during holidays. After degree completion, OPT employment must be full-time (40 hours per week) and completed within 14 months.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
For F-1 students, whose work experience is an important part of their academic curriculum, CPT is the most suitable. CPT includes alternative work/study or internships required for academic credit or directly related to their degree program. You need prior authorisation from the school’s International Student Office and notification to USCIS before opting for CPT. To qualify for CPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one year. It’s important to note that working full-time on CPT for 12 months or more will make you ineligible for OPT.
With a UK student visa students are allowed to work 20 hours per week part-time. They are eligible to work on-campus or under a university-affiliated employer. International students can also work off campus based on the terms and conditions of their chosen university and program.
UK vs USA: Job Opportunities
Indian students studying in the UK or USA have access to various job opportunities, including parttime work, internships, and post-study employment.
Some of the top job sectors in the USA are related to management, advertising, financing, software engineering, dentistry, etc. Whereas in the UK you find good pay for Corporate Managers, Directors, aircraft pilots, nurses, and mechanical engineers, etc.
| Specialisation | Annual Salary in the USA | Annual Salary in the UK |
| Civil Engineer | $85,600 | £36,759 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $86,500 | £39,826 |
| Software Developer | $91,900 | £52,944 |
| Data Scientist | $1,55,000 | £59,616 |
| IT Manager | $1,63,000 | £61,309 |
| Legal Professionals | $1,07,442 | £79,590 |
Post-study work requirements in the UK vs USA
In the UK, international students who have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree are eligible for a Graduate Route visa, which allows them to stay in the UK for two or three years after graduation to work or look for work.
In the US, international students must have an F-1 visa to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and be enrolled full-time at an institution. The length of OPT can vary, but it generally allows students to work up to 12 months after graduation, with an additional 24 months for students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Upon completion of their studies, students will have the opportunity to explore job search opportunities in both countries and understand the eligibility criteria for post-study work visas. Additionally, they can assess the options available for seeking permanent residency after completing their education.
UK vs USA: Permanent Residency
In the UK, students can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after staying in the country for five years lawfully.
- ILR allows you to live and work in the UK without any restrictions. After living in the UK for twelve months under ILR, individuals can apply for British citizenship, provided their circumstances are the same.
- In the US, students can obtain permanent residency, also known as a Green Card, through employment or family sponsorship. For highly skilled workers or immediate relatives of American citizens, these are the most common paths to achieve permanent resident status.
- Employment-based Green Cards are available for people with extraordinary abilities, advanced degree holders, and other specific categories.
FAQs
Is the cost of living higher in the US or the UK?
The cost of living in the US is slightly higher than that in the UK. The estimated cost of living in UK is around £547 a month while in the USA it is around $1,000 to $1,500 per month for students.
Is studying in the UK safe for Indian students?
With a relatively low crime rate and a myriad of cultural experiences, the UK is considered safe for Indian students to study and reside in.
What are the new reforms for Indians planning to study in the US?
During his election campaign, President Trump promised to provide green cards to international students once they graduate to help them stay and work in the US. Trump’s statement has brought hope to Indian students planning to study abroad.
How do UK vs US universities rank globally?
According to the QS World Rankings 2025, the UK boasts 8 universities in the top 50. The USA, however, has a more impressive count, with 16 institutions in the top 50. This indicates that while both countries offer access to world-class education, the USA provides a broader range of topranked universities.
