Key Takeaways
• Graduate Route visa stay reduced from 24 to 18 months for international students after UK master’s programs.
• Indian student enrollment in UK universities fell 20.4% between 2022-23 and 2023-24, risking £3.4 billion yearly losses.
• Indian graduates report difficulty finding UK jobs post-degree, with high debt and tougher permanent residency rules.
Indian students are sounding the alarm about studying for master’s degrees in the UK, taking to social media to warn others of tough realities. Many say that dreams of finding good jobs after graduation often do not come true, and the debt from studying can be overwhelming. These warnings are not just personal stories—they have sparked bigger conversations about whether it is still worth it for Indian students to study in the UK.
Indian Students Share Their Experiences
A London-based Indian marketing professional, Janhavi Jain, did not hold back on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) about her time studying for a master’s degree in the UK. Jain said, “90% of my batch had to go back because there are no jobs,” and added a strong warning: do not come “unless you have money to throw.”
Jain’s story stands out because she found a job after finishing her studies, but she says that’s rare. She remembered that a few years ago, things were not this hard. Back then, about 60-70% of international students managed to get jobs after they graduated. Now, the chance of landing a job seems much lower.
Another clear warning comes from a PhD student in Computer Science in the UK, who wrote a very detailed post on Reddit. This student called the UK a “trap for international students” and told people to “think twice” before coming. The message is clear: many Indian students are ending up “wasting your money, time, and energy.”
These warnings are being shared widely, so more Indian students are hearing these stories before making their own decision.
The Challenges After Graduation
Struggling to Find Work
The hardest thing that Indian students talk about is how difficult it is to get a job after finishing their degree. Janhavi Jain and others have said that almost none of the classmates they studied with were able to find work in the UK. The Computer Science PhD student shared a similar story, saying “99% of my friends have returned to India after completing their MSc or after MSc + PSW [Post-Study Work visa].”
Many Indian students find themselves working in part-time jobs, just to get by. These jobs often do not pay enough to support a good life, and students keep searching for something more stable. The longer they go without finding a full-time, professional job, the harder it gets.
The problem is not just the job search itself. The UK’s job market is competitive. Employers often want experience, and there are many applicants for every job opening. For Indian students without connections or previous work experience in the UK, getting noticed is tough.
Gaining a Degree, Gaining Debt
Studying in the UK is expensive. Tuition fees for international students are much higher than what UK citizens pay, often reaching tens of thousands of pounds. Living in cities like London or Manchester costs a lot too—rent, food, transport, and other daily expenses add up quickly.
Many Indian students and their families hope that this big investment will pay off with a well-paying job after graduation. Instead, faced with poor job prospects, graduates are left with heavy debts and few ways to earn enough to pay them back.
Some students and experts now warn that this path can put a huge financial strain not just on students but on their families. The high cost and uncertain job outcomes have led many to say the risk is just too high.
Questioning the Value of UK Degrees
On top of money worries, some students are now asking if a UK master’s degree is really worth it. The PhD student in Computer Science said a one-year MSc in the UK is “often considered equivalent to a BTech or BE in India—or even less in the US.” That means Indian students may return home only to find that their hard work is not valued as much as they expected.
Students want a degree that opens doors, either in the UK or elsewhere. If employers in India or the United States do not see a UK degree as better than a degree already available in India, then it is hard to justify the expense and effort.
Policy Changes Impacting Indian Students
The past few years have also brought new problems for international students in the UK due to government policy changes. Rules for residency and work visas have become stricter, making it even harder for Indian students to stay and work legally after they finish their courses.
For instance, the UK government has updated the rules for settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain. Now, most migrants must live in the UK for ten years before they can apply for permanent settlement. Before, the rule was just five years. This means students have to wait much longer, adding uncertainty after their studies.
Another big change is to the Graduate Route visa, which allows international students to stay and work in the UK after graduation. The allowed period for the Graduate Route visa has been shortened from 24 months to 18 months. That means students have even less time to find a good job and secure a work visa—putting more pressure on them to succeed quickly.
You can find official information about the Graduate Route visa and other rules on the UK government’s official student visa page.
These changes leave Indian students with fewer options and added stress.
Falling Numbers of Indian Students
These negative stories are reflected in official data. According to the Office for Students, the number of Indian students at British universities dropped by 20.4% between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years. That’s a decrease from 139,914 to 111,329 students in just one year.
This drop is important not just for students but for UK universities too. International students, including many from India, pay tuition fees that are much higher than those paid by local students. Many universities count on these higher fees to keep their budgets in balance and to fund their programs.
Because of the drop in numbers, experts predict that by the 2025-26 academic year, universities in the UK will see their yearly income fall by £3.4 billion. If this trend continues, about 72% of UK universities might have to deal with deficits—meaning they won’t have enough money to cover their costs.
Why Indian Students Are Looking Elsewhere
The growing list of problems in the UK is causing Indian students to explore other countries for their education. In the past, the UK was seen as one of the top places to earn a master’s degree—but now, things are changing.
Countries like Germany, Ireland, the United States, and even places in the Middle East are drawing more attention from Indian students. These countries offer different visa systems, sometimes with clearer paths to working after graduation or lower tuition fees. Some of these destinations, like Germany, have programs in English that are much more affordable.
It is not just jobs and money pushing this change. Recent riots and safety concerns in the UK have made families worry about sending their children there. Combined with stricter visa rules and fewer job opportunities, it is easy to see why students and families are comparing more places before deciding where to spend their time and money.
How UK Universities Are Responding
The drop in Indian students is putting real pressure on universities in the UK. Many are now trying to reassure future students that they still offer good opportunities. Some are investing in more support programs, better job placement services, and even partnerships with employers.
Still, unless the larger job market improves and visa rules become easier, these efforts may not be enough. As reported by VisaVerge.com, UK universities are sounding the alarm, warning that drops in international student numbers could hurt not just their budgets but also the UK’s standing as a popular place for global talent.
Opinions Vary About What Should Change
Some people blame new government policies for squeezing students out. Others think universities need to be more honest about what life is really like after graduation.
A few experts say that the UK has always been a top pick for students who can afford the costs, and that there is no guarantee of landing a job just because one holds a degree. Janhavi Jain, for example, does not believe the UK has always ignored students who want to build a career. She notes that the job market used to work for more graduates, but now the numbers are worse than ever.
Some parents and students say the rules and job market should be made easier for talented young people who have already spent so much money and effort.
The Personal Side of the Story
Behind all the statistics are real lives. Students like Janhavi Jain have invested years, saved money, and made sacrifices to earn their degrees. When things do not go as planned, the disappointment is hard to handle.
Most students dream of building a better future, supporting their families, and gaining work experience that will set them apart. When they face poor job prospects, high debt, and tough visa rules, those dreams can feel far away.
Key Points for Indian Students Thinking About the UK
Before deciding to study for a master’s degree in the UK, Indian students should:
- Look closely at the total costs, including tuition, rent, and living expenses.
- Carefully check how UK qualifications are valued in India, the United States, or any country where you may work in the future.
- Learn the latest rules around work visas, including the Graduate Route and the longer path to permanent residency.
- Talk to recent graduates and current students about what their job search has been like.
- Consider other countries that may offer better job markets, easier visa rules, or more affordable tuition.
It is important to be realistic. The UK is still home to top universities and diverse cultures, but the road to a successful career is not as easy as many once believed.
Looking Ahead
The stories of Indian students in the UK show that the dream of studying abroad can come with unexpected problems. While some still find success, the chances are becoming tougher for most. With falling student numbers, stricter rules, and rising debts, many are rethinking if a UK master’s degree is the right step.
As things change quickly, families and future students should stay updated and make careful choices. Decisions about studying in the UK or elsewhere should be based on clear facts, honest reports from past students, and a realistic look at future goals.
For the latest official rules on student visas and post-study work options, visit the UK government’s student visa page. This can help you check current policies before making plans.
In the end, clear advice from students themselves is making the biggest difference. They are sharing their stories so that others can approach this decision with open eyes. For some, the UK may still be the right place; for others, it may be time to look for better opportunities elsewhere.
Learn Today
Graduate Route visa → A UK visa permitting international graduates to stay and work for a limited period after finishing their degree.
Indefinite Leave to Remain → A residency status allowing migrants to live and work in the UK without time restrictions after meeting requirements.
Post-Study Work visa → A permit for graduates to work in the UK after completing their degree, now known as the Graduate Route.
International students → Students studying in a country where they are not permanent residents or citizens, usually paying higher tuition fees.
Office for Students → An independent regulator overseeing the quality and standards of higher education institutions in England.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indian students warn others about studying for master’s degrees in the UK, citing job scarcity, high debt, and new restrictive visa policies. UK universities now face significant drops in Indian enrollment and financial strain. Students emphasize researching costs, visa rules, and degree value before deciding if studying in the UK is worth it.
— By VisaVerge.com
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