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The United Kingdom is an excellent vista of opportunities and facilities for international students who wish to shape their careers. As is well-known, the UK has a plethora of top universities and colleges that are globally recognised and highly ranked for their standards of education. However, universities aren’t the only aspect considered before a move. Students often look for assurance of career advancement and progress. The best way to determine the scope of career development is through the available job profiles and popular sectors with high returns on investments. Are you an Indian student who has recently chosen the United Kingdom as your desired study-abroad destination? Then our guide might have what you’re looking for. Read on to find the best jobs in the UK for Indian students!
Which Are The Highest Paying Jobs In The UK For Indian Students?
ROI – returns on investment – is a crucial aspect that most students consider before applying for a degree. If you want an intellectually satisfying career, this section may be of little use to you. However, if you’re looking for a career that will offer stability and secure financial footing, then you might be searching for some of the highest-paying jobs. Here is a list of the best jobs in the UK for Indian students to pursue. Students must note that the figures mentioned in the following table are estimates derived from abstract data over the years. While the actual figures are liable to vary, graduates can aim to earn more by gaining more experience and learning different skill sets.
| Job profile | Average annual salary (GBP) | Average annual salary (INR) |
| Orthodontist | £90,543 | INR 95,90,000 |
| Nephrologist | £89,976 | INR 95,30,000 |
| Paediatrician | £88,750 | INR 94,00,000 |
| Pilot And Aircraft Engineer | £88,227 | INR 93,50,000 |
| Plastic Surgeon | £86,577 | INR 91,70,000 |
| Tax Director | £85,728 | INR 90,80,000 |
| IT Director | £74,020 | INR 78,40,000 |
| Lawyer | £49,010 | INR 51,91,000 |
| Marketing Director | £65,995 | INR 69,90,000 |
| Advertising And PR Directors | £67,232 | INR 71,21,000 |
| Cloud Architect | £80,000 | INR 84,65,800 |
| Product Manager | £60,000 | INR 63,49,350 |
| Blockchain Developer | £60,000 | INR 63,49,350 |
| Artificial Intelligence Engineer | £55,000 | INR 58,20,237 |
| Data Scientist | £50,000 | INR 52,91,124 |
Popular Sectors To Work In The UK
While you’re searching for the best jobs in the UK for Indian students, there’s a prominent aspect to take into account. When considering the highest-paying job profiles, one can derive that a significant number of these belong to the IT and Tech industries. However, these aren’t the only two arenas where international students choose to work in. Check out this list of some of the most popular industries among Indian students.
- IT & Technology
- Creative
- Healthcare
- Secondary Education
- Business & Finance
- Hospitality
- Marketing & Advertising
- Engineering
- Law
- Science
IT & Technology
According to the “Skills and Immigration: Future Proofing the UK’s Workforce” report published by the UK government in 2022, the information and communication technology (ICT) sector is the largest employer of workers in the UK, accounting for 1.9 million jobs. The report also found that the sector is expected to grow by 12.6% by 2030, creating an additional 240,000 jobs. This makes the IT & Technology industry a top choice for Indian students seeking high-paying jobs in the UK. Some of the in-demand roles in this field include software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, and cloud architects.
- Demand: Soaring! Expected to grow by 12.6% by 2030, creating 240,000 new jobs (Skills and Immigration report, UK government, 2022).
- High-paying Roles: Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts,cloud architects.
- Famous Companies: Google DeepMind, ARM Holdings, Vodafone, Skyscanner,Deliveroo.
Creative
The UK’s creative industries are a major contributor to the economy, generating £115.9 billion in 2020. The sector is also home to a growing number of Indian entrepreneurs and businesses. According to a report by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the number of Indian-owned businesses in the UK increased by 15% between 2015 and 2020. This suggests that the creative industries offer promising opportunities for Indian students with skills in areas such as graphic design, fashion, filmmaking, and animation.
- Economic Powerhouse: Generating £115.9 billion in 2020, with Indian entrepreneurship on the rise (CBI report, 2020).
- Opportunities: Graphic design, fashion, filmmaking, animation, advertising.
- Big Names: BBC, Burberry, ASOS, Framestore, AMV BBDO.
Healthcare
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer in the UK, with over 1.3 million employees. The NHS is constantly recruiting for a variety of roles, including nurses, doctors, therapists, and pharmacists. Indian students with qualifications in healthcare can find a wealth of opportunities to work in the NHS and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
- Largest Employer: NHS with over 1.3 million employees, constantly recruiting nurses, doctors, therapists, pharmacists.
- Making a Difference: Contribute directly to patient care and public health.
- Renowned Institutions: Royal Free Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Secondary Education
The UK education system is highly regarded around the world, and there is a growing demand for qualified teachers. The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a number of initiatives to attract more international teachers to the UK, including the International Teacher Recruitment Scheme. Indian students with a passion for education can find rewarding careers in secondary education in the UK.
- Global Recognition: UK education system attracts international teachers through schemes like the DfE’s International Teacher Recruitment Scheme.
- Rewarding Careers: Shape young minds and contribute to future generations.
- Top Schools: Eton College, Harrow School, King’s College School, Winchester College.
Business & Finance
The UK is a global center for business and finance, and there are many opportunities for Indian students with qualifications in these areas. London is a particularly popular destination for Indian students seeking careers in finance, with many of the world’s leading banks and financial institutions having their headquarters in the city.
- Global Hub: London, a magnet for financial institutions like banks and investment firms, offers ample opportunities.
- Diverse Options: Corporate finance, investment banking, management consulting, accounting.
- Financial Powerhouses: HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, Schroders,PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Hospitality
The UK’s hospitality industry is a major employer, with over 2 million jobs. The sector is particularly reliant on international workers, and Indian students can find a variety of roles in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
- Demand: Steady growth expected, with 2 million jobs currently in the sector.Reliant on international workers, offering diverse roles.
- High-paying Roles: Hotel managers, chefs, event planners, marketing managers,revenue managers.
- Famous Companies: The Dorchester Collection, Hilton Worldwide, Whitbread,Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
Marketing & Advertising
The UK’s marketing and advertising industry is worth over £100 billion, and it is a growing sector. Indian students with creative and analytical skills can find rewarding careers in marketing and advertising, working on campaigns for some of the world’s leading brands.
- Economic Powerhouse: Industry worth over £100 billion, with continuous growth.
- Opportunities: Digital marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, public relations, advertising campaigns.
- Big Names: Ogilvy, Wieden+Kennedy London, McCann London, AMV BBDO, M&C Saatchi.
Engineering
The UK is a world leader in engineering, and there is a demand for skilled engineers in a variety of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and construction. Indian students with engineering qualifications can find a variety of exciting opportunities in the UK.
- World Leadership: Opportunities in aerospace, automotive, construction, and more.
- Cutting-edge Innovation: Contribute to groundbreaking projects and developments.
- Engineering Giants: Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, JCB, Atkins, Arup.
Law
The UK’s legal system is one of the most respected in the world, and there is a demand for qualified lawyers. Indian students with law degrees can find careers in a variety of areas, including corporate law, criminal law, and family law.
- Respected System: Pursue various legal specializations with high demand.
- Justice and Advocacy: Make a positive impact on individuals and communities.
- Prestigious Firms: Slaughter and May, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters,Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy.
Science
The UK is a world leader in scientific research, and there is a demand for skilled scientists in a variety of fields, including medicine, biotechnology, and engineering. Indian students with science qualifications can find exciting opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research in the UK.
- Research Powerhouse: Contribute to advancements in medicine, biotechnology,and various scientific fields.
- Breakthrough Discoveries: Be part of groundbreaking research with global impact.
- Leading Institutions: Wellcome Sanger Institute, Francis Crick Institute, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), AstraZeneca, GSK.
Best Jobs In The UK for Indian Students: Part-Time
The above sections discuss full-time jobs that students can acquire after graduation. However, these aren’t the only opportunities to earn money. Part-time jobs offered on and off campus are an incredible way for students to learn practical applications while earning extra money. Not only do students acquire different skill sets, actual industry exposure, and real-time experience, but they also learn to manage finances and gain financial security. Under the student visa, Indian students are allowed to work part-time for a set number of hours every week. Part-time jobs also enable students to form a strong network of peers that may assist them in the long run.
On-campus part-time jobs are easy to find, though they are quite competitive. They allow you to gain experience in your field, learn from top experts at your university and get on-field knowledge. Most universities offer jobs as librarians, student ambassadors, mentors, language tutors, research assistants, gym trainers, and health centre tutors. On the contrary, off-campus part-time opportunities are more in number but have a stringent screening process. Students can choose to freelance or find paid internships in whichever field they wish to pursue to gain experience and skills. Lastly, international students can also choose to volunteer for different events, local festivals, and drives to connect better with the local culture.
Top Universities & The Respective Offered Salaries
To look at the best jobs in the UK for Indian students from a different perspective, let us consider the top universities, their employability ranks, and their average salaries offered. Check out the following table for this data.
| University | QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2024 | Average Salary (GBP) | Average Salary (INR) |
| University of Oxford | 7 | £70,175 | INR 74,24,170 |
| University of Cambridge | 11 | £72,560 | INR 76,76,690 |
| Imperial College London | 30 | £63,013 | INR 66,66,600 |
| University College London | 20 | £64,436 | INR 68,17,120 |
| University of Edinburgh | 49 | £54,420 | INR 57,57520 |
| University of Manchester | 42 | £58,239 | INR 61,61,555 |
| King’s College London | 64 | £44,396 | INR 46,96,930 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | 48 | £56,330 | INR 59,59,540 |
| University of Bristol | 49 | £55,852 | INR 59,09,030 |
| University of Warwick | 77 | £63,013 | INR 66,66,600 |
How Do You Find The Best Jobs In The UK for Indian Students?
Most universities have an academic and career support centre on their premises where students can get assistance to get started on their career development. The most common services offered are resume-writing, practising interviews, developing professional skills and organising career fairs. Along with this, students can apply for available job profiles through platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
Some of the top employers in the United Kingdom and their respective offered compensations are mentioned here.
| Companies | Average compensation (GBP) |
| Salesforce | £94,475 |
| Man Group | £89,562 |
| Kearney and McKinsey | £86,728 |
| Standard Chartered Bank and Credit Suisse | £85,972 |
| £82,665 | |
| VMWare | £82,854 |
| G-Research | £81,720 |
| RBC | £81,352 |
Eligibility Criteria
The main factor to consider in the eligibility criteria is the visa. The typical student visa allotted to Indian students by the UK government at the time of migration allows them to work in the United Kingdom for a set number of hours per week. Additionally, it also ascertains your rights at the company of work, along with the standard guidelines for minimum wage policies. To acquire one of the best jobs in the UK for Indian students, candidates must have an ongoing student visa, English proficiency test results and job-related skill sets.
If you already have a visa that allows you to work in the UK, your chances of acquiring a job increase considerably. On the other hand, you can also apply for a visa after acquiring the job. However, candidates must note that they must apply for the visa as soon as possible after receiving the offer letter, as it often takes time. You can explore two major types of visas –
- Tier 2 General Visa: Under the visa, candidates are permitted long-term employment and residence in the United Kingdom. However, their job should be on the UK’s Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List. Otherwise, they won’t be able to qualify for this visa.
- UK Global Talent Visa: This visa is designed for candidates who are incredibly talented with skills and qualifications, like academicians and doctors. In case you’re granted this visa, you can immediately acquire a job.
FAQs
Q1. Which are the best jobs in the UK for Indian students?
Ans: Jobs in industries like teaching, engineering, healthcare, finance, accounting, HR, advertising and Public Resources are some of the best jobs in the UK for Indian students.
Q2. Which job is in high demand in the UK?
Ans: Jobs in the healthcare, social care and medical industry are currently in high demand in the United Kingdom.
Q3. Is the UK expensive for Indian students?
Ans: Although the living expenses vary depending on where you live, more often than not, the cost of living in the United Kingdom is expensive for Indian students. You can apply for scholarships or grants that provide a living allowance. You can also apply for an education loan, where they disburse the living expenses as well.
Q4. Can I get PR in the UK after studying?
Ans: To acquire a PR after completing your education, you must first apply for a work permit. Under this permit, you must work and reside in the UK for a minimum of five years. After spending this set amount of time in the UK, you’ll find that the process to obtain PR is quite simple and straightforward as long as you complete all the eligibility criteria.
Q5. How safe is the UK for Indian students?
Ans: The United Kingdom is a considerably safe place for Indian students. UK universities often take pride in their all-inclusive student community. Moreover, the campuses are protected, secure, and comfortable for international students from all backgrounds.
Thank you for reading our guide to the best jobs in the UK for Indian students! Let us know your thoughts or queries in the comments section below!
