The Ultimate Guide to the Best PR Courses in the UK for 2024
Did you know that over 60% of international students in the UK apply for work visas after graduation, aiming for a pathway to permanent residency (PR)? The UK's highly regarded educational institutions, coupled with post-study work opportunities, make it a top destination for students looking to settle. To enhance your chances of securing PR, it's crucial to choose the right course. PR courses such as Nursing, Engineering, and IT are in high demand, especially if you meet the UK's language proficiency requirements (usually IELTS).
This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about studying PR in the UK--from course content and eligibility to the top universities, career prospects, and potential pathways to Permanent Residency (PR).
Why Study in the UK?
Here are the reasons to study the top courses in the UK for Indian students:
- Higher Education: According to the QS Globe University Rankings 2023, four of the United Kingdom's universities are ranked among the top ten globally because they are among the best in the world. The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) ensures high educational standards and demands continuous improvement.
- Course Variety: Not only does a wide range of courses exist in the UK, but they are also so diverse and industry-specific that you will be sure to find a perfect fit to match your aspirations.
- Government Support: Several UK government support policies are available, including post-study work visas that can lead to PR. The Graduate Route allows an individual to stay and work after the study period for up to 2 years, with clear-cut residency in the pathway.
- Cultural Richness: A multicultural rich environment one can't miss out on (additional networking opportunities from a global perspective).
- Career Prospects: Many people hold UK degrees in high regard; established industry ties may allow students to obtain job placements and gain practical experience while studying easily.
- Healthcare Access: Students will receive full healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), paying a small International Health Surcharge.
- Part-Time Work: You can work part-time, but this should not affect your studies, up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
- Comprehensive Student Support: Universities provide wide-ranging support, right from pre-arrival information to academic and cultural orientation programs.
List of PR Courses in the UK for International Students
Permanent Residency (PR) courses in the UK provide students with the necessary communication skills, strategic thinking, and industry knowledge to succeed in the dynamic field of PR. The table below lists some of the best PR courses in the UK, along with their fees and career opportunities.
PR Courses in the UK |
Cost of Studying |
Cost of Studying (INR) |
Careers Outcome |
Average Salary |
Average Salary (INR) |
Nursing and Healthcare |
£20,000 - £30,000 |
₹20,00,000 - ₹30,00,000 |
NHS roles (nurses, doctors, etc.) leading to sponsorship. |
£45,000 - £65,000 |
₹45,00,000 - ₹65,00,000 |
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical) |
£18,000 - £25,000 |
18,00,000 - 25,00,000 |
Jobs in engineering, and infrastructure, leading to sponsorship. |
£40,000 - £55,000 |
40,00,000 - 55,00,000 |
Accounting and Finance |
£15,000 - £22,000 |
15,00,000 - 22,00,000 |
Accountant, and financial analyst roles in high-demand sectors. |
£50,000 - £70,000 |
50,00,000 - 70,00,000 |
Law |
£25,000 - £35,000 |
25,00,000 - 35,00,000 |
Legal practitioner roles, solicitor, barrister. |
£55,000 - £80,000 |
55,00,000 - 80,00,000 |
Social Work |
£16,000 - £24,000 |
16,00,000 - 24,00,000 |
Social worker roles, often leading to work visa sponsorship. |
£35,000 - £50,000 |
35,00,000 - 50,00,000 |
Architecture |
£14,000 - £20,000 |
14,00,000 - 20,00,000 |
Architects' roles are in demand, especially in urban planning. |
£30,000 - £45,000 |
30,00,000 - 45,00,000 |
Pharmacy |
£13,000 - £19,000 |
13,00,000 - 19,00,000 |
Pharmacist roles, leading to sponsorship from healthcare providers |
£28,000 - £40,000 |
28,00,000 - 40,00,000 |
Best PR Courses in the UK
Certain courses in the UK offer not only a first-rate education but also tend to target high-demand industries and improve your chances of obtaining a work visa and, eventually, permanent residency.
University |
Cost of Study (GBP) |
Cost of Study (INR) |
Job Roles |
Average Salary (GBP) |
Average Salary (INR) |
University of Birmingham |
£20,000 - £30,000 |
₹20,00,000 - ₹30,00,000 |
Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Nurse, Doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist), Midwife, Healthcare Manager |
£45,000 - £65,000 |
₹45,00,000 - ₹65,00,000 |
University of Bradford |
£22,000 - £30,000 |
₹22,00,000 - ₹30,00,000 |
Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Nurse, Doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist), Midwife, Healthcare Manager |
£48,000 - £68,000 |
₹48,00,000 - ₹68,00,000 |
University of Leeds |
£18,000 - £25,000 |
₹18,00,000 - ₹25,00,000 |
Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Nurse, Doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist), Midwife, Healthcare Manager |
£40,000 - £55,000 |
₹40,00,000 - ₹55,00,000 |
University of Sheffield |
£20,000 - £25,000 |
₹20,00,000 - ₹25,00,000 |
Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Nurse, Doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist), Midwife, Healthcare Manager |
£42,000 - £58,000 |
₹42,00,000 - ₹58,00,000 |
University of Bristol |
£15,000 - £22,000 |
₹15,00,000 - ₹22,00,000 |
Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Nurse, Doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist), Midwife, Healthcare Manager |
£50,000 - £70,000 |
₹50,00,000 - ₹70,00,000 |
University College London |
£18,000 - £22,000 |
₹18,00,000 - ₹22,00,000 |
Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Nurse, Doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist), Midwife, Healthcare Manager |
£52,000 - £72,000 |
₹52,00,000 - ₹72,00,000 |
University of Edinburgh |
£25,000 - £35,000 |
₹25,00,000 - ₹35,00,000 |
Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Nurse, Doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist), Midwife, Healthcare Manager |
£55,000 - £80,000 |
₹55,00,000 - ₹80,00,000 |
University of Manchester |
£16,000 - £24,000 |
₹16,00,000 - ₹24,00,000 |
Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Nurse, Doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist), Midwife, Healthcare Manager |
£35,000 - £50,000 |
₹35,00,000 - ₹50,00,000 |
University of Warwick |
£18,000 - £23,000 |
₹18,00,000 - ₹23,00,000 |
Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Nurse, Doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist), Midwife, Healthcare Manager |
£37,000 - £52,000 |
₹37,00,000 - ₹52,00,000 |
How to Apply to a Permanent Residency Course in the UK
The application process for a top course in the UK for Indian students is a multi-step process.
- Invest some time and choose a permanent residency course that is appropriate for the path that your career will take in the future.
- You should be aware of the specific admission requirements and course details [provided by the school that you are most interested in attending.
- Upon acceptance into the academy program, you will have to compile and prepare your academic transcripts, IELTS or TOEFL scores, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and evidence of funds for tuition and cost of living.
- Apply for admission to the institution by registering on the official application webpage.
- Enter your information, upload any required records, and then apply.
Please note: Some programs can call for an on-campus personal interview for selection.
Takeaway
International students pursuing PR in the UK stand to benefit from quality education, wide work prospects, and a PR-friendly environment. The Graduate Route and other UK policies enhance your chances of working after graduating.
Selecting the right curriculum and meeting the entry requirements can enable an individual to obtain a good education and job skills.
AECC can help you choose the right PR course in the UK, understand the fees, and apply. Our experts will also help you make informed decisions and guide you through the admission process for a successful future.
With a career spanning over 15 years in the study abroad industry, Devi Mukherjee is a leading specialist for students aiming to study in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Her deep expertise is built on a solid foundation of helping students navigate every step of their educational journey, from initial counselling to final university placement.
Devi's career is marked by leadership roles at prominent education consultancies like AECC and SI-UK Education Council. At Kangaroo Studies Pvt Ltd, she was responsible for setting up the entire UK market, giving her a foundational understanding of how UK universities operate and what they look for in an applicant.
As the current Senior Manager for Client Relations and Development (UK and Ireland) at AECC, Devi possesses the most up-to-date knowledge on admissions trends, visa policies, and university requirements for the region. Her background in training other counsellors also means she excels at breaking down complicated topics into simple, actionable advice.
Devi can help you with
- Navigating the UK & Ireland Systems: Use her specialised expertise to understand the unique application processes for universities in the UK and Ireland.
- Building a Strong Application: Get expert advice on how to craft a compelling application that highlights your strengths, based on her experience in student counselling and university relations.
- Making Strategic University Choices: Benefit from her business development background to choose a university and course that aligns perfectly with your long-term career goals.
- Simplifying Complex Information: Leverage her skills as a trainer to get clear, easy-to-understand answers for your most challenging questions.
Devi holds an MSc in Physics from the prestigious Hindu College, bringing a sharp analytical mind to every student's case. When you read her articles, you're getting guidance from a true industry veteran.