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Last updated on 3 Jul '26Imperial College LondonWhat's new?
- QS World University rankings for 2027 are out and Imperial College of London has been ranked at #2. Comparing the latest rankings of Imperial College of London with 2026 rankings, the data remained unchanged. Watch out this Imperial College of London ranking page for more detailed comparison.
- Admissions are now open for Indian students at the Imperial College London.
Why Indian Students Choose Imperial College London
The Imperial College London tuition fees can be high for Indian students but what if I tell you that there is a scholarship just built for you, named the India Future Leaders Scholarship which awards GBP 10K (INR 12.48L). It is applicable for Indian MSc and MRes students. And you don't need to apply separately for this.
Imperial College London is a public university based in London, England. It is the #2 university in the world (QS World 2027) and one of the 24 UK universities part of the prestigious Russell Group. It is one of the world's best universities for STEMB courses, ranking above Harvard and MIT on employer reputation. It is the UK's only university that focuses entirely on STEM and Business studies.
Rated the University of the Year for Graduate Employment 2026 by The Times, Indian graduates of Imperial College work for top global brands like Amazon, Deloitte, Mastercard, and BCG. Among several things, the university stands out for its quality of faculty. As part of the Imperial College London reviews on Shiksha Study Abroad, students describe the faculty as "professional, knowledgeable and approachable".
Imperial College London Key Facts
Indian students interested in higher studies at the best university in the UK would need to perform really well in their academics and extracurriculars to get a seat here, as the Imperial College London Acceptance Rate for Indian Students is 25%.
Mentioned below are some interesting facts worth knowing about studies at Imperial College UK:
| Imperial College Fact | Data |
|---|---|
| Main Campus Address | Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ |
| Total Students | 23,248 |
| Total Indian Students | 935 |
| Percentage of International Students | 61% |
| Total Staff | 8,783 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 |
| Total Income | GBP 1.5 billion |
| Total Capital Investment | GBP 111 million |
| Degrees Awarded | 10,521 |
| Total Campuses | 9 |
|
Sporting Affiliations |
|
Can I Work in the UK after ICL Graduation?
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Imperial College London is the better option for Indian students interested in STEM and Business courses in the UK. QS ranks Imperial College (#2) above Uni College London (#9) in it's world university rankings 2026. It also offers a more culturally diverse environment to Indian students.
However, for students interested in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Arts, UCL is the better option.
Yes, the Imperial London offers free iPads to its medical students. This does not apply to students enrolled in other courses. However, students can borrow them from the Imperial College London library for short periods during operational hours.
The Ipads don't usually come with accessories like keyboards and pens. These can be bought separately. Students can also buy iPads at discounted prices, thanks to the college's negotiations with Apple. Ipads are also allowed to be used for some exams on campus.
Yes, it is hard to get into Imperial College London as the acceptance rate is only 25.1%. It is ranked really well and among the top 5 in the world.
For competitive programs like Medicine and Engineering, the acceptance rate can drop to 13%.
One advantage that Indians can get here is that Imperial does not rely heavily on extracurriculars like sports or volunteer work, unlike the top US universities in the world.
There can not be an absolute answer to this question, as both of these institutions cater to different career goals and aspirations. ICL is superior for its STEM and Business courses and Harvard has an unmatched expertise for Law and Medicine.
Both of these universities are top tier institutions. Harvard University is a part of Ivy League and ICL is a member of the Russell Group.
As per the QS Rankings 2027, the rankings for these institutions -
- Harvard University ranks #5 globally
- Imperial College London ranks #2 globally
So, as per the rankings published by QS, ICL London is better than Harvard.
Imperial College London Ranking 2026
Imperial College is one of the top 3 universities in the UK and top 10 universities in the world, according to Shiksha. The Imperial College London UK Ranking is #3, as given by Shiksha. Globally, the Imperial College London World Ranking 2026 is #6. The university also leads in the subject-level rankings given by Shiksha for some popular courses pursued by Indian students in the UK, as mentioned below:
| Imperial College London Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (World) | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS | - | #2 |
| BE or BTech | - | #2 |
| MS | #7 | #3 |
| MBA or PGDM | #30 | #4 |
| Others PG | #7 | #5 |
| BSc | - | #5 |
| MSN | #259 | #27 |
| MA | #387 | #61 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
As per QS World 2027, ICL is ranked #2 best in the world again. It was at the same position in 2026 too. Imperial College UK performs similarly well as part of the country-level and global university rankings given by some popular platforms, as can be seen below:
| Platform | University Ranking |
|---|---|
| Imperial College QS Ranking 2027 |
#2 in the world |
| THE World University Rankings 2026 | #8 |
| The Guardian UK University Ranking 2026 | #6 |
| The Complete University Guide University Rankings UK 2026 | #6 |
#6
#3
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Both Imperial and Harvard are world-class global institutions. They are both better than each other in certain aspects. Imperial stands out for its STEM and Business courses, as does Harvard, however, Harvard does have a better reputation for courses in other streams.
ICL London maintains a much stronger reputation in the European and Asian markets. Harvard has better connections in North America.
Harvard has a better global reputation and is better for students interested in liberal arts or other areas of studies. Imperial is a better choice for STEMB courses.
The Imperial College is #1 university in London for Indian students. The University College London is in second place. The London School of Economics makes up the top 3, in the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings.
Both Imperial College London and Cambridge University offer a world-class MBA program. University of Cambridge is more popular for Digital Marketing, Strategy, and Energy, and Sustainability. Imperial College UK stands out for Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Busines Analytics.
Cambridge is among the top 3 universities in the UK for an MBA. Imperial College London ranks below it at #4, in the latest Shiksha rankings.
Imperial College London Courses for Indian Students
The Imperial College London offers 100+ UG and 200+ PG programs to Indian students. This includes degrees and professional certification programs in areas like Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics, Finance, and Business. The programs are delivered by the university's 4 faculties that are mentioned below:
| Imperial College London Faculties | |
|---|---|
| Imperial Business School | Faculty of Medicine |
| Faculty of Natural Sciences | Faculty of Engineering |
Imperial College London Popular Courses Among Indian Students
Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Business Analytics, Business Management, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Medicine are some popular Imperial College courses pursued by Indian students in the UK.
Listed below are the standout courses available to Indian students among these streams:
- Imperial College London MBA
- MBBS or BSc in Medicine
- MSc in Business Analytics & AI
- MSc in Advanced Computing
- MSc Statistics (Data Science)
Imperial College London Online Courses
Imperial College UK offers several online degrees and professional/short courses to Indian students in fields like Accounting, Android App Development, Creative Thinking, and Infectious Disease Modeling, among others. These can be pursued from anywhere in the world, and come with live sessions, recorded lectures, assignments, and access to student groups.
4.0(32)3 months - 2 years
Guided 4.6K students to UK universities.
4.1(24)12 months - 1 yearGuided 4.6K students to UK universities.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Yes, students can switch courses at the Imperial College UK. Switching courses within the same department is much easier than doing so between different departments. The conditions of the switch may vary for different courses. This can also have an effect on the student visa.
Students are advised to consult their interested department's admin. They can guide students on the steps involved in the process.
Yes, ICL is considered very good for a CS program. The university has some of the best researchers in the world. They guide students during their studies, helping them build projects in fields like AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science.
CS graduates of ICL are always in high demand, and the university is located close to popular tech companies. This helps provide better future career opportunities.
Shiksha ranks it in the top 3 universities in the UK for Computer Science, in its the latest rankings.
Most Imperial London courses are considered among the best in the country. However, it really stands out in the UK for the streams given below, per the latest Shiksha Rankings.
| Course or Stream | Rank in the UK |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | #1 |
| Aeronautical Engineering | #1 |
Note: The rankings are subject to vary over time. For the latest rankings, students are advised to check out the rankings page.
How to Apply to the Imperial College London from India?
Indian students interested in higher studies at Imperial College UK would need to meet its stringent entry requirements to get a seat. Students planning to apply for UG courses need a minimum 85% to 95% score in their Class 12th Board exams, depending on the course they're applying to. For entry to Master's courses, a minimum 60% to 75% score in a 4-year UG degree (equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class Honors, 2:1) is needed.
Imperial College London Application Deadline 2026
Indian students will need to submit a UCAS application for entry to UG courses. For PG courses, students can apply via the My Imperial portal. Upcoming application deadlines for Indian students to apply to Imperial College are mentioned below:
| Application Type | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Deadline for most PG courses | closed |
| UCAS Deadline for Medicine Courses | Oct 15, 2026 |
| UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline for UG courses | Jan 13, 2027 |
Imperial College London Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
As part of the Imperial College London Application Process, Indian students also need to submit the documents and test scores mentioned below to be eligible for higher studies at the university:
| Particular | Required |
|---|---|
| Required Documents |
|
| English Test Scores (Standard and Higher Standard Requirements) |
|
| Competitive Test Scores |
|
- Application fees :Pound 22 - 150
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Interviews for Imperial College London admission focuses on academic aptitude, passion for the subject and university, and suitability for the course. Interviewers look for technical knowledge for the course, discuss projects, internships, and scientific concepts mentioned in the application.
Questions like "Why this course?" and "Why Imperial?" are common. The interview is conducted online.
To know more, check - Common College Interview Questions for Study Abroad
No, Indian students don't need JEE, NEET, or GATE exam score to get a seat at Imperial College. However, programs like MBBS (UCAT), MBA (GMAT), and some STEM programs (ESAT, TMUA, GRE) do ask for additional test scores.
Make sure to check entry requirements for desired course before applying at Imperial College London.
Transfers are not that common at Imperial College UK. Indian students enrolled at a different college or university can apply either as a visiting student or contact the Admisison team to know more about any transfer opportunities.
Transfers may be possible to a course offered by the department of Life Sciences, Physics, or Mathematics. It is not possible to transfer to a UG Engineering course.
Imperial College LondonImperial College London Scholarships for Indian Students 2026
Imperial College UK offers several scholarships to Indian students to make up for the high costs of studies. The Chevening Scholarships India (100% Tuition Fee Cover), the GREAT Scholarships India, and the India Future Leaders Scholarship (GBP 10,000 or INR 12.66 Lakhs tuition discount on both) are some popular Imperial College London scholarships available to Indian students. Mentioned below are some key features of these scholarships:
| Type of Scholarship | Scholarship Name | Benefits | Course Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-based | India Future Leaders Scholarship |
|
PG, Research |
| Merit-based | GREAT Scholarships India |
|
PG |
| Merit-based | Chevening Scholarships India |
|
PG, Research |
How can I get a Scholarship at Imperial College London?
The eligibility requirements are different for each scholarship at Imperial. The general requirements remain the same for all scholarships, and are mentioned below:
- Be a domicile of India
- Have an admission offer in hand
- Demonstrate leadership potential and qualities
- Meet English language requirements
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Imperial College scholarship deadlines for Indian students vary for different programs. The India Future Leaders Scholarship accepts applications until Early-April. The deadline for Chevening India Scholarships is usually Early-Oct.
Scholarship deadlines have passed for most scholarships at Imperial College London for Indian students planning for the 2025-26 intake.
Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded financial aid from the UK government to Indian students for a 1-year PG program in the country. It covers the full tuition and visa fees for the program. Students also get a monthly stipend, a travel grant to attend Chevening events, and return air ticket to travel to India, every year.
Indian students need to meet the below conditions to be eligible:
- Agree to return to India for at-least 2 years after scholarship ends
- Prior full-time work experience of 2 years in relevant industry
- Strong academics in UG and Class 12th
- Have an unconditional admission offer
The college, in collaboration with the Formula 1, offers 3 scholarships to female students and to those from minority ethnic backgrounds to encourage participation of students in motorsports. The scholarships covers the full cost of studies including tuition and living costs for students for the full duration. To be eligible, students need to meet the conditions given below.
- Be a female student or from a minority ethnic background
- Should be enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering program
- Demonstrate academic excellence
- Only one F1 scholarship to be awarded each year
For more information, check out the scholarship page.
Imperial College London Popular Courses
1 yearโน48.98 LGet Fee Details
Imperial College LondonStudents Ratings & Reviews
34 Verified Reviews- 63% students never faced discrimination in this university
Imperial College London Job Outcomes Post Study
Indian graduates of Imperial College London are currently employed in full-time roles at Microsoft, IBM, SAP, Uber, and EY. The university offers dedicated career-support services to Indian students in the form of one-to-one counseling, CV or Cover Letter reviews, and interview preparation.
Imperial College London Placement Rate
92% of MBA graduates were employed within 3 months of the latest round of the Imperial College London Placements. Mentioned below are some key employment figures worth knowing about MBA grads of the Imperial Business School:
| Imperial Business School Placement Facts | Validation |
|---|---|
| Students | 54 |
| Average Years' Work Experience | 6 Years |
| Changed Sector After Graduation | 64% |
| Started their own Venture | 8% |
Imperial College London Average Graduate Salary
The average salary earned by MBA graduates stood at USD 119,230 (INR 1.11 Cr), a 45% increase in average salary compared to the pre-MBA figures. Mentioned below is how it compares to the initial investment made by students in tuition costs:
| Program | Imperial College London MBA Fees for Indian Students (Investment) | Average Graduate Salary Post-MBA |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | GBP 78,000 (INR 98.7 Lakhs) | USD 119,230 (INR 1.11 Cr) |
(USD 1 = INR 95.17)
Source: Imperial College UK
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The Imperial College London placement rate is around 92% within three months of graduation. As per the latest placement report, Indian students got an average of up to GBP 68.6K (INR 87.18L).
These students work in top sectors like -
- Business Development
- Engineering
- Research
- Education
- Operations
- Finance
- Information Technology
- Healthcare Services
(GBP 1 = INR 127.09)
Management and IT graduates are of very high demand to employers in London. Mentioned below are some of the best paying job roles in London for Indian students to consider.
| Job Title | Average Salary in GBP | Average Salary in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | GBP 50,834 | INR 61.6 Lakhs |
| Data Analyst | GBP 34,707 | INR 42.05 Lakhs |
| Project Manager | GBP 49,300 | INR 59.73 Lakhs |
| Marketing Manager | GBP 45,244 | INR 54.8 Lakhs |
| Operations Manager | GBP 47,541 | INR 57.6 Lakhs |
Source: Payscale
1 GBP = INR 121.17
Students earn INR 1.2 K-INR 1.8 K per hour on average. The wages depend on age, type of job, and location. Mentioned below are the minimum living wages for international students working part-time.
| Age | 21+ | 18-20 | Under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage per hour | INR 1.5 K | INR 1.3 K | INR 970 |
Source: GOV.uk
Indian students can work 20 hrs/week during the semester in the UK. They can work 40 hrs/week (or full-time) during semester breaks. To be eligible to work part-time in the UK, students would need to meet the conditions given below.
- Should be enrolled in a full-time, degree-level or higher course at a UKVI licnesed college or university
- Can only work 10 hrs/week for below-degree courses
- Must have a UK student visa with work conditions clearly mentioned on the BRP
- The college or university should have a track record of compliance
Imperial College London Cost for Indian Students 2026
Indian students planning to enrol in UG courses at Imperial College London have to pay between GBP 35,100 and GBP 42,000 (INR 44.4 Lakhs and INR 53.13 Lakhs) per year in tuition costs. Some Engineering and Medicine courses may have higher fees. For Master's programs, the Imperial College London Tuition Fees for Indian students range between GBP 18,350 and GBP 80,000 (INR 23.2 Lakhs and INR 1.01 Cr). For work-placement or study abroad years, the tuition fee is reduced and capped at 20% of the annual tuition fee.
Apart from tuition costs, Indian students also need to plan for the cost of living in London.
How much does it cost to live in London for Indian Students?
Average cost of living in London for Indian students is GBP 22,041 (INR 27.09 Lakhs) per year. This includes costs related to housing, food, travel, and some personal expenses. Mentioned below is a breakdown of the monthly cost of living in London for Indian students:
| Component | Monthly Cost in GBP | Monthly Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | GBP 114-996 | INR 14.4 K-INR 1.26 Lakhs |
| Food | GBP 307 | INR 38.8 K |
| Transportation | GBP 119 | INR 15 K |
| Personal Expenses | GBP 297 | INR 37.5 K |
| Total Monthly Cost | GBP 1,719-GBP 1,837 | INR 2.17 Lakhs-INR 2.32 Lakhs |
1 GBP = INR 126.51
Apart from the costs above, students should also keep a plan to manage some Hidden Costs at Imperial College London. Check out the video below to know more:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
M.Sc.(181 courses) | โ / โ | Duration:ย 3 months-2 years Exam Accepted:ย IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL, PTE: 62 - 69, Duolingo: 69 - 125, GMAT: 600 - 650, GRE |
MBA/PGDM(16 courses) | โ / โ | Duration:ย 12 months-1 year Exam Accepted:ย IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL, PTE: 69 & Above, Duolingo: 125 & Above, GMAT: 600 - 650, GRE: 314 & Above |
B.Sc.(58 courses) | INR 41 L - 71 LGet Fee Details | Duration:ย 3-6 years Exam Accepted:ย IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL, PTE: 62 - 69, Duolingo: 115 - 125 |
B.E. / B.Tech(33 courses) | INR 40 L - 58 LGet Fee Details | Duration:ย 3-5 years Exam Accepted:ย IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL, PTE: 62 - 69, Duolingo: 105 - 125 |
MBBS(2 courses) | INR 71 LGet Fee Details | Duration:ย 4-6 years Exam Accepted:ย IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL, PTE: 62 & Above, Duolingo: 125 & Above |
BBA(1 course) | INR 53 LGet Fee Details | Duration:ย 3 years Exam Accepted:ย IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
MPH(1 course) | INR 57 LGet Fee Details | Duration:ย 1 year Exam Accepted:ย IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL, PTE: 69 & Above, Duolingo: 125 & Above |
Executive MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 1 CrGet Fee Details | Duration:ย 1 year Exam Accepted:ย IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
Others PG(1 course) | INR 40 LGet Fee Details | Duration:ย 1 year Exam Accepted:ย IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
M.A.(1 course) | INR 39 LGet Fee Details | Duration:ย 21 months Exam Accepted:ย IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Yes, students can pay the Imperial College London fees in installments, if they cannot afford to do so in one-go, provided they meet the eligibility conditions given below.
- Should be a self-paying student. If the studies are fully-funded by an extrnal sponsor, tuition fees cannot be paid in installments
- Should not have any overdue balance on the invoice. Make sure to submit all the dues before the date mentioned on the invoice or the original email received by the student.
- Be enrolled in a course with a duration of more than 8 months
Indian students would have to spend INR 52.35 Lakh to pursue a BSc in Computer Science at the Imperial College. For an MSc in Computer Science, the fees is INR 55.6 Lakh. The tuition costs can increase every year depending on inflation.
Students are advised to check the course page before applying to remain updated with the the latest changes.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee (GBP 776 or INR 1 Lakhs per year) paid by Indian students for the healthcare services offered by the National Health Service (NHS).
This allows students to get all healthcare benefits of a UK resident. The IHS covers hospital treatment, diagnostics, mental health services, dental services, and urgent medical needs.
For UG courses, Indian students applying via UCAS pay GBP 28.95 (INR 3.6 K) for upto 5 university choices, and GBP 22.50 (INR 2.8 K) for a single-choice.
For PG courses, the fee vary for different programs, as mentioned below:
| Program | Application Fee in GBP | Application Fee in INR |
|---|---|---|
| For Most PG courses + MRes/Doctoral Applications | GBP 90 | INR 11.3 K |
| MSc | GBP 125 | INR 15.7 K |
| MBA | GBP 150 | INR 18.8 K |
Imperial College UK Notable Alumni
Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Businessman Cyrus Mistry are popular Indians who pursued their studies at Imperial College London. The university's 220,000+ strong alumni network also includes the pioneer of Vaccum tubes, William Crookes, and British Computer Scientist Donald Davies. Mentioned below is some more on the achievements and works of some prominent Imperial College London Notable Alumni.
| Name | Known For | Alumni |
|---|---|---|
| Rajiv Gandhi |
|
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| Cyrus Mistry |
|
 |
| Marc Garneau |
|
_(cropped).jpg) |
| John Ambrose Fleming |
|
 |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Some popular names to have taught or worked at Imperial College London and won the Nobel are mentioned below:
- Sir Alexander Fleming (Discovered Penicillin, won the 1945 Nobel Prize in Physiology)
- Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson (Former professor of Inorganic Chemistry, 1973 Nobel in Chemistry)
- Sir Derek Barton (Former professor of Organic Chemistry, 1969 Nobel in Chemistry)
- Sir George Paget Thomson (Former Professor of Physics, 1937 Nobel in Physics)
Conrad Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya since 2018, also pursued his studies at the Imperial College. Conrad pursued an MBA at the college. Before that, he also completed an BBA in Entrepreneurial Management at the Wharton School of the University of the Pennsylvania, in the US.
He started his political career in the late 90s, as the campaign manager for his father, PA Sangma, of the Nationalist Congress Party.
Kavin Bharti Mittal, son of billionaire Sunil Mittal, who founded the Bharti Airtel, one of India's the largest telecom giants, pursued his studies at ICL London. Kavin pursued a Master's in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Management at the college. Mittal pursued his UG studies in the same field at the University of York. He then went on to build the Hike messenger, and the Rush Gaming Universe.
Imperial College London vs MIT vs IIT - Which is better for Indian Students?
Indian students looking for strong STEM and Business courses, shorter PG programs, and a faster post-study work visa in the UK (2 years) will find Imperial College London a better fit compared to MIT and IIT Delhi. MIT offers better global research and networking opportunities, along with high-salary placements. IITD offers a much better ROI with significantly lower tuition costs. Mentioned below is how these universities compare with each other for factors of high importance to Indian students:
| Factor | Imperial College London | MIT | IIT Delhi |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Ranking 2026 (QS) | #2 | #1 | #123 |
| Acceptance Rate for Indian Students | 25% | 4.6% | 1% |
| Ideal For |
|
|
|
| Average Annual Tuition Fees |
|
|
|
| Average Annual Graduate Salary |
|
|
|
| Post-Study Work | 2 Year (Graduate Route Visa) | 3 Year Visa (OPT + STEM OPT Extension) | No Visa Required |
Which one should Indian students choose?
The choice of which university is better varies based on what a student is looking for.
- Imperial is better if students wish to study at a top university in the UK and for better career opportunities in Europe.
- MIT is better if the plan is to study at a university with the best global reputation and access to the US job market.
- IITD is better if one is looking to study at a top Indian university with lower tuition costs and easy access to Indian industries.
Compare Imperial College London with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 0 - 64.72 L | #2 QS, 2027 | |
| INR 34.06 L - 74.77 L | #1 CUG, 2027 | |
| INR 43.9 K - 26.34 L | #376 QS, 2027 | |
| INR 20 L - 87.6 L | #8 QS, 2027 | |
| INR 13.87 L - 28.31 L | #408 QS, 2027 | |
| INR 10.42 L - 45.3 L | #38 Guardian, 2025 |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
Imperial College is better for clinical medicine (MBBS) than MIT. The university offers a direct UG medical degree to Indian students with world-class hospital training in London. It consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the world for Medicine.
MIT is better for research in biomedical engineering and biosciences. It focuses on innovation in health technology instead of training licensed doctors.
Imperial does offer a better student life to Indian students seeking an urban and diverse study environment in Europe. Its presence in London makes students feel right at home with a large Indian student population (13,000+) compared to Cambridge (1,000+).
MIT also offers an excellent student life with more student clubs and societies (500+) than Imperial College (350+), and better exposure to the US job market. However, MIT is known to be more academically demanding than Imperial College UK.
No, Engineering graduates of MIT University in USA earn higher salaries than Imperial College Engineering grads. The average graduate salary of MEng graduates at MIT ranges between INR 1 Cr and INR 1.2 Cr per year.
In comparison, engineering grads of Imperial College London earn a median salary of INR 50 Lakhs to INR 76 Lakhs per year.
Imperial College LondonStudying in UK
Key Facts About UK
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Imperial College London UK Campus
Indian students get a welcoming but academically demanding environment at Imperial College London. Most of the day for students is spent taking part in group activities, like case-based studies. There are several cafes, gyms, and restaurants to hang out at. Students are also allowed to book rooms for relaxing or organising meetings. The university also conducts networking events like community meetups and encourages students to participate and grow, according to Imperial College London campus reviews posted by students on Shiksha Study Abroad.
Imperial College London Campus Locations
Imperial College operates 9 campuses across London and the South East. This includes the main South Kensington campus in Central London. Listed below are the other campuses operated by the university and their locations:
- White City Campus
- Silwood Park Campus
- Old Oak Innovation Cluster
- Hammersmith Hospital
- Royal Brompton Hospital
- St Mart's Hospital
- Charing Cross Hospital
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
- North West London Hospitals
Imperial College London Campus Life for Indian Students
The campus offers several student clubs and societies, counselling services, residential halls, dining options, quality research facilities, and everything a student needs as part of their student life in London. Mentioned below are some key features of the Indian student life at Imperial College London:
- Indian students can choose from more than 350 student clubs and societies on campus. These cover culture, academics, and hobby interests. The Baking Club, AI club, Football Club, Coding Club, and the Cricket Club are some popular ones available to students.
- There are 90+ sports clubs for Indian students to join and compete against peers and students from other colleges and universities in the UK as part of regional sports competitions. Sports clubs are available across Basketball, Rugby, Rowing, and Windsurfing. The Imperial College Sports Centre also maintains world-class fitness facilities include gyms, swimming pools, sports halls, climbing walls, squash courts, classes, and treatment rooms, among others.
- New Indian students about to enrol in UG courses are guaranteed on-campus housing at Imperial College London, provided they accept their admission offer and meet all offer conditions by a specific deadline. 90% of all first-year UG students choose to live in on-campus residence halls. The halls offer furnished rooms, communal kitchens, high-speed wi-fi, and several social and open spaces.
Commonly asked questions On Others
Yes, Imperial College UK is generally considered safe for Indian students. The college gets 4.1 stars out of 5, for safety, per the reviews posted by students on Shiksha Study Abroad.
As for the security measures, the university has security guards that patrol the campus day and night, emergency assistance via the SafeZone app, quick incident response teams, ID card-access control, CCTVs and body-worn cameras by staff around the campus.
Yes, Indian food is available on the Imperial College campus. Students can find options like curries and rice at the general outlets like Queen's Tower Rooms and Fusion. However, Indian food on-campus can be very limited.
Students can find more variety off-campus. Restraurants like the Raka Fine Indian Cuisine, serve both vegan and non-vegetarian Indian food. Other popular places near the university campus include Dishoom Kensington, The India, and Maharaja of India.
Yes, the college runs multiple student clubs and societities for Indian students. Some popular ones are mentioned below.
- Indian - Available, only to members of the Imperial College Union, it is one of the largest Indian student societies in the UK. The society takes part in several popular social and cultural events. These include Just Bollywood, Utsav, and the East Meets West, among others.
- Indian National Student Association - Similar to Indian, it provides a platform for Indian students to come together. It welcomes students from more than 35 UK universities, that also includes Cambridge, Imperial, and Oxford.
What is it like to be an Indian student in London?
Indian student Life in London is fast-paced, where one needs to manage demanding academics with part-time jobs to tackle the high cost of living. Compared to India, the studies are more practical, research-based, and require self-study. Master's programs in London have a shorter duration (usually 1 year), which allows students to find full-time roles early. Mentioned below are some key aspects of the life of an Indian student in London:
Key Aspects of the Indian Student Life in London
- Academics: Studies in London focus on critical thinking and practical skills. Students are assessed based on assignments, case studies, and research. Exams are also important, but they are conducted in a mix of in-person, open-book, and online styles.
- Social and Cultural Life: The city offers a multicultural student life with students arriving from 200+ countries. Areas like Southall (also called "Little India") and Wembley house many Indian students, families, shops, and eateries. The city has a buzzing nightlife, with bars and pubs just walking distance away from popular student hubs in London.
- Welcoming Culture: Locals in London are usually welcoming and polite towards Indian students. They value politeness and orderly behaviour, but are also often reserved and like to maintain personal space. Indians are mostly seen as hard-working and law-abiding.
- Safety: London is usually safe for Indian students. Violent crimes are low, but crimes like pickpocketing, phone snatching, and scams related to rent, part-time jobs, and impersonation (as police officers) are common.
- Transportation: Public transportation in London is safe and heavily relied on by Indian students. Underground Tubes and Buses run from as early as 5:30 am to midnight. Indian students can use a Student Oyster photocard to get a 30% student discount on travel costs in London (GBP 100 to GBP 200 or INR 12.6 K to INR 25.3 K per month).
- Indian Student Community: 13,000+ Indian students are enrolled across popular universities in London, such as Imperial College, University of Greenwich, and the University of East London.
Check out the video below to know more about Indian student life in London:
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 1
London is usually welcoming to Indian students. However, some cases of racism like harassment, bullying over religion, and online abuse have been reported in the past.
The degree of such cases vary across the city. Racism towards Indian students is uncommon in areas like Southall, Wembley, Harrow, Ilford, and East London.
Mentioned below are some measures Indian students can take if they face racism in London:
- Call the police on 999
- Contact the Indian High Commission or the Student Unions
- Report hate-posts on social media
For safety, access to university resources, and ease of making friends, living in university halls is usually better for 1st year Indian students in London.
Private rentals can be taken during later years. These can be more affordable (if shared), and offer better freedom to Indian students.
To know more, check out - the cheapest Accommodation for Indian Students in London
Indian students do face competition for part-time work in London. However, it is gettable if students start early and use the right platforms. Networking with students on campus and applying heavily is key.
Retail Assistants, Cafe/Baristas staff, Event staff, and Library assistants are popular part-time work roles that Indian students take in London.
Imperial College Londonย FAQs
Both are very good in different areas. Imperial College is known for its strong STEM courses. Oxford is considered the better option for its humanities and social Science programs. Imperial maintains strong industry connections in the tech and Science industry. Oxford carries a historical reputation and has educated more than 30 British Prime Ministers.
Yes, Imperial College actively helps Indian students find jobs in the UK. The university offers dedicated career services, networking events, and access to its online job search portal.
Talented Indian students also get the chance to work at the Imperial Global India Hub (research and innovation facility in Bengaluru).
Mentioned below are some popular financial aid options for Indian students in the UK.
| Type of Scholarship | Scholarship Name | Financial Award | Eligibile Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-based | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship |
| PG or Research |
| Merit-based | Commonwealth Scholarship |
| PG or Research |
| Merit-based | GREAT Scholarships | GBP 10,000 or INR 12.11 L | PG |
1 GBP = INR 121,18
Yes, students can bring their families to study at Imperial College London. However, this does not apply to everyone. Given below are the conditions students need to meet to be eligible to bring their dependants with them.
- Should be enrolled in a PhD or MRes course OR
- Get a financial award from the UK government that covers some or all living costs for a full-time programme (atleast 6 months long) OR
- dependant already has a student dependant immigration permit OR
- have a child who was born after the last renewal of immigration permit OR
- applied same time for an immigration permit as the dependant
Imperial College London
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
The Imperial College London offers 17 MBA/PGDM courses to Indian students for a time span of 12 months with a tuition fee of INR 0 - 98.98 L. Some of the popular specialisation in the field are-
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย Full-Time MBA
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย MRes Business
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย MSc Business Analytics & AI
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย MSc Finance and Accou
K
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
Imperial College London offers Indian students a world-class study environment with top-tier STEM and Business programs. However, it also requires them to through a stringent admission process, and managing high tuition and living costs.
Pros:
- Elite Global Reputation (QS World Rank #2 in 2026)ย
- Unmatch
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, Imperial College London grads earn higher average salaries than those from the Uni of Edinburgh. The premium salary earned by Imperial grads is down to the university's focus on STEM and Business courses, and strong partnerships with top global companies.
Average salary earned by MBA grads of Im
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, all the UG students from India are required to apply via the UCAS portal only at Imperial College London.
The students cannot apply directly via the applications or use alternative portals for UG degrees.ย
UCAS is the central portal and all UG students should apply via the same.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
ICL admissions have always been very academically selective rather than holistic. This approach is actually very different from most top universities in the US, where extracurriculars, essays and personal character of the student.ย
Given below are the factors on which an ICL application is assessed.
B
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
Imperial College London
Hammersmith Building
Campus building1
Campus building2
Selkirk Hall
AccommodationImperial College LondonLocation
| University City | London, London, UK |
| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 88,25,000 |
Imperial College LondonCampuses
Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ
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