The recent India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed on May 6, 2025, marks a significant milestone not just in global trade, but also for Indian students aspiring to study abroad in the UK. The deal has primary focus on trade and economic cooperation, however its effect on overseas education is significant.
For students exploring options to study in the UK, this FTA opens new doors for new academic and career opportunities as it addresses many issues related to visas, degree recognition, and work pathways.
Although student visas were not directly part of the agreement, the deal indirectly signals towards mobility, professional exchange, and bilateral cooperation. Today, we at Study smart want to discuss how Indian students will benefit from this FTA Agreement
The agreement is expected to streamline bureaucratic processes, making it easier for students to get visas and pursue education in UK universities.
The Graduate Route, which allows international students to stay and work in the UK after graduation, remains intact. Experts believe the FTA could enhance these opportunities by helping alignment of talent mobility with industry demand.
The efforts to promote mutual recognition of academic qualifications are in progress. This would make it easier for Indian degrees to be accepted by UK institutions, and vice versa, improving academic credibility and exchange.
Indian professionals sent to work in the UK won’t have to pay national insurance for up to three years. This will indirectly help reduce living costs for students who plan to stay and work in the UK after graduation.
The FTA leads the roadmap to deeper partnerships between Indian and UK educational institutions. The students can expect richer academic exposure and global learning experiences, right from joint research to collaborative programs.
Chetan Jain, CEO of Study Smart, highlights the potential impact on Indian students:
"The India-UK trade deal is a strong signal of closer ties that can benefit students in big ways. While visa policies haven't changed overnight, we’re optimistic that smoother mobility, clearer post-study pathways, and stronger academic collaboration will make the UK an even more attractive destination for Indian students."
Institutions like the University of York are already preparing to open branch campuses in Mumbai, , reflecting a growing trend in transnational education (TNE). The FTA supports this by encouraging cross-border partnerships, joint degrees, and student exchange programs: making study abroad a more accessible option for Indian students.
As an overseas education consultant, Study Smart advises students to:
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Sources: Times of India – “India-UK FTA Signed: What it Means for Indian Students”, May 2025: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
