UK Master’s Under 20 Lakh for Jan 2026: Top Programmes

January 2026 is shaping up to be a solid option for students who missed the September intake. Plenty of UK universities have master's programmes tailored for budget-conscious international students. You can find master’s degrees in the UK for under ₹20 lakh, with some starting as low as ₹14-15 lakh a year so a British education might be more affordable than you think.

With the January intake, there’s a little more breathing room for scholarship applications and sorting out funding. Plus, you’ll still have access to the UK’s Post-Study Work visa, which means two years of stay-back after graduation. Not bad, right?

UK Master's Under 20 Lakh For Jan 2026: Top Programmes by QS Ranking

Here’s a look at some UK universities offering master’s programmes for under ₹20 lakh per year, ranked by their QS standings. Each university has a standout course with solid scope and reasonable fees for international students.

1. Staffordshire University (QS Top 100 UK Universities)

Course: MSc Computer Science Tuition Fees: ₹17-18 lakhs per year Scope: The MSc Computer Science programme here is pretty popular with international students, especially those aiming for tech roles in the UK or back home. Staffordshire’s strong research in computing and industry placements help graduates land jobs in software development, data analytics, and IT consulting. The university’s facilities are up to date, and there’s a real focus on employability.

Located in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, Staffordshire University gives students access to solid research departments and a modern campus vibe. The January intake is available, but you’ll want to get your application in early.

2. University of Chester

Course: MSc Business Management Tuition Fees: ₹15-16 lakhs per year Scope: Chester’s MSc Business Management is a good fit for those looking at roles in business development, consulting, or even entrepreneurship. The university is known for its student support and focus on employability, and their business grads often find work in the UK or internationally. Multiple campuses across Chester, Warrington, and Shrewsbury give you options.

3. University of Bolton

Course: MA Creative Arts and Media Tuition Fees: ₹16-17 lakhs per year Scope: If you’re creative, Bolton’s MA in Creative Arts and Media is worth a look. The university is big on practical, industry-focused education, and their connections in visual effects and film production are a plus. Graduates often head into roles in media production, design, or digital marketing.

4. University of Cumbria

Course: MBA (Master of Business Administration) Tuition Fees: ₹14-15 lakhs per year Scope: Cumbria’s MBA is one of the most budget-friendly options around. The course is designed for those aiming for management roles or a career switch. The university’s location in Carlisle is quieter than London, but it’s a good environment for focused study and networking with a diverse student body.

Funding Tips & The 2-Year UK Graduate Visa

Sorting out your finances is key. Quick Funding Strategies can help you lock in an education loan within a couple of months just make sure your documents are ready to go. Collateral-free loans up to ₹7.5 lakh are an option for top UK universities, and it’s smart to apply to a few lenders to see who gives you the best deal.

Funding Source	Amount	Processing Time
Education Loans	Up to ₹20 lakh	15-30 days
Scholarships	Varies	2-4 months
Family Support	Variable	Immediate

If you’re aiming high, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and Rhodes Scholarship are both fully funded, but you’ll need to apply early and put together a strong personal statement. These are tough to get, but worth a shot if you’ve got the grades and experience.

The Graduate Visa lets you work in the UK for two years after your master’s no salary limits, any job. It costs £925 plus the NHS surcharge. For PhD grads, it’s three years. Just remember, you have to apply before your student visa runs out, and dependents can’t be added to a new Graduate Visa after you finish your course.

Book A Free UK-Budget Call With EduMox

Trying to plan a UK Master's Under 20 Lakh For Jan 2026? It's not easy, especially when you're staring at tuition fees, rent, and visa paperwork. EduMox offers free consultation sessions to help Indian students figure out a realistic budget for the January 2026 intake.

You'll get one-on-one advice from consultants who actually know the ropes stuff like tuition, living costs, and visa fees. If you already have a few universities or courses in mind, you can talk through what fits your 20 lakh limit.

What you can expect from the free call:

• Comparisons of tuition fees at top universities

• Monthly living cost breakdowns for cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield

• Visa and application fee details

• Info on scholarships and part-time jobs

• Heads-up about hidden or surprise expenses
  

With 7 years of experience and a 96% admission success rate, EduMox has helped a lot of students get into the UK, Ireland, and France without blowing their budgets.

Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield usually win out for affordability, especially compared to the madness of London prices. If you're watching every rupee, those cities might be worth a closer look.

Booking is simple just hop onto the EduMox website and grab a slot. The advice is practical and actually tailored to you, not just generic numbers.

Honestly, these calls take the guesswork out of budgeting. You'll walk away with real estimates for your choices, which can make all the difference when you're about to invest in a UK degree.

And since it's free, there's nothing stopping you from getting some expert help before you make any big decisions about January 2026.