‘A Trap’: Indian PhD Student In UK Questions Value Of 1-Year MSc Degree, Shares Struggles – News18

Last Updated:March 18, 2025, 18:53 IST

The student claimed many international students struggle to find well-paying jobs, forcing them into part-time roles that barely cover living expenses

A PhD student from India studying Computer Science in the UK has warned potential international students, urging them to reconsider their plans to study in the UK. In an online post on Reddit, the student detailed the struggles faced by international students in the UK, citing financial strain, limited job opportunities, and a questionable return on investment for one-year Master’s degrees.

The student claimed many international students struggle to find well-paying jobs, forcing them into part-time roles that barely cover living expenses. This financial instability leads to immense stress and impacts students’ physical and mental well-being. The student also highlighted high living costs, unpredictable work schedules, and subpar food quality as additional challenges.

“If you’re considering coming here, please think twice- you might end up wasting your money, time, and energy. Many students force themself into part-time jobs that barely support a decent quality of life. I’ve seen friends who finished their Masters and even extended their post-study visas become extremely thin, lose their hair, and eventually return to India because they simply couldn’t cope,” the post read.

“The issues go beyond health. The food quality, sky-high housing costs, unpredictable work hours, poor weather and even racism contribute to a decline in overall well-being. Your financial situation can also suffer, with your family often having to bear the burden,” it added.

UK Master’s Degree Holds Less Value In India

The student questioned the value of a UK Master’s degree, arguing that it often holds less weight compared to degrees earned in India or the US. The student also criticised the heavy reliance on take-home assignments in UK Master’s programmes, suggesting a lack of rigor compared to programs in other countries.

“One more important note: In the UK, a one-year MSc is often considered equivalent to a BTech or BE in India or less in the US, which means it offers little return on investment compared to a full MS degree in the USA or a MTech, ME, MS in India,” the student posted.

The online post sparked a debate, with many international students sharing similar experiences. Some argued that UK universities prioritise profit over academic integrity, alleging widespread awareness of assignment outsourcing. However, others pointed out the value of UK PhD programmes and the global transferability of a good PhD.