Hey, if you’re an Indian student right now thinking about starting at the University of East London in January 2026, you’re looking at one of the most realistic and popular secondary intakes in the UK for students from India. The January Intake 2026 in UK is the second major entry point after the big September start, and UEL is one of the universities that makes it very accessible, especially for postgraduate taught master’s, postgraduate diplomas/certificates, some MBAs, and a handful of undergraduate top-up or foundation programs.

UEL has built a reputation for being flexible with international students, offering solid career-focused courses in East London without the ultra-high competition or fees of the Russell Group heavyweights. Here’s a clear, realistic guide to the January 2026 intake at the University of East London in UK, deadlines, fees, acceptance chances, and what actually makes it work well for Indian students.

Why January 2026 at UEL Is a Strong Option

January (starting mid-January to early February 2026) is UEL’s main secondary intake. It’s not as big as September, but it’s still very substantial, especially for taught postgraduate programs that don’t need lab-heavy or highly specialised facilities. You get the same UEL degree, same accreditation, same 2-year Graduate Route visa after graduation, but with:

• Less competition than September
• Higher acceptance rates at UEL
• Smaller incoming cohorts
• Often more personal attention from lecturers
• Quieter campus start (many domestic students already settled from September)

The trade-off is fewer course options than September, especially no full research-heavy or very competitive programs and fewer big scholarships (most large awards are tied to the main intake).

Courses Commonly Available in January 2026 at UEL

UEL runs a wide January intake for international students, particularly in these areas that Indian students frequently choose:

• Business & Management (MSc International Business Management, Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, MBA, Project Management)
• Computing & Digital Technologies (MSc Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence)
• Engineering & Technology (MSc Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Construction Management)
• Law (LLM International Business Law, Human Rights Law, Commercial Law)
• Health & Social Care (MSc Public Health, Health Promotion, Social Work, Nursing top-up)
• Creative & Media (MA Journalism, Digital Media, Film & Television Production, Graphic Design)
• Hospitality & Tourism (MSc International Hospitality Management, Tourism Management)

Undergraduate degrees are limited in January, but UEL often offers top-up years (final year of bachelor’s) or foundation programs leading to full degrees.

Deadlines & Application Timeline for January 2026

UEL’s January intake is rolling, but early application gives you the best chance at offers, scholarships, accommodation, and visa processing time.

• Applications open: Usually September–October 2025
• Recommended deadline: October–November 2025 (to allow time for offers, deposit, CAS, and visa)
• Final possible deadline: December 2025 (some courses accept into early January 2026, but places fill fast)
• Offers: 4–8 weeks after submission
• Deposits & CAS: Pay deposit quickly after offer to get Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
• Visa applications: December 2025–January 2026 (3–6 weeks standard processing)

Fees & Living Costs – What Indian Students Actually Pay

International tuition at UEL for January 2026 is typically £14,500–£16,500 per year for most master’s programs (roughly ₹16–18 lakh). MBA and some specialised courses sit around £16,000–£18,000.

Living costs in East London are manageable compared to central London:

• £10,000–£13,000 per year (rent, food, transport, personal expenses)
• Total first-year cost (tuition + living): £24,500–£30,000

Many Indian students bring this down with part-time work (up to 20 hours/week during term time), the 2-year Graduate Route visa, and scholarships.

Scholarships & Funding Options at UEL for January 2026

Indian students at UEL have access to multiple funding options which they frequently obtain. International Merit Scholarships provide automatic academic-based scholarships which range from £1,000 to £3,000 to students who achieve strong academic results. Early Payment Discount provides students who pay their tuition deposit before the deadline with a discount which ranges from £1,000 to £2,000. The British Council awards GREAT Scholarships which UEL participates in during some years to provide scholarships over £10,000. The Regional/Subject Awards program provides scholarships which range from £1,000 to £4,000 for select countries and academic programs.

Apply early, many are automatic or tied to October–November 2025 deadlines. Combine with Indian education loans (SBI, HDFC Credila, Avanse, InCred).

Acceptance Rate & Realistic Chances for Indian Students

UEL is known for being flexible and realistic with entry. Acceptance rates for January intake are higher than September because fewer applicants compete for the same spots. Typical requirements: 

Postgraduate: 2:2 equivalent (around 50–55% in Indian bachelor’s) + IELTS 6.5 overall Underage students need to complete their foundation studies and undergraduate degree through undergraduate top-up programs which require them to obtain 60% or higher in their 12th-grade exams while achieving an IELTS score between 6.0 and 6.5. Indian students with solid academics (55–65%+) and good English scores usually have very good chances, especially in business, computing, law, and health programs.

Final Thoughts

The January 2026 intake at UEL serves as a reliable option for Indian students who either missed the September application deadlines or need extra time to complete their results or who prefer to begin their studies at a less crowded time which offers better chances of acceptance to strong academic programs.You get a respected UK degree, practical training, good career support, and manageable fees in a diverse, well-connected part of London.

Start by checking the official UEL international website, look at your course page for current fees, entry requirements, scholarships, and January 2026 availability (they update regularly).

You should contact study in UK consultants in India if you need assistance determining whether January at UEL suits your needs or if you want to compare it with other universities while preparing your application and planning your visa requirements. We can review your grades, English level, budget, and goals to give you honest, practical advice. You need to check both the UEL website and UKVI because information changes quickly. What degree do you hold and which field do you study and what is your estimated financial capacity? I can provide you with the actual information that will apply to January 2026.

Gurmeet Singh

Gurmeet Singh is a seasoned overseas education consultant with a strong understanding of global university admissions and visa processes.