Studying in the UK is good value for money and the average costs here are lower than in both the USA and Australia.
You will find that UK graduates are among the most employable in the world. In fact, seven in ten international students say that they are progressing further, being promoted quicker, and earning more because of their UK education.
Still, investing a considerable sum in your education does require careful consideration. Here are some details on the type of budget you are going to need to study in the UK.
How much does it cost to study in the UK?
Fees for UK courses vary depending on your study level and where in the UK you are studying.
Course fees
Fees for UK courses vary depending on your study level and where in the UK you are studying. For example, humanities and social sciences degrees tend to cost the least, while laboratory and clinical degree programmes tend to cost the most.
Fees for UK courses vary depending on your study level and where in the UK you are studying.
Undergraduate –
International undergraduate tuition fees vary from £11,400 – £38,000. The average cost is estimated to be around £22,200 per year.
Typically, undergraduate degree courses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland last for three years or four in Scotland.
Postgraduate –
International postgraduate tuition fees vary from £9,000 – £30,000. The average cost is estimated to be around £17,109 per year.
Many postgraduate degree courses in the UK can be completed in one year of full-time study. This has financial and career benefits. A one-year master’s programme usually has fewer and lower associated costs. It offers the option of faster entry or re-entry into employment than a traditional two-year master’s programme.
As tuition fees vary by course and institution, we recommend you consult the website of the university or college you are applying for detailed information.
Living costs
As an international student coming to the UK without dependants, you can expect to pay around £1300-£1400 per month in London or £900-£1300 in the rest of the UK to cover your accommodation, bills, groceries, and a range of other living expenses during your studies.
Average living costs to help you budget for your UK studies
-
• London: £848
• Rest of UK: £664
Note: these costs are based on non-catered single occupancy student halls. If you are interested in catered student halls, budget for more.
-
• London: £750
• Rest of UK: £554
Note: these cost is based on a room for one person in shared accommodation.
-
• London: £140
• Rest of UK: £80
-
• London: £155
• Rest of UK: £116
-
• London: £150
• Rest of UK: £80
London average costs: Restaurant meal – £16, Takeaway coffee – £2.69
Rest of UK average costs: Restaurant meal – £15, Takeaway coffee – £2.50
-
• London: £103*
• Rest of UK: £54
* Full-time students from all over the UK receive a 30 per cent discount off standard tube and bus fares with a Student Oyster Card if they have a National Rail Card. Monthly student Oyster cards for Zones 1-2 cost £103.
-
• London AND Rest of UK: £18
-
• London: £20
• Rest of the UK: £15
Note: many gyms offer student memberships for around £15-20 per month throughout London and the rest of the UK.
There may be free or cheaper options in your halls of residence or at your university. We recommend that you do your research to find the best deal for you and what kind of plan you’re looking for.
The National Union of Students (NUS) revealed in November 2022 that 57 per cent of UK students experienced a rise in their cost of living by over £20 per week. Additionally, 25 per cent of students reported having less than £50 left over from their budget each month after rent and bills.
student visa?
Many international students in the UK work part-time alongside their studies.
Many international students in the UK take a part-time job, work placement or internship alongside their studies. Most courses allow students to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and this is not restricted to on-campus employment.
Graduate visa
There are many visa options for international students to stay in the UK and work after graduation. A new popular option is the Graduate visa which gives you two years to stay in the UK after successfully completing a course in the UK. Graduates must apply for this whilst living in the UK. The application fee is £715, and you will also need to pay £624 for the healthcare surcharge for each year you spend in the UK.
Other costs
If you study in the UK for more than six months, there are additional associated costs to consider.
- £363 for your UK student visa which will allow you to live and study in the UK throughout your course (this is a one-off charge)
- £470 for your Immigration Health Surcharge per year which will give you access to the UK’s National Health Service – this is the cost after the 25 per cent discount for student visa holders
