What is the Cost of Studying in the UK?

Studying in the UK offers students access to prestigious universities, high-quality education, and unique cultural experiences. However, tuition fees, living costs, and additional expenses vary significantly depending on the university, course, and location. It's essential for students to carefully evaluate these factors to budget effectively for their studies in the UK.

Tuition fees by degree level

The cost of tuition for international students in the UK is determined by the university and the specific course of study. Here’s a general breakdown of expected tuition fees at each degree level:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree): Fees range between £11,400 and £38,000 per year, with more specialised fields like healthcare, science, and engineering at the upper end.

• Postgraduate (Master’s Degree): Tuition fees typically range from £9,000 to £30,000 annually, depending on the programme and institution. Some top universities like University College London charge upwards of £17,000, while others, like the University of Kent, offer more affordable options starting at around £13,000.

• Doctoral (PhD) Degree: Annual tuition fees for PhD programmes range from £4,000 to £20,000, with some research-intensive fields requiring additional funding.

If you’re looking for a high-quality education at a lower cost, institutions such as Leeds Trinity University, University of Chester, and Wrexham University offer more affordable tuition options while still providing an excellent standard of education.

How much does student accommodation cost in the UK?

At the top of most students’ lists of concerns is how much it’ll cost to rent somewhere. Many universities provide affordable onsite accommodation, and there is always the option of private housing:

• On-campus accommodation: Fees for university-provided housing can start from around £146 per week, depending on location and type of room. This often includes most of your bills though.

• Off-campus accommodation: Shared housing can cost around £60 per week, whereas a private studio may cost closer to £200 weekly.

Most universities offer assistance in securing housing and often provide resources to help students find affordable options that meet their needs.

What are the essential living costs in the UK?

Living expenses in the UK can become quite pricey depending on where you are studying, so you’ll want to prepare and budget for your daily needs. If you are staying in London, things will be more expensive than if you are living somewhere further up North, or in countries other than England. 

Here is a general overview of how much day-to-day necessities can cost in the UK:

• Food: A meal out at a restaurant costs up to £25 while budgeting £50 weekly for groceries is usually enough if you cook at home.

• Books and study materials: Plan to spend about £35 per month on materials like textbooks and supplies.

• Mobile and internet: Monthly phone bills range between £40 and £46, though there are lots of prepaid options and student discounts to help reduce costs.

• TV Licence: If you plan to watch live TV, a licence costs approximately £160 per year. You don’t need one for streaming services like Netflix or Disney+.

For students on a budget, managing expenses by cooking at home, using student discounts, and finding cheaper study resources can help you keep costs manageable.

How much do healthcare and insurance cost?

Healthcare is another important thing to keep in mind. International students are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £470 per year (EU students may be able to get this refunded though).

Paying this fee gets you access to the National Health Service (NHS), which will cover most healthcare needs. You could also consider private health insurance, which averages around £64 per month depending on the level of coverage you pick.

What are the UK visa fees for international students?

The standard UK student visa application fee is £490. Students applying from outside or switching to a student visa within the UK will need to pay this fee. Combined with the IHS, the total visa-related expenses comes to approximately £960.

What is the total estimated cost of studying in the UK?

For a single student, living costs in the UK typically range from around £1,000 to £1,500 per month, depending on where you choose to study, and how extravagant a lifestyle you plan on leading!