Study Costs in UK
Study costs in UK
Studying in the UK can be expensive. By being aware of all of the tuition and living expenses, and budgeting accurately, you can ensure you will have the financial means to complete your education.
Tuition Fees
The cost of studying in the UK varies by institution and is dependent upon the level of study and the type of course. Science and engineering degree programmes are generally more expensive than humanities, social sciences and other art courses. According to the Reddin Survey of University Tuition Fees, tuition fees for international undergraduate students can range from £10,000 and to £38,000 or more for medical degrees.
The below table shows an estimated price for international students wishing to complete their studies in the UK depending on the study program:
Study Program | Average Tuition Costs (in British Pounds) |
Independent Day Schools | £13,194 |
Independent Boarding Schools | £30,369 |
Language Programs | £70 – £100 per week for standard full-time course £1,000 for intensive short courses |
Bachelor Degree | £12,000 - £25,000 per year* |
Classroom-based Master’s Degree | £14,620 |
Laboratory-based Master’s Degree | £16,967 |
Clinical Master’s programs | £22,732 |
MBA | £19,924 |
Doctoral Degree | £13,000 to £29,000 per year* |
*Does not include professional designation courses such as veterinary and medical science.
Living Expenses
In addition to the cost of tuition, you must also account for housing, food, transportation and other day-to-day living expenses. Costs are generally higher in bigger cities, and also depend on your lifestyle, choice of housing, and spending habits. London, in particular, has the highest cost of living in the UK—and you need to demonstrate higher financial capacity if you will be studying in England.
Housing Costs
Cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of housing you choose. Many students opt for living at their university’s residence halls during their first year to ease their transition into a new environment before moving into private accommodations off-campus in the following years. On-campus residences include shared and private bedrooms, though private bedrooms are more common at the UK universities. When choosing to live in residence halls, you can choose between self-catered and catered residences. Self-catered halls include a kitchen shared by 10-15 students, where students can prepare their meals. Catered halls of residence include a dining hall with a cafeteria where students can get their meals. The cost of food is included in the rental price.
Type of Accommodation | Cost (in British Pounds) |
Residents Halls | £300-£700 per month, approximately £500 on average, and higher in London |
One bedroom flat (in London) | £1,200 - £2,200 per month depending on whether the flat is in the suburbs or in central London |
One bedroom flat (outside of London) | £600 - £700 per month |
Homestay | £600 -£800 per month |
Other Living Expenses
As an international student, you need to also account for the following expenses when planning your budget. Note that these prices are estimates:
Type of Expense | Associated Cost (in British Pounds) |
Groceries | £70-£100 per month |
Eating Out | £10-£15 per meal |
Electricity, Water and Gas (If Living Off-Campus) | £40-£50 per month |
Internet (Usually Included in Residence Hall Fees) | £30-£40 per month |
Mobile Phone | £15-£20 per month |
Textbooks & Supplies | £40 per month |
Laundry | £25 per month |
Public Transport | £45 for a 4-week travel card |
Personal Vehicle (Excluding the Cost of Car Purchase) | £80, includes petrol, insurance, and on-campus parking cost |
Entertainment (Night Out with Friends, Movies, Pubs, etc.) | £25-£50 per month |
Personal Care & Supplies (Haircuts, Hair Products, etc.) | £12-£15 per month |
Clothes & Shopping | £30-£50 per month |
Miscellaneous (Coffee/Tea, Takeout, Snacks-on-the go, etc.) | £30-£50 per month |
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
The majority of international students in the UK pay full fees for their studies. However, there are a number of scholarships, grants, and bursaries available to assist students with the cost of their studying. These scholarships are typically offer by the government and a number of other public and private organizations.
Some institutions offer scholarships to outstanding international students to assist them with tuition fees based on their academic merit, leadership potential and/or financial need. Students should check the websites of the universities they are interested in studying at for their list of scholarships.
To find out more about how to get the best scholarship, click here.
Working While Studying
Many international students choose to work while studying to earn an income, as well as to gain valuable British work experience to support their professional growth. Students with a valid Student Visa are eligible to work in the UK while studying. The number of hours per week a student is eligible to work will depend on the level of the education they’re pursuing. Students enrolled in a full-time program at degree level and above can work for a maximum of 20 hours in any given week. If they are studying below degree level, they may work up to 10 hours in a given week. Students can also work full-time during vacation periods: winter, summer and spring holiday breaks when classes are not in session. Students who are interested in living and working in the UK after graduation, they should refer to the UK Visa and Immigration website for more information.
Want to Study in UK? Contact us
As a leading middle east International Education Consultants, Studygram can help you start your application into a UK university. Contact us and get complete assistance by one of our education experts for choosing the best university and study program in the country. Request your free consultation today or give us a call at (965) 2240 1416 or leave us a message WhatsApp (965) 5077 5711 and we will contact back.