When you’re thinking about applying for a place at university, chances are that you’ve already considered the tuition fees – but have you taken into account everything else that goes into studying abroad? It’s not just about paying upfront – depending on where your course is based, there could be hidden costs that have an impact on your budget while you’re studying.
We’ve created this guide with everything you need to know about tuition and living costs in the UK.
University tuition fees in the UK
Fees for UK courses vary depending on your study level and where in the UK you are studying.
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- Undergraduate bachelor degree – GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000
- Postgraduate master’s degree – GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000
- Doctoral degree – GBP 15,000 to GBP 24,000
(Please note that: all figures are indicative and Ph.D. costs might differ as fully funded options are also available in the UK)
If you want to bring down your educational expenses, it is best to apply to various scholarships available, please register here to avail of scholarship opportunities.
UK living costs for international students
As far as living costs are concerned, these costs will vary greatly depending on your lifestyle, spending habits, and budget. These costs are given by the month. You can calculate your estimated costs based on how long you will be in the UK.
| Rent | £547 |
| Food | £200 |
| Gas and electricity | £60 |
| Internet | £40 |
| Mobile phone | £30 |
| Laundry | £25 |
| Stationery and textbooks | £40 |
| Clothing | £75 |
| Travel (buses, trams, and trains) | £90/month (one bus ride: £1.50) |
| Movie ticket | £9 |
| Dinner at restaurant | £15 |
(Note: Charges may vary from city to city)
Health support and insurance
Several UK universities have initiated comprehensive health insurance plans for international students, but that is applicable as long your program is ongoing and ceases upon completion.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), you are required to pay £300 yearly for the duration the visa will be granted. However, the minimum amount varies based on leaves:
| Leaves period | The amount payable for the year |
| If your leaves include a part of a year that is 6 months or less | £150 |
| If your leaves include a part of a year that is more than 6 months | £300 |
Also, Tier 4 dependents are required to pay the surcharge. The immigration health charge will also be added to your visa application fee. If you already have medical insurance in India, you can check whether it can be extended to cover your stay in the UK.
Discounts
The National Union of Students card and the International Student Identity Card offer great student discounts in many shops, restaurants, and businesses. Have a look to see if you could save money with one of these cards.