How Much Does it Cost to Study at a UK University?

The United Kingdom is one of the world’s most popular destinations for ages among students from all over the world, especially Indians. It is home to some of the world’s oldest universities which has got a very rich academic heritage. The quality of education and research work in Britain is enviable which also allows students to develop critical thinking and connections to drive forward their careers.

So, if you are an international student and wish to study in the UK, it is important to be fully aware of the fees and costs involved before beginning your application. 

UK university tuition fees

University fees for international students vary depending on the quality of the university, and the length and type of course. Humanities and social sciences degrees tend to cost as little as £10,000 per year, but if a student wishes to pursue a clinical degree – where there is a huge demand and limited places – this can go up to £38,000.

While these costs may seem high but remember that most UK universities offer shorter programs compared to countries such as the US which offers an average undergraduate degree of 4-years, and 2-years for masters. So, one year of fees can be saved if you plan to study in the UK. 

Check Your Education Loan Eligibility

Apply Here

Apply Here

Cost of living in the UK

Just like many other countries, the UK has some expensive cities as well as some affordable ones. Like, if you decide to live in London, you will be spending much more than you would in any other city of the country. In London, the average cost of living is around £15,000 per year whereas the average cost of living in other cities lies in between £10,000 - £12,000 per year.  This means if you’re an international student in the UK you can expect to spend between £24,000 - 26,000 per year on living and studying.

Read more about: Cost of living in the UK

Cost of Accommodation

Most international students in the undergraduate programme live in on-campus student halls of residence during their first year before moving into rented private accommodation. Most of the universities provide both self-catered and catered( food included in the rent) halls of residence. These on-campus accommodations generally cost around $85-$220 per week, depending on the university. The rent may also include internet connection, gym membership, content insurance, and an en-suite bathroom.

Although there are several private off-campus accommodations known as PBSA(Purpose-built student accommodation), or city housing, which vary in price and quality depending on the type of room you choose and the area in which they are located. These types of accommodations are self-catered and come with plenty of amenities. The rent includes the utilities and internet so no hidden charges as such. They are also fully furnished with all the basic amenities along with some additional facilities such as laundry, games room, gym, and more.

Lifestyle

The average food bill in the UK is £50 per week, although this could be lower if you know how to cook as most of the accommodations have a kitchenette. Food bill costs also depend on other things such as your diet and where you are living in the UK. A meal in a pub costs £10 to £12 while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs about £20 to £25. The average price of a cinema ticket is £10, while a Big Mac is £3.19. A pint of beer comes to about £3.67 and a 175ml glass of wine is £4. However, prices in London and the Southern part of the UK will be higher than in the North. 

What financial support is available?

There are numerous scholarships, bursaries, and grants available for international as well as domestic students. Although, all of these are extremely competitive and the most important criterion for most scholarships is a good academic score. Most of the scholarships are available at the postgraduate level, with relatively fewer offered for undergraduate students.

These scholarships and bursaries are also offered by the UK government, and various external organisations as well. When applying to any of these scholarships, make sure to check your university of choice’s website to know the criteria, along with the application closing date.

Read Also:

• Top Universities in UK
• UK Universities Application Deadlines 2023
• Part-Time Work Options in the U.K.
• 5 High-Paying Degree Courses in the UK in 2023
• Higher Education in the UK: Best Ways To Fund Your Studies
• Educational Loan Options For UK

 

 Some prominent government scholarship programs in the UK for international students include:

1. 
   Chevening Scholarships –  A fully-funded UK scholarship open to exceptional students who have shown prior leadership skills and outstanding performance in their respective fields. It is given to study a postgraduate degree at accredited UK universities.

1. 
   Marshall Scholarships – This scholarship is only for US students who have good academic merit, leadership skills, and ambassadorial potential to study in the UK. It is a postgraduate scholarship with some exceptions.

1. 
   Commonwealth Scholarships and fellowships – This scholarship awarded to students from Commonwealth countries such as India, Australia, and more. Students must be applying for a master’s degree or a PhD in the UK to take advantage of this scholarship.

Read more about: UK Scholarships for Indian Students

So, now you know how much it will cost you to study in the UK and what financial support is available to you. Well, apart from scholarships, you can also save money on your accommodation as well. For this, you only need to visit University Living website where you can browse through different types of budget-friendly student accommodations in multiple cities across the globe. Get in touch with their team of experts to get free guidance to help you choose the best accommodation within your budget.