The cost of studying in London is slightly higher for international students in comparison to other cities and towns in the United Kingdom (UK). The cost of study in London for Indian students is higher owing to the exchange rates. However, the decision to study in London is always worth considering the excellent career opportunities, globally acclaimed educational institutions, and top-notch teaching and research infrastructure.
Before we delve further, here’s taking a look at the cost of education in London for the public as well as private universities:
Private Universities-
If you choose to study abroad at a private university, then your costs may be slightly higher than at public institutions. Here are some of the leading private institutions in London and their fees:
GSM London- GBP 10,000
BPP University- GBP 9,500
Regent’s University London- GBP 18,500
St. Mary’s University London- GBP 12,900
Public Universities-
Here are some of the top public universities in London with their tuition fees and other expenses:
Institution
Average Annual Tuition Fee
London School of Economics
GBP 23,088
Imperial College London
GBP 10,000
The University of London
GBP 10,000
London Metropolitan University
GBP 5,000
The University of East London
GBP 21,000
Source: University Websites
Course-Wise Cost of Study
Here are the average costs for studying various types of courses in London (approximate figures):
Undergraduate/bachelor’s degrees- GBP 10-20,000
Postgraduate / Master’s degree- GBP 10-20,000
Doctoral degrees- GBP 15-24,000
Average Cost of Living in London for Students
Students should have at least GBP 1,015 for every month in living costs outside London. This becomes an average of GBP 1,265 (INR 1.26 lakh) per month for the city of London or roughly GBP 15,180 (INR 15.18 lakh) per year. Here are some of the costs that you should note:
Accommodation- Average accommodation costs may start from GBP 8,100 per year in London. Yet, some affordable options are still available, like shared apartments or university halls
Food- This will cost you around GBP 3,000 per year in London, as per estimates
Travel & Transportation- You can expect a cost of around GBP 1,220 per year in transportation expenses
Leisure and Miscellaneous Costs- These work out to at least GBP 2,200 per year
Books and Supplies- This will cost you at least GBP 30 per month in London
Phone Bills- This may be roughly GBP 15 per month
Television License- GBP 147 is the average cost
Scholarships to Study in London
There are several scholarships offered to international students in London. Some of the scholarships are as follows:
Scholarships
Average Amount (GBP)
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
17,500 stipend per annum
Imperial College London PhD Scholarship
16500
GEMS International Undergraduate Scholarship
2,000 fee reduction each year
Cambridge University MBA Scholarship
30,000
Know Cost of Studying in London for Indian Students & Embark on Your Study Abroad Journey
In conclusion, the cost of studying in London for Indian students in 2024 remains significant in pursuing higher education abroad. Despite the challenges posed by expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, and other miscellaneous expenditures, London continues to attract students with its world-class education, diverse cultural environment, and promising career opportunities. While the financial burden may seem daunting, prospective students must explore various scholarships, grants, and part-time work options to alleviate some of the financial strain. Moreover, careful budgeting and financial planning can help students manage their expenses effectively during their time in London. Ultimately, by weighing the costs against the invaluable benefits of studying in one of the world's leading academic hubs, Indian students can make informed decisions that align with their educational and career aspirations.
Studying and living in London can be considerably expensive for Indian students due to the difference in currency pricing. Here are some of the costs an Indian student has to incur to study in London:
Cost Factor
Average Annual Cost (in GBP)
Tuition Fee
Bachelor's- 10,000-38,000
Master's – 11,000 – 30,000
Accommodation
8,100
Food
3,000
Travel
1200
Leisure
2200
Can one study in UK for free?
Although there are no tuition-free universities in the UK, both private or public, many government-aided scholarships are available for students. These scholarships, at times, are fully-funded and cover all the costs. Some also offer a certain amount of annual/monthly stipend to students.
Is the UK more expensive than the USA?
The overall cost of studying and living in the UK is slightly lower than the one in the US. As per studies and reports, if a person needs around $47,00 per month for a decent living in the UK, he will have to shell out about $5800 per month in the USA.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.