The United Kingdom has long been a coveted study destination for Indian students. However, the cost of pursuing higher education there can be substantial. This guide delves into the financial aspects of studying in the UK, providing insights into UK university fees and living expenses.
Each year, a significant number of students from all over the globe enroll in universities in the UK with the ambitions of following their dream careers in the gorgeous and spirited cities of the UK such as London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. These areas house some of the world’s best institutions. However, the cost of studying in the UK for international students is very high.
The cost of studying in the UK differs depending on the University where you enroll. Tuition fees at institutes have progressively risen over the years, with students from the European Union and the UK having to spend around £9,250 per year, or nearly INR 9,27,485.
For international students, at the same time, tuition rates start at approximately £10,000 or INR 10,02,598 and rise to about £38,000 or INR 38,10,205 for specialized degrees in medicine and other fields. Compared to the more expensive clinical degrees and laboratory studies, degrees in Humanities and social sciences degrees are far less costly.
Compared to the United States and other countries, most UK universities have shorter programs of around three years for typical undergraduate degrees instead of 4 years and one year for Master’s degrees rather than two years. This means that you can save significantly on living expenses and school fees for an entire year, which will balance the equation of higher tuition fees.
You need to know and plan some important factors once you get an offer from a University in the UK. These factors include tuition fees, lodging, and travel expenses. Listed below are the approximate sums you will be spending while studying in the UK-
Tuition Fees
£8000 to £30000 for UG programs and £12000 and £35000 for PG programs
Accommodation
£867.20 to £1,057 monthly
Visa & Other Costs
£348 in application fees and £470 per year as the Immigration Health Surcharge fee
Travel Expenses
£70 per month
Other Costs
£500 per month
Cost of Education in UK: Tuition Fees for International Students
Check out the tables provided below to learn about tuition fees for international students based on degree and university.
Tuition Fee Based on Degree Type:
Here’s how much education costs in the UK based on degree type:
Level of Study
Degree Type
Average Annual Fee
Undergraduate
Access Courses
£18,581
Certificates and Diplomas
£16,316
First Degrees
£17,718
Integrated Master’s Degrees
£23,390
Postgraduate
Advanced Certificates Diplomas
£23,317
Apprenticeships
N/A
Certificates Diplomas
£12,325
Doctorates
£15,750
Master's
£15,953
Professional Qualifications
£20,800
Tuition Fee Based on University/College:
UK university fees for international students are provided below:
Name of the University
Average Annual Fees
University of Plymouth
£15,950
Edge Hill University
£16,500
Arts University Plymouth
£16,500
University of Sunderland
£16,000
Middlesex University
£16,600
University of Suffolk
£14,610
University of Warwick
£31,620
University of Sussex
£23,175
University of Chester
£13,950
Living Expenses in UK
Let’s check out the various living expenses in the UK below:
Factors
Average Cost per Month
Meals
£450
Transportation
£69.78
Wi-Fi
£30.59
Utilities
£251.24
Rent
£1,053
Other Essential Expenses in UK
Factors
Average Cost per Month
Fitness Club
£32.66/month
Cinema
£10/ticket
Clothing
£31.64/pair
Mobile Phone
£12.38/month
Internet
£30.59/month
UK Student Visa Fees
Different visa types for international students attract different fees. These can vary depending on the country of origin and the type of visa needed.
Type of Visa
Application Fees
Student route visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa)
International money transfer fees: £6-£10 (may vary)
University Application Fee
The application fees for universities in the UK vary based on the course chosen as well as the university you are applying to. Let’s have a look at the below table to help you get an idea of what to expect.
University
Application Fee
Courses Covered
University of Warwick
£50
All courses
University of Newcastle
£40
Specific Master's programs in Finance, Journalism, Media & Communication
University of Bath
£25-£60
Varies by program - MSc Economics, Business & Finance, Banking & International Money most expensive
University of Nottingham
£25-£30
Online applications are cheaper than paper
Durham University
£60
Business School programs only
University of Manchester
£60
Specific Master's programs in Accounting, Finance, Business, Marketing, Management
University of Cambridge
£100
All courses
University of Oxford
£100-£150
All courses except MBA
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Specific Master's programs in Business, Finance, Management, Marketing
University of Surrey
£35
Varies by program - interview fees may apply for specific programs
Student Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge
International students planning to stay in the UK for more than 6 months will likely require a student visa. As part of the visa application process, you'll need to pay an immigration health surcharge. This surcharge is around £470 per year and covers the duration of your visa.
The good news is that by paying this surcharge, you'll be entitled to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, just like a permanent resident. This means you can visit your doctor (called a General Practitioner or GP), go to a healthcare center, or even receive treatment at a hospital, all at no additional cost.
Finally, if your student visa application is unsuccessful, you'll receive a full refund for the immigration health surcharge.
Total Cost of Studying in UK
Let’s help you understand the total cost of studying in UK for Indian students and those arriving from many other countries.
Tips to Manage the Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students
Thecost to study in UK from Indiacan be somewhat expensive. The high tuition fees in the universities in the UK combined with the expenses of maintaining a decent lifestyle, can become significantly burdensome for Indian students. Nonetheless, there are several ways through which Indian students can save money, and some of them are listed below:
1) Student Discounts:
There are great student rebates on everything in the UK, from shopping at the supermarket to purchasing movie tickets. These discounts can assist you in managing living expenses in the UK very well, and hence, these should be utilized as much as possible.
2) Transportation cards:
To save money on transportation, you must have considered using public transport, and in that case, you should take a transport card that also gives students discounts. For instance, using a railcard or an Oyster card for your daily travel can help you save a lot.
3) Cheaper alternatives:
Although an oft-suggested thing, you must try buying cheaper substitutes when shopping in supermarkets. If your budget is tight, try not to buy luxurious or imported items.
4) Scholarships:
When it comes to covering the cost of living in the UK for students, scholarships are the best option. There are various scholarships available in the UK that may either cover your tuition expenses or the entire cost of living. Research about the different scholarships and apply for the one that suits you best.
5) Part-time jobs:
To supplement your budget as an Indian student in the UK, you should find a part-time job that will earn you some extra money. Overseas students are allowed to work 20 hours a week in the UK and can earn around £10 – £12 per hour
Conclusion
The cost of studying in the UK varies from one institution to another. Tuition fees have increased steadily over the years, and EU and UK students at English universities have to fork out roughly £9,250 annually. At the same time, tuition fees start from approximately £10,000 for international students and increase to £38,000 for specialized degrees in medicine and other disciplines. Humanities and social sciences degrees are comparatively affordable, while clinical degrees and laboratory programs are costlier. Most UK universities, however, have shorter programs than the US and other countries (3 years for average undergraduate degrees than 4 years and 1 year for Master’s degrees rather than 2 years). This may lead to sizable savings in living costs and tuition fees for a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to study in the UK?
Studying in the UK costs between £8,000 and £30,000 for undergraduate degrees, while a postgraduate degree will cost you between £12000 and £35000 depending on the course you have chosen and the university you are studying at.
Is studying in the UK expensive for Indian students?
Studying in the UK can be expensive for Indian students, especially if you enroll at a reputed university. Comparing the cost of living in the UK with that of India, you will notice a huge disparity, and the idea of living in the UK with such heavy expenses can feel intimidating. However, you can avail yourself of various scholarships, get part-time jobs, raise funds, or opt for a virtual study abroad course to help with expenses.
Can Indian students study in the UK for free?
No, studying for free in the UK is not an option for Indian students as no university waives the tuition fee completely in the country. But there are many government and private scholarships in the UK that will help you pay for your tuition costs and, in many cases, for your other expenses as well. You can also supplement your scholarship allowance by working on a part-time basis.
How much does it cost to study in the UK for international students?
For an international student, the expense of studying an undergraduate program in the UK can cost anywhere between £8000 and £30,000, while pursuing a postgraduate course will cost you between £12,000 and £35,000.
Is London expensive to study?
Compared to other regions of England, London can be an expensive study destination for international students as not only will the tuition fees be on the higher side, but the cost of accommodation, food, and transport will also be higher.
How can an Indian student get a scholarship to study in the UK?
The government of the UK offers various scholarships, bursaries, and additional financial support to students from outside the country. A student can check their scholarship eligibility by visiting the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website. Several institutes also provide financial assistance, and one can check their websites for more information about the particular scholarships. Also, many universities offer fully-funded postgraduate courses for international students. More information about these scholarships and grants can be found by visiting the chosen University’s website or through specialist websites.
Why is the UK the best for Indian students?
One of the biggest reasons why the UK is such a preferred destination amongst Indian students is that the course durations there are shorter, allowing students to reduce tuition and accommodation costs. Another reason why the UK is best for Indian students is due to the easy work permit access after graduation. But not just this, pursuing your higher education in the UK allows you to get the best quality education while building strong connections with the best educators and students from across the world.
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.
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