The cost of studying in UK is subject to change depending on your chosen course, the university you decide to attend, the city you move to, and the way you live. The tuition fees for Indian students are in the range of GBP 11,400- 60,000+ (around INR 14.37 lakh-75.62 lakh+) per year.
In addition to tuition fees, students must provide for living expenses, transportation, books, and other expenses. The average cost of living in UK can vary from GBP 740-1,760 (approximately INR 93,270-2.22 lakh)per month depending on the lifestyle and the city.
The article discusses the cost of studying in UK for Indian students, expenses of living, accommodation costs, UK city-wise expenses, expense-saving tips, and scholarship options to study.
Tuition Fees in UK for International Students
Fees are one of the biggest parts of the cost of studying in UK for international students. The amount you pay depends on your course and university. Undergraduate courses may cost less than some postgraduate courses, while medicine, dentistry, and MBA programmes can have much higher fees.
Here is a table showing the approximate annual tuition fees in UK.
The subject you study can make a difference to your overall available funds. It is possible that at the same university, business courses and engineering courses or computer science courses may have different fees. Some other courses might be more expensive than MBA and medical courses.
Another significant expense of pursuing higher studies in UK is living expenses. You require cash for bills to be paid, sufficient food supplies and fuel for transportation, telephone payments, the cost of books, and everything else.
The average cost of studying in UK is also dependent on the areas of residence. However, the London cost will often be higher, and cities like Sheffield, Leicester, Nottingham and others are likely to be cheaper for students.
The following is an estimated cost of living in UK for international students per month.
Expense Category
Approximate Monthly Cost (GBP/INR)
Accommodation
GBP 400-900 (INR 50,416-1.13 lakh)
Food and groceries
GBP 150-300 (INR 18,906-37,812)
Health and medical expenses
GBP 0-50+ (INR 0-6,302+)
Transportation
GBP 50-150 (INR 6,302-18,906)
Internet and mobile
GBP 20-50 (INR 2,521-6,302)
Study materials
GBP 20-60 (INR 2,521-7,562)
Personal expenses
GBP 100-250 (INR 12,604-31,510)
Estimated total
GBP 740-1,760 (INR 93,270-2.22 lakh)
Accommodation Cost in UK for International Students
Rent is certainly one of the largest expenses of being a student these days. The cost is calculated according to the city, the type of room, and the distance from the university you are attending.
Some students are in a university flat. Others live in a flat together with friends. Sharing a home can help lower the cost of studying in UK for Indian students in rupees.
The cost of the city you select can have a significant impact on your finances. London has one of the highest costs of living and education cities. Rent and daily expenses might be lower in other cities.
The tuition expenses also vary from university to university. The fees for two students of the same subject may be different because the fee structure of the universities differs.
Here is a general estimate of annual tuition fees and living expenses in popular UK student cities.
City
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee (GBP/INR)
Approximate Annual Living Cost (GBP/INR)
Manchester
GBP 15,000-35,000 (INR 18.91-44.11 lakh)
GBP 10,800-15,600 (INR 13.61-19.66 lakh)
Birmingham
GBP 14,000-32,000 (INR 17.65-40.33 lakh)
GBP 10,200-14,400 (INR 12.86-18.15 lakh)
Leeds
GBP 14,000-32,000 (INR 17.65-40.33 lakh)
GBP 9,600-13,800 (INR 12.10-17.39 lakh)
Sheffield
GBP 14,000-30,000 (INR 17.65-37.81 lakh)
GBP 9,000-12,600 (INR 11.34-15.88 lakh)
Nottingham
GBP 14,000-30,000 (INR 17.65-37.81 lakh)
GBP 9,000-12,600 (INR 11.34-15.88 lakh)
Edinburgh
GBP 15,000-35,000 (INR 18.91-44.11 lakh)
GBP 10,800-16,200 (INR 13.61-20.42 lakh)
London
GBP 18,000-45,000+ (INR 22.69-56.72 lakh+)
GBP 15,000-22,000 (INR 18.91-27.73 lakh)
Additional Expenses to Consider Before Studying in UK
Apart from the above, there are other costs to take into account if you choose to study in UK.
Tuition fees and rent are not the only costs you need to plan for. Before you depart from India, you will require cash for your visa, flight tickets, health surcharge, and more.
Here’s a table showing additional expenses in UK for international students.
Additional Expense
Approximate Cost (GBP/INR)
Student visa application fee
GBP 558 (INR 70,330)
Immigration Health Surcharge
GBP 776 per year (INR 97,807 per year)
Flight tickets from India
GBP 300-700 (INR 37,812-88,228)
Accommodation security deposit
GBP 400-1,000 (INR 50,416-1.26 lakh)
First month's rent
GBP 400-1,000 (INR 50,416-1.26 lakh)
Health or travel insurance, if needed
GBP 30-150 (INR 3,781-18,906)
Books and study supplies
GBP 50-150 (INR 6,302-18,906)
Household items and winter clothes
GBP 150-400 (INR 18,906-50,416)
Emergency savings
GBP 500-1,000 (INR 63,020-1.26 lakh)
How Much Does It Cost to Study in UK for 1 Year?
The total cost depends on your university, course, rent, and lifestyle. To understand how much it cost to study in UK in Indian rupees, let us look at an example of a student taking a one-year master's degree.
The following table gives an estimated first-year budget for an Indian student at UK university.
Expense
Approximate Annual Cost (GBP/INR)
Master's tuition fee
GBP 12,000-35,000 (INR 15.12-44.11 lakh)
Living expenses
GBP 9,000-18,000 (INR 11.34-22.69 lakh)
Student visa fee
GBP 558 (INR 70,330)
Immigration Health Surcharge
GBP 776-1,552 (INR 97,807-1.96 lakh), depending on visa duration
Flight tickets and initial setup
GBP 1,000-2,500 (INR 1.26-3.15 lakh)
Estimated first-year budget
GBP 23,334-57,610 (INR 29.41-72.60 lakh)
For students choosing a longer bachelor's degree, the total cost of studying in UK can be much higher because tuition fees and living costs continue for several years.
Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying in UK
There are scholarships that may cover a portion of tuition and other costs that may provide full payment of tuition costs and living expenses.
For Indian students, read the rules of the scholarship, criteria for the courses, deadlines, and benefits before submitting an application. This makes it more affordable for Indian students to pursue their studies in UK when you qualify for a scholarship.
You do not need to choose the most expensive university or city to get a good education. A little planning can help you save money while studying abroad.
There are some simple ways of reducing the cost of studying in UK.
Apply early for scholarships: Research university scholarships and other opportunities before you apply. There are early award closing dates.
Make a well-informed decision about your city: Check rental prices, transportation, and the cost of food in your city before choosing a university. There is a possibility of saving money if you live outside London.
Cook from home: Buy items at the grocery store and cook meals at home to pay less for food than getting cooked meals in restaurants.
Find student discounts: Student travel cards, student meal discounts, and special deals for students.
Get used books: Check for recommended course books that are used or free of cost from your University website.
Make travel arrangements: Make reservations early where feasible and check the cost of luggage fees before making the booking.
Create a monthly budget: If you don't monitor how your money is being spent, it will be impossible to make a budget.
You could also see if your student visa enables you to work part-time. Most people going to university full-time may be able to work up to 20 hours per week in term time, if their visa condition allows.
The cost of studying in UK depends upon the course, city, daily spending, and university. Many courses charge from GBP 11,400 to GBP 38,000+ per annum, while a small number are specialist courses which are significantly higher in fees.
Look at the tuition costs at your university, work out your monthly expenses, and save for your visa, health care deposit, flight costs, and deposit for the university. You can make study plans easier with scholarships and by planning your budget wisely.
What is the overall cost of studying in UK for a Masters?
For many masters students, the average cost of studying in UK for the first year's fees can be anything between GBP 23,000-58,000 (around INR 29-73 lakh). Final bills depend upon the institution opted for, fees charged, accommodation, and other expenses.
Is education free in UK for Indian students?
In general, UK universities require tuition fees from Indian students. But there are some scholarships and university fee reductions that can reduce costs. Students will also have to cover the necessary expenses of living, food, travel, etc.
How much money do I need to show for UK student visa?
There needs to be a good amount of money to pay your unpaid first-year course fees and living costs. The current living-cost requirement is GBP 1,529 (approximately INR 1.93L) per month for as long as 9 months in the London area or GBP 1,171 (around INR 1.47L) outside London for up to 9 months.
Is it difficult to get UK student visa?
An eligible course offer, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), proof of funds, and the necessary documents are required. English Language requirements may also be required. All the regulations must be followed to obtain a visa.
Can I work while studying in UK?
Yes, when you're allowed by your visa. Typically, students studying full-time at degree level or higher and who are eligible for it can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Do check the terms of your visa before taking up a position.
Which course is best in UK for Indian students?
The best course is determined by your interests, education history, and career objectives. Common areas of study are Business and Management, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, the financial sector, or Law.
Which is the cheapest course to study in UK?
No one course is always the lowest cost. Some other courses (such as humanities and social sciences) may even have more fee than medicine or an MBA. Once you send in your application, you'll know the total cost of tuition and other expenses at various universities.
What is the cheapest city to study in UK?
This depends on the expense level of rent, travel, and lifestyle, and of course, the cheapest city. Living in Sheffield, Nottingham, and Leicester could be even cheaper than living in London.
Can I settle in UK after studying?
Yes, under certain circumstances, an eligible graduate may be able to apply for a post-study work visa or transition to other visas if they meet the visa requirements. The conditions on the length of stay and the rules are subject to circumstances when applying for and granting the visa.
Can Indian students get permanent residence in UK?
After an Indian student finishes their studies at a university, they do not automatically become a citizen in UK. They must be eligible for an immigration route and meet the requirements of that immigration route. This will vary depending on the visa category.
