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Study Cost in UK

Breaking down tuition, living costs, and financial support.

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Study Cost in UK

An Overview of Studying Costs in the UK

The UK is known for its rich culture and diversity and attracts many students from across the globe. The country is known to attract more than 60,000 international students to various top courses from the English language to Ph.D. With some well-known and prestigious universities, the country enjoys a spot on the preferred list of countries for students willing to study abroad.

Many have been curious about why students prefer the UK over many other countries. There are quite a few reasons students long to study in the UK, such as:

  • The UK universities are ranked high in terms of academic excellence
  • The Quality Assurance Agency keeps a regular check on educational standards
  • The UK education system offers shorter duration courses compared to other countries
  • You get the opportunity to earn while you learn
  • Access to free medical treatment when you are studying in the UK
  • With 14% of the population from foreign countries, the UK is certainly the most culturally diverse country

No wonder why students want to study in the UK. But all of them do not get to live their dreams. The reason is the studying costs in the UK. You must understand that the UK offers access to some reputed top universities, and thousands of students fight to grab a seat in those universities. The studying costs will, quite obviously, be high.

Further, students make the mistake of considering the tuition fees only while creating a budget. You have to understand that studying costs are a combination of several costs. You need to consider the following:

  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation cost
  • Traveling expenses
  • Daily expenses
  • Entertainment expenses

The tuition fees vary from one university to another and from one course to another. Accommodation also depends on the place you choose to stay. You must have at least £1,015 in your bank if you are staying outside London and £1,265 if you are staying in London.

In the next few sections, you will gain a proper understanding of the tuition fees based on courses and universities, along with the living expenses in the UK.

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Tuition Fees for International Students

As mentioned earlier, the tuition fees for international students depend on the course or the university they choose. There has been a rise in tuition fees in the past few years. The tuition fees for international students in 2021/2022 started at £11,400. Presently, the same starts at £32,081.

Here’s a look into the tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate students:

· Undergraduate students

For international students pursuing an undergraduate course in the UK, the fees vary between £11,400-£38,000. You can expect to spend an average amount of £22,000 every year in the UK. The undergraduate courses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland last for three to four years.

· Postgraduate courses

The course fees for international students pursuing a postgraduate course vary between £9,000-£30,000, with an average cost of £17,109 per year. The country offers several postgraduate courses that can be completed in one year. A one-year full-time course can be beneficial for students. It allows faster entry or re-entry to jobs. You must check the university websites for the course fees before you make any decision.

· Average tuition fees for popular courses in the UK

With so many globally acclaimed universities, the UK has made it to the top of the list among international education. Yet, choosing the right course and knowing the tuition fees is crucial for all. Here’s a look into some of the popular courses and average tuition fees:

Course

Average Fees Per Year

Engineering

£26,950 - £37,293

Business management

£25,656 - £37,280

Master of Business Administration

£47,000 - £109,000

Law (postgraduate degree)

£24,960 - £41,480

Computer Science

£28,190 - £44,240

Economics

£23,390 - £37,280

Accounting and Finance

£23,500 - £25,656

Marketing

£14,900 - £22,650

If you are willing to study abroad in the UK, make sure to choose the right subject to secure your future. The courses mentioned above are popular among international students and offer great opportunities. The fees depend on the university and the academic level.

It is wise to get in touch with consultants at AbroAdvice.com to get the necessary assistance and get an idea about the fee structure and the ways to go ahead with the application.

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Living Expenses in the UK

You have made a budget based on the tuition fees and have talked with your financial advisors to make the necessary arrangements. But have you taken all the things under consideration? There are a lot of things that are considered while calculating studying costs in the UK, and living expenses play a crucial role in the budgeting process.

Now, what are living expenses? Is it the rent you pay to stay in the country? Yes, and a lot more. The living expenses account for every bill you need to pay while staying in the country. From using public transport to going for a movie with friends, you have to consider every single thing while making a budget.

So, how much does it cost to live in the UK? Here’s a look:

Particulars

Monthly costs

Accommodation

£500 - £700

Food

£100 - £200

Gas and electricity

£60

Internet

£40

Mobile phone

£50

Laundry

£25

Stationery and textbooks

£20 - £40

Clothing

£50 - £75

Travel (buses, trams, and trains)

£30 - £40

Movie ticket

£9

Dinner at restaurant

£15

The prices above are approximate and vary from one place to another. For example, if you are staying in London, you can be assured of paying a hefty amount as rent compared to some other areas.

You have to be wise in choosing where to stay. It must be close to the university and must also be cost-effective. Studies suggest that the East of England is the cheapest region in the entire country. The region includes places like Cambridge, Norwich and Essex. However, here's a look into some of the places where the living cost is cheap compared to other regions in the UK:

Town/University

Annual student accommodation cost

Annual transport costs

Sunderland (North East)

£3,420

£280

Lancaster (North West)

£4,104

£250

Staffordshire (West Midlands)

£4,104

£299

Cambridge (East)

£4,500

£0

Bangor (Wales)

£4,360.98

£154

Southampton (South East)

£4,176

£365

Dundee (Scotland)

£4,510

£324

Surrey (South East)

 

£4,752

£148

Swansea (Wales)

£4,640

£300

Essex (East)

£4,793

£154

Norwich (East)

£4,748

£199

Manchester (North West)

£4,968

£225

Leicester (East Midlands)

£4,947

£300

There are many more regions where you don’t have to spend much. You must keep a budget of £1,100 - £1,300 per month as your living expenses.

You can place a query to get assistance with the entire planning. AbroAdvice has well-experienced consultants to help you create a budget and fulfil your dream of studying in the UK.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

The cost of studying in the UK is massive. There are many who let go of their dreams to study in the UK only because of the costs. The UK government has acknowledged the problems and has some scholarships in place to help international students. Following are some of the popular scholarships offered by the UK government:

  • The Chevening Scholarship for Master’s
  • The Commonwealth Scholarships for PhD and Master’s
  • GREAT scholarships
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarship
  • Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
  • University of Bristol Think Big
  • Imperial College London Scholarship
  • GEMS International Undergraduate Scholarship
  • University of Bristol Think Big Award for Bachelor's
  • Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarships

The UK government offers financial aid to students coming from many countries. You can visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website for more information on the same. But how do you know if you are eligible for a scholarship? AbroAdvice has the list of criteria for being eligible; here's a look:

  • Students must be below the age of 30
  • One must have an average score of 60-80% in their previous academic programmes
  • A minimum of 6.5 scores in IELTS or equivalent standardised test for students who come from non-English speaking countries
  • If you have participated in some extracurricular activities, you can be a step ahead in the competition

 You can check with us before applying for a scholarship. We will help you understand if you are eligible for the programme and help you with the application.

Part-Time Work Opportunities

The UK government allows international students to work part-time to support their financial needs. However, there are certain rules set by the authorities, and you have to abide by them to work part-time while studying. Here are the rules and regulations for working part-time in the UK:

  • Students are not allowed to work for more than 20 hours a week, that is 4 hours per day and no work on weekends
  • If you are pursuing a language course, you are allowed to work not more than 10 hours a week
  • You cannot work as a freelancer or on a contractual basis
  • You must have a valid student visa for full-time degree-level programmes
  • If you are pursuing a part-time course, you are not allowed to work
  • If you have a part-time job, you are not allowed to establish a business or be self-employed

While the government allows part-time jobs, it is necessary to understand if you need the job or not. Our consultants have some quick tips for students struggling with their part-time jobs and studies. Here’s what you must do:

  • Understand if you need the part-time job or not
  • Don’t over-commit to shifts
  • Follow the university schedule of deadlines and exams
  • Manage time effectively
  • Do not miss lectures or tutorials
  • Find a part-time job during your summer vacation or work seasonally
  • Find some time to relax

The primary motive is to complete your education in the UK and secure your future. To do so, you must follow the tips and ensure that your studies are not hampered.

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Health Insurance and Other Additional Costs

Apart from the expenses listed above, the UK government has made it mandatory for students to subscribe to their health insurance programme. Many have questioned this additional charge. The UK government feels that students coming from foreign countries must feel safe and have access to medical treatment. It will help you avoid unexpected medical costs. International students need to pay £470 per year for the same. The amount must be paid along with your visa application.

Visa fees, textbooks, and study materials will also be added to your total expenses. Applying for a student visa from outside the UK will cost you around £363. When you extend the visa from within the country, you have to pay £490. Further, when you climb the academic ladder, you will need new textbooks and study materials. That will again add up to your expenses.

Experts at AbroAdvice suggest students keep track of all their expenses while making a budget. While the visa fees will be constant, you can always borrow books from seniors and can also access our website to get free study materials to save some cost.

To avail of all these things, sign up with us today!

Budgeting and Managing Expenses

You need a proper budget to have a smooth run in the UK. By now, it is clear that the UK is not a cheap country, and you must have enough savings to manage your expenses. A budget lets you track your expenses and get a clear idea about your spending every month.

Our experts have shared a few tips to manage your money effectively. Here’s what you can do:

· Add up your income

  • Student loan
  • Grants or scholarships, if applicable
  • Money from your family
  • Income from part-time jobs
  • Your savings

· Deduct the essential outgoings:

  • Tuition fees
  • Rent for accommodation
  • House bills such as internet, electricity, water, gas, etc.
  • Contents insurance
  • Travel or car costs
  • Credit card or debt payments
  • Phone bill
  • Food

· Spend the remaining amount on other things

  • Books or study materials
  • Household supplies and toiletries
  • Music, film, and social activities
  • Clothes and shoes, etc.

You will get an idea about your total expenditure once you do the necessary calculations. It will help you understand and create a budget for the future.

There are a few budgeting apps and tools that can be helpful for students willing to study abroad in the UK. These apps can help you manage your expenditures, see all transactions and organise your money accordingly. Here are some of the best budgeting apps available on both Android and iOS:

  • Moneyhub
  • Budget by Koody
  • Snoop
  • Pocketsmith
  • Plum
  • Revolut
  • Monzo
  • Monese
  • Money Dashboard
  • Emma

The apps are available in the UK and have proved to be helpful for students struggling to manage their finances. You can hire one of our experts to understand the best ways to use these apps and create a budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions By Students

The cost of studying in the UK has risen in the past few years. The country is home to many reputed universities, and students across the globe long to be in one of those universities. The average studying cost at any reputed university in the UK will be around £9250. However, the fees differ with the course you choose. Check the universities and their fees before moving forward with the process. 

The UK government offers various scholarship programmes to help students financially. It is necessary to check the eligibility criteria before you submit an application. As many students give up their dream of studying abroad, the scholarships come as a relief for all. You must consult with websites like AbroAdvice to understand the eligibility criteria and apply accordingly. 

You have to consider all the costs while calculating the total expenses to study in the UK. It is crucial to consider tuition fees and costs to buy books and equipment. Adding on it, you have to consider living costs such as accommodation, food, laundry, bills and socialising. In short, you must consider everything while creating a budget to study in the UK.

The UK government allows students to work part-time to support their study costs. It is important to follow the rules and regulations set by the authorities. Students are allowed to work 10 hours per week during their course and full-time during their vacations. You must ensure that you have a valid student visa issued for a full-time course. However, if you are pursuing a part-time course, you are not allowed to work in the UK. 

There are companies in the UK offering internships. But they do not pay their interns. They share some benefits in terms of lunch or travel allowance. As far as work placements are concerned, you need to have the right skills and a strong application to compete with others. Also, you have to submit the application on time to be in the race. There are companies that visit campuses during the placement year, and you need to have the skills and the right application to get placed. 

Psychology is one of the best courses in the UK, offered by 50+ institutions. The cost of pursuing psychology courses in bachelor programs is £7000-20,000, master psychology courses are £10,000-25,000, and doctoral psychology programs are £15000-30,000.

In the UK, MBA is a 12–21month program that costs anywhere between 32000 GVP to 88000 GBP. Around 130 business schools in the UK offer MBA programs.

The tuition fees for studying law in the UK can range between £40,000- 70,000. It can go up as high as £109,000 as per the university, demands of the course, reputation, location of the university, and the likes.

Studying in the UK costs anywhere between £8000 and £32,000 for undergraduate degrees, while a postgraduate degree will cost you anywhere between £12000 and £36000 based on the course you have selected and the university you decide to pursue.

The average cost of studying in the UK for Indian students after 12th is estimated at approximately US $32000 annually. The tuition fees begin from £10000 or US $15000 and increase to £39000 or approximately US $54,000 for specialised degrees in medicines and other disciplines.

The tuition fees in UK universities vary hugely based on the institute, study level, and student nationality. For home students, the maximum tuition fee for undergraduate courses is £9,300 per year. For international students, the tuition fees are typically higher and can range anywhere between £10,000-£60,000 per year.

The cost of living in the UK can be higher than most countries in the world. As a single person or international student, the estimated monthly cost in the UK is $900 or £700 without rent. The average cost of living as a family of four can go up to $3,200 or £2,300 in the UK.

Yes, you can work part-time while studying in the UK. But there are certain restrictions on how many hours you can work. If you are a Tier 4 (General) student visa student, you can work up to 20 hours every week during term time and full-time during vacations. Again, if you are a student who is on a Tier 4 (Child) student visa, you will be allowed to work 10 hours every week during the course of the term.

Yes, there are certain hidden fees apart from the tuition costs of pursuing studies in the UK. These fees can vary hugely based on the university and the course. Some common hidden fees are accommodation, living expenses, transportation costs, insurance, groceries, phone and internet bills, social outings, books and materials, etc.

No, medical insurance is not incorporated into the tuition costs in the UK. International students need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge or IHS fee as a part of their visa application. However, this only covers treatment for certain medical conditions, like emergency treatments and treatment for infectious diseases.

There are several affordable transportation choices in the UK, Have a look at some of the most common ones –

  • Public transportation like buses, trains, trams, and tube
  • Bicycles
  • Walking
  • Car sharing
  • Ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber

Certain common study programs with lower costs in the UK are –

  • Foundation courses that can range around £10,000-£15,000
  • Pre-sessional English courses that can range around £2000-£3000
  • Distance learning courses that can range around £5000- £10,000
  • Part-time courses that can range around £3000-£5000

Whichever country you decide to study in, you will find that the costs vary hugely based on the part where you live. In the UK, studying costs are usually high in southern England. You will be looking at lower tuition costs when you head to Wales and the Midlands. Again, for the most affordable cities, you may want to look at the North of England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

While studying in the UK, here are certain ways to manage your expenses and stay within the budget –

  • Create a realistic budget
  • Set financial goals
  • Be mindful of your spending
  • Look for effective ways to save money
  • Consider working part-time
  • Ask for help
  • Travel on public transportation
  • Cook at home
  • Purchase books and materials second-hand
  • Look for scholarships and financial grants

To estimate the total study cost in the UK, you can follow this simple formula –

Total study cost = tuition fees + accommodation costs + living costs + costs of travel + books and materials + insurance. It is also crucial to note that these are only estimates. The total study cost may greatly vary based on your individual circumstances.

Whether you will get a refund on tuition fees if you change plans in the UK depends on certain factors, including the reason for your plan change, the university policy, and the terms and conditions of the visa. Like –

  • You can get a full or partial refund if you cannot study in the UK due to illness or a family emergency. But, if you fail to study just because you've changed your mind, you are unlikely to get a refund.
  • Certain universities may offer full or partial refunds if you withdraw from your studies before the beginning of the semester, while some may not offer refunds at all.

If you cannot pay tuition fees on time in the UK –

  • Most universities will charge a late payment fee
  • Your institution can suspend certain services like a university email account or library access.
  • You can be prevented from giving exams
  • You can also be expelled from the institution

The fee for the UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 General Student Visa) is £363 if the students are applying from outside the UK. The application charges for Top Tier 4 UK Student Visa are 363 GBP. If the students travel with dependants, they must pay an additional 348 EUR per person.

The best ways to find budget-friendly student accommodation in the UK are –

  • Start your search early
  • Consider the budget
  • Search for shared accommodation options
  • Search for student discounts
  • Be flexible with the location

The average cost for meals and groceries in the UK for an international student is between 150-300 GBP. However, this budget will increase quickly if you order food or eat out often.

Student Review on Study Cost in UK

  • Very Helpful Guide

    As a student, this guide on studying in the UK provided valuable insights on study costs, scholarships, and living expenses. Highly informative and helpful for planning my educational journey abroad.

    Nitish, Delhi, India
  • Unlocking Opportunities

    With detailed information on various scholarships and eligibility criteria, it's a roadmap to securing funding opportunities

    shankar, Noida
  • Financial Empowerment

    Managing finances as an international student can be overwhelming, but this article serves as a beacon of financial empowerment. 

    Sujata, Delhi
  • Balancing Act

    It's a valuable resource for students aiming to make ends meet while excelling in their studies.

    shanti, Delhi
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