How much will it cost to study in the UK?

Wondering how to manage your expenses in the UK? Here’s our list of estimates to help!

 

Embarking on an educational journey abroad, especially in the UK, often entails significant costs for students. However, developing a comprehensive budget plan can help effectively manage living expenses. Prior to leaving India, it is essential to consider various expenditures, including accommodation, food, health coverage, and travel, in addition to tuition fees, when estimating the overall cost of studying in the UK.

Tuition fee is your prime expenditure

The tuition fees in the UK are influenced by various factors, including the type of qualification and the specific university or school of choice. Each university and college has its own fee structure, and the cost can also vary depending on the location within the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales) and the level of study.

Typically, humanities, arts, and education courses tend to have more affordable tuition fees, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are often associated with higher costs. At the postgraduate level, tuition fees are generally higher, and the expenses can be influenced by the specific program chosen. Similar to many other countries, MBA programs often have higher tuition fees compared to other disciplines.

S.no. Study Program Average fee (in Euros*)
1
Undergraduate bachelor degree
GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year
2
Postgraduate master’s degree
GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year
3
Doctoral degree
GBP 15,000 to GBP 24,000 per year

*Please note that the figures provided are approximate, and the cost of a PhD program can vary, as fully funded options are also available in the UK.

To minimize your educational expenses, it is recommended to explore the various scholarships available for Indian students and consider applying for them.

Where will you live? Calculate accommodation costs

Many UK universities offer on-campus accommodation options called Halls of Residence, specifically designed for international students. These accommodations can be self-catered or full-board, and some campuses also provide shared houses or flats. Living on-campus is often a cost-effective choice, but it requires a separate application well in advance to secure a place.

If on-campus accommodation is unavailable or not preferred, alternative options include renting a room, homestays, or finding a local host. The accommodation office of your university can assist you in finding suitable options in the surrounding area.

When searching for accommodation, consider the following checklist:

  1. Cost
  2. Facilities
  3. Deposits
  4. Inventory
  5. Rent book
  6. Bill payment
  7. Tenancy agreement
  8. Council tax
  9. House rules, if applicable

The cost of accommodation varies from city to city. If you choose to rent an apartment, additional expenses such as utility bills (electricity, internet, water) and tenant’s insurance may apply. The indicative range for a one-bedroom apartment is generally between £550 and £650 per month.

Keep in mind that individuals over the age of 18 residing in the UK are typically required to pay council tax for local community services. However, on-campus accommodations or sharing a home with a family or another full-time student may exempt you from this obligation.

Before moving, ensure that you request a tenancy agreement and carefully review its terms before signing. In most cases, universities provide assistance in finding both on-campus and off-campus accommodations.

The cost of student accommodation depends on the type and location of the housing. According to the NUS/Unipol Accommodation Costs Survey, London has the highest average weekly rent at approximately £157.48, while the cheapest rooms are found in Northern Ireland, costing around £83.01 per week.

Do’s Approximate cost (monthly)
Bills (electric/ gas/ water)
£40 – £50
Food and housekeeping
£160 – £200
TV licence (mandatory with TV or watching BBC online)
£12.56 (or £150.50 per year)
Mobile phone
£15 – £50
Clothes and shoes
£25
Leisure & sports (calculated on membership for the students’ sports centre)
£10 – £20
Books & stationery
£21
Socialising
£120
Travel & transport (based on the monthly cost of a student bus pass)
£32
Childcare (if needed)
£656

Source:https://www.coventry.ac.uk/international-students-hub/new-students/coming-to-the-uk/living-costs-in-the-uk/
Please note that all figures are indicative

Keep safe. Consider health support and insurance

UK universities often provide comprehensive health insurance plans for international students, which are typically valid for the duration of their program but cease upon completion.

For more detailed information regarding health insurance coverage, please consult the provided link.

As per the National Health Service (NHS), international students are generally required to pay £300 per year for their visa duration. However, the exact minimum amount may vary based on the length of the granted visa.

Leaves period The amount payable for the year
If your leaves include a part of a year that is 6 months or less
£150
If your leaves include a part of a year that is more than 6 months
£300

In addition, Tier 4 dependants are obligated to pay the surcharge, and the immigration health charge will be included in the visa application fee. If you already possess medical insurance in India, you can inquire about the possibility of extending its coverage to include your stay in the UK.

Transportation. Know how much it will cost to move around

In the event that your university does not provide a shuttle service to and from your accommodation, you will need to depend on the available public transportation options.

For short distancesThere are various transportation options to choose from, including regional trains, buses, taxis, and tubes, which provide convenient ways to travel. To save costs, it is advisable to explore monthly passes for your daily commute to and from college. When using taxis, it is important to ensure that the vehicle has a functioning meter, or if not, agree on the fare in advance to avoid any potential issues. If you decide to use a personal vehicle, be sure to consider additional expenses such as car insurance, fuel, maintenance, and taxes when planning your overall budget.
For long distances

For travelling between different cities, you can avail any of the following options:

  1. Long-distance bus
  2. Rail
  3. Air

Don’t ignore your taxes

Wondering how to manage your expenses in the UK? Here’s our list of estimates to help! 

Indian students studying in the UK are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacation periods.

If you choose to work while studying, you will need to pay income tax and national insurance contributions based on specific thresholds. The personal allowance for income tax applies if your average monthly earnings exceed £1,042, while national insurance contributions are applicable if your weekly earnings exceed £166.

Generally, your employer will deduct income tax and national insurance contributions directly from your wages using the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system.

It’s important to consider currency exchange rate fluctuations when budgeting. To effectively manage your expenses, we recommend exploring part-time job opportunities while studying in the UK or seeking scholarships offered by the universities you are applying to. These options can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying abroad.