Cost of study in UK and university fees for international students

When you are planning your study trip to the UK, you need to consider some important factors. Hence, before turning to your bank account, it’s advised to answer the following questions.

• Where exactly in the UK are you planning to study and live?
• Which institution are you applying to?
• Will you choose university accommodation or live out of the campus?
• What is the tuition fee for the course or degree you have chosen?

The cost of studying in the UK will greatly depend upon the answers to these questions. To get an accurate estimation of the educational costs, you need some planning as well as some guidance. Assuming that you’ve started planning, we are here to guide you with our experience as well as the information we’ve gathered for you. This article aims to paint a clear picture for you about what to expect in terms of expenditure when studying in the UK.

Before we delve into the details, we must state that most of the values quoted here will be estimates and averages. This means that it will vary on the basis of the aforementioned factors. To make it easier, we have classified the costs as per the level of study and the overall cost of living in the UK.

When pursuing an undergraduate degree in the UK, you must take into consideration some important factors, such as the education institution, the study program, and your country of origin.

The cost of studying an undergraduate degree in the UK for international students is usually higher than the cost of studying for UK students or EU students, for example. For the international students, the average tuition fees for undergraduate courses may cost between GBP 12,000 and GBP 9,000 annually. Some fields are more expensive than others. For instance, the cost of pursuing a degree in medicine will cost you as much as GBP 38,000.

Note that the university will only accept a student who can successfully submit proof of financial independence. This means that you need to show a bank account with at least GBP 1,015 for each month that you’ll spend in the UK and about GBP 1,265 if the educational institution is in London. Being unable to prove your financial position will make you ineligible for a tier four student visa. Additionally, there is an immigration health sub-charge of GBP 150 for a stay of six months or less and GBP 300 per year for a stay lasting over six months.

If you are applying for a postgraduate degree in the UK, you might be glad to know that the average tuition fee that you’ll be required to pay will be less than that of an undergraduate degree. However, the cost of some programs like MBA or clinical postgraduate may be greater than an undergraduate degree. As an international student, you will be required to pay within the range GBP 12,000 to GBP 35,000 on average.

However, there are numerous full and partial scholarships, research grants, loans, and sponsorships available for international students. Hence, don’t let the cost make you lose hope of studying in the UK and expend all your options to cover your educational costs. Universities also offer financial assistance, but these opportunities are limited. So, apply for scholarships as soon as possible. Pay special attention to your academic performance, as this can get you a merit scholarship as well.

Once the study cost is covered, you must calculate the cost of living in the UK as a student. These expenses may include accommodation, food, books and stationery, travel, and entertainment. On average, you should have GBP 25,000 in your bank account to cover your tuition as well as living costs. But don’t forget that the city where you’ll live during your study period is a big factor in determining your everyday expenses.

If the institution you’re applying in offers on-campus accommodation or dorms, this might save the amount you would have spent on traveling otherwise. Our last advice is to contact the student resource center at the university and request them for information on the latest tuition fee, course costs, and living costs.

Your IDP Counsellor can provide you with the latest information about tuition fees in the UK, cost of living and accommodation options as well! Contact us today!