Study Cost in the UK for Malaysia Students

Study Cost in the UK for Malaysian Students

There’s no doubt that it can be expensive for Malaysian students to study overseas. If you are planning to pursue your education in the UK, there are various expenses you need to consider before you move to the country.

1. Tuition fee

Your expenditure on tuition fees depends on the type of qualification and university or school you opt for. There are many high-ranking universities and colleges in the UK with their fee structures. Furthermore, the fee also depends on where in the UK you choose to study (there are different rules for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales), and your study level.

For undergraduate students, the tuition fees range between £10,000 and £18,000 (indicative) a year, depending on the course and the institution. For all postgraduate courses, tuition fees vary by the course provider.

S.no	Study Programme	*Average Fees (in Euros)**
1.	Undergraduate bachelor degree	£6,000 to £9,000 per year
2.	Postgraduate master's degree	£10,000 to £16,000 per year
3.	Doctoral Degree	£13,000 to £29,000 per year

2. Student visa costs

To study in the UK, the first step is to secure a valid study permit and that comes with its costs (approx. £322). You can refer to the official website for fees for various visa applications.

3. Accommodation

Most universities in the UK offer on-campus residence (called the Halls of residence or hostels) to international students. Living as a resident on-campus is a very affordable option, however, you need to apply for it separately, and well ahead in time to secure a slot for yourself. If you are unable to find such accommodation, you might have to look for a room on rent, homestay, or find a local host. The cost will vary from city to city.

If you opt to rent an apartment, you will have to additionally pay for utility bills like electricity, internet, water usage, and also tenant’s insurance (in some areas of housing). House rent for a one-bedroom apartment generally ranges between £550 and £650 [Indicative]. In most cases, universities help students in finding accommodation, both on-campus as well as off-campus.

4. Cost of living

You need to keep aside money for your grocery shopping, social activities, and emergencies. When living in a foreign country, it is better to track your expenditures, so that you do not overspend. Considering various expenses and living costs, a single student budget in the UK lands between £5,500 and £8,000 per year (indicative).

5. Health coverage

All international students must get medical insurance before the commencement of their programme. Several UK universities have initiated comprehensive health insurance plans for international students, but that is applicable as long your program is ongoing and ceases upon completion.

Certain schools may not offer any insurance policies, hence you will have to arrange for private medical insurance (your IDP counsellor will guide you with the same). The average cost for medical insurance is approximately £150 a year (indicative).

6. Transportation

Public transport is available in all cities and major towns of the country. For short distances, you can make use of regional trains, buses, and tubes. It is a good idea to get monthly passes for travelling to college and back as these can be fairly cheap. Find out if your university or college provides any shuttle service between your place of stay and campus. In case you plan to use a personal vehicle, you will have to include car and fuel bills, car insurance, repairs and taxes in your expense sheet.

Exchange rate variations may also affect your budgeting. It is advisable to look for a part-time job while you are in the UK or seek a scholarship in the universities you apply to. This will greatly reduce your cost of studying overseas.

Cost of Studying in the UK