The Ultimate Guide to How Much Money Is Required to Study in UK?
Make your dream of studying in UK come true – Experience rich culture, loan at top universities, and build your career today!
What are you looking for ?
Hey, we’d like to know you better too!
Talk to our counsellor
Studying in UK can be an investment, and the cost is one of the key factors to consider when planning your education. The cost of studying in UK can be expensive. But it is important to understand the various costs of studying abroad in UK to make an informed decision. The cost of studying in UK can vary depending on the university, program, and location.
Let’s look at the costs associated with studying in UK, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses. We will also discuss the financial aid and scholarship options available to help students cover the cost of their education. With this information, you will be able to better understand how much money is required to study in UK and make a more informed decision.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for universities/colleges in UK varies depending on several factors:
Undergraduate Programs
2: £11,400 to £32,081 per year.
Postgraduate Programs
2: £8,000 to £55,000 per year.
Note: These are average figures; actual costs can vary.
Top UK's universities Fees
| Top Universities | Global QS Rank 2025 | Avg. Tuition Fees (Annually) |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 2 | £9,250 to £53,700 |
| Oxford University | 3 | £24910 to £106,540 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | £25734 to £67194 |
| UCL | 9 | £10400 to £45000 |
| University of Edinburgh | 27 | £21500 to £37500 |
| University of Manchester | 34 | £27,000 to £40,500 |
| King’s College London | 40 | £18,432 to £27,066 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | 50 | £26184 to £45000 |
| University of Bristol | 54 | £26184 to £45000 |
| University of Warwick | 69 | £26184 to £45000 |
Cost of Living in UK
The cost of living in UK varies significantly depending on the city you choose to live in. Major cities like Auckland and Wellington tend to be more expensive than smaller cities or rural areas. However, the average cost of living is £12,600-18,600 per year.
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Groceries | £116 |
| transport | £54 |
| Bills | £80 |
Best Cities in UK for Students
| City | Avg. Cost of Living |
|---|---|
| London | £637-802 |
| Edinburgh | £900 |
| Glasgow | £1,000-£1,200 |
| Manchester | £1,456 and £1,644 |
| Nottingham | £1700 |
Accommodation costs in UK
Most universities in UK offer on-campus residence facilities called the Halls of Residence to international students. However, you need to apply for it separately, and well ahead in time to secure a slot for yourself. The average cost is usually between:
University Halls: £4,000 - £11,000 per year
Private Rentals: £3,600 - £10,800 per year
Homestay: £5,000 - £13,000 per year
Additional Expenses
| Health Insurance | £470 per year |
| Study permit fees | £490 |
| Flight Expense | INR 35,000 to INR 80,000 |
| University Application fee | £20 to £100 |
| Proficiency tests fee | IELTS- ₹17,000. GRE (general/subject)- ₹22.550/ ₹14,500 TOEFL iBT- ₹16,900 GMAT- ₹25,163 CAEL- ₹16,680 |
| Biometric fee | Included in the visa application |
Taxes in UK
As an Indian student in the UK, your tax obligations depend on your income and duration of stay.
- Income Tax: You have a personal allowance and pay tax on income above it.
- NICs: These are mandatory contributions.
- Double Taxation Relief: India and the UK have an agreement to prevent double taxation.
Scholarships for in UK
Government Scholarships:
- Chevening Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
University-Specific Scholarships:
- Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships
- Clarendon Scholarship
- The Westminster Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
- University of Exeter Undergraduate Scholarships
- Cambridge University MBA Scholarship
- Global Leaders Scholarship
- Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Imperial College London PhD Scholarship
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
In addition, if you are a student who always scores good marks or has some other exceptional talent, you can get a merit-based scholarship.
If you want to know more about scholarships in UK, you can read this article: Scholarships for Indian Students in UK. Or, you can avail of our counselling from Transglobal Overseas to understand each scholarship’s eligibility, process, Etc.
Part-time Jobs in UK for Students
UK offers a plethora of opportunities for international students to work part-time while pursuing their studies.
Here are some popular options:
On-Campus Jobs
- Teaching Assistant (TA): Assist professors in conducting classes, grading assignments, and providing student support.
- Research Assistant (RA): Contribute to research projects under the guidance of faculty members.
- Library Assistant: Help with library operations, such as shelving books, assisting patrons, and managing the library's digital resources.
- Campus Tour Guide: Showcase the campus to prospective students and their families.
Off-Campus Jobs
- Retail and Hospitality: Work in cafes, restaurants, retail stores, or hotels.
- Customer Service: Provide customer support through call centers or online platforms.
- Tutoring: Leverage your academic strengths by tutoring fellow students.
- Delivery Services: Work for food delivery or courier services.
- Freelancing: Utilize your skills in writing, editing, graphic design, or programming to earn money online.
FAQs
Is UK very expensive for students?
Yes, the UK can be expensive for students. Tuition fees and living costs are generally higher than in many other countries. However, there are ways to manage costs, like choosing a less expensive city or finding affordable accommodation.
Getting a PR is easy in UK?
Yes, IELTS is generally required for UK universities. The specific score varies by institution and course
Is it cheaper to live in Canada or UK?
Generally speaking, the UK is considered cheaper to live in than Canada. However, this can vary depending on specific locations within each country and individual lifestyle factors.
What is the comparison between the cost of studying in the UK and India?
The cost of studying in the UK is significantly higher than in India. This is primarily due to the higher standard of living, tuition fees, and living expenses in the UK.
How can Indian students reduce their living expenses while studying in the UK?
- Accommodation: Share, consider student halls, and live outside the city center.
- Food: Cook, buy in bulk, plan meals, and use student discounts.
- Transportation: Use public transport, cycle, and look for student discounts.
- Utilities: Use energy-efficient appliances, monitor usage, and find student discounts.
- Entertainment: Explore free activities, use student discounts, and socialize.
- Budgeting: Create a budget, prioritize expenses, and have an emergency fund.
Is health insurance mandatory for Indian students studying in the UK?
No, health insurance is not mandatory for Indian students studying in the UK. However, it’s strongly recommended.
What are the average salaries after studying in UK for international students?
The average salary for international students in the UK after completing their studies can vary significantly depending on factors like education level, field of study, experience, location, and company size. However, recent data suggests an average salary of around £70,095 or INR 71,71,646.10 per year.
Which is the cheapest city in the UK for Indian students?
The cheapest city in the UK for Indian students is Bournemouth. Other affordable cities include Cardiff, Lincoln, and Glasgow. Remember, the overall cost will depend on your individual lifestyle and choices
