UK Education Costs Explained – Plan Smart, Study Stress-Free!
With the right planning, studying in the UK can be affordable. Learn about tuition, living expenses, and funding options to maximise your study journey.
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Studying in the UK offers a world-class education, but it’s important to understand the associated costs. For international students, annual tuition fees for undergraduate programs typically range from £10,000 to £26,000, with medical degrees reaching up to £67,892 per year. Postgraduate courses can be more expensive, depending on the university and program. In addition to tuition, you’ll need to budget for living expenses, which vary by location. On average, students should plan for approximately £12,000 to £15,000 per year to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal costs. Scholarships and financial aid are available to help manage the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students, so research and apply early.
Tuition Fees
Below is the cost of education in the UK:
Undergraduate Courses
Postgraduate Courses
Note: These are average figures and the actual costs may vary.
Top UK's Universities Fees
Listed below are UK study expenses for top universities:
| Top Universities | Global QS Rank 2025 | Avg. Tuition Fees (Annually) |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 2 | £9,250 to £53,700 |
| Oxford University | 3 | £24,910 to £106,540 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | £25,734 to £67,194 |
| UCL | 9 | £10,400 to £45,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | 27 | £21,500 to £37,500 |
| 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 | £26,184 to £45,000 |
| University of Bristol | 54 | £26,184 to £45,000 |
| University of Warwick | 69 | £26,184 to £45,000 |
Cost of Living in the UK
| Particulars | Average Monthly Costs (in London) | Average Monthly Costs (in the rest of the UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £690 – £955 | £690 – £955 |
| Food | £200 – £350 | £200 – £350 |
| Bills (Gas, electricity. broadband, TV license and water) | £200 | £120 |
| Groceries | £175 | £136 |
| Mobile phone | £18 (SIM-only plan) | £18 (SIM-only plan) |
| Travel (buses, trams, and trains) | £110 | £70 |
Get help from expert Transglobal Overseas counsellors to manage the total cost to study in the UK from India.
Additional Expenses
| Expense | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Best Cities in the UK for Students
| City | Avg. Cost of Living |
|---|---|
| London | £1,300 – £1,500 |
| Edinburgh | £1,000 |
| Glasgow | £1,000 – £1,700 |
| Manchester | £600 – £1,200 |
| Nottingham | £800 – £1,200 |
Accommodation costs in the UK
| Particulars | London | Rest of UK |
|---|---|---|
| University Residence | £727 | £515 |
| Private Housing | £848 | £505 |
Taxes in the 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 agree to prevent double taxation.
Scholarships in the UK
You have access to various scholarships while studying in UK. Listed below are a few of them:
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
Contact Transglobal Overseas to understand eligibility and deadlines for scholarships and manage the cost of study in the UK.
Part-time Jobs in the UK for Students
The UK offers many opportunities for international students to work part-time. Here are some popular options:
On-Campus Jobs
- Teaching Assistant (TA)
- Research Assistant (RA)
- Library Assistant
- Campus Tour Guide
Off-Campus Jobs
- Retail and Hospitality
- Customer Service
- Tutoring
- Delivery Services
- Freelancing
Frequently Asked Questions
Which universities in the UK have the most affordable tuition fees?
Teesside University, Leeds Beckett University, and Coventry University are known to have the most affordable tuition fees in Ireland.
What is the average cost of living for students in the UK?
The average cost of living in the UK is around £1,100 per month, with significantly higher costs in London (around £1,300 – £1,400 per month).
Which UK cities are the most affordable for students?
Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Sheffield, and Birmingham, are some of the most affordable UK cities for students.
Can I get financial aid or grants as an international student?
Yes, international students can receive financial aid and grants, including scholarships, fellowships, and work-study programs.
How much should I budget for food and transportation in the UK?
As an international student in the UK, you should budget around £100-£250 per month for food and £50-£100 per month for transportation
Are there scholarships available for international students in the UK?
Yes, there are various scholarships available for international students in the UK. Some examples include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Gates Cambridge Scholarships, and GREAT Scholarships.
Can international students work while studying in the UK?
Yes, international students can work part-time while studying in the UK on a student visa. During term time, you can study 20 hours per week.
How many hours can international students work per week?
International students can work up to 20 hours per week.
