World-class universities, history, culture, diversity, career opportunities, and top-quality education are some reasons international students prefer the UK as their study-abroad destination.
Studying abroad can be expensive for an international student. Various costs come with studying abroad, such as tuition fees, transportation, living expenses, healthcare, and more. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about the cost of studying in the UK.
Table of Contents:
- Tuition Fees
- Living Expenses
- Student Visa and Health Insurance
- Cost of Living: UK vs Rest of the World
- Tips to Manage Cost of Study in the UK
- How to Finance Your Cost of Study in the UK?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tuition Fees
Tuition fee is one of the major expenses for an international student. Your tuition fee can vary based on your program, specialization, and the university. On average, here is how much it will cost to study in the UK:
| Type of Degree | Average Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate | £11,400 – £38,000 (INR 12,28,973 – 40,96,578) |
| Postgraduate | £9,000 – £30,000 (INR 9,70,242 – 32,34,141) |
Living Expenses
Your living expenses include food and groceries, accommodation, transportation, bills, and miscellaneous expenses. The detailed cost to study in the UK is as follows:
Food and Groceries
Your food and grocery are a major part of your expenses. On average, you can spend £150 – £200 monthly on food and groceries. However, this can vary based on your eating habits and how much you spend on takeaways or eating out. Here’s how much you can spend on food and groceries as an Indian student studying in the UK:
| Type of Cost | London | Rest of the UK |
| Food | £100 – £250 (INR 10,000 – 27,000) | |
| Groceries | £155 (INR 17,000) | £116 (INR 13,000) |
Accommodation
Accommodation costs can vary based on the location and type of accommodation you choose. The accommodation available for international students is house rent, on-campus accommodation, or sharing a house.
| Type of Accommodation | London | Rest of the UK |
| On Campus Accommodation | £848 (INR 91,000) | £664 (INR 71,000) |
| Off-Campus Housing | £750 (INR 81,000) | £554 (INR 60,000) |
| Homestay | £800 (INR 86,000) | £600 (INR 65,000) |
Transportation
Buses, trains, coaches, trams, underground metro, cycling, cars, and taxis are some of the top forms of transportation available in the UK for international students. However, traveling by car and taxis can be costly for a student, so you can always opt for coaches and trains. All full-time students in the UK receive a 30% discount on tube and bus fares with a Student Oyster Card if they have a National Rail Card.
| City | Average Cost |
| London | £103 (INR 12,000) |
| Rest of the UK | £54 (INR 5,900) |
Student Visa and Health Insurance
Studying would require a UK student visa and health insurance as a part of your admission process. You must be 16 or above to apply for a student visa in the UK. Student health insurance in the UK is also known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The costs for the same are:
| Particulars | Cost |
| Student Visa | £490 (INR 52,000) |
| Health Insurance | £776 (INR 84,000) |
Cost of Living: UK vs Rest of the World
The cost of living in the UK vs other popular countries around the world are as follows:
| Country | Single Person Average Monthly Cost (Excluding Rent) |
| UK | £820 (INR 88,329) |
| USA | $1,164 (INR 98,913) |
| Canada | CAD 1,445 (INR 86,033) |
| Australia | AUD 1,647 (INR 88,852) |
| Ireland | £1,000 (INR 89,249) |
| Germany | £996 (INR 88,926) |
Tips to Manage Cost of Study in the UK
There are various things you can consider to save some money as a student in the UK. Some of the tips are listed below:
- Student Discounts: UK offers student discounts in restaurants, cinemas, gyms, high street stores, and more. Get a National Union of Students (NUS) TOTUM card membership, giving you numerous student discounts.
- Shop Wisely: Shop from supermarkets such as Morrisons, Lidl, or Aldi to reduce expenses. Plan your meals and try to buy in bulk if it is possible for you.
- Prefer Home-Cooked Meals: By preparing your meals at home, you can save hundreds of pounds per year. If you are busy with your studies and work, cooking in bulk can benefit you.
- Buy Second-Hand: Try to buy second-hand books, clothes, and furniture to save yourself some money.
- Work Part-Time: On your student visa, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during your studies. Working part-time can offer you extra income to manage your expenses.
How to Finance Your Cost of Study in the UK?
As an international student, you always look for ways to fund your study abroad education. There are some ways in which you can fund your cost of study in the UK. Some of the top ways are:
- Scholarships: Apply for scholarships, as they are the most common funding option for an international student. Scholarships may cover your tuition fees (and more). Check the eligibility criteria for your preferred scholarship and apply for it.
- Bursaries and Grants: Bursaries and Grants are based on the student’s circumstances. If a student has a personal or financial disadvantage, they can apply for the same.
- Private Grants and Loans: If a scholarship or bursary does not cover your expenses, you can always apply for a grant or a loan.
At Nomad Credit, we specialize in assisting you with loans for your study abroad journey. With our top experts and counselors’ guidance, you can easily find the best loan and secure the financial support you require for your study abroad journey to the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to study Master’s in the UK?
The cost to study Master’s in the UK can vary based on your university and program. On average, it would cost you £9,000 – £30,000.
How much does it cost to study Engineering in the UK?
To study Engineering in the UK, you must pay a tuition fee of approximately £12,000 – £30,000, depending on your specialization and university.
What is the total cost of studying in the UK from India?
From applying to the university to getting admission, you will need approximately INR 31,00,000 to study in the UK from India.
How much does it cost to study ACCA in the UK?
The total cost of studying ACCA in the UK ranges from £2,000 – £5,000 per year for tuition fees.
Is it cheaper to study in the UK than in other countries?
The UK is cheaper than the USA and Australia. On average, the monthly cost of living in the UK is £820 (INR 88,329), while for the USA and Australia, it is $1,164 (INR 98,913) and AUD 1,647 (INR 88,852) respectively.
