How much does it cost to study in the UK?

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and historic universities, such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Every year, these universities welcome students from all over the world who come to study in the UK’s vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, such as London, Dublin, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, in pursuit of their dream careers.

There are many world-renowned universities located in the United Kingdom. However, the cost of studying and living in the UK can be quite expensive for international students. This article seeks to guide making financial decisions while pursuing higher education in the UK so that you can avoid spending each morning calculating expenses. Is studying in the UK a good idea? Let's take a closer look at the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students. The cost of studying in the UK will depend on several factors, including the type, of course, you're studying, the location of your university, and your spending habits. In this blog post, we'll explore the costs of studying in the UK in more detail, and we'll offer some tips on how to save money while you're studying.

Cost of Studying

Tuition fees for UK universities have increased steadily over the years, UK home students attending English universities have to pay approximately £9,250 annually, or INR 10 lacs. For international and EU students, tuition fees start from approximately £15,000, or INR 15 lacs, and increase to £38,000, or approximately INR 38 Lacs, for specialized degrees in medicine and other disciplines. Humanities and social sciences degrees are comparatively affordable, while clinical degrees and laboratory programs are costlier.

The average cost of studying in the UK is estimated to be £25,200 annually. However, studying in London will be comparatively more expensive than in other cities and towns. Almost all UK universities have shorter programmes than in other countries (3 years for average undergraduate degrees rather than 4 years and 1 year for Master’s degrees rather than 2 years). This may lead to significant savings in living costs and tuition fees for a year, which could balance out the equation considerably.

Cost of Living

The monthly expenditure can broadly be divided into 4 categories: Accommodation, Transport, Food and Miscellaneous.

• Accommodation:  The cost of student accommodation in the UK largely depends on the type of accommodation you choose. You can choose to live in dorms or university residences or opt for private flats or shared housing. Most universities in the UK give you the chance to live on-campus. These on-campus residence halls are usually within walking distance from the campus, and it helps to save on transportation costs. The cost of student accommodation in the UK will also vary according to the city you choose to study in. London, being the capital city is more expensive than other towns and cities in the UK. On average the cost would vary between £800-£1000/month.

• Transport:  Transport will consume the second biggest chunk of your monthly budget after student accommodation costs in the UK. The cost will mainly depend on the city and the mode of transport you are using. On average the cost would vary between £90-£150/month. Students can avail of student discounts for travel passes (oyster card)

• Food:  When you choose to live in student accommodations inside the university campus, you can save on the food and transportation costs big time. International students living privately must consider food costs in their monthly budget planning. The average food cost per month is different depending on the city and could range from £250-£450/month.

• Miscellaneous:  Apart from the above, there are other expenses which you must include in the budget like internet, books, toiletries, phone plans, clothing and other items and services. The average miscellaneous cost per month is different depending on the city and could range from £50 - £150.

Other Costs

Another cost to consider when studying in the UK as an Indian student is the Tier 4 visa fee. A Tier 4 visa is required to study in the UK, and the cost of the visa itself may be a significant expense for some students. The UK's visa requirements state that international students must either pay their tuition fees in full or provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover the first year's fees. This increases the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students, as they must also show proof of funds amounting to 9 months' worth of living costs. The required monthly living costs are £1015 (?90,000) for students living outside of London or £1265 (?1,20,000) for those living in London.

Along with the proof of funds, other additional costs included in the Visa process are;

1. Visa Fee - £348
2. HIS or NHS surcharge £624/year/person

Taxes and Insurance Costs

Although part-time jobs are a popular way for international students to help cover the cost of daily living in the UK, it is important to be aware that if you take on employment while still completing your studies, you will be liable for national insurance and tax.

• National Insurance: You are liable to pay the National Insurance if you earn more than £166/week
• Income Tax: You are liable to pay income tax if you earn more than £1,042/ week.

In conclusion, it is not possible to give a definitive answer to the question of how much it costs to study in the UK. The cost of tuition, accommodation and living expenses will vary depending on the institution, the location, and the student's lifestyle. To get a more accurate estimate of the cost of studying in the UK, it is advisable to book a meeting with one of our UK advisors.