Cost of Studying in the UK: Tuition Fees & Living Expenses for International Students
Studying abroad is more than just tuition. Hidden costs, living, visas, travel, materials, add up fast. If you plan ahead, you can make smarter choices about where to study, how to live, and how to fund your stay. This guide helps you:
- Estimate all major expenses in the UK
- Compare costs in London vs other cities
- Understand visa & maintenance rules
- Find funding & scholarships
- Plan return on investment (ROI) from your degree
If you want to learn more about studying in the UK, book a free consultation with LCI Group today!
Tuition Fees in the UK: What to Expect
Tuition fees vary greatly based on institution, discipline, and level of study.
| Level / Type | Typical Fee Range (International Students) | Things to Note |
| Undergraduate | ~ £11,400 to £38,000 per year. | Arts, humanities at lower end; medicine, lab-based courses at higher end. |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | ~ £9,000 to £30,000 for many taught master’s programmes. | Many are one-year programmes → less total living cost. |
| High-cost disciplines (Medicine, Veterinary, MBAs etc.) | Can exceed £30,000-£45,000+ per year depending on university. |
Additional things to check:
- What is included in the tuition: lab fees, field trips, materials, health insurance etc.
- Whether fees are fixed or increase each year.
- Deposit requirements.
Living Costs: London vs Rest of the UK
How much you spend depends heavily on where you live, how, and your lifestyle. London is significantly more expensive than many other cities.
| Expense Category | London (Monthly Estimate) | Rest of UK (Monthly Estimate) |
| Accommodation (shared halls / private flat) | £1,200-£1,500+ for good quality / central locations; cheaper further out. | ~ £600-£1,000 depending on city & shared/private. |
| Utilities & Internet | ~£100-£200 (if not included in rent) | ~£60-£120 depending on housing & energy usage. |
| Food/Groceries | ~£300-£600 depending on how much you cook vs eat out. | ~£150-£300. |
| Transportation | ~£70-£150 in London with travel passes; includes Tube, buses etc. | ~£30-£100 depending on city and distance. |
| Personal / Miscellaneous (books, leisure etc.) | ~£100-£300 depending on lifestyle. | ~£80-£200. |
Related reading: Ten Reasons Why You Should Study in the UK
Visa maintenance funds requirement:
From 2 January 2025, international students need to show:
- £1,483/month for living costs in London for up to 9 months (i.e. ~ £13,347 total)
- £1,136/month outside London (up to 9 months, ~ £10,224 total)
Visa, Maintenance Funds & Pre-arrival Costs
Visa & Maintenance Funds
- You’ll need a Student Visa (Tier 4 / Student Route depending on current rules). This requires showing evidence of funds/right amount of maintenance.
- Funds must satisfy the “28-day rule” (i.e. money in your/parents’ account for 28 consecutive days immediately before application) and not older than 31 days from application date.
Pre-arrival & One-time Costs
- Flight tickets, visa application fees, immigration health surcharge (IHS).
- First-month rent + security deposit for accommodation.
- Study materials, textbooks, laptop, required software etc.
- Insurance, if needed.
Read: Top UK Universities for MS in Artificial Intelligence
How to Fund Your Studies: Scholarships & Loans
- University & Institutional Scholarships: Many UK universities offer merit / need-based scholarships for international students. Always check department/university websites.
- Government Scholarships: E.g. Chevening, Commonwealth, bilateral schemes from your home country.
- Loans / Financing from Home Country: Banks or specialized lenders for international students. Compare interest, repayment terms.
- Part-time Work: While studying you may be permitted limited hours of work; earnings can offset living costs. Check visa restrictions.
Return on Investment (ROI): Post-Study Outcomes & Earning Potential
- Estimate how much your degree might cost in total (tuition + living + visa + pre-arrival).
- Research average graduate salaries by discipline in the UK or back home (Engineering, Business, etc.).
- Consider how long it will take to “break even” based on that salary.
- Factor in taxes, cost of living after studies, and visa options to stay / work.
Read: Top Five English Language Tests Accepted by Universities Worldwide.
Budgeting Tips & Money-Saving Hacks
- Live in shared housing / halls vs individual flats.
- Choose non-central locations or commuter towns if cheap transport access.
- Shop at discount supermarkets, cook at home.
- Use student travel passes or discount cards.
- Buy used / second-hand books, or use digital resources.
- Use student discounts (cinema, software, internet, transport).
Sample Student Budgets
Here are some example budgets to help you plan. All figures are approximate and exclude tuition.
| Scenario | City | Accommodation Type | Monthly Total Expenses* |
| Undergraduate Student, shared flat | Manchester | Shared flat, non-central | ~ £1,000-£1,300 |
| Postgraduate Student, halls | London (Zone 2-3) | Student halls (bills included) | ~ £1,500-£1,800 |
| Research / PhD student | Glasgow | Private flat + lab materials | ~ £1,200-£1,400 |
*Includes accommodation, food, transport, utilities, personal & misc.
Read: UK Scholarships for Indian Students
Study in the UK with LCI Group
Studying in the UK offers world-class education, multicultural exposure, and good career prospects. But to make it work financially, you need a solid plan. So, start your study abroad journey to the UK with LCI Group today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do I need to show for the UK Student Visa?
A: If in London, you’ll need to show £1,483 per month × up to 9 months = ~ £13,347. Outside London, ~ £1,136 per month × 9 months = ~ £10,224.
Q: Is tuition cheaper in non-London universities?
A: Tuition fees for international students vary more by institution & discipline than by location; however, living costs outside London tend to be significantly lower.
Q: What are typical tuition fees for a one-year Master’s programme?
A: Usually between £9,000 to £30,000+ depending on subject and university.
Q: Can I work while I study?
A: Yes — most Student Visas allow part-time work during terms and full-time during vacations. The earnings help but usually don’t cover full costs; treat it as support, not main funding.
Q: What extra costs should I plan for that students often forget?
A: Deposits, travel (home country & local), lab fees / software / tools, visa renewal if needed, emergency funds.