University tuition fees in the UK vary depending on the student's study level and location. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, undergraduate degree courses typically last three years, while in Scotland, they last four. UK students typically pay up to £9,250 per year in tuition fees, although this figure can be higher for international students and those attending private universities. The cost of living, including accommodation, food, transport, and course materials, also varies depending on location, with London being the most expensive city for students. Students can apply for tuition fee loans and maintenance loans to cover these expenses, with the amount they are eligible to borrow depending on their household income and location.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Annual cost of an undergraduate degree in England and Wales | £9,250 to £9,535 |
Annual cost of an undergraduate degree in Northern Ireland | £4,750 for Northern Irish students or £9,250 for other UK students |
Annual cost of an undergraduate degree in Scotland | Free for Scottish students or £9,250 for other UK students |
Maximum maintenance loan for students from England who live away from their parents | £10,227 to £10,544 a year |
Undergraduate tuition fees | Up to £9,250 per year |
Tuition fee for international students | £10,000 to £26,000 |
Tuition fee for private universities | Up to £6,165 or £7,400 for an accelerated degree |
Tuition fee loan | Covers tuition fees up to the maximum amount charged by most universities |
Maintenance loan | Depends on where the student lives while studying |
Maintenance grants | No longer available for new students |
Interest on student loans | Linked to inflation as measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI) |
What You'll Learn
Tuition fees and repayment
Tuition fees were first introduced in the UK in 1998, with students required to pay up to £1,000 per year. Since then, fees have risen, and universities in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland can now charge students up to £9,250 per year for undergraduate tuition. From August 2025, universities in England and Wales may charge up to £9,535 for a full-time degree.
Students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover all or part of their fees. This loan is provided by Student Finance England and covers tuition fees up to the maximum amount charged by most universities. For students attending a private university, the tuition fee loan will be lower, and students may need to pay the difference themselves.
In addition to tuition fees, students also need to consider their living costs, such as accommodation, food, and course materials. To help with these expenses, students can apply for a Maintenance Loan. The amount they are eligible to borrow depends on their living situation during term time and their household income.
Maintenance Grants are no longer available for new students, but there is additional support available in certain circumstances, such as scholarships, grants, bursaries, fee waivers, and hardship funds. Students with a disability may be able to access the Disabled Students' Allowance to cover extra costs.
Repayments for student loans begin from the April after the student has left their university course. Students repay a percentage of their income when they are earning over a certain amount, known as the repayment threshold. The repayment threshold varies depending on the student's plan, which is determined by when and where they studied. For example, for English students who started a course before 1 August 2023, the repayment threshold is £21,000 per year. For English students who started a course on or after this date, the threshold is £25,000 per year.
It is important to note that student loans are only repayable after graduation and are automatically collected through PAYE. Any outstanding debt that remains after 40 years (30 years for Welsh and Scottish students, and 25 years for Northern Irish students) is written off.
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Living and accommodation costs
The cost of living and accommodation for students in the UK varies depending on location and lifestyle. Here is a breakdown of the expected living costs for students.
Accommodation
The cost of student accommodation varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. On-campus accommodation options include living with fellow students or in a private residence. The average cost of student accommodation in UK cities can be around £664 per month for student halls (including bills) and £554 per month for a room in private accommodation (excluding bills).
Transportation
Transportation costs can also vary depending on the location. In the UK (excluding London), the average budget for public transportation is £54 per month. London has a more expensive public transportation system, with monthly student travel cards costing around £103.
Food and Groceries
The cost of food and groceries can vary depending on eating habits and location. On average, international students spend around £150 to £250 per month on food and groceries. Groceries are typically the second-biggest expenditure for students, with an average monthly cost of £144. Eating out and takeaways can also add to the food budget, with students spending an average of £51 per month in this category.
Utilities and Bills
Utilities and bills can include gas, electricity, water, broadband, and a TV license. The average monthly cost for these expenses is around £80 outside of London and £116 in London.
Socialising and Entertainment
Socialising and entertainment expenses include dining out, going to cafes and bars, and other leisure activities. The average monthly budget for socialising is around £80 outside of London and may be higher in the city. A restaurant meal in London costs around £16, while a takeaway coffee is approximately £2.69. In the rest of the UK, a restaurant meal costs around £15, and a coffee is about £2.50.
Other Expenses
Other expenses to consider include mobile phone bills, gym memberships, course materials, and clothing. A mobile phone plan with a SIM-only deal can cost around £18 per month in both London and the rest of the UK. Student gym memberships are typically available for around £15-20 per month. Course materials can vary in cost, but students spend an average of £25 per month in this category.
Total Living Costs
The average student living costs in the UK are about £1,104 per month, including rent. However, this can vary depending on location, with London and the South East being the most expensive regions. International students coming to the UK without dependents can expect to pay around £1,300-£1,400 per month in London and £900-£1,300 in other parts of the UK to cover accommodation, bills, groceries, and other living expenses.
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Scholarships, grants and bursaries
Scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available to students who need financial assistance to attend university. These awards are typically given to students with outstanding academic achievement or those with greater financial need. They are offered by universities, charities, trusts, and companies, and can be used to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with university life.
Scholarships
Scholarships are typically awarded to students with outstanding academic achievement or those who excel in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, or performing arts. Some scholarships may also be awarded to students from underrepresented backgrounds or those with specific personal circumstances, such as students with disabilities or from low-income households. Scholarships are usually quite competitive and often need to be applied for separately.
Bursaries
Bursaries are usually awarded to students who need more financial support to attend university. They may be offered due to a student's personal circumstances, such as being a care leaver, a young carer, or a mature student, or because of a low family income. Bursaries can be crucial in helping students attend university who might not otherwise have the financial means to do so.
Grants
Grants are also available to students to help cover the costs of university. These are typically awarded based on financial need, with students from low-income households being prioritised. Grants may be offered by universities, charities, or government funding initiatives to promote specific careers, such as teaching, social work, or healthcare.
Sources of Scholarships, Bursaries, and Grants
There are many sources of scholarships, bursaries, and grants available to students. These include:
- Individual universities and colleges, which often have their own scholarship and bursary programmes.
- Charities and trusts, which may offer funding to support students with specific personal circumstances, such as disabled students or those from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Companies and organisations, which may offer scholarships or bursaries to attract aspiring talent or promote diversity in their industry.
- Government funding initiatives, which may provide scholarships or grants to promote specific careers or support students with financial need.
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Student loans
In the UK, students can take out loans to help cover the cost of their university education. These loans are provided by the government and are available to those who meet the eligibility criteria. The loan is split into two parts: a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan.
Tuition Fee Loan
The tuition fee loan covers the cost of a student's course and access to resource materials, such as the library. The loan is paid directly to the university or college, and students can borrow up to £9,250 per year in tuition fees as a UK student, although the actual amount depends on the course and institution. From September 2025, the annual cost of an undergraduate degree in England and Wales will increase to £9,535. In Northern Ireland, the maximum annual cost for Northern Irish students is £4,750, while students from the rest of the UK pay up to £9,250. In Scotland, undergraduate tuition is free for Scottish students but costs up to £9,250 for students from the rest of the UK.
Maintenance Loan
The maintenance loan helps students with their living expenses while at university, including accommodation, food, and course materials. The amount a student is eligible to borrow depends on their living situation during term time and their household income. For example, if they live away from home (outside London), they may be eligible for a Maintenance Loan of up to £9,978 per year, depending on their household income.
Repayments
Students are required to repay their loans once they start earning over a certain amount. The repayment threshold is currently £25,000 per year, and repayments are 9% of everything earned above that threshold. Repayments are automatically collected through PAYE, ensuring students stay on top of their payments. Interest is charged on the loans from the day they are taken out, and any outstanding loan amounts are written off after a certain period, typically 40 years.
Alternatives to Student Loans
While student loans are a common way to fund university education, there are alternative options available. Students can apply for scholarships, grants, and bursaries, which are often awarded based on academic ability, financial need, or other criteria. Hardship funds are also available for students facing financial difficulties. Additionally, students from low-income backgrounds, those with disabilities, or those with children may be eligible for extra financial support.
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Part-time work
On-campus employment opportunities
On-campus employment opportunities can be found through university employment assistance cells, online job portals, and advertisements on media and social media platforms. Students can also attend open days, annual events, job fairs, and exhibitions, which offer flexible and temporary employment opportunities.
Off-campus employment opportunities
For part-time employment outside the university campus, students can seek assistance from recruitment agencies and job portals. Popular online job portals in the UK include Student Job, Careers Group London, Reed, Matchtech, Unitemps, Monster, Student Circus, Jobs.ac.uk, and Prospects.ac.uk. Local newspapers and social media groups are also good sources for finding job vacancies.
Types of part-time jobs
According to research, Student Ambassador roles are the most sought-after jobs at universities. Other popular on-campus jobs include Campus Tour Guide, Student Production Assistant, Social Media Assistant, Peer Tutor, Campus Ambassador, Research Assistant, Library Attendant, and Administrative Assistant.
Outside the university, students can find part-time employment in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, healthcare, and customer support. Retail jobs offer huge employment opportunities and can include working at supermarkets, drug stores, and clothing stores. Hospitality and service industry roles may involve working in food outlets, cafeterias, pubs, and restaurants.
Work hours and permissions
The UK government protects the interests of anyone employed in the country, including international students working under a student visa. Part-time work for students is restricted to a certain number of maximum weekly hours during term time. Outside of term time, students can work for longer hours.
International students with a Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. They are also allowed to work full-time during term time if on a work placement that is an integral and assessed part of their course. Additionally, students with a Student visa cannot work on a permanent contract, be self-employed, or set up a business.
Wages
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) ensures that all employers in the UK pay their employees a minimum wage, regardless of their resident status. For students between 18 and 20 years old, the minimum wage is £6.56 per hour. For 21 to 23-year-olds, it is £8.36, and for those over 23, it is £8.91. These rates are revised yearly.
Benefits of part-time work
Additionally, part-time work helps international students familiarise themselves with the culture and lifestyle in the UK, enabling them to adapt quickly to their new life. It also provides global exposure, enhancing their prospects of securing better employment opportunities both within and outside the UK.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, UK students pay university tuition fees.
UK students can expect to pay up to £9,250 per year in tuition fees. From August 2025, universities in England and Wales may charge up to £9,535 for a full-time degree.
No, students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover all or part of their fees.
Students can apply for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), or Student Finance NI.
Yes, an interest rate is applied to student loans. The amount of interest charged is linked to inflation as measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI).