Lana Oconnell
The UK is a popular study destination for international students, with its world-renowned teaching, research, and facilities. However, the cost of studying in the UK can be significant, and international students must carefully consider their financial options. Tuition fees for international students vary across universities and courses, with undergraduate fees ranging from £11,400 to £38,000 per year and postgraduate fees starting at £11,400. On top of tuition fees, international students need to budget for living costs, accommodation, bills, groceries, transport, and visa-related expenses. To fund their studies, international students can explore scholarships, bursaries, grants, and student loans, although eligibility criteria are often strict and competitive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate fees | £11,400 - £38,000 per year |
| Postgraduate fees | £11,400 - £38,000 per year |
| Average undergraduate fees | £22,000 per year |
| Average postgraduate fees | £17,109 per year |
| Student visa cost | £524 |
| Graduate visa cost | £880 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 per year |
| Public transport costs | £54 per month (outside London) |
| Accommodation, bills, groceries, and other living expenses | £1,300-£1,400 per month (London) |
| Accommodation, bills, groceries, and other living expenses | £900-£1,300 per month (outside London) |
| English language course costs | £70 per week or £1,300 for 10 weeks |
| Funding options | Scholarships, bursaries, grants, student loans |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and bursaries
The UK government and universities offer scholarships and bursaries to international students. However, it's unlikely that you will receive a full scholarship that covers all tuition and living costs. Most scholarships will cover only a percentage of the total cost of study. Scholarships are usually highly competitive and often aimed at postgraduate students. In most cases, you will first need to gain a place on a course before you can apply for a scholarship.
The three main UK government scholarships for international students are:
- GREAT Scholarships: Scholarships to UK universities across a variety of subjects, for students from 18 countries.
- Chevening Scholarships: Offers fully-funded master's degrees in the UK.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Scholarships given to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage.
There are also subject-specific scholarships, offered by individual departments for students studying a particular course or subject. Equal access or sanctuary scholarships are available for refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their home countries. These can take the form of a tuition fee reduction or waiver or maintenance award. Disability scholarships support international students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, learning difficulties, or other special needs.
Funding for international undergraduate students in the UK can generally be split into two categories: those offered by UK universities themselves and those offered by third parties, usually governments or organisations in your home country. Universities offer scholarships and bursaries to attract students from overseas and to help them with the substantial cost of moving far from home to study.
In addition to scholarships and bursaries, there are many visa options for international students to stay in the UK and work after graduation. This can help you earn money to fund your studies.
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Student visas and their costs
Most international students need a visa to study in the UK. The type of visa you need depends on your age, the length of your course, and the type of institution you will be attending.
If you are 16 or 17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa. This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa. The earliest you can apply for this visa is 6 months before your course starts, and you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. The visa costs £524.
If you are 16 or over and want to study a further or higher education course, you can apply for a Student visa. This visa costs £524 and will allow you to live and study in the UK throughout your course. You can also apply for this visa if you are already in the UK on a different type of visa, or if you want to switch to a Student visa from another type of visa. The application fee is the same in both cases.
If you plan to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, you will need to pay a fee called the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your Student visa application. The amount you have to pay depends on how long your visa lasts. European students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may be able to apply for a refund of the IHS.
You will need to prove your identity as part of your Student visa application, and you may also need to provide evidence of your financial situation. This could include bank statements or financial guarantee letters showing that you have enough funds to cover your living costs. You will need to have at least £1,136 per month for up to 9 months for courses outside London, or £1,483 per month for courses in London.
It is important to note that you must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa, regardless of when your course starts. Breaking the conditions of your visa may result in you being unable to enter the UK again.
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Tuition fees and living costs
The tuition fees for international students in the UK vary significantly depending on the university, course, and level of study. While some courses may cost more to run, such as laboratory or clinical courses, universities can only charge UK undergraduates what each government allows. This is not the case for international students, who may be charged a premium by renowned universities. The more prestigious the university, the more expensive it is likely to be. For example, an undergraduate medical degree can cost an overseas student up to £65,000 per year. Humanities and social sciences degrees tend to be the cheapest, while laboratory and clinical degree programmes tend to be the most expensive. MBAs tend to have the highest fees.
The length of the course will also affect its overall cost, as tuition fees are charged annually. The average cost for an international undergraduate student in the UK is about £22,000 per year, but this can vary from £10,000 to £38,000. At the postgraduate level, the average cost is about £17,109 per year, but this can range from £11,400 to £38,000. The cost of an undergraduate degree for an international student can be as low as £11,400 and as high as £67,892 per year.
In addition to tuition fees, international students need to consider living costs, which can amount to several thousand pounds per year. The cost of living depends on the location, with London being the most expensive city in the UK. As an international student without dependents, you can expect to pay around £1,300-£1,400 per month in London or £900-£1,300 in other parts of the UK for accommodation, bills, groceries, and other living expenses. This assumes non-catered single-occupancy student halls; catered accommodation would be more expensive. You should also budget about £54 per month on average for public transportation outside of London.
To study in the UK, most international students will need a student visa, which requires an upfront payment of £524. As part of the visa application, you may need to provide bank statements or financial guarantee letters to show that you have enough funds to cover your living costs. There may be additional associated costs, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £1,035 per year.
There are various funding and scholarship options available for international students in the UK. Scholarships are usually awarded based on academic ability, talent, or potential. While scholarships rarely cover all tuition and living costs, they can significantly reduce the financial burden. Undergraduate scholarships are rarer than postgraduate scholarships, but some are offered by UK universities and colleges. The British Council's StudyUK website lists scholarships available for students of certain nationalities, known as GREAT Scholarships. The Scottish Government and Study in Wales also list scholarships for studying in Scotland and Wales, respectively. Other scholarship schemes include the Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarships, which support students from developing Commonwealth countries.
Universities and colleges may also offer their own student loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds, including non-EU students. Additionally, bursaries and grants are similar to scholarships but are usually based on students' personal circumstances, such as experiencing financial disadvantages. They are typically one-off payments that can help with travel costs or settling into a new country.
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Budgeting and planning
In addition to tuition fees, there are other essential costs to consider when budgeting. As an international student, you will likely need to apply for a student visa, which comes with its own set of expenses. The standard UK student visa costs £524, but there are additional charges for faster processing. Moreover, as part of your visa application, you may need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year of your stay in the UK. If you plan to stay and work in the UK after graduation, you can apply for the Graduate visa, which has an application fee of £880.
Living expenses are another significant factor in your budget. The cost of accommodation, bills, groceries, and other living expenses can vary depending on your location within the UK. In London, you can expect to spend around £1,300-£1,400 per month, while in the rest of the UK, the cost is typically between £900 and £1,300 per month. Transportation costs should also be considered, with an average budget of £54 per month for public transport outside of London.
When planning your finances, it's important to explore the various funding options available for international students. Scholarships are the most common form of funding and are usually awarded based on academic merit or talent. While full scholarships are rare, many scholarships can cover a percentage of your tuition fees or living expenses. Universities and colleges also offer bursaries and grants, which are typically based on financial need or personal circumstances. Additionally, some universities create their own student loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds.
To ensure a successful budgeting and planning process, it is recommended to seek advice from various sources, including friends with overseas study experience, universities, education agents, and online resources. By carefully considering the costs and exploring funding options, you can make informed decisions about studying in the UK as an international student.
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Student loans
International students can expect to pay between £10,000 and £38,000 per year for lecture-based undergraduate degrees at UK universities. An undergraduate medical degree can cost up to £65,000 per year. The UK has two fee levels: a lower "home" student fee and a higher "overseas" student fee.
Tuition fees are just one part of the overall cost of studying in the UK. There are also living costs, which can be anywhere between £900 and £1,400 per month, depending on location. There are also application-related costs, such as visa costs, which can be several hundred pounds.
As such, international students often need to take out loans to cover the cost of studying in the UK. There are several options for international student loans, including:
- International Student Loan – a company that provides loans for UK students to study in the US or Canada.
- Federal loans – these are not available to non-US citizens, but they can apply for an International Student Loan.
When considering a loan, it is important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions before signing anything. It can be a confusing process, so it is always a good idea to consult an expert if you have any doubts.
There are also scholarships available, although these rarely cover all tuition and living costs. It is worth researching what scholarships you may be eligible for, as well as creating a detailed budget to understand your costs and income.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of studying in the UK as an international student varies depending on the course and institution. Undergraduate degrees can cost between £11,400 and £38,000 per year, while postgraduate degrees can cost between £11,400 and £67,892 per year.
"Home fees" are for students who are ordinarily resident in the UK and have been for at least three years before the start of their course. "International fees" are for students who do not meet these criteria.
Scholarships are the most common form of financial aid for international students. They are usually awarded based on academic merit or potential and can cover tuition fees in full or contribute to living costs. Universities may also offer their own student loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds.
In addition to tuition fees, you should consider the cost of living in the UK, which includes accommodation, bills, groceries, and transport. You may also need to pay for a student visa and any associated costs, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge.
It is important to have a good understanding of your costs and income and to create a budget. You should plan for additional costs, such as visa application fees and deposits for accommodation. You can also seek advice from friends, universities, and education agents to help you make a comprehensive budget.
