International Students: Paying For Uk University

The UK is a popular choice for international students, with world-class institutions and culturally diverse cities. However, studying in the UK can be expensive, with tuition fees often exceeding £10,000 a year and living costs on top of that. International students typically pay higher fees than UK or EU students, and these fees vary by institution and course type. In this article, we will explore the costs of studying in the UK for international students, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other essential expenses. We will also discuss the various funding options available, such as scholarships, loans, and part-time work.

Undergraduate fees

The UK has two fee levels: a lower "home" student fee and a higher "overseas" student fee. Whether an international student pays the "home" or "overseas" fee depends on their residency status. Since autumn 2021/22, students have been considered international or overseas if they do not have the right to live in the UK and its islands. EU, Swiss, and EEA students are also considered international students and do not qualify for home fee status unless they were already living in the UK and registered with the EU Settlement Scheme before 1 August 2021.

The fees international students pay for their tuition vary by the type of course and institution, with some prestigious universities charging a premium. Lecture-based undergraduate degrees can cost international students between £10,000 and £38,000 annually, while an undergraduate medical degree can cost up to £65,000 per year. The length of the course will also affect its overall cost, as tuition fees are charged on a yearly basis.

In addition to tuition fees, international students must also consider living costs, which can amount to several thousand pounds per year. The average monthly cost of living in the UK is around £1,100-£1,300, including accommodation, food, transportation, household bills, and other expenses. Students will also need to budget for other essential expenses, such as visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and flight tickets.

Postgraduate fees

Firstly, the reputation of the university can influence the cost, with more prestigious institutions typically charging higher fees. Secondly, the type of degree can impact the price, with medical and science degrees generally being more expensive than lecture-based degrees due to the need for specialised equipment and access to laboratories. Thirdly, the length of the course will affect the overall cost, as tuition fees are charged annually. Lastly, the level of study might also play a role, with postgraduate and doctoral degrees sometimes being more costly than undergraduate programmes.

According to the Reddin Survey of University Tuition Fees 2021/22, annual tuition fees for international postgraduate students in the UK ranged from £6,500 to £51,360. Postgraduate medical degrees were priced between £7,500 and £54,500, while MBAs started at £8,500 and rose to £63,000. It's important to note that these fees are not standardised and can vary significantly across universities and courses.

When considering the cost of a postgraduate degree in the UK, it's essential to factor in additional expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, books, and other living costs. These costs can vary depending on the student's lifestyle and location. On average, the monthly living expenses in the UK range from £1,100 to £1,300. Additionally, international students may need to budget for visa-related costs, including the Student visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge to access the National Health Service (NHS).

To finance their studies, international postgraduate students can explore various options such as scholarships, financial aid, and student loans. It's recommended to research funding opportunities in advance and carefully plan their budget to ensure they can cover all the associated costs of their degree.

Living costs

When planning a budget, international students should consider the following living expenses:

• Accommodation: The cost of student accommodation varies and can be in university-owned halls of residence or private housing. University-owned halls often include utility costs (gas, electricity, water, and internet), while private accommodation may not. Deposits for private rentals can be significant, sometimes requiring up to six months' rent in advance.
• Groceries and household bills: The cost of food and utilities can add up quickly, so it's important to factor these into your budget.
• Transport: Students need to consider the cost of getting around, whether it's through public transportation or owning a car.
• Books and other course materials: Textbooks can be expensive, so it's worth checking the reading list in advance and exploring options like second-hand books or rental services.
• Mobile phone and internet plans: Communication expenses are often a necessary part of living costs.
• Clothing and entertainment: While these may be more flexible expenses, they still contribute to the overall cost of living.

Additionally, there are other essential expenses that international students should be aware of, such as visa fees and immigration health surcharges. A Student visa is required, and as part of the application process, students must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses. The visa currently costs £490, and there is an NHS surcharge of £776 per year to access healthcare services through the National Health Service (NHS).

Immigration-related costs

Many international students will need a student visa to study in the UK, which requires an upfront payment. The cost of a student visa depends on the type of visa being applied for. For example, a short-term study visa for 6 months costs £97, while an 11-month visa costs £186. A Tier 4 student visa costs £348 on average.

As part of the visa application process, international students may also need to share bank statements or financial guarantee letters to show that they have enough funds available to cover their living costs. The amount required is £1,023 per month of study for up to nine months (£1,334 if based in London), or £9,207 (£12,006 in London) for a nine-month course.

In addition to the visa cost, there is also an NHS surcharge of £470 per year to gain access to the NHS as an international student. This allows students to avail of free medical treatment and reduced dental care prices at NHS health centres.

It is important to be aware of all the application-related costs, including the Immigration Health Surcharge. Nearly all UK universities offer free immigration advice via a team of specialist international student advisors, and UKCISA also provides up-to-date information and guidance in this area.

Scholarships and bursaries

Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries for international students are less common than those for postgraduate studies, but they do exist. They are usually offered by UK universities themselves or by third parties, such as governments or organisations in your home country.

University scholarships and bursaries are used to attract students from overseas and help them with the substantial cost of moving far from home to study. There are many types of scholarships available to international and EU students, including:

• Academic, merit and excellence scholarships: These are awarded to students with a strong academic background, including those who achieved strong grades in their school exams.
• Performance-based scholarships: These are awarded to those with exceptional ability in an extracurricular activity, such as sports, music or performing arts like dance or drama.
• Subject-specific scholarships: These are often offered by individual departments for students studying a particular course or subject.
• Equal access or sanctuary scholarships: These can take the form of a tuition fee reduction or waiver or a maintenance award and are offered to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their home countries.
• Disability scholarships: These scholarships support international students with a disability, long-term mental health condition, learning difficulty or other special needs.

Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries

The UK government runs a variety of scholarship programmes to financially support international students who are looking for help funding their studies in the UK. The three main UK government scholarships are:

• GREAT Scholarships: Scholarships to UK universities across a variety of subjects, for students from 18 countries.
• Chevening Scholarships: 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.

How to apply for a scholarship

The application process for a scholarship will depend on the type of award and may vary from one university to another. Most will involve some kind of application form that can be completed and submitted online. These can take time, so don’t wait until the last minute to apply.

You may need to submit additional documents or evidence, such as a copy of your passport or other documents confirming your immigration status, academic transcripts, supporting statements or references, and portfolios (including video files).

Bursaries

Bursaries tend to be more straightforward and may be awarded automatically. They are usually one-off payments to help with travel costs or costs to settle in.

Frequently asked questions