Lana Oconnell
The UK is the second most popular destination for international students, with its universities known for their research and education quality. However, the cost of an undergraduate degree for an international student can range from £11,400 to £67,892 per year, with postgraduate fees varying depending on the university. This guide will explore the costs of studying in the UK as an international student, including tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, and part-time work, to help you make an informed decision about your education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for international students in the UK | Can vary depending on the university and program, but typically range from £10,000 to £30,000 per year |
| Scholarships | Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, based on academic merit or financial need. |
| Student loans | International students may be eligible for loans from their home country's government or private lenders. |
| Part-time work | International students on a student visa are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. |
| University financial aid | Some universities may offer financial aid packages to international students, which can include tuition waivers or discounts. |
| Cost of living | The cost of living in the UK can vary depending on the location, but it is generally higher than in many other countries. Budgeting and finding ways to save money on accommodation, food, and transportation can help make tuition more affordable. |
| Online learning | Considering online programs or distance learning can be a more affordable option as it eliminates the need for a student visa and reduces living expenses. |
| Exchange rates | Favorable exchange rates can make studying in the UK more affordable for international students. |
| Tuition fee deposits | Many universities require international students to pay a deposit towards their tuition fees as part of the acceptance process, with the remainder due before the start of the program. |
| Payment plans | Some universities may offer payment plans that allow international students to spread out the cost of tuition over a number of installments. |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships, bursaries, and grants
International students are unable to apply for UK government loans, but they can seek financial aid and scholarships from their universities or external organisations. There are many scholarships, bursaries, and grants available for overseas students.
Scholarships are the most common form of funding for international students. Students usually apply based on academic ability, potential, or talent in another area, like sports or music. These may cover tuition fees in full, reduce them, or contribute to living costs.
Bursaries and grants are usually based on students' personal circumstances, such as coming from a low-income household or experiencing some other form of disadvantage. They are typically one-off payments to help with travel costs or settling in.
Funding for international undergraduate students can be categorised into two types: those offered by UK universities and those offered by third parties, usually governments or organisations in the student's home country.
The UK government runs a variety of scholarship programmes to support international students, including:
- GREAT Scholarships: Scholarships of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a wide range of one-year taught postgraduate courses.
- Chevening Scholarships: Fully-funded master's degrees in the UK.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Scholarships for talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage.
The British Council database also offers scholarships funded by the UK government and external organisations. Additionally, universities offer scholarships and bursaries to attract international students and help with the cost of moving. These include subject-specific scholarships, equal access or sanctuary scholarships for refugees and asylum seekers, and disability scholarships.
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Part-time work
As an international student in the UK, you may need to take on part-time work to help fund your studies. It is important to note that international students are not eligible for government loans, so you will need to explore other options to finance your degree.
Firstly, check your visa status and the number of hours you are permitted to work per week. For those on a Tier 4 (general) UK student visa, it is recommended that you work a maximum of 15 hours per week to maintain a healthy study-life balance.
There are plenty of part-time job opportunities available for international students in the UK. You could consider working in hospitality, retail, or administration, for example. Many universities also offer on-campus jobs, such as working in the library or student unions, which can be convenient and understanding of your study schedule.
The type of work you do will depend on your skills, interests, and availability. You may wish to seek out work that is flexible and fits around your studies, or you could look for something more stable with set hours. It is worth considering a role that can provide you with valuable skills and experience relevant to your degree or future career.
Remember to budget carefully and plan your finances to ensure that your income covers your tuition fees and living expenses. The cost of living in the UK, especially in cities like London, can be high, so it is important to keep track of your outgoings.
While part-time work can provide a source of income, it is not the only option for funding your studies. Scholarships, grants, and bursaries are also available to international students, which can help reduce the financial burden.
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Student discounts and budgeting
International students in the UK can expect to pay between £10,000 and £38,000 per year for undergraduate degrees, with postgraduate degrees costing more. On top of tuition fees, there are living costs to consider, such as accommodation, groceries, utilities, insurance, transport, phone bills, clothing, and entertainment.
To afford these costs, students can work part-time, though there may be limits on the number of hours they can work during term time due to visa conditions. It is also worth noting that UK government student loans tend to depend on residency, so many international students are ineligible for them.
To save money, students can make use of the various discounts available. Here are some tips for budgeting and taking advantage of student discounts:
- Get a student discount card: Cards like the ISIC Card and Totum offer a wide range of discounts and perks in the UK, from dining deals to entertainment.
- Stay informed about discounts: Use resources like Unidays and Student Beans to stay up-to-date on the latest discounts offered by merchants in the UK.
- Shop around for the best deals: Before making a purchase, check for student discounts on apps or ask the shop assistant. Many stores, including Urban Outfitters, Nike, and French Connection, offer year-round student discounts.
- Save on food: Restaurants like Domino's and Las Iguanas offer student discounts, and you can also find deals on food delivery apps like Just Eat.
- Cut down on takeaways: While takeaways and ready meals are convenient, cooking at home is usually more affordable. YouTube has plenty of budget-friendly recipes for students.
- Reduce transportation costs: Consider using public transport, walking, or car-sharing schemes instead of owning a car, as maintenance and fuel can be expensive.
- Compare prices: Use apps like mySupermarketCompare to find the cheapest place to buy food and household essentials.
- Buy second-hand: Textbooks can be expensive, so consider buying them second-hand or using apps like Perlego or Kortext.
- Choose an affordable location: The cost of living varies across the UK, with cities like London being more expensive than others. Newcastle, for example, offers a lower cost of living and has the Grainger Market, where students can find affordable groceries and clothing.
- Create a budget: Write a budget plan to manage your incomings and outgoings. List your sources of income, including any part-time jobs or scholarships, and prioritize essential expenses like rent and food.
Remember to also research the specific costs associated with your chosen university and course, as fees can vary significantly depending on the institution, subject, and length of study.
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Postgraduate research funding
There are several funding options available for international postgraduate students:
- Scholarships and bursaries: There are numerous scholarships and bursaries offered by the British Council, UK universities, independent organisations, and charities. These can be merit-based or means-tested. Chevening Scholarships, for example, are prestigious scholarships funded by the UK government for outstanding international students with leadership potential.
- Research council funding: From August 2021, international postgraduates can apply for research council funding. This funding is typically merit-based and can cover tuition fees and living expenses.
- University funding: Many universities offer funding opportunities for international postgraduate students, including scholarships, grants, and assistantships. These are often listed on the university's website or can be enquired about directly.
- Student loans: While loans are typically only available to international students who have resided in the UK for at least three years prior to starting their course, there are some private loan options that may be available to international students.
- Part-time work: International students in the UK are often allowed to work part-time during their studies, which can help fund their tuition and living expenses. The number of hours they can work may be restricted, but it still provides an opportunity to earn an income.
It is important to carefully research and plan your funding options as an international postgraduate student in the UK. The earlier you start, the better, as some scholarships and grants have early application deadlines. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the cost of living in the UK, which can be several thousand pounds per year, and budget accordingly.
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Student accommodation
The cheapest option is usually a house or flat share, where you rent a room in a property as part of a group. The average cost for this type of accommodation is £88 per week, or £130 in London. University halls of residence are typically more expensive, and private halls are likely to be the priciest option. Living on-campus or close to the university campus has the added benefit of reducing travel costs.
- Start your search early, at least 4 to 6 months before your move-in date.
- Consider shared accommodation, which allows you to split the rent, utility, and grocery costs with roommates.
- Look for student discounts and offers on websites like University Living.
- Choose a property that includes bills in the rent, as this can provide good value for money.
- Research your city in detail to find neighbourhoods that fit your budget. Websites like accommodationforstudents.com offer neighbourhood guides.
- Take advantage of student discounts wherever possible.
- Remember that your university may have a hardship fund to support students facing financial difficulties.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of tuition in the UK for international students varies depending on the course and institution. Undergraduate international tuition fees vary from £11,400 to £38,000 per year. An undergraduate medical degree can cost up to £65,000 per year.
Additional costs to consider include accommodation, bills, groceries, textbooks, travel expenses, and other living expenses. The cost of living will depend on the location, with London being more expensive than other parts of the UK.
Yes, there are scholarships, bursaries, and grants available for international students in the UK. While full scholarships that cover all tuition and living costs are rare, many universities offer partial scholarships. Additionally, international students may be allowed to work part-time during their studies to help cover expenses.
There are several ways to save money as an international student in the UK. Student discounts, shopping second-hand, and budgeting can help reduce expenses. Additionally, many universities provide support such as faith or social networks and accommodation advice.
Most international students need a visa to study in the UK. The Student route visa allows applications up to six months in advance, and there is no time limit for postgraduates as long as their studies are progressing. The Graduate route visa allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for two years without a sponsor.
