Introduction: The Cost of Studying in the UK as an International Student
As the UK is a great destination for international students due to its quality education, a lot of candidates want to apply and aim to get into the prestigious universities in the UK. However, the cost of living in the UK is quite high and requires careful planning. We have compiled this guide to help you estimate the cost of living in the UK for international students. It is still not unmanageable and the duration of the courses is short so you can survive and start working sooner as compared to other countries.
Understanding UK University Fees for International Students
Your expenditure to study in the UK is not just the tuition fees in UK universities but several other expenses that start from the time you apply for the study visa. This involves the visa fee, application fee, entrance exam fee, the flight ticket cost, and then when you land, you need to pay for accommodation and other living expenses in the UK. Reading all this can sound tiring but these are all the factors you must consider when planning your finances to study abroad. Book a session with our mentors now to discuss this topic in detail for your study abroad plan.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees for International Students in the UK
If you are planning to apply for an undergraduate degree at a reputable UK university, the average annual tuition fee is £22,000 for international students. Keep in mind that UK university fees for international students varies for every discipline, the duration of the course and the level of study.
Postgraduate Tuition Fees for International Students in the UK
For Master’s and PhD degrees, the annual average tuition fee varies for each kind of discipline
- Classroom based degrees: £16,000
- Laboratory based degrees: £18,613
- MBA: £21,754
You can also compare the tuition fee by looking at the range of tuition fee in the renowned universities:
- University of Oxford: £18,000 – £40,000
- University of Cambridge: £16,000- £50,000
- Imperial College London: £16,000- £36,000
- London School of Economics and Political science: £16,000- £30,000
Other Costs to Consider as an International Student in the UK
From the moment you land, you will have to sustain yourself and daily expenses will be made on food, transport, utilities and accommodation. Housing expenses are the highest in London. Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly cost of these expenses (London is the most expensive city and the rest of the UK still has a reasonable range of expenses so the costs mentioned below are an estimate of the average expenses to be expected while studying in the UK):
- Accommodation: £500-£700
- Groceries: £100-£200
- Transport: £30-£40
- Cell Phone bill: £15
- Household utilities: £40-£50
Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities for International Students in the UK
If you add up all these costs, it is very overwhelming and you might be feeling disappointed about your plans but there are many opportunities for financial aid for international students in the UK. You can apply for these scholarships and it will help you manage your finances while you study abroad. Check out these scholarships opportunities in the UK to help you plan your finances for studying in the UK.
How to Finance Your Studies as an International Student in the UK
There are many ways to finance yourself during your educational journey in the UK so do not get disappointed if you can not get the conventional path to earn a scholarship. You can apply for student loans from banks in the UK or your home country. Try looking for grants and applying for those as well. There are also many part-time work opportunities for international students in the UK.
Tips for Managing Living Expenses as an International Student in the UK
There are many ways to save money while you are studying as an international student in the UK. You can avail student discounts while shopping or booking flights. Try to dine in and avoid unnecessary entertainment while you are on a budget. Also try to get the public transport student card and save money on your daily commute.
Work-Study Programs and Part-Time Work Opportunities for International Students in the UK
The best way to manage your budget is to get an extra income by working part-time if your study visa allows it. You have to stay within the working hours limit. With the General Tier 4 visa, you can work for 20 hours per week and these jobs can be very simple like working as a call operator, being a care assistant, being a nurse advisor, etc. Look for part-time work opportunities for international students in the UK and you can find a reasonable job where you can work after your classes.
UK Visa Requirements and Other Considerations for International Students
Your UK study visa also has a standard application processing fee which varies according to the type of visa you have applied for. Apart from this, you will require a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) which also has a certain fee depending on the university where you got admission in. The visa process also requires some health checks like the test for tuberculosis (in some cases) and you have to manage the cost for that as well.
Is Studying in the UK Worth the Cost for International Students?
While every student wants a recognised and respected degree from a renowned university, these costs are very difficult to manage when you start living in the UK as an international student. However, you need to remember that once you get the degree, you will be improving your resume exponentially and increasing your employability while making some great connections. In this way, the investment is worth it and even if you take a student loan, you will have the opportunities to work and repay it with the prestigious education that you have earned with your hard work.
