Cost of studying in the UK

The academic excellence and student life that the United Kingdom offers make it a popular study destination for international students. Although the quality of education is impeccable, the financial aspect of it is a concern for Indian students.

Studying in the UK can be expensive, which is why it often ranks as one of the top 5 most costly study-abroad destinations. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the duration of most courses in the UK is relatively short, resulting in a lower overall cost.

This article will provide a detailed overview of the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students, enabling them to plan and manage their finances.

The cost of attending private and public universities in the UK ranges from approximately £4,180 to £29,259 per year. Additionally, as an international student, there are several fees to consider while studying in the UK. Therefore, it is important to carefully plan and manage your expenses.

Tuition fees

The primary component of the total cost of education in the UK is tuition fees. If you are an Indian or international student seeking information about the cost of studying in the UK, here is a guide to the leading private and public universities.

Leading Private Universities with Fee Structures:

The University of Law is known for its high educational standards and is considered one of the UK’s most respected and popular higher education institutions. Their law degrees equip students with unmatched knowledge, understanding, and competence in legal issues and regulations. Situated in Guildford, England, the tuition fees at this university are around £9,000.

Regent’s University London is a highly-ranked institution with numerous study modules, degree courses, and employment opportunities. It has a stellar reputation and attracts a sizable number of global students annually. Situated in London, average tuition fees in this university range from INR 18.3 lakh to INR 21.8 lakh for 3-year courses. The average tuition fees for other courses for Indian students are around INR 18.3 lakh.

St. Mary’s University is one of the UK’s best and most reputed private universities, offering numerous degree programs, contemporary facilities, flexible modules for studying, and experienced staff for a fulfilling academic journey. Situated in London, the average tuition fees for courses in this university are £12,250-13,650.

The cost of tuition is the main expense for international students studying in the UK, which can vary greatly depending on the university, location, and chosen course. Tuition fees for medical degrees and MBAs are generally higher for international students compared to humanities and social science degrees. 

Please refer to the list below to get an idea of the average tuition fees in the UK for different levels of degrees:

• Bachelors – £10,000 – £38,000
• Masters – £11,000 – £30,000
• Ph.D. – Up to £18,000

There are several options available to finance your tuition fees for UK universities, such as scholarships, financial aid, and student loans. These can assist in managing your tuition fees more efficiently, reducing the overall cost of studying in the UK for Indian students.

Living expenses

The cost of living in the UK for Indian students varies between £1100 to £1400 per month, depending on various factors such as location and lifestyle choices. As part of yearly living costs, it is recommended to set aside at least £11000 to £15000. Here are the details:

Accommodation

Accommodation is a significant contributor to the cost of studying in the UK. University accommodation is generally the most affordable option and can be obtained for free or at discounted rates. Private accommodation costs between £350 to £550 per month, depending on the location.

Utilities

Monthly utility costs for services such as electricity, water, and gas typically range from £50 to £120. Other essential monthly expenses include mobile phones, clothes, toiletries, food, and transportation.

Travel

The most economical way to travel in and around the UK is by using subways, with the London tube having an extensive network at affordable prices. For short distances, tubes, regional trains, and buses are readily available, and it is recommended to get a monthly pass to save costs. Options such as railways, air, and intercity buses are available for long distances.

Social Activities

Recreation and fun activities can cost between £50-£250 (₹4,500 – ₹23,000) per month.

Food Costs

Cooking at home can save you money, with costs ranging from £80 to £100 per month. Alternatively, ordering food or eating outside can cost up to £250 per month.

Taxes and Insurance

International students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations to manage daily living expenses. However, if you work while still studying, you are liable to pay national insurance and income tax. The monthly insurance premium for students is around £15 to £2. Other personal expenses, such as study equipment, books, clothes, hygiene, etc., cost around £100 per month.

Scholarships

For Indian students planning to pursue higher studies in the UK, various scholarships can help finance their education and living expenses. 

Here are some of the scholarships in the UK to consider for your education:

• Chevening Scholarships: The UK government offers these scholarships, which are available to international students who want to pursue master’s degree programs at leading UK universities.
• Erasmus Mundus: This scholarship is offered by the European Union and is available to students who are selected for European master’s degree programs.
• UK University Scholarships: Many universities in the UK offer scholarships to international students, including the University of Cambridge, University College London, King’s College London, Imperial College London, and the University of Oxford.
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan: This scholarship provides funding for one-year master’s courses and three to four years of doctoral degrees in the UK.
• Euraxess UK: This scholarship is also offered by the British Council and provides funding for research and professional visits to the UK.
• Charles Wallace Scholarships: The British Council offers these scholarships and provides funding for Indian students to pursue research and professional visits to the UK.
• Castlesmart Scholarships: These scholarships are available to undergraduate students of all nationalities who want to study in the UK.
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: This scholarship provides funding for students from Commonwealth countries to pursue master’s degrees at UK universities.
• Saltire Scholarships: The Scottish Government offers these scholarships, which provide funding for Indian students who want to study at any Scottish university.

How to save some money when studying in the UK?

To manage the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students, here are some budgeting tips. Start by creating a budget for all your expenses and avoid spending all your loan or scholarship money at once. Consider the following tips to save money while studying in the UK:

• Work part-time jobs during your spare time to earn extra income.
• Opt for public transport for travelling as it is cheap and connects you to faraway places as well.
• Rent vehicles like two-wheelers or cycles instead of buying them, which can save you money in the long run.