Many international students dream of studying in the UK because it provides top-tier education through respected universities alongside lucrative professional opportunities. The complete expense of UK higher education must be understood when planning your academic finances. Before enrolling in studies students must evaluate numerous financial elements that include tuition fees alongside living expenses, visa fees, and supplementary charges across their educational journey in the United Kingdom.
This guide presents a thorough overview that details the UK study expenses starting with university tuition fees and course fees followed by accommodation fees together with food expenses and transportation costs alongside visa fees and costs that arise before and after arrival. Students seeking education in the UK will benefit from this article because it provides complete information about choosing universities, obtaining financial support, and managing educational costs.
Cost of Studying in the UK for International Students
| Course Level | Tuition Fees (per annum) | Equivalent Cost in INR (approx.) | |
| Undergraduate | 8,000 – 30,000 GBP | ₹7,53,000 – ₹28,00,000 | |
| Postgraduate | 10,000 – 35,000 GBP | ₹9,50,000 – ₹33,00,000 | |
| Diploma | 13,000 – 21,000 GBP | ₹12,25,000 – ₹20,00,000 | |
| Doctoral | 15,000 – 30,000 GBP | ₹14,13,000 – ₹28,25,000 | |
| MBA | 35,000 – 58,000 EUR | ₹29,00,000 – ₹48,00,000 | |
| MBBS | 23,000 – 52,000 GBP | ₹22,00,000 – ₹49,00,000 |
Cost of Education in the UK: Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition Fees Based on Degree Type
Degree Type | Tuition Fees (per year) | Estimated Cost in INR | Notes |
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) | 8,000 – 30,000 GBP | ₹7,53,000 – ₹28,00,000 | Costs vary by course and university |
Postgraduate (Master’s Degree) | 10,000 – 35,000 GBP | ₹9,50,000 – ₹33,00,000 | Business and medical degrees cost more |
Diploma Programs | 13,000 – 21,000 GBP | ₹12,25,000 – ₹20,00,000 | Focused on skill-based training |
Doctorate (PhD) | 15,000 – 30,000 GBP | ₹14,13,000 – ₹28,25,000 | Research-based programs; funding may be available |
MBA (Master of Business Administration) | 35,000 – 58,000 EUR | ₹29,00,000 – ₹48,00,000 | One of the costliest programs in the UK |
MBBS (Medicine) | 23,000 – 52,000 GBP | ₹22,00,000 – ₹49,00,000 | Medical programs are among the most expensive |
Tuition Fees Based on University/College
University/College | Tuition Fees (per year) | Estimated Cost in INR | Notes |
Public Universities (Local Students & EU/EEA Before Aug 2021) | 5,500 – 10,200 EUR | ₹4,90,000 – ₹9,10,000 | Lower fees for local and eligible EU/EEA students |
Public Universities (International Students) | 8,500 – 18,200 EUR | ₹7,60,000 – ₹16,30,000 | Higher fees for non-EU/EEA students |
Private Universities (All Students) | 5,000 – 35,000 EUR | ₹4,45,000 – ₹31,00,000 | No fee difference for EU/EEA and international students |
Most Affordable Universities (EU/EEA Before Aug 2021) | 0 EUR | ₹0 | Some universities offer free education for EU/EEA students |
College of Human and Health Sciences (Bachelors) | 0 EUR | ₹0 | Free for EU/EEA students |
University of the West of Scotland (Bachelors) | 0 EUR | ₹0 | Free for EU/EEA students |
University of Stirling (Masters) | 0 EUR | ₹0 | Free for all international students |
Aston University (Masters) | 0 EUR | ₹0 | Free for all international students |
Top UK Universities for International Students | Varies | Varies | Tuition depends on the program and university |
Arden University UK | Varies | Varies | Offers flexible learning options |
Arden University Online | Varies | Varies | Specializes in online education |
Brunel University London – Online | Varies | Varies | Provides a range of online courses |
London School of Business and Finance | Varies | Varies | Known for finance and business courses |
University of Law | Varies | Varies | Specializes in legal education |
University of Law, Business School | Varies | Varies | Focuses on business and management programs |
Living Expenses in the UK
The cost of living for international students in the UK depends on factors like location, lifestyle, and accommodation choice. Below is an estimate of monthly living costs.
Expense Type | Average Cost per Month (GBP) | Approximate Cost in INR |
Accommodation | 500-700 GBP | 47,000-66,000 INR |
Food & Groceries | 100-200 GBP | 9,500-19,000 INR |
Household Bills | 40-50 GBP | 3,700-4,700 INR |
Transportation | 30-40 GBP | 2,800-3,700 INR |
Entertainment | 30-50 GBP | 2,800-4,700 INR |
Miscellaneous | 200-300 GBP | 19,000-28,000 INR |
Accommodation Costs
The type of accommodation a student chooses significantly impacts overall living expenses. Below are the approximate rent prices for different housing options.
Type of Accommodation | Average Monthly Rent (GBP) | Approximate Cost in INR |
Halls of Residence | 400-600 GBP | 38,000-56,000 INR |
Private Apartments | 800-1000 GBP | 75,000-94,000 INR |
Local Homestays | 10-60 GBP per night | 900-5,600 INR per night |
Other Essential Expenses in the UK
Apart from rent and food, students must consider other essential expenses like utilities, internet, transportation, and entertainment.
Food & Grocery Costs
The average monthly grocery bill can range between 100-200 GBP, depending on eating habits. Here are the prices of some common food items in the UK:
Item | Average Cost (GBP) | Approximate Cost in INR |
1 loaf of bread | 1 GBP | 95 INR |
12 eggs | 1.95 GBP | 184 INR |
1 kg of bananas | 1.10 GBP | 104 INR |
1 liter of milk | 0.90 GBP | 85 INR |
1 kg of local cheese | 5.60 GBP | 530 INR |
1 kg of apples | 1.80 GBP | 170 INR |
1 meal at a restaurant | 12 GBP | 1,130 INR |
Transportation Costs
Students use different transport options to travel to the university and around the city. Many transport services offer student discounts of up to 30%.
Mode of Transport | Average Fare (GBP) | Approximate Cost in INR |
Train | 12-13 GBP | 1,130-1,250 INR |
Bus | 1-2 GBP | 95-190 INR |
Taxi | 6-90 GBP | 565-8,500 INR |
Metro | 4-5 GBP | 375-470 INR |
Cycle Rental | 2 GBP (for 30 min) | 190 INR |
Household Bills
Household bills are an essential part of student expenses. Some accommodations include these costs in the rent, but if not, students must budget for them separately.
Household Bill Type | Average Monthly Cost (GBP) | Approximate Cost in INR |
Gas, Water, Electricity | 40-50 GBP | 3,700-4,700 INR |
Mobile & Internet | 15-50 GBP | 1,400-4,700 INR |
Cable TV | 12 GBP | 1,150 INR |
Health Insurance | 50 GBP | 5,000 INR |
Entertainment & Leisure Costs
Apart from studies, students enjoy entertainment and social activities to relax and experience UK culture.
Entertainment Activity | Average Cost (GBP) | Approximate Cost in INR |
Movie Ticket | 10 GBP | 950 INR |
Gym Membership | 20-50 GBP | 1,900-4,700 INR |
Concert/Event Ticket | 30-100 GBP | 2,800-9,400 INR |
Sightseeing Trip | 50-150 GBP | 4,700-14,100 INR |
UK Student Visa Fees
International students need a valid visa to study in the UK. The visa type and duration determine the application fee.
Type of Visa | Application Fee (GBP) | Approximate Cost in INR |
Short-term Study Student Visa (6 months) | 97 GBP | 9,100 INR |
Short-term Study Student Visa (11 months) | 186 GBP | 17,500 INR |
Tier 4 Student Visa (General) | 348 GBP | 33,000 INR |
Tier 4 Student Visa (Child) | 348 GBP | 33,000 INR |
Pre-Arrival Costs in the UK
University Application Fees
University | Application Fee (GBP) | Approximate Cost in INR | Source |
University of Glasgow (Postgraduate Taught) | £25 | ₹2,375 | |
General Range for UK Universities | £20 – £100 | ₹1,900 – ₹9,500 | |
Universities Without Application Fees | £0 | ₹0 |
Note: Application fees vary by institution and program. Some universities may waive application fees for certain applicants.
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Post-Arrival Costs in the UK
Student Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge
Type of Visa | Visa Application Fee (GBP) | Approximate Cost in INR | Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per Year (GBP) | Approximate IHS Cost in INR | Source |
Student Visa (General) | £348 | ₹33,000 | £776 | ₹73,700 | |
Short-term Study Visa (6 months) | £97 | ₹9,100 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | |
Short-term Study Visa (11 months) | £186 | ₹17,500 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Note: The Immigration Health Surcharge grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and is typically £776 per year for students. The total IHS amount depends on the visa duration. For example, a 12-month course with an additional 4 months of stay would require an IHS payment for 17 months, totaling £1,164 (£776 + £388).
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FAQ
The expense of studying in the UK depends specifically on your chosen university together with your enrolled course and the precise location you select. Foreign students studying in UK institutions should budget between ₹9.5 lakh – ₹36 lakh per annum for their education expenses as fees vary depending on degree choice. The yearly costs for living expenses range between £10,000 to £12,000 (£9.5 lakh to ₹11.5 lakh). Major costs in the UK for international students include housing expenses and food purchases as well as transportation needs along with utility payments and leisure activities. Both scholarships and part-time employment serve to decrease educational expenses.
University selection and your chosen city will determine your ability to study in the UK. Affordable universities in the United Kingdom provide annual tuition fees between £8,000 and £12,000 (₹7.6 lakhs to ₹11.4laksh) while standard living expenses typically amount to an additional £10,000 to £12,000 (₹9.5 lakhs to ₹11.5 lakh) per year. A mix of studying at Welsh or Northern English universities with scholarships and part-time work enables students to stay within their ₹10 lakh budget.
The costs of studying for international students differ depending on both their chosen university and academic program type.
- Undergraduate degrees: £10,000 – £30,000 (₹9.5 lakh – ₹28.5 lakh) per year
- Postgraduate degrees: £12,000 – £38,000 (₹11.5 lakh – ₹36 lakh) per year
MBBS and Business programs: Up to £45,000 (₹42.7 lakh) per year
The estimated annual cost for Indian students amounts to:
- Tuition Fees: £10,000 – £38,000 (₹9.5 lakh – ₹36 lakh)
- Living Expenses: £10,000 – £12,000 (₹9.5 lakh – ₹11.5 lakh)
- Visa & Health Insurance: £348 (₹33,000) for a student visa + £776/year (₹73,700) for health insurance
Indian students choose learning institutions based on their academic standards combined with affordable fees that lead to successful career paths. Several educational institutions in India draw large numbers of Indian students whose enrollment preferences grow each year.
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Manchester
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Warwick
- University of Bristol
- University of Birmingham
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