Throughout the years, the United Kingdom has been one of the top study destinations for international students worldwide. This is due to its world-class education and top-notch institutions, making it a desirable choice to study in the UK for Indian students and others alike. In fact, most UK institutions frequently rank in the top universities in the UK, with some placing in the top 20 to 50 of various world university rankings, such as the QS Rankings, where five UK institutions ranked in the top 20.
Aside from that, an education in the UK also opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the UK for its graduates, such as better employability or the chance to work in the UK. Despite all the benefits, many have raised concerns about the cost of studying in the UK due to its high tuition fees, which have been a source of discussion and controversy in recent years. However, there are UK scholarships and financial assistance programs that students can access. UK education also has various short program options for international students to enroll in.
To get a better idea of the cost of studying in the UK and living expenses, here are some figures you can check:
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees in the UK vary depending on the institution, city, student’s program of choice, and citizenship status. Generally, students from the UK, Irish citizens, Swiss citizens, and other members of the EU or EEA pay lower tuition fees, which are two to three times less than other nationalities. However, due to Brexit, this policy may change soon.
For international students, undergraduate tuition fees may cost between £10,000 to £38,000 per year. Humanities and social sciences degrees tend to be cheaper, while medical and other laboratory-intensive programs are more expensive. These are all estimated costs as of 2018.
For postgraduate tuition fees, lecture-based programs may cost around £11,000 to £32,000. Laboratory-based programs are generally more costly, ranging from £12,000 to £27,000. Students interested in studying in the UK should research these figures carefully as they may vary by program and institution.
Living Costs
To get a UK Student Visa, international students must prove their financial capability to live in the UK. As a minimum, they are required to have at least £1,015 in their bank account for a one-month stay. Depending on the student’s lifestyle and location, they might need a larger budget, especially if they are staying in London. For instance, the average monthly total for living expenses in London may range from £1,130 to £1,400, while living in Belfast may cost around £742 monthly.
To have a clearer idea of the average expenses, here’s a quick breakdown from Numbeo:
- Food (restaurant): £12.00
- Accommodation (1-bedroom apartment): £609– £748.36
- Transportation (1-way ticket): £2.50
- Utilities: £154.25
- Internet: £31.16
Financial Assistance, Part-Time Jobs, and Discounts
Non-UK students are unlikely to qualify for education loans from the government, so they are encouraged to seek other forms of financial assistance. Scholarships and grants for studying in the UK are available at various institutions, and students should check with their specific institution to see if they are eligible.
Another way to help finance study or student accomodation is through part-time jobs. International students are typically permitted to work 20 hours a week and full-time during holidays. To help manage expenses, students may also take advantage of discounts available at various establishments, including restaurants and public transport. Valid student IDs, UK student discount cards, or international discount cards can be used to access these benefits.
Want to learn more tips and facts about UK education? Browse through MSM Unify’s articles for more information.Â
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