Embarking on your very own study abroad adventure is an exciting experience for many students. The United Kingdom is a popular destination for many international students. Imagining yourself roaming the hallowed halls of your dream university or hanging out with friends from all over the world is what sustains your dream of studying abroad.
Before taking the next step, students should consider the living expenses in the UK for international students. Study abroad consultants recommend careful planning and consideration during the process to ensure that nothing will mar the experience.
How does student living cost in the UK differ for undergraduates and postgraduates?
The United Kingdom offers premium academic courses that make it a popular destination for studying abroad. The average cost of living in England for international students is more affordable compared to further study in the USA or Australia. In comparison, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK are shorter.
While undergraduate courses in America span four years, students can complete their undergraduate course within three years in the UK which greatly reduces their overall cost. The university fees in the UK for international students contribute significantly to the total living expenses. Tuition fees may differ according to the subject course you select but on average undergraduate courses cost £11,400 – £38,000. Medical courses have a higher price range costing £9250 – £67892.
Postgraduate courses (usually Master’s or PhDs) are more expensive than undergraduate usually because the coursework is specialised and entails research equipment or resources for its completion. Though higher costs are inevitable for postgraduate students, financial support like scholarships and bursaries help students to fund their education. These courses may be classroom-based, laboratory-based, or an MBA. Most Master’s courses can be completed within a year which reduces the overall living expenses. The cost for postgraduate courses usually ranges from £9000 to £30,000.
Does your university impact your living expenses?
Your budget should also consider which university you study at. The Russell Group of Universities are some of the top universities in the UK known for their exceptional research facilities and elite reputation rivalling the Ivy League in the USA. The University of Cambridge, Oxford, and London School of Economics are revered and may cost approximately £26500 to £50835 per year. Private universities like Buckingham University, St. Mary’s, or Regent’s University have a price range of £6000 to £24000 per year.
Living expenses in London and other cities
While university fees make a significant dent in your budget, the cost of living for Indian students in the UK is also affected by where you stay. London as the capital of the UK and a global financial hub can be more expensive than other cities in the UK. Students can check the average cost of living in different cities before planning their budget. The living expenses in the UK for international students are £12000 per year.
The cost of living in London can be quite steep if you have your heart set on studying in the bustling capital. Costs may include student accommodation, transport, bills, and groceries. International students in the UK living without dependents may pay up to £1300 – £1400 per month in London. UK Visa and Immigration requires students to keep a sum of £1334 per month or £12006 per academic year (or for 9 months) to manage the living expenses in London for international students.
Areas outside London are cheaper costing £900 – £1300 per month. Birmingham is one of the cheapest cities in the UK for international students with affordable living expenses and reasonably priced tuition fees. Student accommodation in Birmingham is available for a comfortable stay at a low price range. In cities outside London, living expenses for international students are estimated at £1023 per month applicable for up to nine months. For instance, student accommodation in Liverpool offers a range of amenities included with your room that cuts down living expenses drastically. Newcastle University is a popular choice among students due to the affordable student accommodation in Newcastle, one of the primary contributing factors to student living costs.
Factors affecting the living cost in UK for international students
Students are encouraged to plan a budget that includes costs for flights, tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, bills, and the cost of visa application.
Student Halls
Student accommodation for Indian students in the UK is the primary consideration while creating a budget for living expenses. The average rent in the UK per month is about £1223. Students can choose to live on-campus in dorm rooms or halls of residence. This type of housing is perfect as students are within walking distance of their classes. They can also access benefits such as food, heating, electricity, and water bills that are provided along with the room.
Private housing
Students can opt for independence with housing suited to your needs. This option does come with additional expenses such as the council tax that needs to be paid by students living in private accommodation.
Bills for Household Amenities
Payments for household utilities and amenities must be included while creating a budget for living expenses in UK for international students per month. These monthly payments for gas, heating, water, and electricity are a necessity for a comfortable stay especially if you choose private accommodation.
Food and Groceries
If you stay on-campus, the university provides your meals so there is barely any expenditure for daily food and groceries unless you’re craving a meal at a restaurant. If you do stay in private housing, you are responsible for getting your food. The average cost for food and groceries can amount to £100 – £200 per month. Dining out regularly at a restaurant or a fast food joint will put a strain on your finances. It is recommended that students cook most of their meals at home to reduce expenses.
Transportation
Transport contributes to a large percentage of the living expenses in the UK for international students per month with an average monthly cost of £90 – £120. Students can reduce this cost by applying for a monthly transport pass at £60 like the Student Oyster Card which offers discounts on buses, rail, Tubes, trams, and river transport services. Alternatively, students can use travel cards to get concessions on tickets and unlimited travel time within the valid zonal areas.
Miscellaneous expenses
A certain amount must be kept aside in your monthly budget to pay for miscellaneous items like mobile and internet charges, entertainment, clothing, stationery, etc.
| Living Costs | Monthly expenditure |
| Student Accommodation | £900 – £1400 |
| Food and Groceries | £100 – £200 |
| Transportation | £90 – £120 |
| Utilities (Water, Gas, Electricity) | £40 – £50 |
| Entertainment | £40 – £50 |
| Miscellaneous (Phone and Internet, Clothing, Textbooks and Stationery) | £200 – £300 |
Visa costs and other expenses
UK Student Visa
If you want to pursue further studies in the UK, a Student Visa is essential. Visas will only be issued to students if you can prove that you have enough money to support yourself throughout the year. This should include your university tuition fees, living expenses, and visa costs.
Students’ bank accounts must reflect enough money to pay for their course for at least one academic year (around 9 months). The student visa will be issued if you can show £12006 in your bank account if you are planning to study in London and £9207 if you are planning to study in another city. A higher amount is required as there is a higher cost of living in London for Indian students.
If students have been living in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, they do not need to prove that they have this money for visa application. Students need to pay £490 for the visa as well as an NHS Surcharge of £776.
Graduate Visa Costs
Students who have completed their university course and would like to apply for jobs within the UK must consider the cost of the Graduate Visa. A Graduate Visa allows you to extend your stay in England up to a maximum of two years. Students are required to pay £822 for the Graduate Visa application fees as well as a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 for each additional year you extend your stay in the UK.
University Application Fees
Apart from university tuition fees, students must set aside money for a registration fee for the application. The fees can vary from one university to another but the average cost ranges from £20 to £90.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The UK offers free healthcare for all individuals, international students can also avail of this service provided they have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This is necessary for student visas that last over six months. The Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid for every year that you are a student in the UK and costs £470. Students can pay £235 for the IHS if their stay lasts one to six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UK expensive for international students?
The UK is considered to be more expensive than places like Germany, Sweden, South Africa, Finland, or Denmark. Many of these places offer free tuition. However, degrees in the UK are usually shorter and this greatly reduces the overall cost.
What is the cost of living in the UK for international students in 2024?
Living expenses in the UK vary according to the subject course you choose or whether you are applying for a postgraduate or undergraduate course. The average cost range is between £1300 – £1400 in London and £900 – £1300 in other cities.
Do Indian students pay tax in the UK?
Indian and international students do have to pay taxes, particularly if they are renting private accommodation. Students are expected to pay the council tax for private housing but the city council does accept requests for reduced rates.
Which is the cheapest city in the UK for Indian students?
Many Indian students prefer cities like Birmingham, Newcastle, or Cambridge which have an affordable cost of living and reasonably priced university fees.
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa?
Visas are only issued to students who can show a sum of £12006 to study in London and £9207 if you are studying in cities outside London. Students must show that they have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The last day of the 28 days must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.