Planning to study abroad is one of the major steps for any international student. It is not just about learning but also about getting new experiences. The United Kingdom is one of the most popular choices among international students worldwide because of its highly ranked universities. However, studying abroad comes with many responsibilities. One important thing to think about is the tuition fees and living cost in UK for international students.
Moreover, living cost in UK can be pretty high but do not let that discourage you. With proper planning, you can manage all expenses. Undoubtedly, studying in the UK is a great investment for your future. Graduates from UK universities are among the most employable people in the world. If you are interested to know more about student living expenses in UK, this entire guide is for you.
UK University Fees for International Students
The UK universities fees for international students depends on the course as well as the university you choose. Fees vary from one university to another and also between the countries within the United Kingdom like Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Generally, the UK university fee for arts, humanities, and education courses is less, while medicine and engineering are more expensive. Moreover, UK master degree fees usually are pretty expensive, and MBA courses are often the costliest.
Let’s discuss UK university fee for different study levels below:
| Study Level | Average Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate Bachelor’s Program | £10,000 – £20,000 each year |
| Postgraduate Master’s Program | £10,000 – £20,000 each year |
| Doctoral Program | £15,000 to £24,000 per year |
Low-cost Universities in UK for International Students
If you are searching for UK cheapest universities, please consider applying to one of the universities mentioned below:
- Leeds Beckett University
- University of the West of Scotland
- University of Sunderland
- College of Human and Health Sciences
- Coventry University
- Aston University
- Ulster University
- University of Buckingham
Living Cost in UK for International Students
Living expenses in UK for international students are an important part of the total cost of studying in the country. The cost of living in UK for international students includes food, transport, accommodation, shopping, bills, and leisure activities. On average, living costs are somewhere between £1100 to £1300 every month.
Like tuition fees, student living expenses in UK depend on your lifestyle as well as where you live. For example, rent in cities such as Brighton and London are more than places like Manchester or Aberdeen.
Some of the examples of living expenses in UK are as follows:
Accommodation
While studying in the United Kingdom, you can choose to live either on-campus or off-campus. On-campus options include staying in a private residence or with other students in university halls. If you prefer to live in student accommodation, like private housing or university halls, the cost usually includes water, electricity, Wi-Fi, gas, etc.
| Accommodation Type | Average Cost |
| University Residence | £515 – £727 |
| Private Housing | £505 -£848 |
Food Costs
Majority of cheapest universities in UK provide affordable meals on campus, which can help you save money. However, eating out every day can quickly increase your living expenses in UK for international students per month. It is important to plan your student budget in advance when deciding where and what to eat.
As an international student, you will likely spend around £150 – £250 every month on meals and groceries, depending on your choices and how well you manage your costs.
Transportation Expenses
There are plenty of transport options for international students and you can even get discounts. Taxis can be quite expensive, so it is better to use trains or coaches, which often provide special student discount cards to save money.
For local travel, using a travel card is the best idea as it helps you to reduce costs. On average, students spend the following amounts on monthly transport:
- Birmingham – approximately £45
- London – approximately £56
- Liverpool – approximately £45
- Manchester – approximately £47
- Leeds – approximately £43
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, studying abroad is a big decision for any international student and requires good financial planning, particularly for tuition fees and living cost in UK. Luckily, there are several ways to manage your cost of living in UK for international students, such as applying for scholarships and working part-time while studying. Moreover, the UK provides high-quality education, a great student life, and plenty of job opportunities, making it the best choice for studying abroad. With a well-planned budget, you can handle your UK charges more easily and enjoy your experience of studying abroad.
FAQs
How can I save living cost in UK while studying?
You can save a lot of money by being careful with your spending. Take a break from spending for a week and consider buying only useful and essential items.
Am I allowed to work while studying in the UK?
Yes, you can work up to twenty hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, you will have to pay taxes as well as national insurance.
How much does rent cost every month in the UK?
As an international student, you will need to pay around £505 – £848 each month for rent in the UK. The exact cost is based on the city you live in.
