Cost of studying and living in the UK: International students should carefully plan their personal finances and be aware of the high cost of living if they want to study in the UK, especially in London. Nowadays, living in the UK entails more than just providing for necessities like clothing, food, and housing. It’s about having enough to engage in both academic and social life. You must budget for all of your expenses before traveling to the UK on a study visa, including airfare, applications for student visas, tuition, books, housing, and food.
As per the British Council, the majority of undergraduate program in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is last three years, while those in Scotland last four years and tuition fee for foreigner students in between £11,400 to £38,000.
- The cost of tuition for international postgraduate programs ranges from £9,000 to £30,000, and many of them last a year when taken full-time.
- International students can expect living costs of between £1,300 and £1,400 per month in London, and £900 to £1,300 per month in the rest of the UK.
Cost of studying and living in the UK
According to a recent report by Technology One and the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), which included research from Loughborough University, full-time undergraduates require approximately £18,600 outside of London and £21,800 in London annually to maintain a minimally acceptable standard of living.
| Type of Students | Purpose | Amount Range | Duration | Place |
| UndergraduateStudents | Rent, bills, groceries, and other living expenses. | £1,128 to £2,962 | One Month | London |
| Postgraduate Students | Rent, bills, groceries, and other living expenses. | £1,145 to £3,007 | One Month | London |
| Sharing with 3 or 4 other students Postgraduate Students living in private housing | Rent, bills, groceries, and other living expenses. | £1,310 to £2,290 | One Month | London |
- The report said that almost 60% of UK students have had a worse financial situation in the last year, with a third considering dropping out due to financial problems.
- HEPI research also found that students are particularly affected by the cost of living, as student support is reduced in real terms while expenses increase.
- Many students now take on part-time work during term time.
- To meet the minimum wage threshold, students in England must work around 19 hours a week to receive the national minimum wage, 15 hours in Wales, 16 hours in Scotland and 23 hours in Northern Ireland.
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Amount to Live and Study in UK for the year 2025
To study in London, you must have £1,483 a month or for nine months £13,347, according to UK Visa and Immigration. This amount is on top of the tuition costs. To obtain a visa to study in London, you must demonstrate a minimum of this amount.
The amount will be less for other UK locations. According to the UK Visa and Immigration Service, if you’re attending a university outside London you’ll need at least £1,136 per month, or £10,224 for nine months. However, if students plan to live in a private boarding school, they must pay the boarding fees as stated in the CAS.
