Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students

Planning to study in the UK? It is essential for potential international students to be aware of the tuition fees for studying in the UK so that they can plan their budgets accordingly. Nonetheless, one must take into account that these expenses depend on where one will be taking his or her course as well as its type.

It should be noted that international students sometimes have different tuition fees compared to their local counterparts, and the range varies greatly. Thus, this blog post offers a short and precise description of financial matters so as to guide those who wish to study in the UK through its costliness. It is important for undergraduate, post-graduate, and PhD students to also consider their financial standing before applying for admission into universities.

International students who apply for admissions at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom should remember that there are application charges involved too. Application charges may differ between schools and play an important role in planning a budget. The following table provides information regarding application fees for some of the major British Universities during 2024-25 academic year.

To properly plan your finances, it is important to know the tuition fees for international students in the UK. Tuition fees for international students in UK vary depending on the level of study and field. Below, we present a general picture of average tuition in the 2024/25 academic year.

Average Tuition Fees by Level of Study

• Undergraduate Programs

  Range: £12,000 - £20,000 per year

  Average: £15,000 per year

• Postgraduate Programs

  Range: £13,000 - £25,000 per year

  Average: £18,000 per year

Tuition Fees by Popular Fields of Study (2024-25)

Undergraduate: £14,000 - £18,000 per year (INR 14,00,000 - INR 18,00,000)

Postgraduate: £15,000 - £20,000 per year (INR 15,00,000 - INR 20,00,000)

• Engineering

  Undergraduate: £15,000 - £22,000 per year (INR 15,00,000 - INR 22,00,000)

  Postgraduate: £17,000 - £25,000 per year (INR 17,00,000 - INR 25,00,000)

• Medicine

  Undergraduate: £30,000 - £40,000 per year (INR 30,00,000 - INR 40,00,000)

  Postgraduate: £25,000 - £35,000 per year (INR 25,00,000 - INR 35,00,000)

• Social Sciences

  Undergraduate: £12,000 - £16,000 per year (INR 12,00,000 - INR 16,00,000)

  Postgraduate: £13,000 - £18,000 per year (INR 13,00,000 - INR 18,00,000)

• Arts and Humanities

  Undergraduate: £10,000 - £15,000 per year (INR 10,00,000 - INR 15,00,000)

  Postgraduate: £12,000 - £17,000 per year (INR 12,00,000 - INR 17,00,000)

• Computer Science

  Undergraduate: £13,000 - £19,000 per year (INR 13,00,000 - INR 19,00,000)

  Postgraduate: £14,000 - £21,000 per year (INR 14,00,000 - INR 21,00,000)

The cost of studying in the UK as an international student varies significantly depending on the level and field of study. It is important to research and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth financial journey throughout your studies in the UK.

Below is a table summarising the average tuition fees for different programs and their respective durations.

Across different parts of the UK, tuition fees vary due to the location.

• England: The most expensive option among all educational systems, although this country offers excellent education quality mainly due to higher tuition fees and living expenses in UK.
• Scotland: Offers a balance between quality education and slightly lower tuition fees, appealing to those seeking renowned universities at a somewhat reduced cost.
• Wales: Presents a more affordable option with lower tuition fees and living expenses without compromising on educational standards.
• Northern Ireland: With its low-cost lifestyle combined with the lowest undergraduate programmes charges, Northern Ireland is an ideal destination for those who want to attend the university yet have little funds.

In addition to tuition fees, international students in the UK need to budget for accommodation and living expenses. On average, monthly living costs range from £1,000 to £1,500, depending on the location. Accommodation is the largest expense, with prices varying widely: students can expect to pay between £500 and £1,200 per month for rent.

Other living expenses, including food, transportation, utilities, and leisure activities, typically add up to around £300 to £600 per month. Cities like London have higher costs, while smaller cities and towns offer more affordable living options.

Beyond the tuition fees, there are multiple expenses that need to be accounted for when planning the budget. Many factors affect the overall cost of studying in the UK, including

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Course requirements
• Lifestyle

The key expenses include accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, study materials, and leisure.

In order to reduce the financial burden for international students studying in the UK, many scholarships are granted according to merit and extracurriculars. Popular scholarships for Indian students are the Chevening Scholarships which entirely fund one-year master’s programs across various universities; Commonwealth scholarships, GREAT scholarships, and much more.

Here are some tips so that you can minimise your expenses while studying in the UK:

• Apply for scholarships
• Budgeting and Planning
• Do some part time jobs
• Take advantage of student discounts
• Choose affordable student accommodation
• Cooking at home
• Use public transport