Tuition Costs

The cost of tuition at U.K. institutions varies considerably depending on the school and program of study. There are often additional charges besides tuition, such as fees for student organization membership, library and laboratory costs, text book costs and sports facility costs. The estimates below are for tuition plus additional student fees charged by institutions per academic year, exclusive of text books.

Independent (secondary) schools: 15,700 USD to 49,000 USD. These fees include tuition, accommodation and some or all extracurricular activities.

Career-based studies

BTEC and other vocational certificates and diplomas:  7,800 USD to 16,000 USD HNCs and HNDs: 9,900 USD to 19,600 USD

Foundation degrees: from 14,000 USD to 23,600 USD

International Foundation Year courses (Foundation Studies): 7,800 USD to 23.500 USD.

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree

Arts courses:14,000 USD to 18,000 USD

Sciences: 14,700 USD to 23,500 USD

Professional courses (medicine, law):19,600 USD to 41,000 USD

Postgraduate degrees (Master’s degree and Ph.D):

Arts and humanities: 13,700 USD to 17,600 USD

Sciences: 14,700 USD to 23,500 USD/academic year

MBA: 3,000 USD to more than 59,000 USD

Private language schools: Tuition and fees vary too greatly from school to school to provide an estimate.

Living Costs

While tuition and fees in the U.K. are lower than in some other study destinations such as the U.S., international students are often shocked at how much higher the cost of living is than in their own countries. London, for example, is one of the world’s most expensive cities, and costs may also be high in other major U.K. cities such as Edinburgh and Manchester. The cost of living is lower, however, in smaller cities and towns and in certain regions of the U.K.

Of course daily costs in the U.K. depend largely on your personal habits and preferences. If you go to the cinema frequently and dine in expensive restaurants every evening, you will spend more than if you take advantage of the entertainment arranged by student societies on campus, which usually cost you next to nothing. Most universities have a student cinema, nightclub, theatre and other entertainment available that you can enjoy for much less than similar entertainment off-campus.

Living costs in London, Cambridge and Oxford, including accommodation, meals, local travel, books and normal daily expenses, can be estimated from 13,500 USD to 16,300 USD a year. In other areas, you can expect to spend from 11,200 USD to 13,900 USD.

Here are some typical prices for items and services in the U.K. (Keep in mind that prices may be higher in London):

Food: 60 – 80 USD

Restaurant meal: 30 USD average

Haircut: 14 – 40 USD            

T-shirts, underwear: 20 USD and less

Raincoat: 120 USD and less

Winter coat: 200 USD and less

Dry cleaning: 8 USD for skirt or trousers, 18 USD for winter coat

Small electrical appliance (such as tea kettle): 40 USD and less

Textbooks: 20 USD – 100 USD (second-hand books often available for less)

Newspaper: 0.60 USD – 2.50 USD

CD: 10 USD – 30 USD

Cinema ticket: 8 USD – 20 USD

Websites of grocery and department stores, such as www.tesco.com and www.debenhams.com will give you an idea of up-to-date prices for commonly purchased goods.

Saving Money

In addition to taking advantage of on-campus entertainment, there are other ways you can save money while studying in the U.K. Outdoor markets are a good source for fresh food and cheap clothing, and larger supermarkets are generally cheaper than smaller local shops and often sell good quality clothing, household goods and electrical equipment as well as food.

Student discounts are available at many shops, theatres, cinemas, museums and galleries as well as on buses and trains. To take advantage of these, you will need to show that you are a member of the National Union of Students (NUS), an organization that represents the interests of all students in the UK. For further information, go to www.nusonline.co.uk.

All international students on full-time UK courses that last more than six months can take advantage of the UK's National Health Service, including free consultation with doctors and free hospital care for you and your family.

The website www.ukcosa.org.uk explains how to register with a doctor (GP) and how to use the system.

Working While Studying

Working part time while you study can be great way to supplement your income, experience another aspect of life in the U.K. and meet new people. Before you apply for a job, however, you need to think carefully about the impact it will have on your studies and your social life. Working at the same time you study will put added pressure on you and you may find that you are left with little time for relaxing and socializing with friends.

If you are studying in the U.K. for more than six months, you can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic period, or longer if the job is part of your studies. During vacation and holiday periods you can work full-time. If you are studying in the U.K. for fewer than six months, you can apply to work when you apply to enter the U.K.

To find a job, start at your institution’s employment advice center, if there is one. They might help you find work on campus or will have information about vacancies in the area. Local newspapers are another source for job opportunities.