How much does it cost to live in the UK as a student?

The student tuition and living cost are the most important things to keep in mind when considering studying in UK. The fees of study in UK varies depending on the specialty you wish to study and the university you choose to join.

Discover the top 10 universities in the UK.

Cost of studying in UK

Firstly, before discussing the living cost for a student in the UK, you need to prove that you can afford the cost to study in the UK. We have already talked about that in our article about the application procedure to British universities.

Bachelor students

Bachelor students pay an average of £9,000 per year to study in the UK. Tuition fees for the academic year according to the British Education Guide are:

  • Medical and Clinical Sciences £20,000 – 30,000
  • Human and Social Sciences £10,000 – 17,000
  • Engineering Sciences £10,000 – 20,000
Note : In the UK, there is a difference between “tuition” and “fees”.
Indeed, Tuition are, those that you pay for educated-related experiences. They sometimes count as additional charges that you must pay in order to enroll in courses.
Whereas, the term “fees” refers to the total cost, which includes all expenses of registration, books, etc. (contrary to American education where the term “fees” refers to the cost whether it’s total or not).

Find more in our guide on the studies in USA.

Hence, be careful when reading the term “fees” and “tuition” when applying to a British university. If the cost of study “tuition” is estimated to be £9,000 per year, this means that the total cost of the study “fees” might be £10,000 or more depending on the type of study, university and so on.

Postgraduate students

They pay high amounts compared to undergraduate students. It might reach up to £20,000 per year.

These numbers might seem exaggerated, but if we divide them by only 4 years of undergraduate study and only one year of postgraduate studies then it seems more reasonable.

For this reason, the cost might be somewhat close to the costs of study in your country, knowing that enrolling a British education is an advantage that opens up many horizons and jobs opportunities.

On the other hand, you may benefit from the financial support from the British Government during your study. In this regard, you can view and apply through the British Government website.

Student living cost per month in the UK

Now that you know the study cost you might wonder what is the cost of living in the UK?

Let’s take a look at the living expenses a student should expect to pay in the UK and how it affects your budget.

  • The student living cost in the UK varies depending on the area of residence. For instance: If you decide to live in London you will pay far more than your living cost in any other area in the UK.
  • The student living expenses in the north are much lower than in southern part of the UK.
  • In the UK, the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around £650 per month, while outside the city it costs £550 per month. Whereas, sharing the apartment with others reduces the amount of the paid cost.
  • A tax fee of around £25 is to be paid weekly. The cost sounds high but if you share your apartment with others, you can share the cost with them.
  • The cost of using gas, electricity and water is estimated at around £40. You will bear these costs in case they are not included in the lease contract, so be sure to read the lease contract carefully before signing.
  • Transportation cost: In the UK, people prefer to have a monthly transportation subscription as it is more convenient and less expensive. The monthly subscription cost is estimated at £55. However, students can get a fair discount, which will be discussed further in detail.
  • Food costs in the UK: Food and groceries in the UK will cost students between £150 and £250. Of course, this cost will go up if you order your food or eat out often. But it’s always cost-efficient to cook your own meals. And if you want to eat out time to time, a meal at an affordable restaurant will cost you around £12.

To find more interesting information, read our guide on how to prepare for life as a student in Britain.

Other extra cost of living for a student in the UK

One more cost you should include in your student budget in the UK is £50 to £100 per month for entertainment. Moreover, your student visa fee may be a one-time fee, but to avoid it to be a surprise, expect to pay around £350 for your UK study visa.

And the last expense you need to be aware of as a student in the UK is your health insurance fee. Usually, this cost counts for a surcharge in your visa fee. But to learn more about your options and how much insurance will cost a student in the UK, we have a detailed article on the subject.

Learn about health insurance for international students in the UK.

To go further check these related topics:

How to get student accommodation in the UK,

Scholarships in UK and how to get them.

How to obtain a student visa in the UK.

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