The United Kingdom remains a top destination for international students, offering world-class education. However, studying there comes with a price. How much is university in UK? UK university fees for international students can be somewhat expensive, making it one of the most expensive countries to study abroad. Therefore, it’s essential for students to carefully plan their finances and ensure that the investment in their education will lead to valuable future opportunities. In this post, we’ll break down the cost of university in England and other related expenses.
How much is UK university fees for international students?
Cost of University in England: International Foundation Programmes
International Foundation Programmes (IFPs) aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for direct admission to bachelor’s degree programmes at UK universities. These programmes are specifically developed for students who may not meet the standard prerequisites for university admission. International students who successfully complete an IFP can apply to a variety of universities in the UK and abroad.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost ranges for International Foundation Programmes in the UK:
- Affordable Range: The most budget-friendly International Foundation Programmes (IFPs) usually fall between £9,000 (approximately US $11,880) and £12,000 (around US $15,840). Many universities in the UK offer foundation programmes within this price range.
- Mid-Range: IFPs that are considered mid-range typically cost between £12,000 (about US $15,840) and £16,000 (roughly US $21,120). This category often includes reputable universities that provide a good balance of quality education and support services for international students.
- Premium Range: Certain prestigious universities command higher fees for foreign students in UK, with costs for their International Foundation Programmes ranging from £16,000 (US $21,120) to £25,000 (US $33,000).
Fees for Overseas Students in UK University: Bachelor Programme?
There are no standardized tuition fees in UK for international students. However, the governments of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have capped the costs of UK-resident undergraduates at public universities. Although some courses, such as lab-based or clinical courses are more expensive to conduct, a university may only charge UK undergraduates what the government’s regulations allow.
On the other hand, this is not the case for international students. The amount overseas students pay for tuition varies depending on the type of course and the institution, with some highly regarded universities asking more than others.
To help international students make an informed decision, we also classified UK university fees for international students into three groups listed below:
- Affordable Range
In the UK, the typical fee for international students in the UK for an undergraduate degree is £11,000–£14,000 (US $14,520-$18,480). These are the tuition rates at some universities with the most reasonable international student fees UK. - Mid-Range
The UK is home to a sizable number of medium-range universities. These universities may charge between £14,000 and £18,000 (US $18,480-$23,760) per year for a bachelor’s degree programme. - Premium Range
The UK university tuition fees for international students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions can quickly put you out of pocket by £18,000 to £25,000 (US $23,760-$33,000) annually.
- Affordable Range
University in UK Cost for International Students: Postgraduate Programme
Postgraduate UK university fees for overseas students can vary significantly. You can find both affordable and high-cost options. Factors such as the university, location, and subject all influence the overall cost of a postgraduate programme in UK. Below is the estimated range of postgraduate overseas student fees UK:
- Tuition fees in UK for international students pursuing standard postgraduate degrees typically range from £6,500 (US $8,580) to £51,360 (US $67,795) annually.
- Meanwhile, for those who want to earn postgraduate medical degrees, the foreign student fees in UK ranged from £7,500 (US $9,900) to £54,500 (US $71,940).
- If you’re curious about the tuition fees for a Master of Business Administration (MBA), they can range from £8,500 (US $11,220) to £63,000 (US $83,160).
Note: There are more opportunities for postgraduates to gain a scholarship or bursary than for undergraduates.
Language Programmes
Many students come to the UK to study a language at one of the country’s numerous language schools.
Tuition fees for language programmes can vary significantly between institutions. Generally, you might expect to pay around £70 per week (approximately US $92) for a standard full-time course of 15 hours. Alternatively, a more intensive 10-week course could cost around £1,300 (about US $1,716). Again, these prices can differ based on the institution and the level of service offered.
Note: Some courses may be accredited, meaning they provide officially recognized qualifications, and these are likely to be more expensive than non-accredited options.
What to Consider in Calculating International Student Fees in UK?
International students’ tuition costs differ significantly throughout colleges and universities, programmes, and levels of education. As a result, it isn’t easy to estimate a precise price. However, there are 4 key factors that you should consider while evaluating international student fees in UK.
- The reputation of UK universities affects the cost of university in England.
- Academic degrees in both science and medical typically incur higher costs than those taught through lectures. This is especially true for courses requiring costly resources or lab access.
- The duration of your course will influence its total cost due to the fact that tuition costs are charged on an annual basis.
- The cost might also change based on the level of study. While exceptions exist, postgraduate and doctoral degrees, in general, tend to incur higher costs compared to undergraduate degrees.
Living Expenses for International Students in UK
When planning to pursue your studies in the UK, it is necessary to consolidate the expenses for living with the tuition costs. Fees for student accommodation, utility bills, food, study materials, shopping and travelling cannot be ignored, because they take a large part of foreign student fees in UK. Compared to other major cities, London has a higher cost of living. According to UKVI, the average monthly cost of living in London is £1334. At the same time, monthly expenses if you are located outside of London amount to £1023.
However, regardless of the location you stay, the expenses of living are linked to the living standard of you as a student. The range mentioned above can be more or less. If a student lives in London, they ought to anticipate between £1100 and £1300. Students who live in a town other than London should allocate a budget ranging from £800 to £1200 based on their standard of living. This will fluctuate depending on your lifestyle and needs.
uhomes.com aims to save you the most on student accommodation in UK. With all-inclusive and conveniently located housing options, we try our best to save you money and time on both accommodation and transportation.
Other Fees for Foreign Students in UK
Student Visa
There are other fees for foreign students in UK besides tuition fees. To reside and get an education in the UK, you will require a student visa. To get this, you must prove to the government or the authority that you own enough cash to meet your living costs during your stay. You must deposit a minimum of £9,207 (£12,006 in London) in your best student bank account to obtain a visa for a nine-month study. The cost of a student visa will be approximately £490, and the Immigration Health Surcharge(IHS) charges £776.
Student Accommodation
When it comes to a place to live, you should first choose what you prefer and how much you can afford. Do you want to get to know the local culture or interact with your classmates? Do you party frequently or study quietly? Before looking for student accommodation in UK, you must first gather this information. Also, keep an eye on the university’s website and other sources of information to see if on-campus student housing is an option, and make sure you submit your application on time for the institution to allocate it.
In this case, uhomes.com can help you get through the apartment screening and make the booking process more manageable. uhomes.com student accommodations are conveniently located near universities, like UCL, KCL, etc. with reasonable prices. Whether you need private and luxury student accommodation, or cheap house share, uhomes.com gets you all covered. Students can enjoy a perfect balance between academic life and spare time. And the professional consultants will do most of the work searching and booking an ideal student apartment for you.
How Do International Tuition Fees in the UK Compare to the Rest of the World?
Compared to other countries, the UK might not be your best option if you prefer a more affordable country to further your studies. Below is a list of countries that offer more affordable tuition fees compared to the UK.
- Germany: Germany is a top choice for budget-conscious students. Public universities in Germany offer free tuition for both domestic and international students. You’ll only need to cover a small administrative fee per semester. Plus, Germany has a reputation for high-quality education and vibrant student life.
- Sweden: Sweden, a Scandinavian gem, is another country that boasts free tuition for international students. Known for its high quality of life, Sweden offers a welcoming and inclusive environment. Its universities are renowned for their research excellence, and the country’s stunning natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for study and exploration.
- Malaysia: Malaysia is an attractive destination for international students. Tuition fees are affordable, and the cost of living is relatively low. The country offers a diverse cultural experience and a range of programmes taught in English.
Wrap Up
Even though studying in the UK costs a lot, it’s still a popular destination for people pursuing their degrees, undergraduate or postgraduate, in world-class universities. In this article, we have details about UK university fees for international students. To lower the cost of university in England, you can search for some financial support, like scholarships and bursaries, from your destination school or home country. Additionally, there is information regarding living expenses and accommodation during your stay in the UK. You can apply for on-campus housing or find an off-campus student apartment. Although finding a suitable apartment on your own can sometimes be challenging, uhomes.com is here to help you find an ideal home online with a more straightforward and simple process.
FAQs About UK University Fees for International Students
International students cannot study at any university in the UK entirely free of charge. However, there are options for those looking to pursue their studies at a lower cost. By selecting specific universities or programmes, students may find more affordable opportunities.
Students in the UK can work part-time. Students often work 20 hours a week part-time. However, they can work extra on holidays. But there are limits to running your own business and freelancing in the UK.
uhomes is available for you to book student accommodation in the United Kingdom that meets your needs effectively and efficiently. You can visit uhomes.com to browse student accommodation in many cities across the UK, select one you like, and book it immediately, or you can talk to consultant teams who can assist you in booking accommodation in the UK.
Yes, the UK government provides various scholarship programs aimed at financially assisting international students who need support to fund their studies in the UK.
For international students, studying in London is not only an exciting experience, but also a challenge. When choosing their student accommodation in London, they have to consider several factors.
- Location. You’d better choose an accommodation close to your school with convenient transport. This can save a lot of money in transportation.
- Amenities. An apartment with complete amenities can make your life more comfortable. For example, if your apartment building has laundry rooms, you don’t need to do your laundry elsewhere.
- Security. Are you afraid of living in an unfamiliar place? Security must be considered. We recommend you choose those apartments with 7/24 surveillance.
Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh has the lowest tuition fees in UK for international students, with only £8,000.
