UK tuition and cost of living in UK 2024 are among the most important things students must pay attention to. In addition to living expenses in the UK, UK tuition fees are the main cost of studying in Britain and are also the key factor affecting students’ choice of UK university. In recent years, UK university tuition and fees have risen to eye-watering levels. And with the increasing cost of living, studying at university can be more expensive. If you are going to a UK university, it’s necessary to learn about the UK tuition and cost of living in UK 2024 to budget for your university life.
What Are UK tuition?
UK Tuition are the fees that universities and colleges charge to students for their education, which cover the cost of courses, access to university facilities and core services. Usually, UK colleges fees include:
- lectures, seminars, and tutorials
- course admin costs
- access to course-related facilities and equipment
- access to campus libraries and computer rooms
- support services for students
- student union membership
- field trips essential for completion of your course
- graduation ceremony
How Much Are UK Tuition?
UK tuition fees vary depending on where you’re studying and whether you are a domestic or international student. There are 2 types of tuition fees in the UK. One is the ‘home status’ fee, which is for UK/EU students. The other is the ‘international’ fee for international students.
UK Tuition – UK/EU Students
English universities can charge UK/EU students up to £9,250 per year for undergraduate education. Public universities charge tuition fees depending on students’ courses and their study time, which range from 5,500 to 10,200 EUR per year. Tuition fees at private universities are more expensive than those at public institutions, and there is no difference between UK/EU students and international students.
UK Tuition By Region
| Home region | Study region | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | Scotland | Wales | North Ireland | |
| England | Up to £9,250 | Up to £9,250 | Up to £9,000 | Up to £9,250 |
| Scotland | Up to £9,250 | Free | Up to £9,000 | Up to £9,250 |
| Wales | Up to £9,250 | Up to £9,250 | Up to £9,000 | Up to £9,250 |
| North Ireland | Up to £9,250 | Up to £9,250 | Up to £9,000 | Up to £4,160 |
UK Tuition – International Students
Fees for foreign students in the UK are more expensive, ranging from £10,000 to £38,000 per year depending on the course and institution. In terms of degrees, medical degrees may charge the most and humanities and social sciences degrees cost the least. Besides, the region where universities are located also affects the cost of UK university fees for overseas students. As the capital of Britain, London is the most challenging place for those who want to study in England.
Below is information on tuition fees for overseas students at the top 10 universities in the UK according to the QS ranking.
International Undergraduate UK Tuition
| University name | QS ranking 2025 | Undergraduate tuition fees | Tuition fees for majors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 2 | £37,900-£53,700 | Medicine £37,900 Chemistry £39100-£41,650 Life Sciences £39100-£41,650 |
| Oxford University | 3 | £33,050-£48,620 | Mathematics £41,080 Humanities and social sciences £38,550 Science and technology £48,620 |
| Cambridge University | 5 | £25,734-£67,194 | Medicine £65,000 |
| University College London |
9 | £28,100-£41,000 | Social sciences £34,400 Media £37,500 |
| University of Edinburgh | 27 | £26,500-£34,800 | Finance: ￡39,500 Economics, Education: £28,800 |
| University of Manchester | 34 | £25,500-£58,000 | Dentist: £36,500-£58,000 Management: £30,000 |
| King’s College London | 40 | £27,996-£40,140 | Economics: £35,244 Financial Management: £40,140 |
| London School of Economics | 50 | £27,480-£44,928 | / |
| University of Bristol | 54 | £23,900-£46,500 | Computer science: ￡26,000 Education: £27,200 |
| Warwick University | 69 | £24800-£40700 | Humanities: £25,800 Economics: £31,620 |
UK Scholarships and Student Funding
UK scholarships and student funding can help ease the burden of students who can not afford to study in English universities but still want to finish their academic journey in the UK.
Scholarships in the UK can be divided into merit-based awards and need-based grants, which are offered by universities, governments, private organisations and other charities. Only students who meet the funding criteria are eligible to apply for the scholarships. You can pay attention to the policies of your chosen universities and check the specific support schemes on the official websites of your own country in advance.
Additionally, postgraduates have more opportunities to get UK scholarships than undergraduate students. Prominent UK scholarships for international students include:
- Chevening Scholarships– scholarships funded by the UK government to postgraduates worldwide studying at accredited UK universities.
- Commonwealth Scholarships – UK scholarships offered by member governments to citizens of other Commonwealth countries.
Student loans cover university fees the UK and living expenses in the UK, which are provided by the UK government to eligible students. Once graduating, students with a certain income should repay the loans. Besides, other forms like bursaries and financial assistance programs offered by universities are also schemes designed for needy students.
By planning ahead and exploring all available financial support options, students can alleviate economic stress and focus on achieving their academic and personal goals.
Most Affordable Universities in the UK
Most universities in the UK offer free or very affordable (under 5,000 EUR/year) bachelor’s and master’s degrees only for EU/EEA students. For example, EU/EEA citizens can study their bachelor’s at the College of Human and Health Sciences and the University of the West of Scotland for free.
By contrast, international students can not accept free higher education like home students. However, there are still more affordable universities in the UK. Let’s explore them.
Here is the list of the 8 cheapest universities in the UK for international students.
1. Leeds Beckett University
(Tuition fees: £11,000 – £15,000 per year)
Leeds Beckett University is famous for its collaborations with top players in various industries and other recognised organisations. It currently houses around 28,000 students. International students coming from over 100 countries around the globe, accounting for around 5.2% of the student population and the employment rate is 96%.
2. Teesside University
(Tuition fees: £14,000 – 17,000)
The total enrolment at Teesside University is approximately 28,000 students, with international students from around 120 countries. Its affordable tuition costs attract students to come to study.
3. University of Cumbria
(Tuition fees: £13,250 – 16,000)
With 10,000 students, University of Cumbria provides a diverse range of courses in education, arts, business, and health at reasonable tuition rates. It has six campuses in total, two of which are in Carlisle, and one in Ambleside, London, Barrow, and Workington.
4. University of Chester
(Tuition fees: £13,450 – 20,000)
Established in 1839, the University of Chester is the fifth oldest higher education institution in England. Housing 15,000 students, this university is famous for its high graduation rate of 90.4%.
5. Staffordshire University
(Tuition fees: £14,000 – 19,000)
As one of the most affordable universities in the UK, Staffordshire University has two campus in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, where students can find some great students accommodations to live in. The university have 20,000 students including international students for 100 countries in the world.
6. Coventry University
(Tuition fees: £16,800 – £19,850)
When it comes to UK university fees, Coventry University is one of the most affordable universities for international students. Started in 1843, this university has 3 campuses now, located in Coventry, London and Scarborough. Besides, it offers various scholarships to international students ranging from £1500 to £2500 per year.
7. University of the West of Scotland
(Tuition fees: £12,600 – 14,100)
The University of the West of Scotland has around 3500 international students from 140 countries. It is one of the universities with the lowest UK university tuition fees. Its top courses are Computing, Accounting, and Finance.
8. University of Bedfordshire
(Tuition fees: £14,500 – 18,400)
Students in the University of Bedfordshire come from more than 120 countries. About 92% of its undergraduates choose to pursue postgraduate studies. It has four campuses and they are located in Bedford, Luton, Aylesbury, and Milton Keynes.
Cost of Living in UK
Cost of living in UK is students’ day-to-day spending on accommodation, bills, food, travel and other personal items during their studies. Among them, accommodation is the most significant expense and its price varies depending on its location and house type. London is the most expensive places to live in the UK. Students studying in London will pay more than in other cities. The average living expenses in london for single person is about £1,334.
Average cost of living in UK
- Accommodation
In the UK, students can live in on-campus and off-campus accommodation. Student accommodation with a separate bathroom and kitchen, such as a studio, may be more suitable if you want to live more comfortably. If you are concerned about the high price and looking for affordable accommodations, you can also share a room with friends. Also, if you do not know where to find your student accommodation, how to choose the house type, or you want to find a roommate, uhomes.com with professional qualifications and good service can help you solve your problems related to housing.
- Transport and socialising
Full-time home students can enjoy a 30% discount off standard tube and bus fares with a Student Oyster Card if they have a National Rail Card. Socialising is also part of students’ lives. The average socialising expense is about £80-£150.
- Food and clothing
How much students pay for food and clothing depends on personal consumption habits. It may cost you less if you are not interested in eating and dressing. Usually, students may spend about £30 at the food shop and around £44 or so on clothing each month.
Tips for Saving Money as a Student
There are always some financial constraints for students having no means. It’s necessary to manage students’ budgets effectively to help them enjoy wonderful campus life under limited financial conditions. Here are some valuable tips for keeping the cost of living in the UK down as a student:
- Use Student Discounts: Many places, such as restaurants, galleries, service providers, or some online subscription platforms, offer discounts to students. If you are not sure whether you can use your student ID, just ask them about student deals. Memberships offered by Websites and apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans can help you discover student discounts.
- Buy Second-Hand Books and Materials: Using second-hand things is another way to save money during your studies. Textbooks are a necessary expense, and you can buy paper or electronic versions in second-hand bookshops or online forums. Moreover, other things like clothing or accessories are also available in second-hand shops.
- Cook at Home: compared with eating out, preparing food ingredient yourself and cooking at home are a more economical way to live during your university time. You can also make your favourite dishes that restaurants do not offer.
- Share Accommodation Costs: Living in a student accommodation with your roommates can not only reduce loneliness, but save your budget on housing because you are going to split the rent, utilities, and other bills.
Conclusion
This blog provides contents about the UK university tuition fees. With the information of university fees in the UK, students can know clearly the general conditions of studying in the UK. If you do not know what university should be taken into consideration, we have listed 8 most affordable universities in the UK, hoping it be helpful for your choice. Once you make your decisions, UK scholarships and student loans are also necessary things you should know, which can help you to ease your burden during your studies. We also have tips for saving money as a student to help you plan for their budget.
FAQ
How to save money in the UK?
Below are some tips to save money in the UK as a university student:
Use Student Discounts
Buy Second-Hand Books and Materials
Cook at Home
Share Accommodation Costs
How much is university in the UK?
It depends.
- UK and EU students’ tuition fees generally range from £9,000 to £9,250 per year.
- International students can expect to pay significantly higher fees, often ranging from £10,000 to £38,000 annually.
What is the average tuition fee for most affordable universities in the UK?
On average, the tuition fees for most affordable institutions range from £7,500 to £8,500 per year for UK and EU students.
