If you wish to study in the UK, particularly in London, international students should be aware of the high cost of living and carefully plan their personal finances. Living in the UK nowadays means more than just meeting basic requirements such as food, clothing, and accommodation. It is about having enough to participate in society and academic life. Before arriving in the UK with a study visa, you’ll need to budget for everything, including flights, student visa applications, tuition, textbooks, housing, and meals.
According to the British Council, international undergraduate tuition fees range from £11,400 to £38,000, with most undergraduate courses lasting three years in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and four years in Scotland. International postgraduate tuition fees range from £9,000 to £30,000, with many courses lasting one year of full-time study. As an international student in London, expect to pay around £1,300 to £1,400 per month for living expenses, or £900 to £1,300 per month in the rest of the UK.
A recent report by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and TechnologyOne, with research from Loughborough University, indicates that full-time undergraduates need around £18,600 outside London and about £21,800 in London each year to have a minimum acceptable standard of living.
As an undergraduate living in student halls, you can expect to spend between £1,128 and £2,962 per month for accommodation, bills, groceries, and other essentials. For postgraduate students, this cost ranges from £1,145 to £3,007 per month. If you’re a postgraduate student living in private accommodation, you might pay between £1,310 and £2,290 per month, which covers rent, bills, groceries, and other living expenses based on sharing with 3-4 students.
According to the report, nearly 60% of UK students say their financial status has deteriorated in the last year, with one-third considering dropping out due to financial issues. According to the HEPI poll, students are particularly affected by the cost-of-living issue because their expenses have risen while student maintenance support has fallen in real terms.
Many students now work part-time during the term. To meet the Minimum Income Standard, students need to work around 19 hours a week on the National Minimum Wage in England, 15 hours in Wales, 16 hours in Scotland, and 23 hours in Northern Ireland.
