What it costs to study in the UK: tuition, living and one-off fees
Tuition fees
| Level | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | £12,000 to £26,000 |
| Postgraduate | £14,000 to £30,000 |
Medicine, dentistry and MBAs run higher, often £30,000 to £50,000.
Living costs
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £500 to £900 outside London, £900 to £1,400 in London |
| Food and groceries | £150 to £250 |
| Transport | £50 to £120 (student railcards and bus passes help) |
| Utilities and phone | £60 to £120 (often included in halls) |
| Health | Covered by the NHS after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge with your visa |
Total: £1,000 to £1,400 a month outside London; £1,500 to £2,000 in London.
One-off costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | £524 |
| Health cover | £776 a year Immigration Health Surcharge, paid upfront for the whole course |
| Flights | Return flights from South Asia or West Africa typically £500 to £900 or equivalent |
| Accommodation deposit | Usually one month's rent, refundable |
| Set-up costs | Bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing: budget the equivalent of £200 to £300 |
Build your own budget
Enter your own figures. This adds them up; it does not know your course.
Where students save
- Choose a city outside the capital: the difference is often 20 to 40 percent on rent.
- Book accommodation with bills included before you arrive.
- Apply early for automatic merit scholarships; see the scholarship guide.
- Plan part-time work at 12 to 15 hours a week, not the maximum.
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
How much study gap is accepted for a UK master's?
Most universities accept a gap of two to five years if you can explain it: work, family, an exam attempt, or a business. Gaps longer than that are still possible with relevant work experience. We help you write the explanation the university and the visa officer both want to see.
How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?
Your first year's tuition fees (minus anything already paid) plus living costs of £1,483 a month in London or £1,136 elsewhere for up to nine months. The money must sit in your or your parents' account for 28 days before you apply. Education loans from recognised lenders are accepted.
Can I get permanent residence after studying in the UK?
Not directly from a student visa. The usual path is Student visa, then Graduate Route, then a Skilled Worker visa with an employer, and after five years on qualifying visas you can apply for settlement. The rules changed in 2025 and may change again, so treat this as the current picture, not a promise.
Do I need IELTS for the UK?
Many universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter, or your school English marks, instead of IELTS, especially for students from India, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Others insist on IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test. We check each course before you spend money on a test.