Total Cost of Studying in the UK – Tuition + Living + Visa Fees
For many Indian students, studying in the UK is a dream fueled by aspirations of world-class education, global exposure, and long-term career prospects. However, planning your finances is just as important as choosing your university. In this blog, Bellview Educator gives you a detailed breakdown of the total cost of studying in the UK—from tuition fees to living expenses and visa charges—so you can prepare better for your journey.
🎓 Tuition Fees in the UK
The cost of education in the UK varies depending on the course, university, and city.
Undergraduate Degrees:
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences: £10,000 – £18,000 per year
- Engineering & Technology: £13,000 – £22,000 per year
- Medicine & Dentistry: £32,000 – £50,000 per year
Postgraduate Degrees:
- Taught Master’s Programs (MA, MSc, MBA): £12,000 – £25,000 per year
- Research Degrees (MPhil, PhD): £14,000 – £30,000 per year
💡 Tip: Universities in cities like Coventry, Leicester, and Sheffield often offer quality education at more affordable rates compared to London.
🏠 Cost of Living in the UK
Living expenses depend on your location and lifestyle. London is significantly more expensive than other cities.
Monthly Living Expenses (Average):
| Expense Type | Outside London (£) | London (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £300 – £600 | £500 – £900 |
| Food & Groceries | £150 – £250 | £200 – £300 |
| Transport | £30 – £60 | £70 – £150 |
| Utilities & Internet | £40 – £70 | £60 – £90 |
| Personal Expenses | £50 – £100 | £80 – £150 |
| Total Monthly | £600 – £1,100 | £900 – £1,500 |
💡 Many universities offer guaranteed student housing for first-year international students, which can help control costs.
💳 Visa and Health Surcharge Fees
To study in the UK, you need a Tier 4 (Student) Visa, and there are additional mandatory charges:
1. Student Visa Fee (as of 2025):
- £490 (approx. ₹52,000) – Paid online during application.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £776/year (for courses over 6 months)
- For a 1-year master’s program, you pay for 1.5 years = approx. £1,164
3. Biometric Enrollment:
- Free of cost or nominal charges at VFS centers in India.
💰 Additional One-Time Costs
- IELTS/TOEFL Exam Fee: ₹16,000 – ₹18,000
- UCAS Application Fee (Undergrad): £27 for multiple choices
- Flight Tickets: ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 (one-way)
- GIC or Proof of Funds: Minimum £1,023/month (outside London) or £1,334/month (in London) for 9 months
📝 Proof of funds must be in your or your parent’s bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before your visa application.
📌 Total Estimated Cost for 1 Year (Indian Students)
| Expense | Outside London | In London |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | £12,000 – £20,000 | £15,000 – £25,000 |
| Living Expenses (12 months) | £7,200 – £13,200 | £10,800 – £18,000 |
| Visa + IHS | £1,600 | £1,600 |
| Misc. (Flight, IELTS, etc.) | £800 – £1,000 | £800 – £1,000 |
| Total | £21,600 – £35,800 | £28,200 – £45,600 |
👉 This translates roughly to ₹23 to ₹40+ lakhs depending on location and program.
💡 Ways to Reduce Costs
- Apply for scholarships and university bursaries
- Choose cities with lower cost of living
- Take on part-time work (up to 20 hours/week during term)
- Book flights early and look for student deals
- Cook at home and avoid excessive eating out
✈️ Your UK Journey Begins with the Right Planning
Planning your UK education journey is not just about applying to a university—it’s about creating a smart financial plan. At Bellview Educator, we help students like you create realistic budgets, apply for scholarships, and get the right course-university match.
📞 Need Help Planning Your Budget for Studying in the UK?
Bellview Educator offers one-on-one consultation, transparent cost estimates, and complete admission-to-visa guidance.
📧 info@bellvieweducator.com
📱 +91 9741787521 / 9108582396
📍 Koramangala, Bengaluru