Meridean Overseas
Updated On 07 November 2023 & Read Time 9 minutes
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The UK is one of the preferred places among international students to go for higher education primarily due to ample research opportunities and post-study work permits available to international students. Every year, the country attracts more than 6 million students from different parts of the world. Also, the UK student visa success rate is found to be 95%, which attracts a large number of indian students to pursue their higher education in the UK.
Moreover, one of the significant things that students must consider while planning to study abroad is the cost of studying in the UK. So, if you are planning to study in the UK, then stay tuned to the blog wherein we will discuss the cost of studying in UK for Indian students.
Table of Contents
When calculating the cost of studying in the United Kingdom in 2024, it is critical to understand the various costs associated with pursuing higher education in the country. In addition to tuition fees, Indian students should consider other relevant costs, which are mentioned below.
In order to study in the UK, students have to appear for any one of the English proficiency exams which their preferred university or college accepts. The list of various English proficiency exams and their respective costs are mentioned below.
English Proficiency Test |
Cost |
IELTS |
16,250 INR |
PTE |
15,900 INR |
TOEFL |
16,900 INR |
Duolingo |
3,999 INR |
The average application charge for UK universities is about £20 to £100 per university, depending on the institution. Also, there are very few universities which do not charge an application fee, while some universities may charge a very small amount. Overall, one must keep in mind that the application charge is non-refundable.
The tuition fee charged by universities for international students depends upon the course and type of programme. If the student is applying to some top universities in the UK, then they might have to pay higher fees for the same course than any other average university.
In the table below, let’s explore the average tuition fee for studying undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses in the UK.
Courses |
Average Fees |
Undergraduate |
£12,000 - £28,000 per year |
Postgraduate |
£17,000 - £25,000 per year |
PhD |
£20,000 - £30,000 per year |
Indian students who wish to study in the United Kingdom must obtain a UK student visa. A Tier 4 (General) visa allows international students to study in the UK full-time. For Indian students, the fee is roughly INR 49,500 (approx).
In addition, you may be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in order to access the National Health Service (NHS). After paying the immigration health fee, Indian students can use the NHS for various free healthcare treatments. However, they do not have to pay additional expenses to visit a General Practitioner, a healthcare facility, or a hospital.
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Scholarships are the best way for students to finance the expenses of living in the United Kingdom. In the UK, there are numerous scholarships available that may pay your tuition or the complete cost of living. Below is the list of some of the best scholarships to study in UK for indian students.
Scholarship Name |
Offered By |
Benefit |
Chevening Scholarship |
UK government |
Covers tuition fees, accommodation, and airfare for up to a year. |
Commonwealth Masters Scholarships |
Department for International Development (DFID) |
Tuition fees + Airfare + living cost |
Rhodes Scholarship |
Rhodes Trust |
Tuition fees + Monthly stipend: 1,515 EUR |
Great Education Scholarship |
UK government's Department for Education |
10,000 EUR for one year |
Global Study Award |
British Council |
Upto 10,000 EUR (one time) |
Felix Scholarship |
University of Oxford |
100% tuition fees + 15,000 EUR - 16,000 EUR for the cost of living + Airfare |
Goa Education Trust Scholarships |
Goa Education Trust (GET) |
covers full or half tuition fees |
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships |
Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) |
Covers accommodation and living expenses in Britain, fees and a contribution to international fares. |
Coventry University Scholarship |
Coventry University |
up to £1,500. |
Gates Cambridge Scholarships |
University of Cambridge |
Full tuition fee |
The Vice Chancellor's Scholarships |
UK Government |
worth up to £27,000 in value over 3 year |
The cost of living in UK plays a major part in determining the exact cost of studying in UK or indian students. It is quite difficult to determine the exact cost of living in UK for international students as it varies depending on various factors, such as the city, type of accommodation, and other expenses. Generally, big cities like London have a cost of living of around £13,000 per year. In contrast, other parts of the country may cost you around £10,000 per year.
With the introduction of the Graduate Route Visa, commonly known as the Post-Study job Visa, students who successfully complete their degrees in the UK can extend their stay in the nation to get vital job experience for up to 2 years. Below are some of the job opportunities for which international students can look up to in UK and their average salary.
Jobs |
Average Salary in the UK |
Software Developers |
£60,377 per year |
Financial Analyst |
£57,958 per year |
Pilot |
£57,000 per year |
Architects |
£54,687 per year |
Doctor |
£53,947 per year |
Pharmacists |
£53,410 per year |
Engineer |
£48,562 per year |
Marketing Managers |
£47,778 per year |
Data Analyst |
£45,598 per year |
Nurses |
£40,000 per year |
Teachers |
£31,500 per year |
Many international students find the cost of studying in UK a bit expensive. However, the country offers several affordable options where you can gain high-quality education at a comparatively low tuition fee. Below are some of the cheapest universities to study in UK for international students.
Universities |
Average Tuition Fees |
University of Bolton |
£9,250 - £14,450 per year |
Coventry University |
£9,250 - £14,250 per year |
University of Bedfordshire |
£12,900 - £13,275 per year |
Leeds Beckett University |
£14,000 - £15,000 per year |
Teesside University |
£13,000 per year |
York St John University |
£10,800 - £13,000 per year |
University of Cumbria |
£10,000 - £13,250 per year |
University of the West of Scotland |
£13,325 - £16,400 per year |
Leeds Trinity University |
£11,500 - £12,500 per year |
University of Chester |
£12,950 per year |
Staffordshire University |
£12,000 - £14,500 per year |
In conclusion, the cost of studying in UK for Indian students in 2024 remains a significant consideration. Scholarships, part-time work, and budgeting can help mitigate the financial burden. As education expenses may vary based on universities and courses, it's crucial to research thoroughly and make informed choices. Overall, with prudent financial planning and determination, Indian students can pursue their dreams of studying in the UK and benefit from the countless opportunities it offers.
If you are seeking to study in the UK and wondering about the cost of studying or study expenses, we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). If you are unable to travel to our offices, we offer online counselling services via our website. Our dedicated counsellors will provide you with the best guidance regarding your application to study abroad. Apart from this, our expert counsellors will also provide assistance in the visa process for your successful study abroad journey. Don't hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.
Q: Is the cost of studying in UK higher than in India?
A: In general, studying in India is less expensive than studying in the United Kingdom. Tuition costs and living expenditures are often lower at Indian universities, making education more affordable for both domestic and international students. On the other hand, the United Kingdom is noted for having higher tuition fees, particularly for overseas students. However, it is crucial to remember that the real cost of studying in UK can vary greatly depending on the university, course, and lifestyle choices. Moreover, scholarships and financial aid are also available in UK to help with the financial load of studying.
Q: Is it possible to get PR in the UK?
A: Yes, it is possible to gain permanent residency (PR) in the United Kingdom. The UK has several options for PR, including the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status, which allows individuals to live and work in the UK indefinitely. Meeting specified visa conditions, such as residency and good conduct, and adhering to immigration laws can eventually lead to PR.
Q: Is studying in the UK worth it in 2024?
A: Many students may find it worthwhile to study in the United Kingdom in 2023-2024. Universities in the United Kingdom provide great education and opportunity for personal and professional development. It can improve your career prospects if you have access to a variety of programmes, research opportunities, and a globally renowned degree. However, the decision should take into account aspects such as tuition, living expenses, and scholarships to ensure that it correspond with your academic and financial objectives.
Q: Can I work part-time while studying in the UK?
A: If you have a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you can work part-time while studying in the UK. During the regular days, you can work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during the vacations. A part-time job might help you earn extra money for living needs while also gaining useful work experience.
Q: Can I get scholarships to study in the UK as an international student?
A: yes, you can definitely get scholarships to study in the UK. The UK government provides scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance to international students. A student can find out if they are eligible for a scholarship by visiting the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website. Apart from this, several institutes also offer financial aid, and further information about the specific scholarships can be found on their websites.
Contact MOEC Experts for Study Abroad Guidance!
Contact MOEC Experts for Study Abroad Guidance!