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International Student Finance in the UK
3 min read
If you are an international student wishing to study in the UK, various funding options are available to help cover your expenses.
Learn more about the different financial factors to consider when studying and living in the UK below. Don’t forget that if you are looking for a scholarship, grant, or bursary to help fund your studies in the UK, our UK university scholarship search has hundreds of potential opportunities waiting for you.
International Student Expenses
International Student Tuition Fees
Fees for international students vary depending on the university and the type of course. Social science and humanities courses can cost as little as £11,000 per year, but if a student wishes to pursue a medicine degree, where there is a huge demand for limited places, this can rise to £50,000 per year.
Tuition fees are generally fixed throughout your degree, but some universities may raise the cost of tuition depending on their policies. Ensure you check this when deciding where to study.
UK Cost of Living for International Students
The average cost of living in London is around £15,000 per year, compared to £12,000 in the rest of the country. This means the average international student can expect to spend between £24,000 and £27,000 per year living and studying in the UK.
Living expenses must include books, stationery, food, bills, travel, and social costs. It’s important to budget carefully and consider all potential expenses.
Visa and Immigration Costs
International students will require a student visa to study in the UK, which will cost £363 when applying from outside the UK and £490 to switch to a student visa inside the UK. There is also an additional healthcare surcharge of £470 per year.
As part of the visa application process, international students must prove they can afford to live and study in the UK before they are granted a student visa. Students in London must be able to budget £1,334 for each month of their stay, while students in the rest of the UK must be able to show they can cover £1,023 worth of costs.
Financial Support for International Students
If you are unsure about the next steps or whether you can afford to study in the UK, arrange a free consultation. We can answer your questions about budgeting for your UK study and suggest suitable universities and courses to apply for.
Scholarships, Grants, and Bursaries
International students can apply for various scholarships, grants, and bursaries from UK universities, governments, and private organisations. Here are some common sources of financial support:
- University Scholarships: Many UK universities offer scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents. Check the universities’ official websites for available scholarships.
- Government Scholarships: The UK government offers scholarships for international students, such as the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships.
- Private Organisations: Various private organisations and charities provide scholarships and grants to international students based on different criteria.
It’s advisable to start your scholarship search early and ensure you meet all application deadlines and requirements. Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
Financial Support for International Students
If you are unsure about what step to take next or if you can afford to study in the UK, arrange a free consultation. We can answer your questions about budgeting for your UK study and suggest suitable universities and courses to apply for.