Scholarships & Cost of Studying in the UK

The cost of studying in the UK depends on several factors, including the university, course, level of study, location and lifestyle. Tuition fees are generally the largest expense, while accommodation, food, transportation, visa costs and other personal expenses contribute to the overall UK study costs.

For international students, understanding both the available scholarships in the UK for international students and the expected cost of studying and living in the country is an important part of planning a UK education.

Scholarships in the UK for International Students

There are several types of scholarships available to international students who want to study in the UK. Funding can come from the UK government, universities, charities, organisations and other institutions.

Depending on the scholarship, financial support may cover part or all of the tuition fees and, in some cases, living expenses, travel or other study-related costs.

Government-funded scholarships

The UK offers several government-supported scholarship programmes for international students, particularly at postgraduate level.

Some well-known options include:

Eligibility, funding, eligible countries, courses and application deadlines vary between programmes. Students should always check the official scholarship website and the individual university requirements before applying.

University scholarships

Many UK universities offer scholarships for international students. These may be based on academic performance, nationality, subject area, leadership, extracurricular achievements or other criteria.

University scholarships may be offered as:

The amount and eligibility criteria can differ significantly between universities, so students should check the funding page of each university they are considering.

Merit-based scholarships

Merit-based scholarships generally consider academic achievement or other demonstrated achievements.

Depending on the university or scholarship provider, applicants may be assessed on:

Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not necessarily guarantee a scholarship, as some awards are competitive.

Course-specific scholarships

Some scholarships are available only for particular subjects or programmes.

For example, funding may be available for areas such as:

Students should search for scholarships after identifying their preferred course and universities.

Types of UK Scholarships

The funding available to international students to study in UK can broadly be divided into fully funded and partially funded scholarships.

Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government scholarship programme for eligible applicants pursuing a one-year master’s degree in the UK.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including work experience, academic requirements, course selection requirements and other conditions.

For the current Chevening eligibility criteria, applicants need at least 2,800 hours of eligible work experience, acquired after completing their undergraduate degree.

Chevening applicants also need to apply for three eligible UK master’s courses and meet the programme’s other requirements.

Because eligibility criteria and application timelines can change, applicants should check the official Chevening website before preparing their application.

GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships are offered through the British Council and participating UK universities.

For the 2026–27 academic year, GREAT Scholarships provide £10,000 towards tuition fees for a range of one-year taught postgraduate courses. More than 140 scholarships are being offered across more than 60 universities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Scholarship availability depends on the student’s country, university and course.

University-specific scholarships

University-specific scholarships are offered directly by individual UK universities.

These can include:

Each university sets its own eligibility requirements, award value and deadline.

Fully funded scholarships

A fully funded scholarship may cover several major study expenses, depending on the programme.

This can potentially include:

However, “fully funded” does not necessarily mean every personal expense is covered. Students should carefully check what the specific scholarship includes.

Partially funded scholarships

Partially funded scholarships cover only a portion of the total cost.

For example, a scholarship may provide:

Students receiving a partial scholarship should calculate the remaining tuition and living expenses before accepting an offer.

Eligibility and Requirements for UK Scholarships

Scholarship requirements vary significantly. There is no single eligibility standard for all UK scholarships for international students.

Common requirements can include:

Academic requirements

Some scholarships require applicants to achieve a particular academic standard.

Universities may consider:

English language requirements

Students may need to meet the English language requirements of both the scholarship and the university.

Depending on the institution and course, accepted evidence may include IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo or other approved qualifications.

Some universities may also accept alternative evidence of English proficiency under specific conditions.

Work experience requirements

Work experience is particularly important for some postgraduate scholarships.

For example, Chevening requires eligible applicants to have at least 2,800 hours of work experience after completing their undergraduate degree.

Other scholarships may not require professional experience.

Financial and other eligibility criteria

Scholarships may also consider:

Always check the individual scholarship’s eligibility criteria before applying.

Required documents

Depending on the scholarship, applicants may need documents such as:

Tuition Fees in the UK for International Students

Tuition fees in the UK for international students vary according to the university, course, level of study and location.

As a general guide, Study UK currently lists international undergraduate tuition fees at around £11,400–£38,000 per year, while postgraduate tuition fees are around £9,000–£30,000 per year.

These are broad ranges rather than fixed fees. Some courses, particularly specialised or laboratory-intensive programmes, can cost more.

Bachelor’s tuition fees

International undergraduate fees vary between universities and courses.

Students should compare:

Master’s tuition fees

Many UK master’s programmes can be completed in one year of full-time study.

This can reduce the total period for which students need to pay tuition and living expenses compared with longer postgraduate programmes.

However, the total cost still depends on the course fee and the student’s living expenses.

Course-wise fee differences

Courses can have significantly different tuition fees.

For example, programmes involving specialist facilities, laboratories, clinical training or additional resources may have different fees from classroom-based programmes.

University-wise fee differences

There is no single standard tuition fee for international students across UK universities.

Before applying, compare the exact annual tuition fee listed by each university for the course and intake you are interested in.

Cost of Living in the UK for International Students

The cost of living in the UK for students depends heavily on location and lifestyle.

London generally has higher living costs than many cities outside London.

Study UK estimates that an international student without dependents may spend around £1,300–£1,400 per month in London and £900–£1,300 per month elsewhere in the UK on accommodation, bills, groceries and other living expenses.

Major expenses include:

Accommodation

Accommodation is usually one of the largest monthly expenses.

Students may choose between:

Rent varies considerably between cities and accommodation types.

Food and groceries

Food expenses depend on lifestyle, dietary preferences and whether students cook at home.

Preparing meals at home and comparing supermarkets can help students manage their monthly budget.

Transportation

Transport costs depend on the city and how frequently students travel.

Some students may be able to reduce costs through student travel discounts or by living close to their university.

Utilities

Students renting private accommodation may need to budget for:

Some university accommodation packages include certain bills, so students should check what is included before signing an accommodation contract.

Mobile and internet

Mobile phone costs vary according to the provider and plan. Students should compare SIM-only and monthly plans based on their usage.

Personal expenses

A realistic budget should also include:

Other Expenses for International Students in the UK

Tuition and accommodation are not the only expenses to consider when calculating the cost to study in the UK.

Student visa fee

As of September 2026, the UK Student visa application fee is £558 for applications made both inside and outside the UK.

Note: Priority and Super Priority services are subject to availability. Processing times can vary depending on the application and circumstances.

Immigration Health Surcharge

International students generally need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of a qualifying visa application.

The student rate is currently £776 per year, although the final amount depends on the length of the visa and the period for which the surcharge is charged.

Travel expenses

Students should budget for:

Study materials

Depending on the course, students may need to pay for:

Accommodation deposits

Private accommodation may require deposits or advance payments. Students should check the payment terms before booking.

Other miscellaneous expenses

Other costs can include:

Part-Time Work While Studying in the UK

International students may be able to work part-time while studying in the UK, depending on their Student visa conditions, course level and sponsoring institution. The permitted working hours are set by UK immigration rules, so students should check the conditions attached to their visa before starting employment.

For eligible students studying a full-time degree-level course or above at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance, the current rules generally allow up to 20 hours of work per week during term time and full-time work during official vacation periods.

Common Part-Time Jobs for International Students

However, not every type of employment is permitted under the Student visa route. For example, students generally cannot be self-employed or work as professional sportspersons or entertainers.

Can Part-Time Work Cover UK Living Costs?

Part-time employment can help eligible students manage some day-to-day expenses such as food, transportation, mobile bills and personal spending. However, students should not rely on part-time employment as their primary source of funding for tuition fees or essential living costs.

Affordable UK Cities for International Students

Choosing the location carefully can have a significant effect on the overall cost of studying in the UK.
Students looking for potentially lower living costs than London can explore cities such as:

Manchester

Manchester is a major student city with several universities and a large student population. Accommodation and transport costs vary by neighbourhood.

Birmingham

Birmingham offers a large student community and a wide range of accommodation options. Students should compare rent and transport costs according to the university location.

Liverpool

Liverpool is known for its student population and range of higher education options. Accommodation costs vary depending on location and property type.

Glasgow

Glasgow offers universities, student accommodation and a range of cultural and recreational facilities. Students should compare accommodation costs across different areas.

Leeds

Leeds is another major UK student destination with universities and a large private rental market.

Sheffield

Sheffield has several higher education institutions and a large student population. Accommodation options range from university halls to shared private housing.

Other student-friendly cities

Instead of choosing a city based only on rent, compare the total annual cost, including tuition, accommodation, transport and other regular expenses.

How to Reduce the Cost of Studying in the UK

There are several practical ways international students can manage their UK study costs.

Apply for scholarships

Search for scholarships before finalising your university and course choices. Some scholarships have early deadlines.

Compare university fees

Do not compare universities only by their advertised tuition fees. Consider the complete cost of the programme, including course duration and additional expenses.

Choose your city carefully

Living outside London may reduce monthly living costs, although actual expenses vary by city and lifestyle.

Consider shared accommodation

Sharing a house or flat can reduce individual accommodation costs compared with renting a private studio or one-bedroom property.

Use student discounts

Students can access discounts on selected transport, food, entertainment and other services.

Create a monthly budget

Track your expected:

Review your budget regularly and adjust discretionary spending when necessary.

Explore eligible part-time work options

Some Student visa holders may be permitted to work during their studies, subject to the conditions attached to their visa and course.
Students should check their individual visa conditions and current UK immigration rules before starting work.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in the UK?

The total cost depends on your course, university, city and lifestyle.

A simple way to estimate your budget is:

Total UK study cost = Tuition fees + Living expenses + Visa costs + IHS + Travel− Scholarships or funding

For example, a student studying a one-year master’s programme needs to consider the full tuition fee for the course as well as accommodation, food, transportation, visa costs and other expenses for the period of study.

Because tuition fees and living expenses vary, students should create an individual budget instead of relying on a single average figure.

Frequently Asked Questions