Hundreds of students migrate each year to study abroad in UK. The process of applying for a university in the UK and getting accepted is exciting. But all these excitements can go down the drain if you don’t have the necessary financial backup to fund your education. The United Kingdom is one of the costliest places in the world to pursue higher education. So, you should be fully prepared for the expenses before you apply to your dream university. Here we discuss all about how much it costs to pursue higher education in the UK.
The tuition fees in the UK often spark controversy. Especially in recent years, the cost of the LoR writing services and education fees have spiked to eye-watering prices, even for British students. However, this was not the scenario, even five years back. In 2017, EU and UK students had to pay approximately £9000 a year. The rates for international students used to vary. Even then, the charges ranged between £10,000 to £38,000 depending upon the pedigree of the university and the courses you are choosing.
The course fees for humanities and art courses are usually much lesser than medical degrees. Moreover, the science courses where students need to access the laboratories cost more than the others. But you cannot overlook the living cost if you move to a new country. You have to add the rent and food expenses along with the tuition fees, which takes the total expenses to approximately £22,000 per year. This is the minimum amount you should be looking for before moving to the UK. This expense can rise significantly if you choose to live in a place closer to major cities like London or Manchester.
Looking at these numbers can be quite daunting for students. But there are options to save money which we will be shedding light upon. Many UK-based universities have shorter courses than US-based universities. For example, in the US, students need to attend a four-year undergraduate program and two years for master’s degree programs. However, you can complete your entire program in the UK in three and one year, respectively. This helps you to reduce the total expenses as you can skip one year’s fees from your budget.
Here are some of the other factors that you must consider –
- Cost of living in the UK
You need at least £1023 in your savings account to become eligible for a student visa in the UK for a month. So, if you want to stay for a year, you need to have a net total of £12,276 in your account. But the expenses will rise considerably if you plan to study in London. Depending on the part of London, you may need to arrange anything between £16,000 to £17,000 for a year.
When in England, make the most out of the student discounts. Students residing in London becomes eligible for 18+ student oyster photocard. This card lets students enjoy up to 30% off on bus and tram tickets. Students also can apply for NUS Extra Card by spending £14.99 per year. The smartest way to ensure you don’t break the bank is to stay in the cheapest areas in the UK. For example, places like Reading, Cardiff, and Southampton are quite affordable. Moreover, these areas also have reputed universities, so you can apply to a local university like the University of Cardiff to cut down the transport expenses.
- Accommodation
Most first-year students prefer to stay in the in-campus hostels. Once they get the hang of the place, they look for private accommodation on rent. But if the rented places seem too costly, staying in the hostels can be an affordable alternative. Since most universities offer food along with hostels, students can save that expenses by staying in the hostels.
Hostel rents are a major headache in London. On average, the universities in London can cost you £8000 each academic year. This rate is much higher than the rest of the hostel charges in other parts of the UK. Just to put things into perspective, university students from Northern Ireland can accommodate within £99 each week. The same rent goes up to £150 in London. However, if you don’t want to study at a London-based university, you can opt for room sharing with a fellow student.
- Bills and Utilities
Internet is mandatory for students. Across the UK, students may need to spend approximately £70 per month on internet subscriptions and utilities. You also need to consider that you will sometimes eat out when in a new place. On average, a trip to a British pub or restaurant can amount to £20-25. These expenses may rise if you go to a fancy place or order an occasional beer.
You will also need to buy books for your courses. Allocate about £25-30 for books, stationeries, and course materials. You also need to apply for a local sim. Depending on the network provider, your mobile bills can amount to £15-20 on average. If you are a movie buff, cinema tickets start from £10 in the theatres. If you want a television for your place, you must get a TV license. This will cost you £159 per year. If you want to work out, gym memberships start from £40 a month. But do check for student discounts. Many campuses also have their own gyms, and students can work out at heavily discounted rates in those gyms.
Brexit has heavily impacted the UK economy and has made it easier for students from some parts of the world to apply to UK-based universities. For the best SAT exam preparation, go through this blog, learn all the information we offer and arrange the funds accordingly to fulfil your dream.