How much money to study in UK 2025 Guide
Planning for how much money to study in UK in 2025 requires understanding tuition fees, living costs, visa charges and funding options. This comprehensive guide breaks down every expense, answers common questions and helps you budget effectively for your UK journey.
Table of Contents
- UK University Tuition Fees in 2025–2026
- Cost of Living in UK Cities
- London vs Outside London
- UK Student Visa Fees and Financial Requirements 2025
- Visa Application Fees
- Maintenance Funds
- Part-Time Work Opportunities and Regulations
- Scholarships and Funding Options
- Budgeting Tips for International Students
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the total costs for studying in the UK in 2025?
- Can international students work part-time in the UK?
- What scholarships are available for 2025?
- Conclusion
UK University Tuition Fees in 2025–2026
Tuition fees vary by course, level and institution. Below is an overview of typical ranges:
- Undergraduate courses: £10,000 to £38,000 per year
- Postgraduate courses: £11,000 to £40,000 per year
- MBA programmes: £30,000 to £60,000 per year
- Medicine and related fields: £35,000 to £50,000 per year
Top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London often sit at the higher end of these ranges. For accurate figures, check the UCAS subject guide.
Cost of Living in UK Cities
Living expenses depend on location. London is the most expensive, while cities like Manchester or Glasgow cost significantly less.
London vs Outside London
| Expense | London (per month) | Outside London (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £900–£1,500 | £400–£800 |
| Food & Utilities | £250–£350 | £200–£300 |
| Transport | £150–£200 | £50–£100 |
| Personal & Leisure | £150–£250 | £100–£200 |
Use cost calculators like Numbeo for updated data.
UK Student Visa Fees and Financial Requirements 2025
International students need to budget for visa application charges and maintenance funds.
Visa Application Fees
- Student visa (Tier 4 replacement): £524 (from April 9, 2025)
- Short-term student visa (English language courses): £21
Maintenance Funds
The Home Office requires proof of sufficient funds:
- £1,334 per month in London (up to 9 months)
- £1,023 per month outside London (up to 9 months)
Detailed requirements are available on the UK Government website.
Part-Time Work Opportunities and Regulations
Most student visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Popular part-time roles include campus jobs, retail and hospitality. Earnings typically range from £8 to £12 per hour, helping offset living costs.
Read more about work rules on our UK student visa process page.
Scholarships and Funding Options
Numerous scholarships, grants and bursaries are available:
- Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded awards for UK government–sponsored study (Chevening)
- Commonwealth Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries (CSC UK)
- University-specific awards: Check each institution’s website for eligibility
- International scholarships aggregator: Scholars4Dev
Explore more on our scholarships for international students UK 2025 guide.
Budgeting Tips for International Students
- Create a monthly budget tracking tuition, rent, food and transport.
- Use student discount apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans for food and transport savings.
- Cook at home and shop at discount supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl).
- Share accommodation to split rent and bills.
- Open a UK bank account to avoid foreign transaction fees.
Find detailed budgeting strategies in our budgeting for UK study abroad 2025 article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the total costs for studying in the UK in 2025?
Total annual costs range from £20,000 to £50,000 depending on tuition, location and lifestyle.
Can international students work part-time in the UK?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations on a standard student visa.
What scholarships are available for 2025?
Major scholarships include Chevening, Commonwealth and university-specific awards. Deadlines vary between October and February.
Conclusion
Understanding how much money to study in UK in 2025 is key to successful planning. From tuition and living costs to visa fees and scholarships, this guide equips you with the insights needed to budget confidently. Ready to begin your UK adventure? Apply now, explore funding options and connect with our expert advisers for personalised support.
