International Student Finance in the UK

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, level of study, and subject area.

• Classroom-based subjects (arts, humanities, social sciences): typically around £13,000–£22,000 per year.
• Laboratory-based and engineering courses: often between £20,000–£32,000 per year.
• Medicine, dentistry, and other high-cost clinical degrees: commonly range from about £35,000 up to £50,000+ per year, depending on the university and clinical placement costs.

Tuition fees are usually fixed for the duration of your degree, but some universities reserve the right to increase fees annually in line with inflation or institutional policy. Always check the latest fee information and any annual increase policy on the university’s official website before you apply.

UK cost of living for international students

Your living costs will depend on your lifestyle, where you live, and the type of accommodation you choose. Many international students spend approximately:

• London: around £16,000–£20,000 per year on living costs (about £1,350–£1,650 per month).
• Rest of the UK: around £11,000–£15,000 per year (about £900–£1,250 per month).

Living expenses should include rent, utilities, food, local travel, mobile phone, study materials, and social activities. It’s important to create a monthly budget, track your spending, and leave some room for unexpected costs such as course equipment, deposits, or emergency travel.

Visa and immigration costs

Most international students will need a UK Student visa to study in the UK. Typical costs are:

• Student visa application fee (outside the UK): around £524 per person for the main applicant and each dependant.
• Student visa application fee (inside the UK – switching or extending): usually slightly lower than, or similar to, the fee outside the UK (check the latest figure on the official UK government website, as fees are reviewed regularly).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year for students and their dependants, paid upfront for the full length of your visa.

The IHS gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK on broadly the same basis as a UK resident, although you may still need to pay for certain services such as dental treatment or prescriptions.

UK student visa financial requirements

As part of your visa application, you must prove that you can afford your tuition fees and living costs. You will usually need to show:

• Tuition fees: enough money to cover your first year of tuition (or the full course if it is less than one year), as stated on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Living costs (maintenance funds): UKVI guidance requires you to show funds for up to 9 months of living costs. Recent figures indicate minimum maintenance of approximately:
  • Inner London: around £13,347 for 9 months (about £1,483 per month).
  • Outside London: around £10,224 for 9 months (about £1,136 per month).

These amounts are the minimum required for your visa application—your actual spending may be higher. You must usually hold the required funds in your (or your sponsor’s) bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply, and your financial documents must meet strict UKVI requirements.

Other costs to consider

• Visa application centre and biometrics: some locations may charge additional service fees.
• Priority or super-priority processing: optional services that can significantly increase your total visa cost if you need a faster decision.
• Travel to and from the UK: flights, airport transfers, and any luggage or visa courier fees.
• Deposits: for accommodation, sometimes for university housing or private rentals.

Financial Support for International Students

If you are unsure about the next steps or whether you can afford to study in the UK, you can 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 a wide range of scholarships, grants, and bursaries from UK universities, governments, and private organisations. Common sources of financial support include:

• University scholarships: Many UK universities offer scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, country of residence, or specific talents (for example, sports or music). Always check the scholarships section of each university’s official website and note deadlines carefully.
• Government scholarships: The UK government and partner governments offer prestigious awards such as Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and other country-specific schemes.
• Private organisations and charities: Foundations, NGOs, and corporate sponsors may provide funding for students from particular regions, subject areas, or backgrounds.

It is best to start your scholarship search 12–18 months before your intended start date. Many scholarships close early, and you may need to prepare additional documents such as personal statements, references, or research proposals.

Part-time work and internships

Most international students on a UK Student visa are allowed to work part-time during term time and full-time during vacations, subject to visa and university rules. Typically, this means up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time in official holiday periods for degree-level courses at recognised institutions.

Part-time work can help with day-to-day expenses, but it should not be your main source of funding for tuition fees or visa financial requirements. You can also look for paid internships, placements, or graduate roles that may lead to longer-term employment in the UK after your studies.

Banking and managing your money

Opening a UK bank account can make it easier to manage your finances, pay rent, and avoid international transaction fees. Many banks offer student accounts with online banking and budgeting tools. When you arrive, you may need documents such as your passport, BRP or eVisa details, proof of address, and a letter from your university confirming your student status.

Using budgeting apps, setting spending limits, and separating money for rent and bills from everyday spending can help you stay in control throughout the year.

Currency exchange and payment methods

If your home currency is different from the British pound (GBP), exchange rate changes can affect your real costs. Consider:

• Paying tuition in instalments if your university allows it, to spread the impact of exchange rate fluctuations.
• Using low-fee international transfer services to send money to the UK.
• Keeping some savings in GBP if you plan to stay for several years.

Budgeting Tips for International Students

• Compare accommodation options: university halls, private halls, and shared houses can vary significantly in price.
• Use student discounts: many shops, transport providers, and entertainment venues offer reduced prices for students.
• Cook at home: preparing your own meals is usually much cheaper than eating out regularly.
• Plan for one-off costs: such as winter clothing, laptops, or course-specific equipment.

Next Steps

If you are unsure about what step to take next or whether you can afford to study in the UK, you can arrange a free consultation. We can answer your questions about budgeting for your UK study, explain the latest visa and financial requirements, and suggest suitable universities and courses to apply for.

FAQs

Can I work while studying in the UK as an international student?

Yes, most international students on a UK Student visa can work part-time during term time (usually up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during official university vacations, provided they are studying at degree level or above at a licensed sponsor. Your exact work conditions will be printed on your visa or stated in your digital status.

Is part-time work enough to cover my tuition fees?

No. Part-time work is designed to help with living costs, not to fund your tuition fees or meet the visa financial requirements. You should have your tuition and maintenance funds in place before you apply for your visa, and treat any income from part-time work as a supplement.

Do I have to pay for healthcare in the UK?

You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. Once you have paid this and your visa is granted, you can access most NHS services at no additional cost, although you may still pay for prescriptions, dental care, and some specialist services.

What happens if my living costs are higher than the UKVI minimum?

The UKVI maintenance figures are minimum amounts for visa purposes. In reality, your costs may be higher, especially in London or if you choose more expensive accommodation. You should create a realistic personal budget based on your lifestyle and the city where you will study, and aim to have a financial cushion for unexpected expenses.

When should I start applying for scholarships?

Ideally, you should begin researching and applying for scholarships 12–18 months before your course start date. Many major scholarship schemes close well before university application deadlines, and you may need time to prepare essays, references, and supporting documents.

Can my family members join me in the UK?

Rules on dependants for international students have changed in recent years. In general, only certain postgraduate research students and those on specific programmes can bring dependants under the Student route. You should always check the latest UK government guidance and your university’s advice before making plans for family members to join you.