Many international students consider the United Kingdom to be their ideal study destination because of the country’s outstanding academic reputation and dynamic student community.
There is no question about the quality of education, but the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students is one of the most concerning facts.
Let’s face it, studying in the UK is costly. Pound to rupee ratio, international tuition fees, and the general cost of living are just some reasons for this expense.
But beyond the obvious expenses, there are some hidden costs of sending your child to the UK that you may not have considered.
5 hidden Costs of Sending Your Child to the UK
There are some hidden costs of sending your child to the UK that may stretch your budget. These costs are hidden because parents usually do not consider them when planning their child’s foreign education until it’s too late.
1. Student Visa fees
All students need to apply for a student visa to go to the UK. It’s a hidden cost of expense because it rears its ugly head after you have finished your child’s application process and can be an added expense to the overall budget.
| Type of VISA | Application Fee |
| Short-term study student visa | ₹8,000 for 6 months and ₹15,000 for 11 months |
| Tier 4 student visa (General) | ₹28,500 |
| Tier 4 student visa (Child) | ₹28,500 |
2. Immigration health surcharge
Through the National Health Service, the UK is renowned for having one of the top healthcare systems in the world (NHS).
Your child must pay the visa fee and an additional premium for health insurance as an international student. It will cost them between ₹38,000 and 40,000 a year to obtain entry to the NHS. At NHS health centers, students will have access to free medical care as well as discounted dental care.
3. Entrance exams
Some universities mandate language tests for international students, while others do not. Popular standardized examinations that are provided to potential international students for them to study in the UK include:
| Examination | Exam Fees |
| GRE | ₹15,912 |
| GMAT | ₹18,500 |
| IELTS UKVI | ₹15,500 |
| TOEFL | ₹14,200 |
4. University application fee
While master’s or Ph.D. Candidates must apply directly through the website of their chosen university, undergraduate candidates must use the UCAS application website.
To apply to several universities in the UK, you need to spend between $1,500 and $7,500. Please be aware that depending on the number of programs and universities your child applies to, the application fee may increase.
5. Flight tickets
You must book your child’s flight tickets right after the visa allocation. The cost of flight tickets can change according to the city, destination, and airline. For students traveling from India, one-way airfares can cost around ₹60,000 – 1,00,000.
Why a Parent should consider the UK for child education?
Tuition fees for international students in the UK
The majority of international students living expenses in the UK are the cost of their tuition. It may differ substantially depending on the university, the region, and the program they select.
Our college cost calculator estimates the average tuition for an undergraduate program in the UK to be between 60 lakh and 1 crore.
Fee Structure of the UK University
Living expenses in the UK
Another significant component of the overall cost of studying in the UK is living expenses. For the duration of a course, the average cost of living in the UK is between 40 and 50 lakhs.
Similar to tuition costs for UK universities, living costs might change based on your child’s, lifestyle, where they choose to reside, etc. For instance, rent is more expensive in cities like London or brighter than it is in Aberdeen or Manchester.
Other Living Costs in the UK
Aside from accommodation, there are other significant living expenses to consider. Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water) can cost around £100-£150 per month.
Food costs vary depending on personal choices and habits, but a rough estimate is around £200-£300 per month.
Transportation expenses include the London Underground or buses, which can cost approximately £100-£150 per month. However, these costs can be lower in other cities with more affordable public transportation options.
Monthly living expenses in the UK for average Indian students
| Accommodation | ₹40,000 – 60,000 |
| Food | ₹8,000 – 16,000 |
| Transportation | ₹2,000 – 3,500 |
| Household bills | ₹3,000 – 4,000 |
| Entertainment | ₹3,000 – 5,000 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | ₹15,000 – 20,000 |
| Total | ₹70,000 – 1,10,000 |
UK Scholarships for International Students:
Recognizing the financial burden on international students, many UK universities offer scholarships and financial aid.
These scholarships can cover partial or full tuition fees and, in some cases, also provide a stipend for living expenses.
Some well-known scholarships for international students in the UK include the Chevening Scholarship, the Commonwealth Scholarship, and university-specific scholarships like the Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
Eligibility criteria and application processes for these scholarships vary, but they provide valuable opportunities to make studying in the UK more affordable.
Impact of Brexit:
Brexit, the UK’s decision to exit the European Union (EU), has had several potential impacts on various aspects of life in the UK, including education and living costs.
- Tuition Fees: EU students used to be treated as domestic students, paying the same tuition fees as UK citizens. However, after Brexit, most EU students are now classified as international students, leading to higher tuition fees. This change could potentially affect the affordability of studying in the UK for EU students.
- Scholarships and Funding: Some scholarships and funding opportunities previously available to EU students might no longer be accessible. However, the UK government and universities have introduced new scholarships and funding options specifically for international students, helping to mitigate this impact.
- Living Costs: Brexit’s impact on living costs is more indirect. Changes in the economy and exchange rates could influence the overall cost of living for international students. For instance, fluctuations in the value of the British pound might affect the purchasing power of students’ home currencies.
- Research and Collaboration: Brexit has raised concerns about the UK’s participation in EU research programs and collaborations. Previously, UK universities and researchers had access to EU research grants and partnerships, which could have contributed to funding opportunities and lowered costs. While the UK government has expressed intentions to establish its own research initiatives, the full extent of these programs’ impact remains to be seen.
- Cultural Diversity: The UK’s appeal as a diverse and welcoming destination for international students might be affected by changes in immigration policies and the overall atmosphere following Brexit. This could indirectly influence the attractiveness of studying in the UK.
While Brexit has brought changes that could potentially impact the cost of studying and living in the UK for international students, it’s important to note that the UK remains committed to hosting international students and maintaining its reputation for quality education.
The introduction of new scholarships and funding options aims to ease the financial burden, and universities continue to strive to create an enriching environment for students from around the world.
As the situation continues to evolve, it’s recommended that prospective international students stay updated with the latest information and carefully assess the financial aspects before making decisions about studying in the UK.
There are many options to pay for a UK university, including selecting scholarships, financial aid, student loans, and other options.
If you want to send your child abroad for undergraduate then it’s time to consult financial experts to discover new-age savings to beat the demon of rising costs!
This might make it much easier for you to manage your child’s tuition costs. An education fund, scholarships, and part-time jobs can help cover the growing cost of studying in the UK.
Start saving if your child is planning to fly to the UK for their undergraduate before it’s too late!
EduFund’s Support for Studying in the UK
- Understanding Hidden Costs: Sending a child to study in the UK involves various hidden costs beyond tuition, such as accommodation, travel, and living expenses. These can quickly add up, making financial planning essential.
- EduFund’s Education Loan Solution: EduFund offers education loans specifically designed to help parents cover these expenses. With flexible loan amounts and repayment options, parents can secure the necessary funds to manage both visible and hidden costs effectively.
- Comprehensive Coverage: EduFund’s education loans can cover a wide range of expenses associated with studying abroad, including tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and everyday living expenses, ensuring that families are fully prepared financially.
- Hassle-Free Application Process: EduFund simplifies the loan application process with an intuitive online platform, allowing parents to easily apply for loans and receive guidance throughout the process.
- Empowering Families: By utilizing EduFund’s education loans, families can focus on providing their children with a world-class education abroad while alleviating the stress of managing unexpected costs.
