International students have always favored the United Kingdom as a study-abroad location. This has been particularly true for international students, including those from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.
However, due to Brexit, new regulations have taken effect in 2021 for all EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens. We have compiled this blog with all the information you need about tuition and living expenses in the UK to clarify everything for your child and all the other international students.
UK University tuition fees
There have previously been two different tuition fee structures available in the UK:
The cost for domestic students, Irish nationals, and those from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland often pay these lower fees. The cost for international students is significantly higher for all remaining non-EU/EEA students, sometimes by two or three times.
However, after Brexit, a lot is different. For students who are from Switzerland or the EU/EEA and have started studying in the UK after January 1, 2021, the following are the key details they need to be aware of:
They do not have the domestic fee status or access to student loans and are required to pay the total tuition costs set by each university individually if they have arrived in the UK after January 2021 and began their study program after August 2021.
These changes do not affect Irish nationals and students who began courses before implementing this new policy.
1. Tuition fees at UK’s public universities
Tuition fees at public UK universities can vary widely. Depending on the university, the discipline, and the length of the studies, the domestic cost typically runs from ₹5 to 9.2 lakhs per year.
The international fee is typically more than the initial domestic fee by ₹2.5 – 7.2 lakhs. In some circumstances, it may even be twice as expensive as the domestic cost.
2. Tuition fees at UK’s private universities
Private higher education is often more expensive, while private university study programs offer tuition fees equivalent to those at public institutions.
Furthermore, these institutions frequently do not distinguish between people of the EU/EEA and those of other countries.
Students may pay anything from ₹4.5 to over 32 lakhs per school year. Business and medicine are the most expensive majors at both public and private colleges.
Living Expenses in the UK for International Students
Recommended universities in the UK
- Imperial College London
- King’s College London
- Coventry University
- Hult International Business School
- Leeds Beckett University
Living expenses of students in the UK
Living as an international student in the United Kingdom is not inexpensive. However, where they choose to live significantly impacts how much money they spend.
Monthly living expenses in well-known locations like London might easily exceed ₹1.3 lakhs. But they can live comfortably in smaller towns with a monthly budget of ₹60,000 – 1.1 lakhs.
1. Costs of student accommodation
Many colleges offer dorms for students in the UK. These places provide excellent value for money and include utility fees in the final cost. First-year students mostly prefer student residential halls.
Many graduates rent a private space after their first academic year, alone or with other students. Although it is more expensive, this choice provides a more accurate picture of what life is like in the actual world. These accommodations cost between ₹60,000 to 1.3 lakhs/month.
Monthly expenses and utilities will cost another ₹10,000–17,000 to your expenditure.
2. Cost of food in the UK
Students will be spending between ₹15,000 and 26,000 on food and groceries. This budget will increase quickly if they eat out and order food often.
3. Transportation costs
Your child can choose from various public transport options for their daily commute, most of which offer discounts to students or young people. There may be regional or city-specific variations to these discounts, but the following are a few instances:
- Train: Full-time students who purchase a Young Persons Card, which typically costs ₹3,000, receive a 30% discount.
- Tube within London: 30% off the Oyster Student Card bus for students over 18.
- Bus: For a one-way ticket, they must pay ₹150-300.
4. University scholarships and grants
International students can apply for scholarships and other financial aid forms in the UK. They must fulfill the admission requirements to be a successful applicant.
Scholarships are typically given out based on various factors, including financial need, nationality, prior academic success, etc.
Criteria to obtain higher education loans for the UK
Conclusion
Universities and colleges in the United Kingdom are sought after for their quality of education. Hence, it is a great destination to send your child to study.
But it is one of the most expensive countries to live and study in. Always look for scholarships and financial aid options before finalizing the university.
If there is any confusion regarding the fee structure or a need for any advice, our team of efficient financial advisors is just a call away to clarify your doubts.
