The cost of studying in the UK in 2027 can range from £42,000 to £67,000 for your first year, including tuition, living expenses, and visa fees. Explore university tuition examples, monthly budgets, Student visa costs, and practical ways to make studying in the UK more affordable.
Check Your Eligibility and Total Costs
Planning your 2027 UK intake? Compare exact university tuition rates, verify program entry requirements, and calculate your required visa proof of funds.
Disclaimer: Figures in this guide are estimates for students starting in 2026/27 or 2027/28. Canadian dollar (CAD) amounts use the Bank of Canada rate of £1 = C$1.88 and will change. Always confirm the latest rules on GOV.UK and the fees on your university's website.
Quick Answer: How Much Does It Cost to Study in the UK?
Most international students need between £42,000 and £67,000 (about C$79,000 to C$126,000) for their first year in the UK. Your total depends on three main costs:
Tuition Fees
Usually the biggest cost. Fees depend on your university, your program, and your level of study.
Living Costs
Rent, food, transport, and personal spending. London costs much more than other UK cities.
Visa and Upfront Costs
Your visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, deposits, and flights. Most of these are paid before you arrive.
UK Tuition Fees for International Students
UK tuition fees for international students depend on the university and the program. Lab-based subjects like engineering and medicine usually cost more than arts and business subjects. London universities often charge more too.
Here are real examples from UK universities:
What affects your tuition fee:
- Your subject: Science, engineering, and medicine cost more than arts and humanities.
- Your university: Highly ranked universities often charge higher fees.
- Your location: Universities in London are often more expensive.
- Your start year: Many universities set your fee based on the year you start. Some raise fees a little each year for continuing students.
Tip! Most UK master's degrees take just 1 year. That means you pay 1 year of tuition and living costs instead of 2, which can make the UK cheaper overall than countries with 2-year master's programs.
Living Costs in the UK
Your monthly living costs depend mostly on where you study. London is the most expensive city in the UK. Cities in the north of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are usually cheaper.
Monthly Living Costs: London vs. Other UK Cities
Over a full year, that is about £15,400 to £24,400 in London and £10,600 to £17,800 elsewhere. Studying outside London can save you several thousand pounds a year.
Student Accommodation Options
Where you live is your biggest living cost. Here are the most common choices:
- University halls: Rooms owned by your university, often with bills included. A good choice for your first year because it is simple and social.
- Private student halls: Purpose-built buildings run by private companies. Often modern, but usually more expensive than university halls.
- Shared houses: You rent a room and share the kitchen and bathroom. Often the cheapest option, but bills may be extra.
- Studios or 1-bedroom flats: More privacy, but the most expensive choice, especially in London.
Tip! Always ask if bills (gas, electricity, water, and internet) are included in your rent. A cheaper room with no bills included can end up costing more.
Find UK Programs That Fit Your Budget
Compare tuition fees at UK universities and colleges, and apply with support from ApplyBoard.
UK Student Visa Fees and Upfront Costs
You should budget for visa fees, healthcare charges, tuition deposits, accommodation, and travel before arriving. The exact amount depends on the course, visa duration, university, and where you will live.
Student Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that gives you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), the public health system. You pay it for every year of your visa, all at once, when you apply.
Your visa usually lasts a few months longer than your course. For courses of 12 months or more, this is usually 4 extra months. You pay the IHS for these extra months too: half the yearly rate for any part year of 6 months or less.
You can check your exact amount with the official IHS calculator on GOV.UK.
Other Upfront Costs
In addition to visa-related charges, you should plan for university application fees, tuition deposits, accommodation payments, flights, and initial living expenses. These costs vary considerably by institution, accommodation type, and country of departure.
How Much Money You Must Show for a UK Student Visa
To get a Student visa, you must show you have enough money for your living costs, as well as any tuition you have not paid yet.
Note: The money must stay in your account for at least 28 days in a row. The 28-day period must end no more than 31 days before you apply. See the full rules on GOV.UK.
Lower Your UK Study Costs With a Scholarship
See the scholarships open to international students at UK universities, and learn how to apply.
Sample UK Student Budgets
These examples show what your first year could cost. They use real tuition fees, the living cost ranges above, and the visa and IHS costs for each course length.
Remember to add your deposits, flights, and settling-in costs on top. For a bachelor's degree, you will pay tuition and living costs again in each later year, but the visa and IHS are paid only once at the start.
How to Study in the UK for Less
Work Part-Time While You Study
Most students on a Student visa at degree level can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during official holidays. If your course is below degree level, the limit is 10 hours a week. Your CAS and visa will show your exact limit.
From April 1, 2026, the UK minimum wage is:
- £12.71 an hour if you are 21 or older (the National Living Wage).
- £10.85 an hour if you are 18 to 20.
At 20 hours a week, that is about £940 to £1,100 a month before tax. Part-time work can help with day-to-day costs, but you cannot use future wages as proof of funds for your visa.
Apply for Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded UK government scholarships for 1-year master's degrees. They are very competitive.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: For students from eligible Commonwealth countries.
- University scholarships: Many UK universities offer merit awards or tuition discounts to international students.
Simple Money-Saving Tips
- Study outside London to save on rent and transport.
- Choose university halls with bills included in your first year.
- Cook at home and shop at budget supermarkets.
- Get student discount cards, like a 16-25 Railcard or TOTUM card.
- Buy second-hand textbooks or use your university library.
- Enjoy free museums and galleries, especially in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most international students should plan for about £42,000 to £67,000 for their first year. This covers tuition, living costs, and visa and health surcharge fees. Your total depends on your university, your program, and whether you live in London.
For applications made on or after November 30, 2026, you must show £1,570 a month if you study in London, or £1,203 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months. You must also show any tuition you have not paid yet. The money must be in your account for at least 28 days in a row.
The Student visa fee is £558. The Immigration Health Surcharge is £776 for each year of your visa, paid upfront. For a 1-year master's, the total is about £1,722. For a 3-year bachelor's, it is about £3,274.
Yes. Most students at degree level can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays. From April 2026, the minimum wage is £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over, and £10.85 for ages 18 to 20.
Yes. If you apply for the UK Graduate visa on or before December 31, 2026, you can generally stay for 2 years after completing an eligible bachelor's degree, master's degree, or other qualifying course. For applications submitted on or after January 1, 2027, this period will decrease to 18 months. Graduates with a PhD or another eligible doctoral qualification can still stay for 3 years.
It can be, especially for a master's degree. Most UK master's programs last 1 year, while many in Canada and the US last 2 years. Paying for 1 year of tuition and living costs instead of 2 can lower your total cost a lot.
Plan Your UK Study Budget With Confidence
Studying in the UK is a big investment, but a clear plan makes it much easier. Start with your tuition fee, add your living costs for London or another city, then include your visa, IHS, and upfront costs. With scholarships, part-time work, and smart choices, you can make your UK degree more affordable. Your ApplyBoard team is here to help you every step of the way.
Explore UK Programs on ApplyBoard
Find degrees that match your budget, academic goals, and preferred location. Filter thousands of UK university programs by tuition fees, intake dates, and entry requirements to plan your 2027 studies with ease.