Studying abroad is an exciting experience for most students. Living in the UK and studying at a highly reputed UK university is a highly desirable aspect for many Indian students. The UK is home to thousands of international students pursuing master’s degrees. And while it does come at a higher cost compared to their home country, often the investment has been worth every penny.
If you, too, are planning to pursue a master’s in the UK and are not sure about the costs involved, here is a detailed breakdown that includes all the details to help you plan better.
Understanding the cost of living and studying in UK
In order to understand the costs involved, it is vital to first identify the expenses. While most students take into account the tuition fee and cost of living, they forget to take into account the pre-application expenses.
Pre-application expenditure in UK
To apply for a master’s in the UK, you must first appear for the qualifying exams. An English language proficiency test is mandatory for all courses, along with specific exams like GMAT or GRE for STEM-based courses.
Additionally, you must pay a nominal application fee while submitting your application. Each university has a different price. However, depending on the course you are applying for, the UK application fee might range from £75 to £150.
| Cost type | Estimated cost |
| GMAT / GRE (optional for some courses) |
Between £200 to £250 |
| TOEFL / IELTS (required by most universities) |
£160 – £180, varying by location |
| Application fee (could be waived for some programs) |
£50 – £150 per program |
Read More: Study Master’s in the UK: Benefits and Career Opportunities
Tuition fee for studying a master’s in the UK
Depending on the university and program, tuition costs for master’s at UK colleges vary. Prestigious universities in the UK charge higher tuition fees for education, especially those that offer courses in business, medicine, and law. The location of the university may also affect costs; universities in cities may charge different prices.
London universities frequently have higher tuition than those in other UK cities. To receive a more accurate estimate of expenses that meet your demands, it is crucial to investigate particular programs and universities.
| University | Average tuition fee |
| University of Edinburgh | £23,900-£67,000 |
| University College London | £18,000- £30,000 |
| Oxford University | £35,000-£59,000 |
| University of Cambridge | £27,000-£41,000 |
| Imperial College London | £26,000-£38,000 |
| University of Bristol | £22,000-£29,000 |
| King’s College London | £16,950-£35,800 |
| University of Manchester | £11,000-£47,000 |
Please note: These fees are for your reference only. The actual fees will depend on the chosen program, academic year and other critical factors.
Cost of living in UK
The cost of living is another important expense to consider when planning your studies in the UK. It’s essential to set aside a realistic amount of money each month to cover your everyday expenses. These costs typically include rent (which can vary significantly based on the city), utility bills, public transportation, groceries, dining out, entertainment, internet and mobile services, and personal care items.
Cities like London, Oxford, or Edinburgh tend to have a higher cost of living compared to smaller towns. Planning your budget ahead of time can help you avoid financial stress and focus on your studies. Additionally, many students also choose to take on part-time jobs to help with these expenses, as permitted by their visa regulations. Universities often provide estimated monthly costs and budgeting tools to help international students prepare accordingly.
Read Also: Scholarships for Master’s in the UK: Eligibility and How to Apply
Cost of living city wise
Living expenses depend on the city and your lifestyle. On an average:
- London: £900 to £1,400 per month
- Outside London: £800 to £1,100 per month
Monthly Expense Breakdown
Here is a quick rundown of estimated average costs:
| Expenses | Monthly cost |
| Cost of accommodation | £700 – £1,500 |
| Food and groceries | £150 – £250 |
| Public transport | £60- £150 |
| Household bills | £100- £130 |
| Entertainment | £80- £150 |
You will incur the various expenses listed above while in the United Kingdom. The expenses, however, also differ based on your lifestyle, the city in which you reside, the type you choose, and other factors.
For example, you will be required to pay £1,200 to £1,600 a month if you reside in London. However, the expense of attending school in Warwick is about £900 per month.
How to manage costs and save during your Master’s in UK
- Plan your monthly budget: Assign a reasonable amount to utilities, groceries, rent, and transportation. Track your expenditure with applications.
- Make use of student discounts: To benefit from discounts on travel, dining, and entertainment, use your student ID to get discounts and deals wherever possible.
- Cook at home: Prepare meals at home rather than ordering takeout to save some dough. Costs can be further reduced by shopping at local farmer’s markets.
- Select reasonably priced accommodations: Take into account shared apartments or university housing to save on renting costs. You could reduce your transportation expenditure, by looking for options near your university.
- Part-time employment: In accordance with tax and visa laws, use your 20-hour workweek allotment throughout the academic year to earn money and offset living expenses.
A Final Word
Starting your study abroad application can be overwhelming, but with the right assistance, it becomes doable. Applybuds will help you from shortlisting programs to application submissions and visa processing. With a comprehensive DIY portal, the one-of-a-kind platform can assist with institution and program comparison, eligibility requirements, admission processes, SOP reviews, and financial readiness.
When you start your journey with Applybuds, you also enjoy access to our scholarships guide, education loan partners, and in-depth visa assistance. Register today and make it easier to study abroad.
