Studying in the UK enjoys unflagging popularity, and British universities have been attracting students from all over the world, including numerous Poles, for years. World-class academics, extensive research facilities and a prestigious degree are assets that, for many, are reason enough to consider studying in the UK. However, after Brexit, the rules for enrolment and funding for study in the UK have changed significantly, particularly for EU students, making it necessary to plan costs carefully and look for financial support opportunities.
The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit) in 2021 changed the status of students coming from EU countries, including Poland. They have been recognised as international students and their tuition fees have been increased to offset the costs, which until now have been similar to those of UK students.
Admission to these courses, especially for non-UK students, is highly competitive and tuition fees significantly higher than other academic courses. Tuition fees also depend on location – universities in London and other major English cities often offer higher-cost degrees than universities outside the capital.
The cost of studying in England after Brexit means that more and more students are looking for scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of tuition fees. Scholarships are mainly awarded by the universities themselves on the basis of academic performance, social activity or sporting involvement.
For example, the University of Bedfordshire offers scholarships for international students in amounts ranging from £1,000 to £4,500 per year. This is a significant allowance as it can cover up to half of tuition fees on some courses. However, it is worth bearing in mind that the deadlines for applying for the scholarship vary from university to university and often close well before the start of the academic year.
Universities may offer discounts for students who make a faster payment of all or part of their tuition fees, which can be an advantage.
The cost of studying in England after Brexit means that more and more students are looking for scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of tuition fees. Scholarships are mainly awarded by the universities themselves on the basis of academic performance, social activity or sporting involvement.
For example, the University of Bedfordshire offers scholarships for international students in amounts ranging from £1,000 to £4,500 per year. This is a significant allowance as it can cover up to half of tuition fees on some courses. However, it is worth bearing in mind that the deadlines for applying for the scholarship vary from university to university and often close well before the start of the academic year.
Universities may also offer discounts for students who make a faster payment of all or part of their tuition fees, which can be an advantage.
Studying in England is not only about tuition fees, but also the cost of living, which is particularly high in the English capital London. It is estimated that the cost of living in London is around £1,600 per month for a room, while in smaller cities renting a room can be around £800 per month.
Other costs associated with daily living include food (£150 to £250 per month) and entertainment (going to the cinema, restaurants, concerts – £50 to £200 per month). Students can therefore create a budget that allows them to plan their expenses rationally and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Student Finance England (SFE) offers the opportunity to receive loans that can cover both tuition fees and part of your living costs. There are two types of loans here:
The Maintenance Loan can be as high as £13,022 per year for students living in London, with a maximum outside London of around £9,978 per year. The loan is paid out in three instalments to the student’s bank account.
Repayment of these loans does not commence until the student has graduated and the annual income threshold of £27,295 has been exceeded. Loan repayments are therefore deferred until the graduate’s income allows them to meet their obligations.
International students can legally work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. They most often work in catering, retail or on university premises. Pay depends on age:
Part-time work enables you to gain additional financial resources and valuable work experience, which is highly valued by UK employers.
The application process to study in England differs from that in Poland and requires several formalities. Therefore, it is worth using the help of educational agencies that support candidates at every stage: from the choice of course and university, through the preparation of the required documents (such as personal statement, motivation letter) to financial issues, such as student loan or scholarship application.
Despite the higher cost of study, the UK remains an attractive educational destination. A degree from a UK university opens the door to international careers, higher salaries and prestigious positions. It is also worth noting that the financial support system, work opportunities and available scholarships can make the costs affordable. Studying in the UK is also a chance to network with people from all over the world and to fully immerse yourself in a rich academic life.
Studying in England, while expensive, is a worthwhile investment for the future. With the changes post-Brexit, financial planning is key, but the support options available – loans, bursaries and jobs – make this ambitious goal possible.
The average annual tuition fee at a public English university is around £9,250, which works out at around £27,000 for a three-year undergraduate degree.
This money you won’t be giving back if you earn less than £27,725 in a given tax year. Only anything over that amount will be taken by the state as part of the 9% tax to pay off your studies.
Students starting their studies in the autumn of a given year should apply for a loan as early as possible, so that the university does not claim outstanding payments from student finance. Even if you apply late this is not a problem as the university will wait up to six months for your funding from the government.
You can apply for a Maintenance Loan throughout the academic year. However, applying early by the deadline will ensure that you have a loan from the start of your studies.
Our agency assists with the entire funding process or if you wish you can apply for the loan yourself online via https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
European Union citizens must apply by letter. Applications can be found at https://www.gov.uk/student-finance or at our office.
In the UK, there are two types of loans provided by Student Finance England (SFE). This organisation, through the UK government, provides loans to UK students as well as EU citizens. The cost of studying in England.
– Tuition Fee Loan – Tuition Fee Loan – is paid directly to the university of choice,
– Maintenance Loan – Maintenance Loan – is paid for living expenses. This loan is dependent on your household income. If you have less than 25l. it is your parents’ income. The minimum amount you can get is £9,944.
⦁ Tuition Fee Loan
The Tuition Fee Loan, also known as a student loan, is what many students apply for to cover the cost of their university course. It is rated as non-profit and is designed to help students in the UK whether they are studying full-time or part-time, who would otherwise struggle to pay their tuition fees.
⦁ Maintenance Loan
Maintenance Loan is a loan to cover living costs. Different loan amounts are available and depend on household income and where you live. Only those with a low household income (around £26,000 per annum per household) are eligible for full support. Please note, a minimum of pre-settle status is required to receive a Maintenence Loan. Cost of studying in england.
The Student Finance organisation will transfer the tuition fee money directly to the university of your choice. The fee for the academic year is spread over three instalments. SFE will inform you by letter of the details of your loan disbursement.
The amount of the loan depends on your household income and where you live. For the 2023/2024 academic year, the maximum loan amounts for full-time students are as follows:
Living away from home, outside London – approximately £9,978
Living away from home, in London – approximately £13,022
Living with parents – approximately £8,400
Plus grants if you are a studying parent(£1,915), or caring for an adult(£3,000)
and bursaries from university each year (around £500)
The total amount you get could be as much as £17,000 each year!
The loan is granted for the academic year and paid into your UK bank account at the beginning of each term. You will receive by email and letter the amount of your grant and when you will be getting your money. They are paid in 3 instalments throughout the academic year.
You will only start repaying the loan when you graduate and only if your income exceeds a certain threshold. If you work in England then the threshold for 2023- 2024 is £27,295 and increases each year The threshold varies depending on the country you earn in and changes on 6 April each year. In 2023-2024 the financial threshold for Poland was £10,920 per annum (around £54,000) – this is how much you needed to earn to start repaying the loan on your return to Poland.
The earliest you can start repaying the loan is in the month of April after graduation (subject to exceeding the threshold). The loan is written off after 30 years, regardless of whether you have successfully repaid it or not.
Repayment of the Maintenance Loan follows the same rules as the Tuition Fee Loan and is based on your income. For example, if you earn £31,000 in a given tax year the government will calculate the 9% that is over £27,295 and spread it over 12 months. Take a look at the table (plan 2) to see more examples of what amounts will be charged each month in repayment. The cost of studying in England.
