Do you dream of studying in London? Would you like to travel abroad to open up a path to an international career? Universities in the UK are world-renowned for their high standard of teaching, innovative research and rich academic history. How much does tuition fees, room and board cost in London and other UK university cities?
Studying at a university in England opens up a path towards a future career. No wonder so many young people, want to take up the challenge and study at a university in the UK. Therefore, in this article we explain how much it really costs to study in the UK.
Prior to Brexit, students from Poland and other EU countries paid the same as UK citizens to study in the UK. We were treated equally to so-called ‘home students’, which meant that we were entitled to the same conditions and privileges as residents of England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Since January 2021, the situation has changed – students from the EU, including Poland, are now considered international students. As a result, we have to pay higher tuition fees, comparable to those that have applied to non-EU students for years. In some cases, tuition fees have even increased several times.
The price an international student in England has to pay depends on many factors. One of them is the type of course a prospective student decides to take. Medical studies will usually be the most expensive course at British universities. Law degrees are expensive, as well as those conferring MBA qualifications. For example:
If tuition fees are too high for you, you may benefit from a bursary. In the UK, there is no single, central scholarship covering all universities or even England itself. Each university operates independently and offers its own scholarships, which can partially cover tuition fees or help students with everyday expenses. They can be obtained for academic performance, sporting achievements or even competitions. Some scholarships are aimed at specific groups, such as residents of a particular country. To find out what scholarships a particular university offers, it is worth checking their website regularly, where you will find all the options available. Remember to pay attention to the application deadlines – many close well before you receive your university’s decision on your admission. For example, the University of Bedfordshire offers bursaries ranging from £1,000 to £4,500 for international students, meaning we can even cover almost half the price of tuition fees with a bursary.
It is also worth mentioning that some universities offer discounts on tuition fees if you pay faster. This is an additional form of support that can reduce the overall cost of your studies, so it is worth considering this option when planning your finances.
Studying in England does not only involve tuition fees. Other living costs must also be taken into account. Accommodation will not be a cheap expense either. At the same time, it is worth mentioning that in this case a lot depends on the city you go to. You will pay the most for a room in London, as much as £1,600 per room per month, while in Bedford you will pay around £800 for a room. What’s more, living in London will also be more expensive.
At the same time, if you’re keen on student life, it’s worth looking for a room on campus; it’s likely to be cheaper and will also reduce the time you spend commuting to class.
Studying in England offers many opportunities, but it is worth remembering that the cost of living can be significant. During their year of study, students have to factor in expenses for food, entertainment and other daily needs. Many opt for a paid internship or job to minimise these costs. For example, monthly food expenses can range from £150 to £250, while entertainment costs such as cinema, concerts and going out to restaurants are around £50-200. When you’re at university, it’s a good idea to plan your budget in advance so that you can make the most of student life while keeping your finances under control.
Many students in England choose to combine study with work to increase their financial opportunities. With a student visa, they have the opportunity to work part-time, i.e. a maximum of 20 hours per week, which is the most common option for students.
The jobs that students take up are mainly those in retail or catering. Quite a few also find employment within the university, in places such as cafes, libraries or within various student organisations.
Universities help students find jobs, so it’s worth checking in with the careers office at your university – they’ll be sure to help you find suitable employment opportunities.
From 1 April 2024, the minimum hourly rate in the UK will increase to the following levels:
These rates are set by the Government on the recommendation of the Low Pay Commission and apply across England and the rest of the UK.
Studying in England is an excellent investment in the future, especially in terms of career development. Renowned universities and world-class programmes open doors to the international job market. Although tuition fees in England may seem high, various forms of financial support are available, including scholarships. Although the average cost of living can be a challenge, the investment in education often pays off quickly through better career prospects.
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