- Published on February 24, 2026
- Bishnu K.
Considering the UK for your studies? Understanding the real cost is crucial for making the right decision. This guide breaks down UK tuition, living expenses, visa fees, and total costs using current data. You’ll also see how the UK compares to other destinations and learn strategies to make it more affordable.
Quick Answer: What Should You Budget for UK?
Three main costs:
Tuition Fees
Living Expenses
Upfront Costs
The total budget range for international students studying in the UK range from £35,000–£61,000/year (~$58,000–$101,000 CAD).
Understanding the Total Cost of Studying in UK
Most students underestimate because they focus only on tuition. Your complete budget includes:
Tuition fees (program and university-specific)
Accommodation (halls, private housing, or homestay)
Food and groceries
Transportation (Oyster card in London, local transport elsewhere)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (mandatory £776/year)
Visa fees (£490 for Tier 4 Student visa)
Course materials (books, supplies, equipment)
Personal expenses
Upfront costs (deposits, flights, initial setup)
The UK is known for quality education but costs vary dramatically between London and other cities.
UK Tuition Fees 2026
Tuition fees varies significantly by university and program. View the average fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the UK below.
Undergraduate Programs
Arts and humanities– £18,000 – £25,000- $30,000 – $41,000
Science and engineering– £22,000 – £30,000- $36,000 – $50,000
Medicine and dentistry– £35,000 – £48,000- $58,000 – $79,000
Business programs– £20,000 – £35,000- $33,000 – $58,000
It’s important to note that tuition fees can also range by institution type:
Russell Group universities (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial): £25,000–£38,000/year
Other established universities: £18,000–£28,000/year
Modern/newer universities: £15,000–£22,000/year
Postgraduate Programs
Arts and humanities– £15,000 – £24,000- $25,000 – $40,000
Science and engineering– £18,000 – £30,000- $30,000 – $50,000
MBA programs– £25,000 – £45,000- $41,000 – $74,000
Medicine/healthcare– £20,000 – £35,000- $33,000 – $58,000
What affects tuition:
University reputation and ranking
Program and field of study
Location (London universities often charge more)
Program duration (1-year vs. 2-year master’s)
Most UK master’s programs are 1 year, which can lower total cost compared to 2-year programs in other countries.
Living Costs in the UK
Beyond tuition, your monthly budget will be largely defined by your lifestyle and, most importantly, whether you choose to study in the heart of London or in one of the UK’s more affordable regional hubs.
London vs. Other Cities
Accommodation– £800 – £1,200- £500 – £800
Food– £300 – £500- £250 – £400
Transportation– £100 – £150 (Oyster)- £50 – £100
Total Monthly– £1,250 – £1,500- £1,000 – £1,250
Total Annual– £15,000 – £18,000- £12,000 – £15,000
Choosing to study outside London can save £3,000–£6,000/year (~$5,000–$10,000 CAD).
Accommodation Options
Securing the right place to live is your biggest financial and lifestyle decision; whether you prefer the convenience of university-managed halls or the independence of a private rental, costs will vary based on proximity to campus.