Ready to trade your local commute for the historic streets of London or Manchester? Understanding the cost of studying in UK is the vital first step toward turning that ambition into reality.
For the 2026-2027 academic cycle, Indian students should plan for a total annual investment ranging from GBP 23,091 – GBP 66,009 (INR 28 lakhs to INR 80 lakhs) to cover tuition, accommodation, and those essential clinical or regulatory fees.
This comprehensive 2026 guide breaks down the cost of studying in UK, helping Indian students budget smartly, explore scholarships, and make informed, confident decisions about their UK education journey.
Quick Facts: Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students (2026-2027)
For the 2026-2027 academic cycle, the cost of studying in UK for Indian students is influenced by rising tuition caps and updated maintenance requirements.
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| Particulars | Estimated Cost in GBP & INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | GBP 10,000 – GBP 38,000 (INR 12.1 Lakh – INR 46.1 Lakh) |
| Postgraduate Tuition (Master's) | GBP 11,000 – GBP 35,000 (INR 13.3 Lakh – INR 42.5 Lakh) |
| Top-Tier / Clinical Courses | GBP 37,380 – GBP 62,820 (INR 45.4 Lakh – INR 76.3 Lakh) |
| Monthly Living (Inside London) | GBP 1,529 (INR 1.85 Lakh) |
| Monthly Living (Outside London) | GBP 1,171 (INR 1.42 Lakh) |
| Visa Application Fee | GBP 524 (INR 63,660) |
| Health Surcharge (IHS) | GBP 776 per year (INR 94,276) |
UK College Fees for Indian Students
Understanding the cost of studying in UK for Indian students is essential for planning your budget, as costs vary based on your course and university reputation.
For the 2026-2027 academic cycle, the average annual tuition fee for international students generally ranges from GBP 11,400 – GBP 38,000 (INR 13.8 Lakh – INR 46.1 Lakh).
Cost of Studying at Top Public Universities in UK
Public universities in the UK are government-funded and research-intensive. For 2026, international fees at these institutions generally reflect their global standing and resource intensity.
| University Name / QS Ranking 2026 | Location | Annual Tuition Fee: (GBP & INR) | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London (2) | London | Undergraduate: GBP 33,000 – GBP 40,000 (INR 40.1Lakh – INR 48.6Lakh) Post Graduate: GBP 35,000 – GBP 53,000 (INR 42.5Lakh – INR 64.4Lakh) | Medicine, Engineering, Data Science |
| University of Oxford (4) | Oxford | Undergraduate: GBP 37,380 – GBP 62,820 (INR 45.4Lakh – INR 76.3Lakh) Post Graduate: GBP 34,700 – GBP 88,800 (INR 42.2Lakh – INR 1.07 Crore) | Computer Science, MBA, Law |
| University of Cambridge (6) | Cambridge | Undergraduate: GBP 24,000 – GBP 67,000 (INR 29.1Lakh – INR 81.4Lakh) Post Graduate: GBP 30,000 – GBP 65,000 (INR 36.4Lakh – INR 79.0Lakh) | Mathematics, Engineering, Social Sciences |
| University College London (UCL) (9) | London | UG: GBP 23,000 – GBP 41,000 (INR 27.9Lakh – INR 49.8Lakh) Post Graduate: GBP 17,000 – GBP 61,800 (INR 20.6Lakh – INR 75.1Lakh) | Architecture, Psychology, Economics |
| University of Manchester (35) | Manchester | Undergraduate: GBP 21,000 – GBP 35,200 (INR 25.5Lakh – INR 42.8Lakh) Post Graduate: GBP 20,000 – GBP 37,000 (INR 24.3Lakh – INR 44.9Lakh) | Information Technology, Physics, Finance |
Cost of Studying at Private Universities in UK for Indian Students
If you’re planning your study in UK, private universities offer specialized curricula often tailored to industry needs.
One of the biggest advantages for the cost of studying in UK for Indian students is the option for accelerated programs allowing you to complete a 3-year degree in just 2 years.
| University Name | Location | Annual Tuition Fee: Bachelor & Master's (GBP & INR) | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Law | Multiple | Under-Graduate: GBP 14,000 – GBP 20,000 (INR 17.0Lakh – INR 24.3Lakh) Post Graduate: GBP 11,000 – GBP 22,000 (INR 13.4Lakh – INR 26.7Lakh) | LLB, Legal Practice (LPC), Business |
| University of Buckingham | Buckingham | Under-Graduate: GBP 13,000 – GBP 45,000 (INR 15.8Lakh – INR 54.7Lakh) Post Graduate: GBP 13,000 – GBP 23,000 (INR 15.8Lakh – INR 27.9Lakh) | Medicine, Finance, Applied Computing |
| BPP University | Multiple | Under-Graduate: GBP 12,000 – GBP 19,000 (INR 14.6Lakh – INR 23.1Lakh) Post Graduate: GBP 11,000 – GBP 21,000 (INR 13.4Lakh – INR 25.5Lakh) | Healthcare Leadership, Law, Management |
| Regent's University London | London | Under-Graduate: GBP 24,500 – GBP 27,750 (INR 29.8Lakh – INR 33.7Lakh) Post Graduate: GBP 15,500 – GBP 39,000 (INR 18.8Lakh – INR 47.4Lakh) | Luxury Brand Management, Digital Marketing |
| Richmond American University | London | Under-Graduate: GBP 17,500 – GBP 19,770 (INR 21.3Lakh – INR 24.0Lakh) Post Graduate: GBP 17,500 – GBP 29,160 (INR 21.3Lakh – INR 35.4Lakh) | International Relations, MBA, Advertising |
Cost of Studying Top Courses in UK for Indian Students
Choosing the right field of study is just as important as choosing the right university. In 2026, the cost of studying in UK for Indian students is influenced by the global demand for specialized skills in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Healthcare.
If you are wondering how much money is required to study in UK, it depends on the course's resource intensity. For example, classroom-based arts degrees start as low as GBP 10,000 (INR 12.1Lakh), while laboratory-heavy engineering or clinical medical programs can reach GBP 50,000 (INR 60.7Lakh).
The following table highlights the top-ranking courses preferred by Indian students.
| Field of Study | Average Annual Fee (GBP & INR) | Popular Career Paths |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | GBP 18,000 – GBP 35,000 (INR 21.9Lakh – INR 42.5Lakh) | Marketing, Finance, HR |
| Computer Science & IT | GBP 19,000 – GBP 36,000 (INR 23.1Lakh – INR 43.7Lakh) | AI, Software Developer, Cybersecurity |
| Engineering (All Streams) | GBP 20,000 – GBP 42,000 (INR 24.3Lakh – INR 51.0Lakh) | Civil, Mech, Aerospace |
| Medicine & Dentistry | GBP 31,000 – GBP 70,500 (INR 37.7Lakh – INR 85.6Lakh) | Surgeon, GP, Dentist |
| Arts & Humanities | GBP 5,000 – GBP 26,000 (INR 18.2Lakh – INR 31.6Lakh) | Design, Journalism, Law |
| MBA (Full-Time) | GBP 20,000 – GBP 60,000+ (INR 24.3Lakh – INR 72.9Lakh) | Consulting, Management |
Cost of Living in UK for Indian Students
When planning the cost of living in UK, your monthly expenses are the most significant factor after tuition fees.
Indian students typically spend between GBP 1,200 and GBP 1,800 (INR 1.45Lakh – INR 2.18Lakh) in London and GBP 800 to GBP 1,300 (INR 97,192 – INR 1,57,937) in other UK cities per month.
| Expense Category | London (Monthly) | Regional UK (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | GBP 848 – GBP 1,200 (INR 1.03 Lakh – INR 1.45 Lakh) | GBP 664 – GBP 800 (INR 80,000 – INR 97,000) |
| Food & Groceries | GBP 175 – GBP 350 (INR 21,000 – INR 42,000) | GBP 130 – £300 (INR 15,000 – INR 36,000) |
| Public Transport | GBP 103 – GBP 180 (INR 12,500 – INR 21,800) | GBP 54 – GBP 110 (INR 6,000 – INR 13,000) |
| Utilities & Internet | GBP 70 – GBP 150 (INR 8,500 – INR 18,000) | GBP 50 – GBP 120 (INR 6,000 – INR 14,000) |
| Miscellaneous | GBP 80 – GBP 150 (INR 9,000 – INR 18,000) | GBP 60 – GBP 120 (INR 7,000 – INR 14,000) |
Student Visa and Application Fees for Students Studying in UK
To secure your legal stay in the United Kingdom, you must budget for several mandatory government charges.
| UK Student Visa | Description | Amount (GBP) | Amount (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Surcharge (IHS) | Access to the National Health Service (NHS) | GBP 776 per year | INR 94,270 |
| Graduate Visa | Stay and work for 2 years post-graduation | GBP 880 (one-time) | INR 1Lakh |
| Priority Visa | Decision usually within 5 working days | GBP 500 extra | INR 60,750 |
| Super Priority Visa | Decision usually by next working day | GBP 1,000 extra | INR 1.21Lakh |
How to Manage the Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students?
Managing the total cost to study in UK from India is easier with these 5 student-friendly strategies to optimize your 2026-2027 budget.
- Smart Living: Choosing regional hubs like Manchester, Glasgow, or Leeds instead of London can save you roughly GBP 360 (INR 44,000) monthly on rent and daily essentials.
- University Housing: Secure university-managed halls early; they often include all utility bills in the rent, saving you 15–25% compared to private rentals.
- Travel Discounts: Use a 16-25 Railcard or Student Oyster Card to get 1/3 off public transport fares, saving approximately GBP 1,564 (INR 1.9 Lakh) over a three-year degree.
- Strategic Shopping: Reduce your expenses by cooking at home and shopping at discount stores like Aldi or Lidl to save GBP 40 – GBP 80 (INR 5,000 – INR 10,000) monthly.
- Part-time Jobs: Find jobs in UK while you are studying. Offset your costs by working up to 20 hours per week during term, potentially earning GBP 800 – GBP 1,000 (INR 97,000 – INR 1.21 Lakh) per month.
Conclusion
Investing in a British degree is a transformative step for your career, but success requires balancing your academic goals with a realistic financial plan. For the 2026-2027 cycle, the cost of studying in UK for Indian students typically ranges from INR 28 lakh to INR 80 lakh annually, covering tuition, living expenses, and updated visa requirements.
By choosing regional hubs, exploring accelerated 2-year degrees, and applying for scholarships 10–12 months in advance, you can significantly optimize your budget and maximize your return on investment.
Leap Scholar offers expert guidance on university selection, applications, scholarships, and visa processes to simplify your study abroad journey. Book a free consultation with Leapscholar today and make your dream of studying in the UK a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How much money is required to study in UK for Indian students in 2026?
On average, you will need between GBP 23,000 – GBP 59,500 (INR 28 Lakh – INR 72 Lakh) per year. This comprehensive budget includes tuition fees, which typically range from GBP 10,000 – GBP 38,000 (INR 12.1 Lakh – INR 46.1 Lakh), along with accommodation and living expenses.
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What is the average cost of masters in UK for Indian students?
Most Master's programs cost between GBP 11,000 – GBP 35,000 (INR 13.3 Lakh – INR 42.5 Lakh) annually. High-demand or specialized courses like an MBA or clinical medicine at top-tier institutions can range from GBP 25,000 – GBP 75,000 (INR 30.3 Lakh – INR 91.1 Lakh).
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Is 20 lakhs enough to study in UK for Indian students in 2026?
A budget of GBP 16,460 (INR 20 Lakh) can cover a one-year Master’s if you choose an affordable university outside London where tuition is around GBP 10,000 – GBP 12,000 (INR 12.1 Lakh – INR 14.6 Lakh). However, this is a very tight budget as the official living cost requirement for regional areas is GBP 10,539 (INR 12.8 Lakh).
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Can I work in the UK while studying to manage my costs?
Yes, students on a full-time degree-level visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. This can help you earn roughly GBP 800 – GBP 1,000 (INR 97,192 – INR 1.21 Lakh) monthly to offset your daily living expenses.
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What is the cheapest university in the UK for Indian students?
Universities like the University of Cumbria, University of Chester, and University of Bolton are known for their affordability, with international tuition fees often starting between GBP 10,000 and GBP 12,000 (INR 12.1 Lakh – INR 14.6 Lakh).
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How much bank balance is required for a UK Student visa?
For a 2026 visa, you must show a balance covering your first year’s tuition plus living costs for 9 months. The required maintenance is GBP 1,529 (INR 1.85 Lakh) per month for London (totaling INR 16.7 Lakh) or GBP 1,171 (INR 1.42 Lakh) for elsewhere (totaling INR 12.8 Lakh).
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