Cost of Studying In The UK In 2024: Fees, Salaries, And More

Studying in the UK is a dream for many Indian students, and the UK has consistently remained a top destination for those looking for excellent education, cultural variety, and global experiences. 

According to recent studies, the count of Indian students pursuing higher education in the UK is expected to rise to 1.8 million by the year 2024. Recently, the UK has become a top choice for Indian students, with an impressive 95% success rate for study visa applications. On average, undergraduate programs cost between INR 8L(Approx) and INR 30.5L(Approx) per year, while postgraduate degrees typically range from INR 12L(Approx) to INR 35.5L(Approx).

Explore the cost of studying in the UK, focusing on factors that Indian students should consider when planning their educational journey abroad.

Why Choose The UK?

The UK is preferred for higher education due to its rich academic excellence and renowned institutions. The UK universities consistently rank among the top universities in the world, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education. 

These institutions promote critical thinking, creativity, and a global perspective with valuable skills and knowledge that are highly regarded by top-notch employers worldwide. 

The UK’s diverse and inclusive learning environment encourages students from all backgrounds to succeed. Overall, the UK’s educational excellence makes it attractive for students seeking a well-rounded and rewarding higher education experience.

Reasons to consider studying in the UK in 2024:

• World-Renowned Education: The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, offering top-notch education and globally recognised degrees.

• Diverse Cultural Experience: Studying in the UK exposes you to rich cultures, making it a culturally enriching experience.

• Cultural Events and Festivals: The UK hosts various cultural events and festivals annually, offering a vibrant and dynamic social life.

• Quality Healthcare: Access to high-quality healthcare is a significant advantage, ensuring your well-being during your studies in the UK.

These factors and the country’s excellent quality of life make the UK a top choice for students in 2024.

Cost of Studying In The UK 

When considering cost of studying in the UK in 2024, it is essential to understand the various expenses associated with pursuing higher education in the country. In addition to tuition fees, Indian students should consider the cost of living, accommodation, and other related expenses.

Tuition Fees 

The cost of studying in the UK varies depending on the course and institution you choose. On average, undergraduate programs cost between INR 8L(Approx) and INR 30.5L(Approx) per year, while postgraduate degrees typically range from INR 12L(Approx) to INR 35.5L(Approx).

International students have access to scholarships and financial aid opportunities that can help reduce the pressure associated with the cost of studying in the UK.

Here are the top 5 universities in the UK, along with their average tuition fees for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs:

Universities	Avg UG Tuition Fee Annually	Avg PG Tuition Fee Annually
University Of Edinburgh	INR 26L – INR 35L	INR 4L – INR 41L
University Of Cambridge	INR 26L – INR 68L	INR 30L – INR 40L
University Of Bristol	INR 5L  – INR 30L	INR 5L – INR 50L
University College London	INR 30L – INR 35L	INR 20L – INR 53.5L
London School Of Economics	INR 26L – INR 28.5L	INR 27.5L – INR 45L

Living Cost In The UK For Indian Students

Living and cost of studying in the UK can change, mainly depending on your location. Big cities like London tend to be more expensive, while smaller towns and cities offer a more affordable lifestyle. 

You should budget around INR 92,000(Approx) per month for living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation.

Accommodation Cost In The UK For Indian Students

Accommodation is an essential part of the cost of studying in the UK. Options range from university housing to private rentals.

On-campus accommodation may cost between INR 50,818(Approx)– and INR 71,146(Approx) per month. In comparison, private rental housing in the city centre may cost around INR 95,000(Approx) monthly.

Here’s a table for the average cost of living and travel costs among different regions in the UK:

City	Avg Cost Of Living ( Monthly)	Avg Travel Cost (Monthly)
London	INR 2L	INR 17,278
Manchester	INR 1L	INR 8,131
Leeds	INR 85,680	INR 7,622

Scholarships For Indian Students In The UK

Indian students can find various tuition fees at UK universities. For instance, humanities and social sciences programs tend to be on the lower end, while courses like medicine and engineering often come with higher fees. Researching and comparing the costs of different universities and programs is essential.

The cost of studying in the UK can be expensive for Indian students. Fortunately, multiple internal and external scholarships are available for Indian students to pursue higher education in the UK. 

Here are some scholarships for Indian students to reduce the cost of studying in the UK:

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: These scholarships are funded by the UK government and are available for Indian students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees in various fields.

 Eligibility For Commonwealth Shared Scholarships:

• You should be a citizen of one of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships countries.
• You are expected to have a first-class or upper-second-class bachelor’s degree.
• You must meet English language standards that comply with UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) student visa laws and have these standards in place before the application deadline.
• You should not currently be living or studying in a developed nation.
• You should not have previously studied in a developed country.

Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious UK government scholarship program open to Indian students who are future leaders and decision-makers.

 Eligibility For Chevening Scholarships:-

• You must be a citizen of a Chevening-qualified country or territory.
• After your award has concluded, you must return to your home country for at least two years.
• By submitting your application, you should have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will allow you to enrol in a postgraduate program at a UK university. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK, but it may vary depending on your field of study and chosen university.
• You should have at least two years of work experience, equivalent to 2,800 hours.

Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships: The Inlaks Foundation provides scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at leading universities in the UK, USA, and Europe.

 Eligibility For Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships:-

• All Indian citizens who have resided in India for at least six months before the application deadline are eligible.
• Indian citizens with an undergraduate degree from a recognised institution outside of India that meets the academic standards must have lived, worked, or studied in India for at least two years before applying.
• Candidates with a postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) from a foreign university are not eligible to apply.
•  Candidates already enrolled in postgraduate studies at a foreign university are not eligible to apply.
• You must have a confirmed offer for admission to the specified institution and program at the time of your application.

Want to know more about scholarships in the UK?

Average Salary In The UK

The UK offers various job opportunities for international graduates. Graduates can earn around INR 30L(Approx) per year in their initial roles. However, salaries can vary depending on the specialisation and location.

Here’s a table of the top 10 professions in the UK with their average salaries:

Jobs	Average Salary In The UK ( per year)
Doctor	INR 66L
Engineer	INR 45L
Pilot	INR 42L
Software Developers	INR 57.5L
Teachers	INR 38L
Nurses	INR 39L
Architects	INR 73L
Marketing Managers	INR 54L
Data Analyst	INR 43.5L
Pharmacists	INR 45L

Visa Application To Study In The UK

A student visa is required for Indian students planning to study in the UK. A Tier 4 (General) visa allows international students to study full-time in the UK. It costs approximately INR 49,500(Approx)  for Indian students.

Additionally, you might need to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the National Health Service (NHS). After paying the immigration health surcharge, Indian students can avail of several free healthcare services from the NHS. They do not need to pay additional fees to access a General Practitioner, healthcare centre or hospital.

Types of UK student visas for Indian students:

• Tier 4 (General) Student Visa: This visa is for students aged 16 and above who wish to study at higher education institutions in the UK.

• Short-Term Study Visa: This visa suits Indian students who want to study short courses or English language programs in the UK.

• Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa: Designed for students aged 4 to 17 who plan to attend independent schools in the UK.

Securing a student visa to study in the UK involves several requirements and a specific application process. 

1. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): You must have an absolute offer of a place on a course at a UK educational institution. If you’re 16 or above and aiming to pursue higher education in the UK, you must apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa. This offer is represented by your institution’s (CAS) certificate.

2. Financial Requirements: You must show that you have enough money to cover the cost of studying in the UK, your tuition fees and living costs.

3. English Language Proficiency: You must prove your proficiency in the English language by taking an approved English language test, such as the IELTS and TOEFL.

4. Visa Application Form: You must complete the online visa application form on the official UK government website.

5. Biometric Information: You must provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) at a visa application centre.

6. Healthcare Surcharge (IHS): You are generally required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This surcharge grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

Comparison Between India And The UK

When considering the cost of studying in the UK, it’s essential to compare them with the educational costs in your home country, India.

The cost of living in India is lower than in the UK, offering affordability in several aspects of daily life. Accommodation, food, and transportation expenses are generally more budget-friendly in India. The UK’s higher living costs are reflected in relatively expensive housing, groceries, and public transportation. 

While studying in the UK can be more expensive, the UK offers access to high-quality education, international exposure, and various cultural experiences that can be valuable for personal and professional growth. India offers a cost-effective living environment, and the UK provides a more Western living standard with related expenses.

Here’s a list of the comparisons between India and the UK:-

Expenses (monthly)	India	UK
Rent ( Monthly)	INR 20,000	INR 2.16L
Transportation (Monthly Pass)	INR 1,000	INR 17,278
Utilities ( Monthly)	INR 5,144	INR 32,000

Future Prospects In The UK

Looking ahead, the future in the UK appears bright, with several promising opportunities. Despite facing challenges like the pandemic, the country shows stability and determination in moving forward. From economic recovery to technological progress, sustainability efforts to healthcare advancements, the UK is on a path to a better future.

Explore positive prospects reflecting the nation’s optimism and potential here:

• Quality Education: The UK is home to renowned universities and colleges, providing students with a high-quality education and valuable skills that are highly considered worldwide.

• Job Market: The UK offers a dynamic job market with opportunities in various sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare, and creative industries.

• Global Networking: Studying in the UK exposes individuals to various international communities. It allows students for valuable networking and cross-cultural experiences.

• Post-Study Work Opportunities: The reintroduction of the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies. It gives a chance to gain work experience and secure long-term employment.

The UK’s opportunities are promising for individuals pursuing quality education, career growth, and international exposure. 

Its strong economy and welcoming environment make it an attractive destination for the students.

Final Thoughts

The cost of studying in the UK can be significant, but it comes with various benefits. From prestigious universities to promising job prospects, the UK is an attractive destination for Indian students looking to expand their horizons.

Careful planning the cost of studying in the UK and exploring scholarship opportunities can help make your dream of studying in the UK a reality.

Leap Scholar is proud to have a highly qualified team of counsellors with 50+ years of combined experience in helping students study abroad. Talk to us and find out which country is ideal for you!

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