Can I pay the remaining tuition fees for my UK university in installments, and if so, how many installments are typically allowed?

There is no UK-wide installment rule, which is the detail students most often miss. Each university sets its own upfront percentage, number of installments, and payment dates, so the right question is not whether installments exist but which specific plan your university offers.

How Installment Plans Differ by University

Looking at actual 2026-27 examples shows how much variation there is even among similarly ranked universities:

• Queen Mary University of London: at least 50 percent upfront, with the remaining balance split across 4 installments due by 31 January.
• Birmingham City University: remaining balance spread over 3 installments on set dates through the year.
• Anglia Ruskin University: a choice of 2 or 5 installments, with 60 percent required initially.
• University of Portsmouth: a choice of 2, 3, or 6 installments, generally with 50 percent due at registration.
• University of Sunderland: a 5-installment plan available for eligible international students.

Why Your Visa Status Affects What You Can Delay

If you need a Student visa and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, do not assume you can defer the entire balance. Universities often require a substantial upfront payment, sometimes higher for overseas students specifically, before they will issue the CAS or confirm enrollment, because your visa depends on proof that fees are being met. This means the installment plan and the visa timeline are linked, not separate processes.

This Information Is Also Available On

Queen Mary University of London international fee guidance, Anglia Ruskin University payment guidance, and University of Portsmouth international tuition fee pages.

My Advice

Always email the international finance office directly and ask for the current year's installment schedule in writing before you rely on any published figure, since these dates shift each intake. If your university offers a lower upfront percentage than others you are considering, factor that into your budgeting decision as much as the total tuition figure, because it changes how much you need available before you travel.