Reduce the Cost of Your UK Degree — Study Smart

The United Kingdom is home to the world’s most prestigious and top-ranking universities, making it a popular destination for higher studies. 

But before you plan to study in the UK, you must understand how much it costs, right from applying to the university till you reach the UK and find a comfortable stay with basic amenities. 

Also Read: Why Should You Consider Studying in the UK?

Primarily, these are the expenses you will face:

• Application fee for UK universities
• VISA application expenses
• Cost of study for the UG program
• Living cost in the UK for Indian students
• Taxes & Insurance costs

Read till the end of this article – We have bonus tips on how you can manage your expenses on a tight budget while studying in the UK.

Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students: Highlights

UK Student Visa Application Expenses

Here are the expenses you must bear for applying for a UK Student Visa.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

There are four specific conditions to apply for a Student VISA if you want to study in the UK –

1. You must be 16 years of age or older.
2. You must have an admission letter from a UK university.
3. You must have proof of your education sponsorship or bank statements that reflect enough funds to support your education.
4. You should have a consent letter from your parents if you are a minor.

Read Here: Top Reasons for UK Student Visa Rejection

In addition, you also have to pay GBP 470 as the immigration healthcare surcharge. 

Hence, an Indian student currently staying in India must pay a total amount of GBP 833.  

Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students: Overall Expenses

The cost of studying undergraduate courses in the UK differs based on the university and the location. Over the years, fees have increased consistently. 

The costs above will vary depending on the course and university. But there is a catch, in comparison to US universities, the universities in the UK have shorter programs. Most undergraduate programs in the UK are completed in 3 years. 

Cost of Study in the UK for Indian Students: Personal Expenses

Monthly living costs in the UK, on average, range from GBP 900 to 1,400. All these expenses vary greatly depending on the city you are living in. Some urban cities like London are even costlier than New York, whereas others like Leeds and Liverpool are cheaper. 

On-Campus Accommodation

Most of the top universities in the UK provide on-campus accommodation to first-year undergraduates. It is mandatory to live on campus in some institutes. The charges vary depending on the university you apply for and the type of room you choose. 

Off-Campus Accommodation

Students also have several off-campus accommodation options available nearby. Nevertheless, the price could be adjusted if you rent a place with a flatmate. Some options are: 

Many students prefer sharing an off-campus residence and the charges are approximately GBP 500 to 800 a month. You can share it with other students depending on the policies and rules set by the landlord. 

Food

Primarily, UK universities give you various meal options. You can either cook on your own or opt for one of their meal plans. Whether you stay on campus or outside, food charges lie between GBP 150 – 250. 

Miscellaneous Expenses

In addition to food and accommodation, Indian students must pay for other living expenses such as transportation, laundry, internet, clothing, etc. These are personal expenses and these costs depend on your lifestyle but usually range between GBP 300 to 500. 

Budgeting tips for managing the cost of study in the UK

• Open a student bank account with an interest-free overdraft. Open another account for your day-to-day expenses. Why? So that you don’t end up spending on your bills, tuition fee and items from the list of your fixed expenses. 
• Opt for buying from stores that offer off-season discounts. 
• As an  International student, you can get a part-time job and work up to 20 hours a week during term time
• Save money on books by borrowing from your university’s library or buying them second-hand online.
• Prepare your food at home, and save small expenses you may need later. 
• Use public transport whenever possible, it’s cheap and efficient in the UK. Find roommates to share housing with. You can get a bigger space for lower rent and reduce your overhead costs.

All things considered, you still spend a decent amount of money studying abroad. Moreover, the tedious application and preparation process goes on for months and even after that, there is no guarantee of your admission.

There is, however, a smarter way to study abroad. 

With The WorldGrad’s Global Year 1 Program, you get guaranteed admission at a top UK university and save up to INR 22 lakhs on your education costs. The UK offers post-study work rights to international students for up to 2 years, during which you can get a job and offset your education costs.

Moreover, the Global Year 1 Program also includes a one-of-its-kind learning curve. You go through a virtual internship at a UK-based organisation. It helps you build your practical skills, understand how the corporate world works, and improve your employability.

By starting your degree with The WorldGrad, you also show authenticity, maximising your chances of getting a student visa, as is proven by benefit from our 2X higher visa success rate to date. The WorldGrad also gives you industry experience through virtual internships and builds your employability and academic skills while setting you up for success.

Take your first step towards your dream to study abroad with The WorldGrad.

Author: Deepak Shukla