The UK is the home of the top universities in the world which offers MS courses in different specializations. Master’s in UK are globally recognised due to their high-quality education, exposure to practical learning, research options, and career opportunities.
The average cost of studying MS in UK ranges between GBP 21,180 – GBP 45,180. This includes the tuition fees and living expenses in the UK. The average MS study expense may vary depending on the university ranking, location of the university, field of study, and other significant aspects.
The cost of studying Master’s in UK is very expensive for Indian students. As an international student, you need to cover numerous additional expenses, such as visa fees, study materials, application fees, and miscellaneous costs to complete your studies in the country. Meanwhile, you can apply for various scholarships and funding assistance to manage your MS costs in the UK.
This article covers the numerous cost of studying MS in UK for international students. Read the article till the end to discover different expenses, scholarship opportunities, and tips to manage them.
Tuition Fees for Master's in UK
The cost of studying MS in UK mainly depends on the tuition fees of the university and the program. The United Kingdom is well-known for offering top-notch education and research opportunities to international students. Meanwhile, the MS universities in UK and colleges charge a hefty amount from international students for the complete course duration. Approximately, the average tuition fees at top UK universities range between GBP 9,000 - GBP 30,000 for master’s courses.
Moreover, the average tuition cost at UK universities varies depending on your study level and the mode of education. Here is a guide for the cost of pursuing a master’s in the UK for Indian students in different programs:
MA (Arts / Social Sciences): GBP 9,000 - GBP 14,000
The United Kingdom has been among the top study abroad destinations for Indian and international students. The country has numerous universities and colleges that are ranked among the QS World University Ranking 2026.
The cost of studying MS in top universities in UK is considerably high for Indian students. You can check the latest tuition fee structure in UK universities below, with their respective world ranking in 2026.
The tuition fees in UK universities depend on numerous factors. Here are some common factors that can influence the fee structure of the MS in UK:
University Ranking and Reputation: The university ranking and its worldwide recognition are among the major factors that can determine the fee structure. Typically, UK universities with a high world ranking, such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London, charge higher tuition fees for international students.
Type of Program: The subject you choose to study in UK affects the overall cost of studying. Generally, programs in Business, Engineering, Law, and Medicine have higher tuition fees than other programs. Humanities and social sciences tend to be more affordable for Indian students.
Course Duration: The duration of your course can impact the average cost of studying in UK. Programs like research-based degrees or integrated programs often last 18 months or two years. Therefore, the average cost may increase.
Mode of Study: The cost of full-time master’s in UK is generally more expensive than the part-time or online Master’s degrees.
The cost of living in UK is a key factor that can increase your average expenses of studying. On average, an Indian student needs around GBP 1,265 per month to manage their living expenses in UK. If you are living outside London, the average may reduce up to GBP 1,015 per month.
The total monthly expense is calculated based on your accommodation, bills, groceries, and a range of other personal expenses. But the average range may vary depending on the spending habits of students. Here’s a list of average monthly expenses in UK for Indian students.
Cost of Living in UK for Indian Students
Expenses
Approximate cost (monthly)
Rent
GBP 550 and GBP 650
Bills (electric/ gas/ water)
GBP 40 - GBP 50
Food and housekeeping
GBP 160 - GBP 200
TV licence (mandatory with TV or watching BBC online)
GBP 12.56 (or GBP 150.50 per year)
Mobile phone
GBP 15 - GBP 50
Clothes and shoes
GBP 25
Leisure & sports (calculated on membership for the students’ sports centre)
GBP 10 - GBP 20
Books & stationery
GBP 21
Socialising
GBP 120
Travel & transport (based on the monthly cost of a student bus pass)
Apart from the tuition fees and living costs, the cost of studying master’s in UK includes some additional variables for international students. These costs can increase your average monthly and annual budget for the duration of the study. Some of the important additional costs to study in UK include:
Application Fees: International students need to pay the application fee while applying for any university. The typical application fees in UK for international students is GBP 50 – GBP 150 per university.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Indian students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application to access the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
Study Materials and Equipment: Apart from the tuition fees, students need money to purchase textbooks, software, lab gear, or specific tools to manage their study requirements.
To obtain a UK visa, applicants must meet specific financial requirements. Every student must fulfil the financial requirements to demonstrate they can support themselves throughout the duration of their studies. The minimum financial eligibility can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
The UK general financial criteria are based on two components:
Proof of Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds held for at least 28 consecutive days.
Currency and Conversion: Candidates need to show their funds in GBP or a currency convertible to GBP.
Students need to have around GBP 1,265 per month to manage their living expenses in UK. If you're living outside London, the average monthly living cost may be slightly lower, around GBP 1,015.
The cost of pursuing a Master's degree in the UK is higher compared to India. However, it is manageable through scholarships and bursaries.
Aspect
UK
India
Tuition Fees
GBP 9,000 - GBP 30,000
₹2 – ₹5 lakhs
Course Duration
1 year
1.5 – 2 years
Living Expenses
GBP 1,015-GBP 1,265 per month
₹1 – ₹2 lakhs/year
Total Estimated Cost
GBP 21,180 – GBP 45,180
₹3 – ₹7 lakhs
Funding and Scholarships to Study in UK
The UK offers various scholarships and funding assistance to international students to manage their cost of studying MS in UK. These scholarships are generally funded by universities, the government, and external organisations.
University Scholarships in UK
Many UK universities offer merit-based, need-based, or course-specific scholarships to cover tuition expenses and living costs of international students in the UK. Some popular UK scholarships for MS are as follows:
University
Scholarships
Amount
Leeds and Beckett University
Postgraduate Scholarship
GBP 3,000
University of East Anglia
UEA India Award
PG - GBP 4,000 - GBP 5,000 (Guaranteed)
Lancaster University
Global Scholarship for all PG courses
GBP 5,000
University of Greenwich
PG Scholarship
Up to GBP 1,500 GBP
Cardiff University
Vice-Chancellor Scholarship
GBP 2,000
Government Scholarships in UK
The UK government offers a variety of scholarships to international students pursuing MS in the country. These UK scholarships typically cover tuition fees, living costs, and other related expenses.
Here’s a list of Government Scholarships in the UK:
Studying in the UK can be expensive for Indian students. The cost of education and living expenses in the country is considerably higher in the United Kingdom than in India. But strategic planning and budgeting can help students manage their study cost in the UK.
Here are some tips to help you manage expenses in UK to study master’s:
Spend mindfully. Do not use your money on luxurious items.
Try to avoid meals from restaurants and cook for yourself.
Use public transportation to travel across the city.
Use your student ID card to get access to student discounts in the UK.
Join various part-time work in UK to collect extra money to manage your daily expenses.
Try to live in shared apartments to cut down your cost on rent.
Create a monthly budget to track your spending.
Do not spend your scholarship money on your personal affairs.
Conclusion
Pursuing a Master’s in the UK is truly a costly affair. However, the cost of studying MS is UK is truly worth it with better career opportunities and job prospects. Candidates facing any problem regarding the UK admission process, visa applications, coaching, and more can connect with the upGrad Abroad experts.
FAQs
Is the UK costly for Indian students?
Yes, the UK is costly for Indian students. The average cost of studying in the UK ranges between GBP 21,180 – GBP 45,180, which is considerably higher than the average living expenses in India.
Is Masters in the UK worth it?
Yes, master’s in the UK is worthwhile. Master’s in UK are recognised globally due to its top-notch education, research facilities, and broader career opportunities.
How much bank balance is required for an UK student visa?
Candidates must have at least GBP 1,265 per month for up to 9 months in their bank accounts for a UK student visa. If you are living outside London, you must have a bank balance of GBP 1,015 per month for up to 9 months to continue their studies in the UK.
What is the cost of PG in the UK?
The cost of PG in the UK ranges between GBP 9,000 - GBP 30,000. The costs may vary for the type of course you are applying to. The cost of pursuing a master’s in the UK for Indian students in different programs are as follows:
MA (Arts / Social Sciences): GBP 9,000 - GBP 14,000
What are the average living expenses for students in London versus other UK cities?
The average living expenses for students in London is GBP 1,265 per month. The expense outside London is around GBP 1,015 per month for Indian students.
Which Master’s programs in the UK have the highest tuition fees?
The MBA programs in the UK have the highest tuition fees for Indian students. The average tuition fees for MBA programs in the UK ranges between GBP 9,500 to more than GBP 34,000.
Are there any fully funded scholarships available for international students in the UK?
Yes, there are multiple fully funded scholarships available for international students in the UK. A few fully funded scholarships available for international students in the UK are Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, and more.
What are the best ways to save money as an international student in the UK?
Some of the best ways to save money as an international student in the UK are living in shared apartments, cooking at home, traveling via public vehicles, use of student ID for discounts, working part-time, and other relevant strategies.
Do UK universities charge application fees?
Yes, the UK universities charge application fees from international students. The typical application fees in UK for international students is GBP 50 – GBP 150 per university.
How much should I budget annually for personal and academic expenses in the UK?
You should budget between GBP 21,180 – GBP 45,180 annually for personal and academic expenses in the UK. This range will vary for different students and their spending habits.
Can international students work part-time while studying in the UK?
Yes, international students can work part-time while studying in the UK. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT,...
Gauri Agrawal is a passionate, professional and proactive content marketer who wants to grow in the field of content creation.
She carries a rich experience of working in the Digital News sector with...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
