Studying in the UK is a dream for many Indian students. The UK offers world-class education, career opportunities, and a luxurious lifestyle to international students. However, the cost of studying in the UK is expensive for Indian students.
The estimated cost of studying in UK for Indian students is between GBP 1,500 to GBP 2,000 per month. The average study expenses in UK include university tuition fees, accommodation, visa charges, insurance, and more.
The UK provides various scholarships and financial aid to manage tuition fees and living expenses. Also, students can manage their average cost of study in UK 2025 through proper planning. This article will explain the cost of studying in UK for Indian students 2025, tuition fees, living expenses, and tips to manage finances.
The United Kingdom is an expensive country for Indian students to pursue higher education. As per the latest reports, the average cost of studying in UK ranges between GBP 1,500 to GBP 2,000 per month. The cost of studying in the UK for Indian students in 2025 depends on the type of course, university, location, and other factors.
The tuition fees in UK universities are comparatively higher for Indian students. The average tuition fees in universities in UK range between GBP 10,000 to GBP 24,000 per year.
Moreover, the cost of living in UK and personal expenses can also add to the cost of studying in UK for Indian students. On average, the monthly living cost in the UK is between INR 150,700 to INR 160,600 per month. Additionally, personal Expenses, like entertainment, mobile bills, and travel, will vary but generally amount to GBP 100–GBP 300 per month.
Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students: Highlights
Particulars
Description
Tuition Fees in UK
Undergraduate Courses: GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year
Postgraduate (Master’s) Courses: GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year
Doctoral degree: GBP 15,000 to GBP 24,000 per year
Cost of Living in the UK
GBP 1,400 to GBP 1,550 per month
Tuition Fees for Indian Students in UK (H2)
The tuition fees for Indian students in UK range between GBP 10,000 to GBP 24,000 per year. The fees for a postgraduate master's degree in the UK is between GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 annually. For doctoral degrees, the fee range is GBP 15,000 to GBP 24,000 annually for Indian students.
Top-ranked UK universities such as Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and UCL have their own fee structure for international students based on the field of study. For example, humanities, arts, and education courses are cheaper than the engineering, medicine, dentistry, MBA, and Law courses. Check out the Best Courses to study in the UK.
The UK university fees for Indian students also differ between countries such as England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Here's a list of top UK universities with average annual fees for Indian students.
The United Kingdom also offers numerous universities with cheaper annual fees. Thousands of Indian students apply to these universities due to the affordable fees. The top 5 most affordable UK universities for international students in 2025 are as follows:
What is the cost of living in the UK in Indian rupees? The average cost of living in the UK is between INR 150,700 to INR 160,600 per month. One can calculate the average monthly cost in the UK by adding the tuition fees and living expenses.
The cost of living in the United Kingdom is approximately 226.4% higher than in India. Recently, the UK government increased the council tax by 4.99%. Additionally, the water bills energy bills are up by GBP 10 per month and GBP 111 annually.
The average monthly cost in UK, also varies by the city of residence. For Indian students, London is the most expensive city to live and study in the UK. Whereas cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow are comparatively cheaper. In 2025, rent in the United Kingdom is approximately 553.7% higher than in India.
Let’s check the recent cost of living in UK for Indian students in 2025:
Travel & transport (based on the monthly cost of a student bus pass)
GBP 32
Bills (electric/ gas/ water)
GBP 40 - GBP 50
Mobile phone
GBP 15 - GBP 50
TV licence (mandatory with TV or watching BBC online)
GBP 12.56 (or GBP 150.50 per year)
Books & stationery
GBP 21
Clothes and shoes
GBP 25
Leisure & sports (calculated on membership for the students’ sports centre)
GBP 10 - GBP 20
Socialising
GBP 120
Childcare (if needed)
GBP 656
Taxes for Indian Students in UK
Many Indian students work part-time in UK to manage their study expenses. As per the UK government notice, Indian students are allowed to work full-time during the vacations and only 20 hours per week during academic sessions.
Indian students working in the UK while studying need to pay tax and national insurance to the UK government. You can pay the tax via the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) portal.
Taxes for Indian Students in UK in 2025
Type
Payment Details
Income Tax
Students who earn more than GBP 1,042 a month on average (personal allowance)
National Insurance
Students who earn more than GBP 166 a week
Additional Costs: Pre-arrival and Post-arrival Expenses
Apart from the tuition fees and living costs, students must take care of various additional costs when studying in the UK. One can divide the additional cost of studying in UK for Indian Students into two major parts: Pre-arrival Expenses and Post-arrival Expenses.
Pre-arrival Expenses
The pre-arrival expenses to study in the UK include university application fees, health surcharge, flight tickets, ELP test fees, visa application fee, etc.
Application Fee for Universities:
Single Course Application: GBP 22.50
Multiple Courses (up to five choices): GBP 28.50
IELTS/TOEFL Test Fees: Approximately GBP 170 – GBP 200
The post-arrival expenses to study in the UK include student registration fees, local travel cards, study materials, and more.
Local Travel Card/Pass: GBP 70 – GBP 100 per month
Student Registration Fees: Some universities may charge an additional registration/enrollment fee
Study Materials and Books: GBP 300 – GBP 500 annually (approx.)
Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities to Study in UK
Indian students can apply for multiple scholarships and financial aid in the UK to manage their study costs. Check the eligibility requirements of the UK scholarships to apply early.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the UK
Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Proof of financial status or funding (if applicable)
Research proposal (for research-based scholarships)
Passport-sized photographs
Cost Comparison: Studying in the UK vs. Other Countries
Many students often get confused in selecting a perfect study abroad destination for higher studies. Here, we have provided a comparison among the top study destinations for Indian students, along with their estimated cost of studying in 2025.
Studying in the UK vs. Other Countries
Destination
Cost of Studying per year
Canada
CAD 13,000 to 25,000
New Zealand
NZD 19,000 to 29,000
Australia
AUD 15,000 to 42,000
UK
GBP 10,000 to 20,000
US
USD 20,000 to 45,000
Ireland
€9,850 to 34,500
Tips to Manage Cost of Studying in the UK
Check the tips below to manage your study expenses in the UK:
Prepare a monthly budget.
Cook your food at home to save money.
Use public vehicles such as trains, metro, buses, etc, to travel around the city.
Use your student ID to get student discounts through apps like Student Oyster Card, TOTUM, 16-25 Railcard, UNiDAYS, etc.
Apply for different part-time work in UK to get extra money for personal expenses.
Look for affordable accommodation options. Apply for university halls and hostels.
Open a student bank account to manage your finances effectively.
Apply for different UK scholarships and financial aid for Indian students.
The UK is among the dream study abroad destination of Indian students who plans for higher studies abroad. However, the study in the UK comes with a high cost. The cost of studying in UK for Indian students can be high, but the quality of education a better career prospects make it a better choice.
If any student plans early, applies for scholarships, and spends carefully, students can manage their cost of studying in UK better. If any candidates want more help to plan their studies abroad, they can reach out to the experts at upGrad. Our experts at Upgrad can guide you through every step and make the whole process easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is it to study in the UK?
The total expense of study in the UK is between GBP 1,500 to GBP 2,000. This cost comprises university tuition fees, accommodation, visa charges, insurance, and more. The estimation can vary for different students.
Is the UK costly for Indian students?
Yes, the UK is costly for Indian students. The average cost of studying in UK universities is between GBP 1,500 to GBP 2,000 per month for Indian students. Also, the cost of living in the United Kingdom is approximately 226.4% higher than in India.
Is it cheaper to study in the UK or USA?
The UK is comparatively cheaper to study in for Indian students than the USA. The cost of living in the USA is around 9.9% costlier than in the UK.
Is studying in UK worth it now?
Yes, studying in the UK is worthwhile. The UK offers various graduate, undergraduate, and doctoral courses with multiple specializations. Also, the UK graduates are among the highly paid employees all around the world.
How much bank balance is required for an UK student visa?
Approximately GBP 1,334 per month for up to 9 months is required if studying in London. For living outside London, GBP 1,023 per month is required for up to 9 months.
What is the cost of living in London 2025?
The cost of living in London is around GBP 2,000–GBP 3,000 per month for a single individual. The costs cover rent, food, transport, and utilities.
How much money do I need for a UK study visa?
You need GBP 490 to apply for a student visa in UK. You need approximately GBP 1,334 per month if studying in London. For living outside London, GBP 1,023 per month is required.
Is UK very expensive to live?
Yes, the UK is very expensive to live in for Indian students. However, you can manage your costs in the UK through various scholarships and financial aid. Also, look for part-time jobs in the UK to manage your living expenses.
Is 3k a month good in the UK?
A 3k monthly income in the UK is not sufficient in the UK. The cost of studying in UK is very high for Indian students. Therefore, you need around GBP 1,500 to GBP 2,000 per month to manage your expenses.
Do Indian students pay tax in UK?
Yes, Indian students pay tax in the UK. Indian students earning more than GBP 1,042/month pay income tax, and those earning over GBP 166/week must pay National Insurance contributions.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland...
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