MS in UK cost: Top Universities, Eligibility, Cost of Living

Latest Update: Imperial College London recommends international applicants submit MS applications by June 30, 2025, to ensure timely visa processing. Other UK universities follow course-specific or rolling deadlines.

Pursuing a master’s in the UK offers strong career outcomes. Fields like medicine and dentistry see 97% of graduates in high-skilled roles, while computing, engineering, and architecture report 83%–91%. Science-related degrees have better returns, with 82% in skilled jobs compared to 71% in non-science fields. 

The University of Manchester records an 88% employability rate, and 75% of master’s graduates enter professional-level roles within 15 months. With over 700,000 international students choosing to study in UK, the appeal is clear. This guide helps you evaluate MS in UK cost and explore programs at top universities in the UK.

MS in UK cost: Overview and Key Stats

The UK offers strong academic value, but studying here requires financial planning. From application fees to job returns, each element affects your budget. Masters graduates are 12% more likely to be in full-time employment than those with only undergraduate degrees, making the investment worthwhile for many students.

Review the key highlights below to understand what shapes the MS in UK cost.

Particulars	Details
Duration	1 to 2 Years
Top Universities	Imperial College London University of Oxford University of Cambridge University College London The University of Edinburgh
High-Paying Jobs after graduation	Data Analyst: £35K (INR 40.0L) AI Engineer: £92K (INR 105.1L)
Application Fee	£75 to £150 (INR 8.6K to INR 17.1K) (varies in each university)
Post Study Work Opportunity	Up to 24 Months

To plan better, you also need to know the types of master’s programs offered across UK universities.

Types of Master's Programs in UK

There are two primary types of master's programs: Taught and Research. Choosing the right type of MS program is key to managing your workload, timeline, and overall MS in UK cost. Each format differs in structure, research expectations, and career outcomes. Picking the wrong one can lead to wasted time and money.

Refer to the table below to compare different master's formats in the UK.

Type	Curriculum
Taught Master's	Structured with scheduled lectures, seminars, assessments, and exams.  Includes coursework and a dissertation (usually 10,000–15,000 words).  Duration: typically 1 year full-time. Popular Specializations: Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Management
Research Master's	Independent research under academic supervision.  Minimal taught content.  Ends with a large thesis (20,000–40,000+ words). Duration: 1–2 years full-time. Popular Specialization: Philosophy, Physics, Economics, Finance

Knowing your course structure helps you prepare better for costs, timelines, and academic workload.

MS in UK cost: Tuition Fee at Top Universities

Studying at a top-ranked university in the UK can come with a high price tag. Tuition fees vary sharply depending on the course and institution. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the United Kingdom has 90 universities listed in the rankings. Understanding where tuition costs stand helps you plan your MS budget effectively.

Explore the following list to compare annual tuition fees and rankings across top UK universities.

University	QS World Rankings 2025	Annual Tuition Fee
Imperial College London	2	~£40K (INR 45.7L)
University of Oxford	3	~£33K (INR 37.7L)
University of Cambridge	5	~£50K (INR 57.1L)
University College London	9	~£18,400 to £65,500 (INR 21.0L to INR 74.8L)
The University of Edinburgh	27	~£30K (INR 34.3L)
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	=50	~£30K (INR 34.3L)
University of Bristol	54	~£34K (INR 38.8L)
University of Glasgow	78	~£25K (INR 28.6L)
Durham University	=89	~£25K (INR 28.6L)
University of Birmingham	=80	~£15K to £28K (INR 17.1L to INR 32.0L)
University of York	184	~£30K (INR 34.3L)

Note: INR amounts are approximate and are subject to change.

If you want to manage the MS in UK cost without losing access to strong academic programs, some universities offer high-quality education at lower fees.

Affordable Colleges for MS in UK

If you're worried about the MS cost in the UK, choosing a more affordable university can reduce your burden. Some institutions offer tuition starting as low as £6,983.40 (INR 8.0L), helping you stay within budget while gaining a UK degree. 

Check the table below to compare tuition fees across affordable UK universities for international students.

University	MSc Tuition Fee (International Students)	Msc Tuition Fee (INR)
University of the Highlands and Islands	£16,200	INR 18.5L
University of Sunderland	£6,983.40 to £8,034	INR 8.0L to INR 9.2L
University of Bedfordshire	£16,900	INR 19.3L
University of Cumbria	£13,575 to £14,900	INR 15.5L to INR 17.0L
University of Chester	£15,000	INR 17.1L
University of Bolton	£15,950	INR 18.2L
University of West London	£15,000 to £16,000	INR 17.1L to INR 18.3L

Note: INR amounts are approximate and are subject to change.

Understanding tuition is only one side of the coin. Scholarships can further reduce your MS in UK cost and make studying in the UK more accessible.

MS in UK cost: Scholarships for International Students

Scholarships can ease the pressure of high tuition and living expenses. For many, they make the MS in UK cost in Indian rupees more manageable. 

For master's students, the average scholarship amount is around £7,410 to £7,500 (INR 8.5L to INR 8.6L), though some awards may be as low as £2,000 (INR 2.3L) or as high as £15,000 (INR 17.1L).

Review the top UK scholarships below to see which ones align with your academic and financial profile.

Name	Type	Benefits
Clarendon Scholarship	Merit-based	Covers full tuition and college fees; provides a generous grant for living expenses.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	Merit-based	Covers full tuition, maintenance allowance, airfare, and additional discretionary funding.
CMA CGM Excellence Fund for Education	Merit-based	Covers full overseas tuition fees and provides an annual stipend of £19,500 (INR 22.3L).
UCL Global Master's Scholarship	Need-based	Provides £15,000 (INR 17.1L) for one year to support students from lower-income backgrounds.

To make smart academic choices, you should also know which MS programs attract most applications in 2025.

MS in UK cost: Popular Choices in 2025

Selecting the right program can help you balance both the academic benefits and the MS in UK cost in Indian rupees. Courses in data science, finance, and healthcare continue to dominate admissions in 2025. The UK tech sector is valued at over £1 trillion, the largest in Europe, which explains the growing demand for MS programs in AI, software, and analytics.

Browse the list below to find popular MS courses at leading UK universities.

University	Popular Master's Programs
University of Oxford	MSc in Economics MSc in Genomic Medicine MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc in Computer Science MSc in Economic and Social History
University of Cambridge	MPhil in Advanced Computer Science MPhil in Finance MPhil in Management MPhil in Real Estate Finance MPhil in Digital Humanities
Imperial College London	MSc in Business Analytics MSc in Finance MSc in Strategic Marketing MSc in Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management MSc in Climate Change, Management & Finance
University College London	MSc in Human-Computer Interaction MSc in Climate Change MS in Civil Engineering MSc in Advanced Biomedical Imaging MSc in Drug Discovery and Pharma Management
University of Edinburgh	MSc in Cognitive Science MSc in Acoustics and Music Technology MSc in Sound Design MSc in Classical Art and Archaeology MSc in Public Health

Also Read: Benefits of Studying in UK as Compared to India in 2025

Once you’ve shortlisted your preferred MS programs, the next step is to check if you meet the eligibility criteria.

MS in UK cost: Eligibility and Requirements

Meeting the eligibility standards is essential to reduce rejections and delays. Universities in the UK expect strong academic records and proof of English language skills. You need to score between 6.0 and 7.0 overall on IELTS Band score chart, with no band lower than 5.5 or 6.5.

Refer to the details below to understand what documents and qualifications you need for MS in the UK.

Category	Details
Academic Qualifications	Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK second-class honours (2:1 or 2:2).
Application Fee	£75 to £150 (INR 8.6K to INR 17.1K) (varies in each university)
Academic Transcripts	Official transcripts detailing courses taken and grades achieved. If the documents are not in English, certified translations are required.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Levels	Proof of proficiency through standardized tests. Minimum scores vary by institution and program.
Minimum ELP Scores	IELTS Academic: 6.0–7.0 overall, with no component below 5.5–6.5. TOEFL iBT: 79–96 overall, with minimum scores in each section ranging from 17–24. PTE Academic: 55–67 overall, with minimum scores in each component ranging from 51–61. Duolingo English Test: 105–130 overall, with minimum scores in each component ranging from 95–120.
Competitive Exam Scores	GRE:  Verbal: 155–160 Quantitative: 160–165 Analytical Writing: 4.0–4.5 GMAT: Total Score: 600–700+
Additional Requirements	Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Typically two, preferably from academic referees. Statement of Purpose (SOP): An essay outlining academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing the specific program. Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume: Detailing academic and professional experience. Passport Copy: Valid passport for identification and visa purposes.

Note: Specific programs or universities may have additional or slightly different requirements. 

Before packing your bags, you need a clear idea of how much you'll spend each month during your stay in the UK.

Cost of Living in UK for International Students

Living costs in the UK are far steeper than what you're used to in India. On average, expenses in the UK are around 228.2% higher than in India, especially for essentials like rent, groceries, and transport. These day-to-day costs often surprise students who focus only on tuition fees while planning for MS in UK cost.

Check the table below to estimate your monthly expenses and prepare for the full MS in UK cost in Indian rupees.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (£)	Estimated Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation	£400 – £1,800	INR 45.7K – INR 2.06L
Utilities & Bills	£50 – £150	INR 5.7K – INR 17.1K
Groceries	£100 – £250	INR 11.4K – INR 28.6K
Transportation	£40 – £103	INR 4.6K – INR 11.8K
Personal Expenses (Clothing, toiletries)	£50 – £200	INR 5.7K – INR 22.9K
Social Activities	£30 – £150	INR 3.4K – INR 17.1K
Study Materials	£20 – £90	INR 2.3K – INR 10.3K
Total Estimated Cost	£1,100 – £2,500	INR 1.25L – INR 2.86L

Note: INR amounts are approximate and are subject to change.

Once you’re aware of the cost of studying and living, the next step is securing your student visa to legally begin your MS journey in the UK.

Student Visa for UK

Before you can begin your studies, you must secure a valid student visa. If you’re studying in London, you need to show living expenses of £1,334 (INR 1.52L) per month for up to 9 months. Missing a single requirement can delay or deny your visa, which directly affects your MS in UK cost.

Read the table below carefully to understand each requirement involved in the UK student visa process.

Category	Details
Eligibility	Must be 16 or over. Offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. Can speak, read, write, and understand English. If you're 16 or 17, you'll need consent from your parents.
Application Timing	Apply up to 6 months before your course starts if applying from outside the UK. Apply up to 3 months before your course starts if applying from inside the UK. Decisions are usually made within 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (inside the UK).
Visa Duration	For degree-level courses, you can stay for up to 5 years. For courses below degree level, up to 2 years.
Fees	£490 (INR 56K) to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK £490 (INR 56K) to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK
Healthcare Surcharge	£776 per year for students (INR 88.7K)
Financial Requirements	Course fees for one academic year. Living costs: £1,334 per month (INR 1.52L) for courses in London; £1,023 per month (INR 1.17L) for courses outside London, up to 9 months. Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days.
English Language Proficiency	Must prove ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to a certain level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. Degree-level or above: CEFR level B2. Below degree level: CEFR level B1.
Required Documents	Current passport or other valid travel documentation. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider. Proof of sufficient funds. Proof of English language proficiency. Tuberculosis test results (if applicable). Parental consent (if under 18).
Application Process	Apply online through the official UK government website. Prove your identity as part of your application. Provide necessary documents. Pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge.
Work Rights	You can work in most jobs, depending on what level your course is and what kind of sponsor you have. You cannot work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
Dependents	Your partner and children ('dependants') may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK. Each dependent must have a certain amount of money available to them.

Once your visa is ready, the focus shifts to what you can do after graduation. This directly affects your return on investment and long-term goals.

Career Options After MS in UK

The UK job market rewards skilled professionals with competitive salaries and stable employment. The employment rate for people aged 16–64 during this period stands at 75.0%, showing strong demand for qualified candidates. After completing your MS, you can work in roles across tech, finance, engineering, and research. 

Check the table below to understand the earning potential across common job roles after MS in the UK.

Job Roles	Annual Average Salary (GBP)	Annual Average Salary (INR)
Data Analyst	£35K	INR 40.0L
AI Engineer	£92K	INR 105.1L
Mathematician	£41K	INR 46.8L
Software Engineer	£48K	INR 54.8L
Project Manager	£49K	INR 56.0L

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Note: INR amounts are approximate and are subject to change.

Now that you know which jobs pay well, it’s just as important to know who’s hiring. Recruiter networks can shape your entire post-MS journey.

Top Recruiters in the UK for MS Graduates

A strong recruiter network increases your chances of landing a well-paying job after graduation. As of January to March 2025, there are approximately 33.98 million people aged 16 and over employed in the UK, highlighting the scale of the active workforce. 

Refer to the table below to identify key recruiters across various sectors that frequently hire MS graduates for the most in-demand jobs.

Recruiter	Industry
Deloitte	Consulting
Amazon	E-commerce & Tech
Google	Technology
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)	Pharmaceuticals
Barclays	Banking & Finance
Rolls-Royce	Engineering
Unilever	Consumer Goods
PwC	Consulting & Audit
Microsoft	Technology
AstraZeneca	Biotechnology

While job opportunities are promising, managing your expenses well during the course is equally important. Smart planning can ease the pressure of your MS in UK cost.

Tips to Afford Studying & Living in UK

Students struggle to balance tuition, rent, and daily expenses while studying abroad. With rising accommodation costs and unpredictable living expenses, even a planned budget can fall short. If you don’t prepare well, your MS in UK cost in Indian rupees can spiral quickly. 

Follow the tips below to cut unnecessary costs and manage your budget more effectively during your time in the UK.

• Apply for Part-Time Jobs Early: Look for on-campus roles or student union positions before the term starts. These jobs often offer flexible hours and are in high demand.
• Choose Student-Specific Bank Accounts: Banks like HSBC, Santander, and Barclays offer accounts with perks such as no monthly fees, free international transfers, and cashback on purchases.
• Use Railcards and Student Discounts: Get a 16–25 Railcard or student Oyster card to save up to 30% on travel. Sign up for student discount platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans for everyday savings.
• Live in University Housing or Share Flats: University-managed accommodations may include bills in rent, which helps avoid sudden utility costs. Sharing private flats reduces monthly rent significantly.
• Buy Second-Hand Course Material: Platforms like Amazon Warehouse, AbeBooks, or campus marketplaces offer used books and tools at a fraction of the price.
• Access NHS Services Smartly: You’re eligible for NHS care through the healthcare surcharge, so avoid private consultations unless necessary. Register early with a local GP.
• Choose Cities with Lower Living Costs: Cities like Sheffield, Coventry, or Leicester offer quality education with much lower monthly expenses compared to London or Oxford.

A well-informed plan reduces your stress and helps you focus on your studies. Once you know how to manage expenses, it’s worth understanding what makes the UK a smart destination for your MS.

Why Choose the UK for MS?

If you’re aiming for high-skilled roles and faster career growth, studying in the UK gives you a strong edge. The employment rate for working-age postgraduates in the UK reached 89.4%, the highest on record. This proves that living a student life in the UK doesn't just open doors, it helps you walk through them confidently. 

Here’s why the UK continues to be a preferred choice for MS among international students.

• Exceptional Job Prospects After Graduation: Among postgraduates aged 21–30, the employment rate stands at 90.8%. This makes the UK one of the most reliable markets for early-career professionals aiming to secure jobs soon after completing their MS.
• Better Access to High-Skilled Roles: About 78.9% of working-age postgraduates in the UK are employed in high-paying jobs. This is significantly higher than the share among general graduates (67.0%) or non-graduates (23.7%).
• Growing International Student Demand: Firm acceptances from international students rose by 31% in January 2025 compared to the previous year. This jump reflects strong global confidence in the UK’s master’s education system.
• Cultural and Professional Networking Opportunities: Students from over 200 countries study in the top UK universities, allowing you to build networks that are not limited by geography or nationality.
• Strong Graduate Loyalty and Business Outlook: Over 71% of international postgraduates report a lasting personal connection with the UK, and 57% say their UK degree makes them more likely to engage in business with UK-based companies.
• Structured Work Visa Opportunities: The Graduate Route allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years after your MS, giving you a valuable window to find full-time work without employer sponsorship.

Also Refer: Why Choose UK for Studying Abroad? Benefits & Reasons

Support in selecting the right program and navigating the application process can make your UK study experience smoother. That’s where expert help becomes useful.

How Can upGrad Help You Study MS in UK?

Studying in the UK involves many moving parts from researching universities to arranging finances and securing a visa. Without expert guidance, it’s easy to miss deadlines or misjudge costs. upGrad simplifies this process by offering personalised support at every stage, helping you avoid common errors and stay focused on your goal.

Here’s how upGrad supports your MS ambitions in the UK:

• Personalised University Shortlisting: Get recommendations based on your academic profile, budget, preferred location, and job prospects after graduation.
• Eligibility Review and Profile Evaluation: Receive one-on-one feedback on your qualifications, experience, and academic background to match university-specific MS entry criteria.
• Guidance on English Language Tests: Learn how to prepare for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test with expert tips and recommended resources.
• Help with Scholarships and Fee Waivers: Access guidance on finding merit-based and need-based scholarships offered by UK universities to reduce your MS in UK cost.
• Visa and Document Support: Get detailed help with the UK student visa application, including proof of funds, CAS procedures, and required paperwork.

Still unsure which MS course or university suits your plan? Schedule a free 1:1 consultation with an upGrad counsellor for tailored support on fees, admission timelines, and funding options.