The big picture
The total cost depends on your course, university, city and lifestyle. A one-year UK master's often has a lower total cost than a two-year programme elsewhere, even when yearly fees are higher. Figures below are indicative and in pounds; rupee values change with the exchange rate, so convert using the current rate.
Tuition fees
International fees vary widely:
| Course type | Typical annual tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (arts, business) | £15,000–£24,000 | Varies by university |
| Undergraduate (science, engineering) | £18,000–£30,000 | Lab-based courses cost more |
| Postgraduate (taught master's) | £15,000–£32,000 | One year for most |
| MBA | £25,000–£60,000+ | Top schools cost more |
| Medicine/dentistry | £40,000+ | Very limited international places |
Living costs
UK visa rules require students to show money for living costs: about £1,171 per month outside London and £1,529 per month in London, for up to nine months (figures updated November 2025; check gov.uk for the latest). Real costs depend on rent, food, transport and lifestyle.
| Expense (monthly) | Outside London | London |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared/student housing) | £500–£800 | £800–£1,300 |
| Food | £200–£300 | £250–£350 |
| Transport | £40–£80 | £100–£150 |
| Phone, internet, misc. | £60–£120 | £80–£150 |
Other costs to include
- Immigration Health Surcharge, paid upfront for your visa length
- Visa application fee
- English test and application fees
- Flights, winter clothing and a laptop
- Accommodation deposit
- Course materials and trips
Sample budget: one-year master's outside London
For illustration only: tuition of £22,000, living for 12 months at about £1,000 per month (£12,000), health surcharge and visa fees of around £1,500–£2,000, and travel and setup of £1,500. The total comes to roughly £37,000–£38,000, which is approximately ₹38–42 lakh at typical recent exchange rates. Your actual figures will differ.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Compare universities outside London, where living costs are lower
- Apply early for merit scholarships
- Consider course length: one-year programmes lower total cost
- Choose shared housing and cook at home
- Use part-time work only as a supplement, not for tuition
- Compare education loan options and compare interest rates
See our guides on scholarships and education loans.
How we can help
Use our cost calculator for a quick estimate, then talk to a counsellor to compare real universities and funding options for your profile.
Frequently asked questions
Roughly £15,000–£32,000 in tuition plus £11,000–£14,000 or more in living costs for one year, depending on city and lifestyle.
Yes, rent especially. Many students choose cities outside London to save.
Not tuition. Work limits apply and income varies, so plan to fund tuition and most living costs without it.
A fee paid upfront as part of the visa process that gives access to the NHS for the visa duration. Check the current rate on gov.uk.
Talk to a counsellor about cost of studying in the UK
Free, no-obligation counselling. We will look at your grades, budget and goals and give you honest options.
