Cost of Living in UK for International Students in 2025
clickHere

Cost of Living in UK for International Students in 2025

4 mins read2.2L Views 48 Comments
Talk to Expert Icon BlueTalk to Expert
clickHere
Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Nov 24, 2024 23:00 IST

Cost of Living in UK 2025: The living cost in the UK for Indian students is more than the cost of living in any of the Indian cities. Indian students opting to pursue their higher education abroad must match their budget and the total cost of living and studying in their desired city abroad before making the great move. 

Cost of Living for International Students in UK

With the increasing living costs in the UK, international students have to be mindful of their expenses for the upcoming year 2025. The cost of living in the UK varies greatly depending on your lifestyle, spending habits, the city where you are studying and living and the level of course that you are pursuing. The cost per programme may also vary significantly; for example, humanities and social science courses cost the least to students while courses including laboratory work and medical practices cost the maximum. You can estimate the required budget based on the data given in this article below and your period of stay in the UK, using the cost of living calculator. Note that the average cost of living in the UK for Indian and international students in the year 2025 may range from £14,000 to £22,000 per year (covering accommodation, groceries, bills and other expenses during their studies).

On the other hand, the average cost of student accommodation in the UK ranges from £690 to £955 for a month (depending on the city they are living in). For example, in one of the most expensive cities in the world, the cost of living in London for Indian students is higher than in the rest of the UK. However, there are some affordable accommodations in London that may not put much load on the students' pockets. Let us now learn about the cost of living in the UK in detail.

Score Predictor

Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!

Share 12th Board, Percentage, english score
Get estimated scores or IELTS, TOEFL & PTE


Check: Top 10 Reasons to Study in the UK

How much is the Estimated Cost of Living in the UK for 2025?

Check the detailed account of the cost of living in the UK from the table given below. 

Cost of Living in UK 2025

Particulars

Average Monthly Costs

Accommodation

£690 - £955

Food

£200 - £350

Bills (Gas, electricity. broadband, TV license and water)

  • London: £200
  • Rest of UK: £120

Groceries

  • London: £175
  • Rest of UK: £136

Mobile phone

£18 (SIM-only plan) 

Laundry

£25 (approx.)

Stationery and textbooks

£35 - £55

Travel (buses, trams, and trains)

  • £110 (in London)
  • £70 (in rest of the UK)

Movie ticket

£9 (approx.)

Dinner at restaurant

£15-16

Source: British Council and University of Oxford

Cost of Studies in UK 

For international students to study in the UK, the undergraduate tuition fee is around £10,000 - £38,000 per year for full-time courses. Note that the higher range is for medical degrees at the best colleges. For masters in the UK for Indian students, the average tuition fees of full-time programs range from £9,000 - £30,000 per year. For laboratory and research-based programs, average annual fees stand at £14,000 - £15,000. For medical degrees, the average figure is £22,200 and it can go up to £52,000.








Also Read: Top 10 Libraries in London

How Much Money is Required to Study and Live in the UK: Officially Recommended Amount 2025

UK Visa and Immigration require you to have a budget of £1,483 per month for a period of 9 months (or £13,347) to study in London. This amount is in addition to the tuition fees. This is the minimum amount you need to show to get a visa to study in London. For other places in the UK, the amount will be lesser. If you study at colleges outside London, you will require a minimum amount of £1,136 per month for a period of 9 months (or £10,224) as requested by UK Visa and Immigration. However, if the student is going to be boarding at a residential independent school then, they will be required to pay the boarding fees which will be mentioned on their CAS.







Check: Cost of Living in London for Students.

If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.

RecommendationView All

Explore MS colleges in UK

University of Oxford

Oxford, UKPublic

48 courses
27.36 L - 56.34 L
University of Manchester

Manchester, UKPublic

127 courses
20.07 L - 40.67 L
Imperial College London

London, UKPublic

115 courses
24.29 L - 46.9 L
250 courses
16.95 L - 65.28 L
The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh, UKPublic

62 courses
21.65 L - 43.2 L
King's College London

London, UKPublic

72 courses
23.61 L - 47 L
University of Birmingham

Birmingham, UKPublic

101 courses
8.62 L - 38.03 L
University of Glasgow

Glasgow, UKPublic

111 courses
20.44 L - 41.2 L
University of Leeds

Leeds, UKPublic

77 courses
19.54 L - 40.67 L
University of Cambridge

Cambridge, UKPublic

8 courses
26.18 L - 39.57 L
Is this recommendation relevant?

Cost of Living in UK FAQs

Q. Which is cheaper for international students - Canada or UK?

A. The UK is home to a number of world's best universities and is stepping up its game to benefit international students once they are done with their graduation. On the other hand, Canada has lower overall living and study costs and has provided international students with flexible post-study work opportunities. 

Q. What is the average cost of living in UK for Indian students?

A. The average cost of living in UK for international students is around £14,000 to £22,000 per year. The cost of living in UK includes factors like accommodation, food and groceries, household bills, transportation, entertainment, etc. 

Q. Which city of the UK is best for international students?

A. According to the QS best studies cities 2025 rankings, London is the best student city in the world for international students. Some of the other top cities in the UK for international students include Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, Coventry, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Nottingham, etc. 

Q. Can international students stay in the UK after completing their graduation?

A. Yes, a graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years once you complete your course in the UK. With a graduate work visa, you can work for most jobs, look for work, be self-employed, do voluntary work, etc. 

Q. Is UK a great place to study for international students?

A. Undoubtedly, UK is a great place for international students. The universities situated there offer quality education. However, to survive in UK, you must keep some tips in mind such as improving your fluency in English, searching for an affordable accommodation, looking for a part-time job, learning about the transport system, being receptive of the weather challenges, etc. 

Q:   Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?

A:

The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.

Q:   What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?

A:

The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:

Ranking Body Ranking
The Guardian University Guide 2024 #101
The Complete University Guide 2024#117

Q:   How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?

A:

The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses: 

The Undergraduate Application Process:  

Step 1:  You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements. 

Check out:  tips to improve your SOP

Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS. 

Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.

Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.

The Postgraduate application process: 

Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\

Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.

Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course. 

To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application. 

Step 5:  If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester. 

Q:   Is Hertfordshire University hard to get into?

A:

With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of Hertfordshire is not hard to get into and follows easy selection criteria during admissions. This does not mean the university accepts all the students applying for different programs. The selection is based on academic performance, English language requirements, references, and many more. Some of the programs at Hertfordshire even demand an experience of 4-5 years. Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.

Q:   How much IELTS score is required for Hertfordshire University?

A:

International students coming from diverse backgrounds must prove their English language proficiency by submitting the scores of IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo at Hertfordshire University. The university demands an IELTS score of 6 from the students. Along with the IELTS scores, students can refer to the table below for all the required English proficiency score:

English language test

Minimum Score required UG

Minimum Score required PG

IELTS

6 or above

6 or above

PTE

59 or above

58 or above

Duolingo

105 or above

120 or above

Q:   How long does Hertfordshire University take to reply?

A:

After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit. Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.

Q:   What are the entry requirements for Bedfordshire University?

A:

International students can check below the University of Bedfordshire entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate admissions:

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

·      2 A level passes (minimum C and D)

·      Year 12 60% overall

·      70% English to waive IELTS

·      Must meet the English language requirements

·      A recognised Foundation degree

·      Submit additional test scores for ACT/SAT (if applicable)

·      Additional course requirements if any

Graduate Admission Requirements

·      Bachelor's degree (55% or more)

·      UK Bachelor's degree with Honours

·      Additional course requirements if any

·      Must meet the English language requirements

·      Submit additional test scores for GMAT/ GRE (if applicable)

Q:   What is Hult International Business School - UK famous for?

A:

Hult International Business School, UK, is famous for its global perspective and multicultural environment. The school is known for its focus on practical education, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education programs across multiple campuses located in prominent cities around the world, including Boston, San Francisco, London, Dubai, Shanghai, and New York. It is also recognised for its diverse student body, with over 128 nationalities represented among its students. The school has received positive reviews for its competent faculty, practical approach to business education, and the opportunity for students to interact with a wide network of contacts

About the Author
author-image
Written by
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert

Priya Garg is a seasoned content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-date. H... Read Full Bio

author-image
Reviewed by
Neha
UK Expertise

Neha Nain Kuntal, a highly qualified professional, holds an MBA in International Business and Marketing, a Master’s in Commerce, a PG Diploma in International Business Operations, and a Bachelor’s in Education. With... Read Full Bio

Explore popular study destinations
Resources for you
Understand the process step by step by referring to these guides curated just for you
qna

Comments

(48)

A

Ahz Associates

7 months ago

In 2024, the cost of living in the UK for international students varies by city but typically ranges from £10,000 to £15,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. London is more expensive, with costs up to £18,000 annually, while cities like Manchester, Birmi

...Read more

Reply to Ahz Associates

A

Athirawebservices

10 months ago

Good deep research on this cost of living in the UK. I can understand that a single person needs at least 1000 Euro per month to lead a decent life in the UK. Accommodation occupies major cost in the UK. From Classiblogger.

Reply to Athirawebservices

H

Hari joshi

2 years ago

I want to pursue undergraduate (hotel management) course in uk .can i pay 2nd year fee by myself? I am now 19 years old?

Reply to Hari joshi

A

Aprant Agarwal

2 years ago

Hello. It is advisable that you arrange funds for complete course as with part-time work won't you might not be able to pay his complete tuition fee.

3956819
Shaveta Vasudev

3 years ago

What is the average cost per month for living in London in a shared accommodation (2 people living in small flat).

Reply to Shaveta Vasudev

P

Piyush Kohli

3 years ago

Hi Shaveta, international student needs to have a budget of at least £1,265 per month for staying in London, so, you need approx. £200 to £300 per week to live in or around London.

S

Sagar A M

3 years ago

Hi, am interested in studying about gems and goldsmith courses, which university is best please suggest me Thank you

Reply to Sagar A M