How much is a Master's degree in the UK in 2026?

If you’re thinking about studying for a master’s in the UK in 2026, one of your first questions is likely: how much does it cost? The answer depends on the course, the university, and where you choose to live—but understanding the full picture will help you plan your budget more effectively.

This updated guide breaks down the cost of a master’s degree in the UK, including tuition fees, living expenses, available scholarships, and new policy changes that could impact international students.

UK Master’s tuition fees in 2026

For international students, UK master degree fees typically range from £15,000 to £25,000 for a one-year programme. Some courses - particularly in business, engineering, or data science - may exceed that, especially at top-ranked universities or those based in London.

These large differences in fees often reflect the perceived quality and reputation of the university. Russell Group institutions or universities with strong league table rankings tend to charge more, capitalising on their brand and global prestige.

If you’re trying to maximise your return on investment, weigh up:

• the cost of the course,

• the university’s reputation, and

• the availability of high-value scholarships that could reduce your overall spend.

Make a SMART decision

We’ve developed the S.M.A.R.T. framework to help you evaluate your options:

• S – Scholarships
  Identify the best available funding and fee reductions to lower your upfront costs. Use our scholarship search tool to find the best funding opportunities.

• M – Market Value
  Think about long-term value: will the course improve your career prospects and earning potential?

• A – Academic Reputation
  Look into university rankings, teaching quality, and subject-specific strengths.

• R – Real Costs
  Consider total expenses, not just tuition—include living costs, visa fees, and day-to-day spending.

• T – Timing
  Decide which intake suits you best (January or September) and apply early to secure funding and a visa.

What’s the cost of living for Master’s students?

In addition to tuition fees, you’ll need to budget for living expenses. Here's a typical monthly breakdown:

• Accommodation: £500–£1,200 (depending on the city)

• Food, travel, and personal expenses: £400–£600

• Visa and healthcare surcharge: around £1,000–£1,500 (one-off costs)

All together, the total cost of a master’s degree in the UK—including tuition and living costs—can reach £30,000 to £40,000, or more if you're studying in London. Find out more about the cost of living for international students in our recent guide.

Scholarships to reduce your costs

Many UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These can significantly reduce the cost of a master’s degree in the UK.

Types of funding include:

• Automatic scholarships applied at offer stage (typically £1,000–£5,000)

• Merit-based awards for high academic achievers

• Country-specific scholarships or regional discounts

• External funding schemes such as Chevening, Commonwealth, or GREAT Scholarships

We’ll be updating our Scholarship Scanner database as soon as 2026 opportunities go live. Until then, use the 2025 listings to anticipate what’s coming and work on the elements that will strengthen your application.

New in 2026: Proposed levy on international students

The UK government is considering introducing a levy on international students, which could take effect in late 2026 or 2027. If implemented, it may add to the total cost of a postgraduate degree.

While no final decision has been made, this proposal could significantly impact the masters in UK cost for future cohorts. Some universities may respond by increasing financial support for affected students, so it’s worth keeping up to date with any changes.

January vs September: Which intake offers better value?

Many universities now offer January 2026 start dates for master’s courses, giving you more time to prepare, save money, or apply for funding. Tuition fees and scholarships are typically the same as for the September intake, making it a flexible alternative.

You can explore January intake options and funding opportunities in our dedicated guide.