Cost of studying in the UK for international students calculator
Find out what you will actually pay to study in the UK in under 30 seconds. Add your fees, living costs and scholarships to see your real cost after funding.
Calculate your net cost after scholarships
Includes UK tuition fees and living costs
Built for international students applying to UK universities
Planning your budget is one of the most important steps when applying to UK universities. Tuition fees and living costs can look high, but most international students reduce these costs through scholarships and funding.
This calculator shows you what matters most: what you will actually pay after scholarships are applied
Use it to understand your real costs before you apply, compare options and make confident decisions about studying in the UK.
Calculate your UK study costs
Living costs per year (£):
What is a UK cost of study calculator?
Planning to study in the UK involves more than just tuition fees. You also need to consider living costs, accommodation, and how much financial support you can secure.
This UK cost of study calculator helps you estimate the real cost of studying in the UK as an international student. It combines tuition fees, living expenses and scholarships to give you a personalised estimate of what you may actually need to pay.
Instead of looking at costs in isolation, the calculator shows you the net cost after scholarships, helping you understand what is realistically affordable.
How our calculator works
This calculator is designed specifically for international students applying to UK universities. It works by combining three key elements:
1. Tuition fees
You enter your expected annual tuition fees based on your course or university.
2. Living costs
We include estimated living costs in the UK, covering accommodation, food, transport and daily expenses.
3. Scholarships and funding
You can subtract scholarships you have secured or expect to receive, including:
university scholarships
government funding
external awards
The calculator then provides a net cost estimate, showing how much you may need to fund yourself.
This gives you a much clearer picture than looking at fees or scholarships alone.
How much does it cost to study in the UK?
The cost of studying in the UK depends on your course, university and location. However, most international students fall within the following ranges:
Typical tuition fees
Undergraduate: £10,000 to £20,000 per year
Postgraduate: £12,000 to £25,000+ per year
Typical living costs
Outside London: £9,000 to £12,000 per year
London: £12,000 to £15,000+ per year
Scholarships
Most international students receive:
£2,000 to £10,000 partial scholarships
or, in some cases, fully funded awards
The key question is not just “what does it cost?” but “What will I actually pay after funding?”
That is exactly what this calculator helps you answer.
UK living costs for international students
Living costs are a major part of your total study budget and vary depending on where you live.
Accommodation
University halls or private housing
Typically the largest expense
Food and daily expenses
Groceries, eating out and essentials
Transport
Public transport costs vary by city
Location matters
Living in London is significantly more expensive than studying in other UK cities.
Who can use this calculator?
This tool is designed for:
international students applying to UK universities
undergraduate and postgraduate applicants
students exploring affordability before applying
offer holders comparing different universities
It is especially useful if you are:
still researching options
unsure how much funding you might receive
deciding between multiple offers
What to do after using the calculator
Once you have your estimated cost, the next step is to reduce it.
You can do this by finding scholarships that match your profile.
👉 Use our scholarship database to:
find scholarships you are eligible for
compare funding amounts
identify upcoming deadlines
You can also explore:
fully funded undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships
country-specific funding
postgraduate and undergraduate opportunities
The more targeted your search, the more you can reduce your overall cost.
How to reduce the cost of studying in the UK
If your estimated cost is higher than expected, there are several ways to bring it down:
Apply for multiple scholarships
Many students combine smaller awards to reduce costs significantly.
Target the right universities
Some universities offer more generous funding for international students.
Consider location
Living outside London can reduce your costs by several thousand pounds per year.
Apply early
Many of the largest scholarships have early deadlines.
How much can international students earn by working part-time in the UK?
Most international students can work part-time in the UK. The UK government (UKVI) usually allows students on a study visa to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during university holidays. As of April 2026, the UK’s minimum wage for adults over 21 is £12.21 per hour. If you work the maximum 20 hours per week during term time, you can earn around £250 per week. Read our guide to working part-time in the UK and tips on where to find part-time student jobs in the UK to learn more.
Why use this calculator?
Unlike generic cost guides, this calculator:
combines fees, living costs and scholarships in one place
gives a personalised estimate based on your inputs
focuses specifically on UK international students
helps you understand affordability before you apply
Most importantly, it answers the question that matters most:
👉 Can you realistically afford to study in the UK?
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this calculator?
It provides an estimate based on typical UK costs and your inputs. Actual costs will vary by university and lifestyle.
Does this include scholarships?
Yes. You can include any scholarships or funding to see your net cost after support.
Can I use this for postgraduate study?
Yes. The calculator works for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Are UK living costs included?
Yes. Estimated living costs are included to give a realistic total budget.
Advice on securing your dream scholarship
Read our ultimate guide to applying for UK scholarships for international students.