UK study cost calculator for international students
Estimate the real cost of studying in the UK in under 30 seconds. Enter your tuition fees, estimated living costs and any scholarships you've been offered to calculate what you'll actually pay.
Calculate your net study cost after scholarships
Include UK tuition fees and living expenses
Designed for international students applying to UK universities
Planning your budget is one of the most important parts of applying to study in the UK. Tuition fees and living costs vary between universities and cities, while scholarships can significantly reduce what you need to pay.
This UK study cost calculator helps you estimate your total costs after funding, compare different universities and make informed decisions before you apply.
Calculate your UK study costs
Living costs per year (£):
How this UK study cost calculator works
This calculator helps you estimate the total cost of studying in the UK as an international student. Simply enter your annual tuition fees, estimate your living costs and add the value of any scholarships you have received or expect to receive.
The calculator then shows your estimated net cost after scholarships, giving you a more realistic picture of what you may actually need to pay.
It is designed for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students applying to UK universities. Whether you are comparing different universities, deciding between cities or working out how much funding you need, the calculator provides a quick estimate to support your planning.
Please remember that the results are estimates. Tuition fees, accommodation costs and personal spending vary between universities, cities and individual lifestyles. Always check the latest information published by your chosen university before making financial decisions.
Average tuition fees for international students
International tuition fees vary widely depending on the university, course and level of study.
As a general guide:
| Course | Typical annual tuition fees | Scholarships available? |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | £12,000–£30,000 | ✓ Common |
| Taught Master's | £14,000–£35,000 | ✓ Very common |
| MBA | £20,000–£60,000+ | ✓ Often available |
| Medicine & Dentistry | £30,000–£60,000+ | Limited |
| PhD | £15,000–£35,000 | ✓ Frequently funded |
Typical tuition fee ranges for international students. Actual fees vary by university, subject and course. Many UK universities offer scholarships that can significantly reduce these costs.
Highly ranked universities and specialist courses often charge higher fees, while many universities offer scholarships that reduce the amount international students actually pay.
If you have already received a scholarship offer, enter it into the calculator to see how it affects your overall study costs.
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.
Why scholarships matter
Many international students focus on published tuition fees when comparing universities, but these figures rarely tell the whole story.
UK universities collectively offer thousands of scholarships every year for international students. Awards range from £1,000 fee discounts to full tuition fee scholarships, with some also contributing towards living costs.
Finding the right scholarship can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying in the UK. That's why this calculator includes scholarships as part of your estimate, allowing you to see your likely costs after funding rather than simply adding together tuition fees and living expenses.
Once you've calculated your estimated study costs, search Scholarship Scanner's database to discover scholarships offered by UK universities that match your course, nationality and level of study.
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.
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.