How Much is University in the UK?

New independence, new friends, new experiences; heading to university is such an exciting time that’s filled with new opportunities and learning new skills, including managing your own finances. 

Like most first-year uni-goers, you’ll need to understand the real cost of going to university in the UK before you start organising your university life, 

From tuition fees and rent all the way to food, study materials, and travel, it all adds up quickly. Not only does learning about all of the costs associated with going to uni help you to budget confidently, but it’ll also reduce any surprise fees later on.

Luckily for you, we’ve fixed up this handy guide to break down all the costs you’ll need to know. Whether you’re moving cities or are a student from an entirely different country ready to explore the British culture for the first time, here’s your complete overview of the university costs in the UK.

What Affects the Cost of University in the UK?

The cost of going to university varies for every student. Some of this comes down to your lifestyle, but there are also official cost differences to be aware of.

Course Type, Length and Where You Study

The cost of a degree in the UK depends heavily on what you study. Courses that require specialist equipment, studios, or lab access often cost more. 

Subjects such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science are usually at the top end of the scale due to the training required. That’s why your course length also matters. Most undergraduate degrees last three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while many Scottish undergraduate courses run for four years. Longer courses mean an extra year of accommodation, travel and study expenses.

Location plays a major role, too. Cities like London or Edinburgh can cost more to live in compared with smaller student cities. These differences might affect your overall university costs in the UK, especially for accommodation and daily living.

Full-Time vs Part-time, Undergrad vs Postgrad

Full-time study usually means paying higher tuition upfront because you complete your degree faster. On the flip side, part-time courses spread the cost across more years. While this can help with budgeting, the total costs are likely to be similar in the end.

Postgraduate degrees often have different fee structures. Master’s and PhD courses don’t follow the same standard fee caps as undergraduate programmes, so prices vary widely depending on the university and subject. International student fees also differ at the postgraduate level, so it’s always worth checking directly with your chosen university.

How Much are Uni Tuition Fees in the UK?

Tuition fees make up the highest official cost of university. Let us look at how they work and how they vary depending on where you live.

What are University Tuition Fees in the UK?

If you’re wondering “Is university free in England?”, the short answer is no. Unlike some countries, you do have to pay tuition fees to go to university in the UK, unless you’ve been granted a scholarship or bursary. However, that doesn’t mean you need to pay for your tuition fees up front; most students take out a Student Finance loan.

Tuition fees are the amount universities charge for teaching, facilities and academic support. This covers lectures, seminars, library access, course materials provided by the institution, student services and campus amenities.

Tuition Fees for British Students

For UK students, the government caps undergraduate university fees. In England, the maximum is currently £9,250 per year, similar to Wales and Northern Ireland.

Scottish students, on the other hand, don’t pay traditional tuition fees in the same way. Instead, the Student Awards Agency Scotland covers the cost for eligible students, so it only costs £1,820 per year.

This means the average university fees UK students pay typically sit between £9,000 and £9,250 per year, depending on location.

International Student Tuition Fees in the UK

International student fees in the UK are higher and vary depending on the university and course. For most subjects in most universities, foreign student fees in the UK start at around £12,000 per year, but can go up to £38,000 or more for specialist degrees.

This variation means the average university fees UK international students pay are difficult to compare, but you can expect higher costs than domestic students. To get an accurate university fee in the UK for international students, it’s important to check with your individual university and course. 

Additional Course Costs

Beyond tuition fees, most students need to budget for extra course-related costs. These might include textbooks, printing, field trips, protective clothing, specialist software, art materials or clinical equipment.

The price will vary depending on your course, but it is worth keeping at least a small budget aside for unexpected materials. Some universities list these additional costs on their course pages, which can help with planning.

And if you’re an international student, you should also factor in all of the things to do before you arrive, such as organising visas, travel and initial spending.

Cost of Living at University

Tuition fees are only one part of the picture. Your everyday living costs shape your overall student experience. 

Alloggi per studenti

Accommodation is usually the biggest living expense for students. Prices depend on whether you choose university halls, private student accommodation or a shared house.

Purpose-built student accommodation, like aparto, offers high-quality rooms with social spaces, gyms, events and all-inclusive bills. Choosing private student accommodation can give you more predictability with budgeting because utilities are usually included.

Accommodation costs do vary, and you’ll find that in the big cities (like London) that it costs more. With many room types available, the choice you opt for will also have an effect on how much you pay. For example, a studio apartment will cost more than a shared flat.

Bills, Food and Travel

If your accommodation doesn’t include bills, make sure to budget for electricity, water, Wi Fi, heating and any subscriptions you might want.

As tempting as it might be to live off instant noodles or pasta and cheese, the novelty will soon wear off, and you’ll be hungry for hearty meals again, so factoring in the cost of food is key. You can keep this manageable by planning meals, batch cooking and using loyalty cards in supermarkets. On average, students spend between £30 and £60 per week on food, depending on lifestyle and location.

Travel costs vary, too. Some cities have excellent walking and cycling routes, while others rely more on buses or trains. You can save on travel costs by opting for a centrally located student accommodation; why pay train and bus fares when you can walk? 

Study & Equipment

Study-related costs can include laptops, stationery, printers, software subscriptions, and textbooks. A reliable laptop is especially important because many courses include online learning or blended teaching. So if you’re wondering how much a degree costs in the UK in total, remember to factor in equipment replacements or unexpected purchases during the year.

How to Pay for University

Paying for university can feel overwhelming, but there are several options available.

Student Finances Explained: Tuition Fee Loan vs Maintenance Loan

Most UK students use Student Finance to pay tuition fees. The Tuition Fee Loan covers the full cost of your course and is paid directly to the university. You do not repay anything until after graduation. The Maintenance Loan is designed to help with living costs, such as accommodation, food and travel.

Maintenance Loan: What Affects How Much You Get

Maintenance Loan amounts vary by region, household income and whether you study inside or outside London. Students with lower household incomes usually receive the most support.

Once your loan arrives, budgeting is key. Student Finance payments are spread over three instalments during the academic year. Because of this, most students will divide their maintenance loans by four, so they have a consistent amount of money to spend each month.

Student Loan Repayments in the UK

Repayments only begin once you earn above the income threshold for your repayment plan. Payments are automatically deducted from your wages, and if you never earn above the threshold, which as of 2025 is £26,065,  you may never repay the full amount. This structure helps make university more accessible and reduces pressure while you focus on settling in and making friends during your studies.

Scholarships, Bursaries and Hardship Funds

Many universities offer financial support for students through bursaries, hardship funds and scholarships. These may be based on academic ability, income level, personal background or exceptional circumstances. Hardship funds are especially helpful if your financial situation changes suddenly during the year.

Funding Options for International Students

International students can explore a range of funding options, including government scholarships, university scholarships, cultural organisations and home country funding schemes. Many universities also run specific awards to help international students with fees or living costs. It’s helpful to research these well before arriving and to consider the cost of travel, visa fees and initial purchases when budgeting.

FAQs about University Costs in the UK

Here are the answers to some of the most searched questions about university costs in the UK.

How Much Does University Cost in the UK Per Year?

Most students pay £9,250 per year in tuition fees. Living costs can bring the total to around £20,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on your location and lifestyle.

How Much are Uni Fees in the UK?

Tuition fees for UK students are capped at £9,250 per year for most undergraduate courses, but may vary depending on what country in the UK you are studying in. International student fees vary widely and can range from £12,000 to more than £38,000 per year.

How Much Does Student Accommodation Cost at University?

There is no set student accommodation cost. It really depends on what city you are staying in, the type of room you opt for, the perks and amenities it offers, and its proximity to your university. Opting for an all-inclusive private student accommodation, like aparto, often works out cheaper thanks to our on-site gyms, communal spaces, and accessibility to your university’s campus.

How Much Maintenance Loan Do You Get in the UK?

Maintenance Loan amounts could be anywhere between £8,877 and £12,076. It completely depends on household income, whether you live at home or away and whether you study inside or outside London. 

When Do You Start Paying Back Your Student Loan?

You only start repayments once you earn above the income threshold, starting at £21,000 for postgraduates. Payments come directly out of your wages and stop if your income falls below the threshold.

How Much Does University Cost for International Students in the UK?

International student fees depend on the university and the type of course. Costs usually start around £12,000 per year and can be significantly higher for specialist subjects.

Find Student Accommodation with aparto

Your university journey is more than lectures and assignments. It’s about discovering your independence, building friendships, and creating unforgettable memories. Choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference, and that is where aparto comes in.

Designed with community at its heart, aparto offers stylish, modern, and friendly student accommodation. Complete with top amenities and all-inclusive bills, here you can focus on studying, socialising and enjoying the best of student life. 

Whether you’re a UK student or joining us from overseas, aparto helps you feel at home from the moment you arrive. Explore our locations today and start your journey confidently with a space that supports your wellbeing, your studies and your social life.