Cost of Living in UK for Indian Students in 2024

Why Study in the UK?

The UK is one of the most famous destinations in the world for study abroad. But why are students so interested in studying in the colleges here? Well, various reasons make the nation more appealing to overseas aspirants. Some of the main reasons are as follows:

a. Quality Education

Being the home of 4 universities out of the top 10 in the world, there is no need to explain the quality of education in the UK. These colleges offer the best environment for studies, faculties and peer to their students in all aspects.

b. Global Networking

The colleges in the UK have students from around the globe. Thus, they showcase diverse and vibrant cultures. Moreover, this helps scholars to create an urge for friendship among themselves. Hence, they build a global network around them.

c. Job Prospects

This nation is home to many top colleges around the world. Thus, the career prospects in UK are more flourished and dynamic. Especially in the fields of finance, healthcare and many more. The UK offers the best opportunities to the students.

d. Post-Study Work Permits

If students from abroad want to work in the UK, they must apply for a post-study work permit in the UK. This permit allows a scholar to stay in the nation and work for 2 years after completing the degree. Moreover, for Doctoral students, the period of work is up to 3 years.

Suggested Read: Know More About the UK Education System

In the upcoming sections, you will learn about things that are included in your living expenses in UK per month in detail.

What Does the Cost of Living in the UK Include?

While studying in the UK, many crucial things should be taken care of. But do you know that these factors are responsible for calculating your cost of living in UK every month? Let’s learn more about these important things.

a. Accommodation Costs

It is essential for a person migrating from one nation to another for higher studies to have a place to live. Thus, house renting is one of the most crucial things to include in your UK cost of living.
There are two types of accommodation in the UK: on-campus and off-campus.

The accommodation cost range may vary based on the type you choose, the city you are in, and many other factors.

b. Utility Expenses

Along with accommodation, utilities contribute a major part to the cost of living in UK per month. These include expenses for electricity, water, garbage, laundry, and other basic needs

c. Transportation Costs

While studying in the UK, you will have to travel a lot. Thus, the transportation expenses are included in the cost of living in UK. The following table shows the average monthly transportation costs in detail.

d. Daily Essential Expenses

Many things need to be taken care of while being in the nation. This may include purchasing fruits, vegetables, and other beneficial things from the market. These purchases are thought very little, yet they are not negligible. Thus, the living expenses in UK also include these purchases. The table below shows the average expenses on our daily essentials in detail.

Cost of Education in UK: Tuition Fees for International Students

In this section, you will learn about the cost of education in the UK in detail. This information is as per the level of degree you are enrolled for. Also, these expenses are included in the cost of living in UK of a student.

a. Undergraduate Degree Programs

Usually, UG degree courses in England, Wales as well as Northern Ireland last for 3 years and 4 years in Scotland. In the following table, you will learn about the average annual tuition fees for UG courses from some top universities in the UK.

Suggested Read: A Complete Guide on Top UK Undergraduate Courses

b. Postgraduate Degree Programs

The PG degree courses in the UK can be conducted in one year of full-time study. Also, a one-year master’s program usually has fewer and lower associated expenses. Thus, this helps to reduce the UK living expenses for students. In the following table, you will learn about the average annual tuition fees for PG courses from some top universities in the UK.

c. PhD Degree Programs

PhD in the UK, also referred to as a doctorate. It is a 3-5 years full-time as well as a 5-6 years part-time degree. The following table shows the average annual tuition fees for PhD courses from some top universities in the UK.

The above details show the average range of the study cost in the UK based on the educational level you are taking. Moreover, these costs play a crucial role in estimating the living cost in UK.

Cost of Living in UK Based on Family Members/Student

As you read further, you will get to know how the cost of living in UK varies according to the number of person(s) living under one roof. Usually, students from India either migrate alone or with a family member to the nation for pursuing their higher studies. Here are some details about how the average cost of living in UK may vary based on it.

a. Cost of Living in UK for a Single Person

The monthly expenses in UK for single person fall between £1,000 - £1,600, which includes accommodation costs. However, the cost may vary based on your location as well as the type of place you are staying.

b. Cost of Living in UK With Family Member(s)

The average living expenses in UK range from £2,500 to £4,500 for a family of 2-4 members, including the cost of housing. However, sharing a home can be a significant benefit, allowing for the splitting of monthly rent and other utility costs, potentially reducing your overall expenses.
At last, your ability to smoothly handle your finances will impact your actual cost of living in UK.

Cost of Visa Application for Study in the UK

Before migrating to the UK, some requisites need to be fulfilled. One such essential is the visa application. A person must have a UK visa. In this section, you will learn about the types of visas for the UK and the cost for each of them.

a. Tier 4 (General) Study Visa

This is the most common visa class for students from abroad who want to pursue a full-time degree course at a prominent UK academic institution. The Tier 4 (General) study visa permits scholars over 16 years to stay in the UK for their study program. The total cost required for this visa type is around £490, which is about 43,600 INR.

b. Tier 4 (Child) Study Visa

This visa type is for children aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an autonomous school in the UK. Like the Tier 4 (General) visa, it needs proof of adequate funds to cover fees and the living cost in UK. To apply for this visa class, you must pay the cost of £348, around 31,000 INR.

c. Short-Term Study Visa

The short-term study visa is for students who want to opt for a short-term program in the UK, such as an English language course or a course of up to 6 months. It does not apply to degree-level programs. The cost to apply for this visa class is an estimated £200. In INR, it is around 17,800.

Affordable Cities to Live in the UK for Indian Students

The following table below shows the cost of living in UK, excluding rent, in these 5 cities, which are considered as the most reasonable cities to live in the UK.

Let’s learn more about these 5 most affordable cities in UK for students from India in detail.

a. Coventry

Coventry is the 9th biggest city in central England. It is home to one of the top 100 universities in the world, the University of Warwick. The city has affordable housing that helps to maintain a fair monthly expense. Also, utilities cost around £70-£80 per person monthly for a 3-bedroom apartment. Thus, the city has the cheapest cost of living in UK for students from India.

b.Aberdeen

Aberdeen is the port city in northeast Scotland and is known as Britain's 2nd cheapest city for students from abroad. It has the average cost of living in UK per month being under £700. The city is home to two universities. These are - the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University.

c. Birmingham

Birmingham is the 2nd largest city in the UK as well as an urban area in Alabama, England's West Midlands region. Since the era of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, it has been known as the manufacturing powerhouse. The University of Birmingham and Aston University are a few famous colleges in this city.

d. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is famous as the "City of Hills." It is also prominent among the people due to its rich history, cultural festivals, and many other things. Also, this city is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students. The University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University are some of the top colleges in this city.

e. Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne, famous as Newcastle, is a metropolitan city in Tyne and Wear, northeastern England. It is located on the north bank of River Tyne. Yet, it is one of the most reasonable cities in the UK. Also, it is home to the Newcastle University since 1963. Moreover, the city is the most populous settlement in the North East England.

Comparison Between Living Cost in Indian and the UK

In this section, you will learn about the differences in the cost of living in UK and India based on the various aspects. Some of these vital aspects include rent, utilities and transportation. The comparison between Indian and the UK are as follows:

Top 10 Careers in the UK

In the UK, there are various high-income jobs for students to opt for in their fields. But what are the top career options for them in the UK? In the following table, you will learn about the average salary of the 10-best careers in this country:

These are the top 10 career options in the UK. But what course you must opt to get these jobs? In the next table you will learn about them.

Suggested Read: Top Courses to Study in UK

Tips to Manage the Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students

Since you learned about the things that make the cost of living in the UK more expensive compared to that in India, you must try to save some money while studying there. Here are some money saving tips so that you can fulfil all your essentials without worrying about financial aid.

a. Shared Accommodation

Housing costs can consume a huge portion of your budget for studying in the UK. Thus, sharing a flat with roommates is the best way to split the high rental expenses in the country. This allows you to save a considerable amount on housing costs. This is because the rents in the UK can be almost half of your total budget.

b. Reduce Utility Costs

While studying in the UK, always try to lower your utility bills. These utilities include electricity, gas, and other needs. Simple routines such as turning off lamps when not needed and adapting solar energy tools and other energy-efficient devices can lead to evident reductions in utility bills with time. Also, rather than always turning up the heat, wear a few warm clothes in winter.

c. Make Your Own Budget

Before migrating to the UK for higher studies, create a well-prepared budget to help yourself use the funds more effectively. This will ensure that you have a clear vision for your income and expenses. The budget must include your tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, stationaries and other essentials.
Be more specific about your spending habits and know the areas where you can save some money. Moreover, many apps are available to help you track your expenses easily.

d. Cost-Effective Entertainment

Since the UK is one of the most expensive nations in the world in terms of cost of living, always try to get things at the lowest price. This also includes entertainment. Always explore free or low-cost options for spending your leisure time. Places like local art exhibitions, parks, museums and local events are the best sources of enjoyment. This will allow you to experience the culture and do some activities without crossing your budget.

e. Seek Scholarships and Grants

Before applying for higher studies in the UK, always do some research on the various scholarships and grants available for Indian students. These financial aids will help you reduce the load regarding your funding. Several grants are open for students from India that will assist you in reducing your tuition fees and cost of living. Always apply for various scholarships and grant programs to increase your chances of getting one.
The following table shows the benefits offered to the students by a few best scholarship programs in the UK.

Suggested Read: Grab the Exciting Study Abroad Scholarships in the UK

In this blog, you learned about the various aspects that impact the cost of living in UK. These aspects include the expenses that are crucial for you while staying in the country, such as rent, travel and food costs, utilities, and other essentials. They also include your tuition fees. Moreover, the expenses may vary based on the number of person(s) living together. Thus, to cut out these expenses, you must always plan your budget, search for cost-effective ways to spend on essentials and reduce your bills. Therefore, to help you with all your spending, you can apply to Gradding.com and plan your study abroad with our study abroad planner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which City in the UK Has the Highest Cost of Living?

London, the capital city of the UK, has the highest cost of living in the country. The monthly average living expense in London for a single person is £3,644, which is around 3,25,000 in INR.

Which City in UK Has More Indian Students?

Manchester has more Indian students compared to the other cities in the UK. This is due to its inclusive and warm welcome to its society which is full of scholars with different roots. Around 1300 Indian students are enrolled in the University of Manchester.

Can I Work Part-Time While Studying in the UK?

Yes, you can work part-time while studying in the UK. The conditions and rules are as follows: You must be enrolled in a full-time degree-level course and hold a Student visa. You can work up to 20 hours per week, starting on Monday and ending on Sunday, during the University term time.

Is It Possible to Get a Job in the UK After My Studies?

Yes, it is possible to get a job in the UK after you have completed your studies and you are a student or Tier 4 study visa holder. Your date of completion is defined as the date stated on your CAS statement for your course completion.

What Are the Scholarships Available for Indian Students to Study in the UK?

There are various scholarships available for Indian students to study in the UK. These grants offer various benefits that may cover your tuition fees as well as other essential expenses. Some of the best scholarship programs are as follows:

• Felix Scholarship
• Rhodes Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarship
• Global Study Award
• GREAT Education Scholarship
• Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
• Commonwealth Scholarship

Which Is the Safest City in the UK?

There are several cities in the UK famous for their safety for students. Some of them include Exeter, Edinburgh, Bath, Cambridge and Bristol. These cities often have lower crime rates, student support services, as well as a reputation for being welcoming to students.