Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students 2026 – Complete Guide

Mr. Parthesh Thakkar

15th December 2025

Planning to study in the UK in 2026?
Before you take the big step, it is important to clearly understand the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students. From tuition fees and living expenses to visa charges and hidden costs, proper financial planning can make your study abroad journey smooth and stress free.

The UK is known for its world class universities, globally recognised degrees, and excellent career opportunities. However, studying in the UK also requires a realistic budget. This detailed guide explains every expense in simple terms, helping Indian students plan confidently and avoid last minute surprises.

Overview of Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students in 2026

Here is a quick snapshot of the average annual cost of studying in the UK for Indian students in 2026.

Average Annual Cost of Studying in the UK (2026)

Category	London (per year)	Other UK Cities (per year)
Tuition Fees	£15,000 – £38,000	£11,000 – £30,000
Living Expenses	£15,600 – £17,000	£10,800 – £15,000
Visa & NHS Surcharge	£960 – £1,500	£960 – £1,500
Miscellaneous Costs	£1,000 – £3,000	£800 – £2,500
Total Estimate (per year)	£32,000 – £59,500 (≈ ₹33 – 61 Lakhs)	£23,000 – £48,000 (≈ ₹24 – 50 Lakhs)

Exchange rate used: £1 ≈ ₹121.47 (as per the 15 December, 2025). Rates may vary.

Tuition Fees in UK for Indian Students 2026

Tuition fees in the UK depend on the course, university ranking, and location. Below is a clear table showing UK tuition fees for Indian students.

Study Level	Tuition Fees (per year)	Example Courses
Undergraduate	£11,000 – £30,000	Arts, Business, Engineering, Science
Postgraduate	£9,000 – £25,000	Master’s (MSc, MBA, MA, MEng)
Medicine & MBA	£25,000 – £38,000+	MBBS, MBA, Specialized programs
PhD/Research	£15,000 – £25,000	Doctorate & Research Courses

Top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and LSE usually charge higher tuition fees compared to other institutions.

Living Expenses in the UK for Indian Students

The living cost in the UK for Indian students varies based on the city and personal lifestyle. London is generally more expensive than other UK cities.

Average Monthly Living Cost in the UK

Expense Category	London (per month)	Other Cities (per month)
Accommodation	£650 – £1,200	£400 – £800
Food & Groceries	£200 – £350	£150 – £300
Transport	£120 – £180	£60 – £100
Utilities & Internet	£70 – £120	£50 – £100
Miscellaneous	£80 – £150	£60 – £120
Total Monthly	£1,200 – £1,800	£800 – £1,300

Students can reduce expenses by sharing accommodation, cooking meals at home, and using student discount cards.

UK Student Visa & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Costs

To study in the UK, you need to apply for a Student Visa and pay the NHS (National Health Service) surcharge.

Cost Component	Amount
Student Visa Fee	£490 (one-time)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£470 per year
TB Test (if applicable)	£20 – £50

These costs are mandatory and should be included in your total study budget.

Pre-Departure and Arrival Costs for UK Students

Before leaving India, students should also prepare for some one time expenses.

Cost Item	Estimated Cost
Flight Ticket	£350 – £700 (one-way)
Initial Accommodation Deposit	£500 – £1,000
Warm Clothing & Essentials	£150 – £250
Airport Transfer	£30 – £100

Hidden & Miscellaneous Costs for UK Students

Many students overlook smaller expenses that can add up over time.

Books and Study Materials: £200 to £500 per year
Social and Leisure Activities: £300 to £600 per year
Club and Society Memberships: £20 to £100 per society
Laptop or Technology Upgrades: £400 to £800 (one time)

Choosing second hand books and online resources can help reduce these costs.

Budget Scenarios – Realistic Annual Cost Examples

Lifestyle Type	London (per year)	Other Cities (per year)
Frugal	Approx. £25,000 (≈ ₹26 Lakhs) per year	Approx. £19,000 (≈ ₹20 Lakhs) per year
Moderate	Approx. £35,000 (≈ ₹36 Lakhs) per year	Approx. £27,000 (≈ ₹28 Lakhs) per year
Comfortable	Approx. £50,000+ (≈ ₹52 Lakhs+) per year	Approx. £38,000+ (≈ ₹40 Lakhs+) per year

Tips to Reduce Your UK Study & Living Costs

● Share accommodation with flatmates to lower rent.

● Cook meals at home instead of eating out frequently.

● Use student discount cards (e.g., 18+ Oyster, railcards) for cheaper travel.

● Apply for scholarships early, many scholarships are specific for Indian students.

● Part-time work: You can work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time in vacations. This can help you earn around £700 – £1,000/month depending on your role and location.

Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying in the UK by reducing your tuition costs. Here are some popular options:

Scholarship Name	Coverage	Eligibility
Chevening Scholarships	Full/Partial tuition + living	High academic merit, leadership potential
Commonwealth Scholarships	Full funding	PG students from Commonwealth countries
GREAT Scholarships	£10,000	Indian students in select UK universities
University-specific Scholarships	Varies	Based on merit or financial need

Visit the official websites for scholarship details, or for personalised scholarship guidance, you can opt for consultation with Angel EduNext’s experts.

UK Currency & Exchange Rate Considerations

The GBP–INR exchange rate fluctuates frequently, which can impact your total budget. In December 2025, the average rate was £1 ≈ ₹121.

It is estimated that by September 2026, the average rate may reach around £1 ≈ ₹125. Always plan with a 5–7% buffer to manage exchange rate fluctuations.

Conclusion – UK Student Visa Cost in 2026

Studying in the UK is a valuable investment in your future. By understanding the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students in 2026, you can plan your finances wisely and focus on your academic goals.

From tuition fees and living expenses to visa charges and daily costs, being prepared gives you confidence and clarity. If you need personalised guidance on UK admissions, scholarships, or budgeting, Angel EduNext is here to help you at every step.

FAQs – Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students

1. How much does it cost to study in London vs other cities in the UK?
Studying in London usually costs between £32,000 and £59,000 per year, as accommodation and daily expenses are higher. In other UK cities, the total annual cost is generally lower, ranging from £23,000 to £48,000, depending on the university, course, and lifestyle.

2. What is the average monthly living cost for an Indian student in the UK?
Indian students spend around £1,200 to £1,800 per month in London, while living in other UK cities typically costs £800 to £1,300 per month, including rent, food, transport, and utilities.

3. Can Indian students work part-time in the UK?
Yes, Indian students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, which can help manage daily living expenses.

4. What is the UK student visa cost for Indian students?
The UK Student Visa application fee is £490, and students must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £470 per year as part of the visa process.

5. Are there scholarships available for Indian students?
Yes, Indian students can apply for scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT Scholarships, and university-specific awards, which may cover partial or full tuition fees depending on eligibility.

6. What are the hidden costs students often forget?
Commonly overlooked expenses include books and study materials, transport passes, accommodation deposits, winter clothing, society memberships, and technology upgrades, which can add to the overall budget.

7. Which UK cities are cheaper to live in than London?
Cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Nottingham, and Leicester generally have lower rent and transport costs, making them more affordable than London for students.

8. How much money is required to study in the UK for Indian students in 2026?
Indian students should plan for an annual budget between £23,000 and £59,500, depending on the city, course, and lifestyle. London-based students usually need a higher budget than those studying in other cities.

9. Is studying in the UK affordable for middle-class Indian students?
Yes, with smart planning. Selecting universities outside London, applying for scholarships, sharing accommodation, and working part-time can make studying in the UK more affordable for middle-class Indian families.

10. Which course has the lowest tuition fees in the UK for Indian students?
Courses in Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences generally have lower tuition fees compared to Medicine, MBA, and specialised professional programs.

11. What is the minimum bank balance required for a UK student visa from India?
Students must show funds covering one year of tuition fees plus living expenses. This usually means £1,334 per month for London or £1,023 per month for other cities, for up to 9 months.

12. Are scholarships enough to cover the full cost of studying in the UK?
Some scholarships, such as Chevening and Commonwealth, can cover full tuition and living costs. However, most scholarships offer partial funding, so students should still plan for remaining expenses.

13. Is the UK cheaper than the USA or Australia for Indian students?
In many cases, yes. The UK can be more affordable because most master’s programs are only one year long, which reduces tuition and living costs compared to longer programs in the USA or Australia.

14. Which UK cities are best for low-cost student living?
Cities like Leicester, Coventry, Sheffield, Hull, Sunderland, and Wolverhampton are known for lower accommodation and living costs, making them ideal for budget-conscious students.

15. Does the cost of studying in the UK change every year?
Yes, tuition fees, visa charges, and living costs may increase annually. Students are advised to check the latest figures and keep a 5–7% buffer for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.

16. Can Indian students stay and work in the UK after completing studies?
Yes, through the UK Graduate Route Visa, Indian students can stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after completing their degree.