Cost of Living in UK (United Kingdom) For Indian Students 2024

What is the cost of living in UK? The average living expenses in the UK is approximately Rs. 1,43,000 - 1,79,00 per month for Indian students. The UK is a popular study-abroad destination for many international students. However, the living expenses in UK per month are considerably higher than in many popular study-abroad countries like Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and others. The average cost of living in UK is a major concern for Indian students wishing to study in popular UK universities.

This Story also Contains

1. Latest Updates on Proof of Funds for UK Student Visa
2. Cost of Living in UK for International Students
3. Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in UK
4. Cost of Living in UK vs India
5. Cost of Living in UK City Wise
6. Top 5 Tips for Saving Money in UK
7. List of Scholarships for Indian students in UK

The quality of education, lifestyle, healthcare facilities, and work opportunities are the major factors that attract international students to study in UK. However, the high living expenses influence international learners to opt for other study-abroad destinations. The average cost of living in the UK differs from city to city in the country. London is the most expensive city in the UK, whereas, Birmingham is comparatively cheaper for Indian students.

The overall cost of living in UK is influenced by multiple factors including the standard of living, accommodation, transport, food, etc, and many more. The choice of accommodation and university tuition fees are the major components that add to the higher rates of living expenses. The average monthly accommodation in UK rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around EUR 1,050. Whereas, the average tuition fees for UK universities range between Rs. 10 - 33 lakhs for an undergraduate programme.

Candidates who want to study in UK should always have a good idea of their living expenses before leaving. Students can also explore numerous scholarship options in UK before deciding how much money they would need to live there. Read the whole article to find out more about the cost of living in UK in 2024 for Indian students.

Latest Updates on Proof of Funds for UK Student Visa

• From January 2, 2025, UK has increased the minimum proof of funds for UK student visas with at least Rs 1,63,000 each month for students planning studies in universities in London. On the contrary, it is Rs 1,25,000 per month for studies in the rest of the UK.
• According to the new policy of UK immigration for student visas 2025, proof of funds is GBP 1,483 per month in savings for universities in London and GBP 1,136 for universities outside London.

Cost of Living in UK for International Students

Is it expensive to live in the UK? Yes, the UK is an expensive country to study and live in for international students. On average, the cost of living in the United Kingdom is around 188.6% higher than in India. The average monthly expenses in UK for a single person is approximately Rs. 84,500 without rent.

Meanwhile, the average living expenses in UK for a family of four are estimated to be around Rs. 285,600 per month without rent. The overall budget is calculated by including the expenses of accommodation, food, grocery, utensils, clothing, healthcare, and other significant expenses. However, the choice of living, food, and personal expenses of the individuals can impact the average cost.

1. Cost to study in UK

The UK is an expensive study destination for international students. The average annual tuition fees for top UK universities are comparatively high and vary depending on the study level and where in the UK you are studying. UK tuition fees for international students for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are given below:

Tuition Fees in UK for International Students

Top Affordable Universities in the UK

Here is a list of the best affordable universities in UK for international students:

• Staffordshire University.

• Teesside University.

• Leeds Trinity University.

• University of Cumbria.

• London Metropolitan University.

• University of Bolton.

• University of Buckingham.

• Coventry University.

2. Accommodation Cost in UK

How much is rent in the UK per month? The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around EUR 1,050 per month in the UK. On average, rent in the United Kingdom is 456.1% higher than in India. Candidates who wish to buy an apartment might require approximately EUR 5,000 per Square Meter in the city centre. The prices are comparatively lower for apartments outside the main city coast.

Apartment Rent in UK Per Month

2. Food Cost in UK

Food is one of the essential elements determining the cost of living in UK. The universities in the UK provide dining facilities for students in the form of meal plans, canteens, cafes, etc. To cater to the needs of various international people, there are multi-cuisine restaurants with international delicacies.

The cost of meals available outside is generally costly for international students. To be on the budget side the candidates can prefer to cook their food or choose the university or accommodation meal plans. On average the cost of food expenses in the cost of living in UK per month is around EUR 60-100 per month.

Food Expenses in UK

3. Clothing Expenses in UK

The average cost of clothing and shoes in UK ranges between EUR 30-80 per month. Students can minimise their expenses through a simple living style.

Clothing Cost in UK

4. Transportation Cost in UK

The UK has one of the most expensive public transport in the world. The average travel cost per month UK is around EUR 70 for a monthly pass. However, travelling by tube (underground rail) can help students to minimise their travel expenses in UK.

The transportation costs depend on the accommodation location of the students. If the accommodation is near to the campus, then almost half of the transport cost can be reduced.

Transportation Cost in UK

5. Healthcare Expenses

Healthcare is a necessary element in the UK's cost of living. Immigrants or international candidates travelling to the UK have to pay healthcare charges as a part of the UK student visa application process itself. For students, the healthcare costs are EUR 470 per year, and for adults, it is EUR 624 per year (approx.).

Cost of Living in popular study abroad destinations:

Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in UK

The expense of studying in UK is higher than in other Indian cities. However, a variety of factors might influence the cost of living in UK for overseas students. Meanwhile, the following are some of the key causes contributing to the country's high living costs:

• Location: The location of institutions and cities affects students' overall average expenses. For example, London has greater living costs than smaller cities like Birmingham, Chester, Sheffield, and Leicester.

• Accommodation: Living on campus can be more convenient and less expensive than renting a flat or sharing a house off campus. Accommodation options can have an impact on the entire cost of studying in UK for international students.

• Lifestyle Choices: Students' lifestyle choices and personal expenses are key factors in the cost of living in the UK. Eating outside more regularly, as well as participating in social activities, can have a substantial financial impact.

• Health Insurance: All international students studying in UK are required to have health insurance. This may increase the cost of living in UK per month.

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Cost of Living in UK vs India

Cost of Living in UK City Wise

The living expenses in the UK varies according to the city of residence. London is the most expensive city in the UK. Whereas cities like Chester, Sheffield, and Leicester require much lower living expenses in UK. The cost of living in London per month is Rs. 1300-Rs. 1400. Other living expenses include costs for Housing, Transportation, Food, Entertainment, and Miscellaneous. As per the student visa norms, international students should provide bank statements of Rs. 1,334 per month as financial proof to study courses in London and Rs. 1,023 per month for studying courses outside London.

Cost of Living in UK for International Students

Top 5 Tips for Saving Money in UK

The UK offers a fantastic student experience, but managing your money can be tricky. Here are some tips to help international students save on living costs.

• Scholarships: International students can apply for numerous scholarships in UK offered by many UK universities and government, international trusts, and their home countries.

• Part-time jobs: Students pursuing a full-time degree-level course in UK can work and study in UK with a UK student visa, for 20 hours/week during term-time and earn up to Rs. 1,100 per hour.

• Education Loan: Most nationalised banks readily extend education loans for study in the UK with a successful admission offer from a UK university. An admission offer from a reputed university makes it even more easy to gain an education loan.

• Student Discounts: Students in the UK can always keep a check on various costs by availing discounts. From restaurants and cinemas to high street stores, gyms, galleries, and online subscription platforms like Spotify provide student discounts.

• Hybrid Studies: Many UK universities allow students to study first-year education in India. In that case, students can return to the UK for the second year of study allowing them to save costs associated with studying in the UK.

List of Scholarships for Indian students in UK