Expenses
The two major costs involved in studying are course fees and living expenses:
Course Fees:
You should bear in mind that course fees vary according to the course and where you will be studying. Also, the course fees will almost certainly increase every year. Do not underestimate the amount of money that you will need. It is British government policy that international students should pay the full cost of their studies. It is up to each institution to set a fee, so this does vary. You should always obtain from your institution full details of the full cost of study, payments of deposits and fees, and accommodation.
In addition to paying tuition fees, you will be expected to buy your own books and equipment, and some colleges will expect you to pay examination fees.
UK education fees:
English language courses
Fees vary greatly, but expect to pay around £100 per week for large -class tuition and £500 per week or more for intensive, small -class tuition.
Always check the cost of fees with the school or college to which you are thinking of applying.
Academic English study courses may cost £100 -£200 per week; some universities offer these free.
GCSEs, A levels other equivalents
Day pupils pay £1,300 -£2,700 per term and boarders pay £2,700 -£6,000 per term Around £3,700 a year for Non-degree vocational and professional courses
Degree courses
Around £8,200 a year for business courses
Around £7,300 a year for arts courses
Around £8,500 a year for science courses
Remember: Most degree courses take just three years to complete compared with four years in the USA and Australia. In Scotland, however, honors degree courses last four years - equivalent to doing an access course plus a degree course elsewhere in the UK.
Postgraduate courses
Around £10,000 for business courses
Around £9,000 for arts courses
Around £8,500 for science courses
Remember: Most UK Master's courses take just a year, compared with two years in the USA and Australia. So you save on time & cost!!
Living costs
The cost of living in the UK is not the same throughout the country. Generally, it is more expensive to live in London and the South-East of England, and cheaper in the North, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Living costs will be higher for couples and families.
Estimated cost of living in the UK, 2004-2005:
Deposit on University accommodation: £200-£400 (one month's rent)
Deposit on private accommodation: £125-£300 (one month's rent)
Heat and light (if charged separately): £20-£40 per month, depending on the season
Food (if not included in accommodation): £15-£35 per week
Wine: £3 for a 750ml bottle (table wine)
Beer: £0.50 for a half-liter can of lager
Personal hygiene items, cosmetics, etc: £10-£12 per month
Haircut: £5-£10
Laundry: £10 per month
Dry cleaning: £4 for shirt or trousers; £8 for heavy coat
T-shirts, underwear: £10 and under
Shirts and tops, light sweaters, light shoes: £20 and under
Jeans and other casual trousers, skirts, lightweight outdoor jackets, heavier sweaters, heavier shoes: £ 30 and under
Raincoats and other outerwear, boots : £50 and under
Winter coats: £90 and under
Small electrical appliances (e.g. Hairdryer, kettle) : £20 and under
Textbooks: £10-£50 or more; some may be available second-hand for less
Paperback books for leisure reading: £5-£7; second-hand books as little as £1 or less Newspapers: 20p-50p per issue
Magazines: 50p-£2.50
CDs: £12-£15
Television License: £101 per year per household
Phone card (for use in public telephones) : choice of £2, £5, £10 or £20
Restaurant meal: £5 per head minimum, £12 per head average (drinks extra)
Cinema ticket: £4-£10
Theatre ticket: £10-£30
Concert ticket: £5-£30
Swimming pool use: £2.50
Tennis/ squash court: £3 per hour
Gymnasium/ Sports center: £15-£40 per month