Tuition Fees & Cost of Living for a Master’s in the UK: A Guide for Indian Students
- seo20203
- Jun 3
- 2 min read

Pursuing a master's degree in the UK is a dream for many Indian students, offering world-class education and global exposure. However, understanding the financial aspects is crucial for effective planning. This guide—powered by insights from ApplyBuds—explores the tuition fees and living costs for Master’s in UK you can expect, helping you make informed decisions.
Pre-Application Expenses
Before you even submit your university application, there are some upfront costs to consider:
Standardized Tests:
IELTS/TOEFL: £160–£180
GRE/GMAT: £200–£250 (depending on your course requirements)
Application Fees: Most UK universities charge between £50 and £150 per application. Some waive fees under specific conditions—something ApplyBuds can help you track.
Tuition Fees in the UK
Tuition costs vary by university and program. Here are the average annual fees for international students pursuing a master’s degree:
University | Tuition Fee Range (GBP) |
University of Oxford | £35,000 – £59,000 |
University of Cambridge | £27,000 – £41,000 |
Imperial College London | £26,000 – £38,000 |
University College London | £18,000 – £30,000 |
University of Edinburgh | £23,900 – £67,000 |
King’s College London | £16,950 – £35,800 |
University of Manchester | £11,000 – £47,000 |
University of Bristol | £22,000 – £29,000 |
Tip: Use ApplyBuds to compare tuition fees and scholarships across universities easily.
Cost of Living in the UK
Living expenses depend on where you study and your lifestyle choices.
City-Wise Monthly Living Costs
London: £1,200 – £1,600
Other Cities (e.g., Glasgow, Birmingham): £900 – £1,300
Monthly Expense Breakdown
Category | Estimated Cost (GBP) |
Accommodation | £700 – £1,500 |
Food & Groceries | £150 – £250 |
Public Transport | £60 – £150 |
Utilities | £100 – £130 |
Leisure | £80 – £150 |
With ApplyBuds, you can explore budget-friendly housing options near your university.
Other Costs to Consider
Student Visa: £490 (one-time)
IHS (Health Surcharge): £470 per year
Books & Study Materials: £200 – £500/year
Miscellaneous (phone bills, clothes, etc.): £100 – £300/month
Smart Ways to Save Money
Here’s how Indian students can reduce their UK study expenses:
Apply for Scholarships: Use ApplyBuds to discover relevant scholarships like Chevening, GREAT, or university-specific awards.
Work Part-Time: You're allowed to work up to 20 hours/week during term time.
Leverage Student Discounts: Get deals on travel, food, and entertainment with your student ID.
Track Spending: Use budgeting apps or tools from ApplyBuds to stay within your monthly budget.
Summary Table
Category | Estimated Cost (GBP) |
Pre-application tests | £160 – £250 |
University applications | £50 – £150 each |
Tuition Fees | £11,000 – £67,000/year |
Living Expenses | £900 – £1,600/month |
Visa & IHS | £960 total (approx.) |
Study Materials | £200 – £500/year |
Personal Expenses | £100 – £300/month |
Final Thoughts
Studying in the UK is a rewarding investment, and knowing what to expect financially is half the battle. From tuition fees to day-to-day living, having a clear financial roadmap can save you stress—and money.
Ready to take the next step? Visit ApplyBuds to explore universities, compare costs, and find scholarship opportunities tailored to Indian students.
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