There are two numbers to plan for: the money you must show for your visa (a fixed rule) and what you will actually spend (which depends on your city and habits). Here is how to work out both.
One-off costs before you go
| Item | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa fee | £558 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 for each year of your visa |
| Tuition deposit | Set by your university; often a few thousand pounds, taken off your first-year fees |
| English test | Set by the test provider |
| TB test | Set by the clinic |
| Flights | Depends on season — book early for September |
Tuition fees
International fees vary widely by university and subject. Classroom-based subjects usually cost less than lab-based ones, and medicine is the most expensive. Each university lists its fees on the course page; check whether the fee rises each year of the course.
The visa money rule
| Where you study | Living costs to show (up to 9 months) |
|---|---|
| London | £1,529 a month — £13,761 |
| Rest of the UK | £1,171 a month — £10,539 |
Add any first-year tuition you have not paid yet. The money must be held for 28 days in a row. This is a minimum for the visa, not a budget: rent alone can use most of it in some cities.
Monthly living costs
- Rent is the biggest cost. University halls usually include bills; private flats may not.
- Food, phone, local transport and course materials come next. Student railcards and bus passes help.
- Cooking at home and shopping at discount supermarkets makes a big difference.
- Budget for winter clothes if you are coming from a warm country.
Ways to bring costs down
- Choose a city outside London if your course is offered elsewhere.
- Look for automatic international scholarships and early-payment discounts.
- Work part time within your visa limit — but don’t count on it for fees.
- Share a flat. Students like you can help you find flatmates from home.
Figures from GOV.UK, checked 31 October 2026. Always confirm on the official page before you apply.
