Average Cost of Living in the UK for Indian Students

Last Updated on November 20, 2024

Studying in the UK is an exciting prospect for many Indian students, and justifiably so. Largest of the islands in the British Isles, the United Kingdom is an academic haven–home to the world’s most prestigious institutions. Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, the list is endless. Added to that, the nation is further celebrated as a melting hotpot of cultures, with the brightest and most diverse minds making up a significant part of the population. 

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Sounds like the perfect place to study, doesn’t it? 

However, therein lies the caveat–as with most first-world economies, understanding the finer prints becomes incredibly essential, especially if you are an international student. And for those from India, the Cost of Living in the UK often becomes the most significant factor, prompting questions like “Is the UK costly for Indian students?” and “How much will I need for essentials?” being the most commonplace. But fret not; we are here to break it down for you. From housing and groceries to transportation and leisure, we will explore all the average monthly costs you can expect. Additionally, we will cover potential earning avenues to help effectively plan your budget for the upcoming 2025 intake. Let’s get started, shall we?

Key Highlights of Studying in the UK

Having talked briefly about the numerous benefits that come about with studying in the UK, here is a rundown of the key highlights, including a rough estimate of the Cost of Living in the UK, the monthly cost of living in the UK with Rent, and other variables. The table also provides a snapshot, albeit in brief, of the Top Universities in the UK, as well as the Major Scholarships available. 

The key highlights of studying in the UK include:

Found something that ticked your fancy? While roles like Anaesthesiologist, Tax Director, and IT Director are indeed among the highest-paying jobs in the UK, there’s a wide variety of lucrative options to suit different skills and interests.

Why is that, you ask? Well, the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union has led to a significant decrease in the supply of skilled workers, particularly in sectors previously reliant on EU labor. This means that the availability of jobs is definitely not a concern–and many positions offer salaries that allow you to comfortably save beyond the average Cost of Living in the UK.

But before that, the main question remains for those still skeptical owing to recent headlines: “Why Study in the UK?”. Let’s break that down for you. 

Why Study in the UK?

1. World-Class Education

One of the first reasons often highlighted when asked, “Why study in the UK?” is the presence of some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Among the very best names include the University of Oxford, The University of Cambridge, and the Imperial College London. But that is not all! Thanks to the UK’s unique pedagogical methods, students here not only develop critical thinking skills but are also exposed to new technologies, theories, and opinions. The result? Four Universities ranked in the QS World Ranking 2025 with the most diverse subject offerings in the world. 

    2. Diverse Range of Courses

Speaking of academic diversity, the UK is known for its vast range of offerings, with universities providing over 50,000 courses across more than 25 subject areas. If you ask me, this was one of the key factors that drew me toward the idea of studying Literature in the UK. But here is the twist–my educational background is actually in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. (Yep. B.Tech. You heard that right). So, if you are like me and wish to explore subjects outside of the usual, be it arts, business, or natural sciences, rest assured there is a course out there perfectly matched to your interests and aspirations! 

3. Shorter Course Duration

With all that said, beyond the world-recognized universities and the diversity of programs, studying in the UK also comes about with the added benefit of flexibility. What I mean by that is many universities allow students to choose different subject modules, thereby building a course program that suits you to the T. Additionally, postgraduate courses in the UK are generally shorter than those in the US or Australia, providing better value for money and allowing for quicker integration into the professional workforce.

4. Financial Support and Quality of life

Coming to financial support, the UK offers numerous scholarships, grants, and bursaries, such as the Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships, to international students. Moreover, the UK has a high quality of life, ranking 26th globally, with access to excellent healthcare, public services, and vibrant cities. 5.3% of the adults rated high life satisfaction since 2019. 

Now, with all that in place, let us explore the Cost of Living in the UK for Indian Students and the finer nuances of everything related to the same. 

Cost of Living in the UK for Indian Students

Before you start planning your move, here is an overview of the monthly cost of living in the UK. 

Types of Accommodation and Monthly Costs Associated:

This, dear students, will be one of the key areas that shall greatly impact the amount of money that you will need. But fear not, because getting accommodated in the UK becomes easier when considering student halls and private rentals near the university premises. 

Below, as such, is the general breakdown of lodging expenses so as to give you an idea of what to expect when calculating the Average Cost of Living in the UK. 

Cost of Food Items in the UK

Accommodation costs aside, the UK is a great place for students as it combines history, culture and an excellent academic environment–all without being too expensive. Students can discover famous attractions, enjoy outstanding nightlife, and shop for all necessary goods and food items. This is exactly where supermarkets come in. 

To this end, stores like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, etc., are always offering good discounts and deals on daily essentials. Many of them also have loyalty programs with further discounts attached. That being said, the local markets aren’t too bad either, especially when talking about finding reasonable prices for fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. All of these factors make it easier for students to budget themselves concurrent to the Average Cost of Living in the UK, while being able to experience all that the UK has to offer. 

Transportation Cost in the UK

Transportation around the UK is easy as well as affordable. Modern forms of transport such as; buses, trains, and trams, are common in urban areas. You can purchase a ticket for a single trip or ride while using travel cards or monthly passes at a cheaper price. 

Students can also get some discounts very often. But if that’s not of your liking, then there are ride-hailing applications like Uber and Bolt. In general, transportation costs usually depend on the destination and frequency of travel.

Cost of Living in London for Indian Students

London–a city filled with rich history, culture and endless attractions. These factors alone might make anyone wonder how nice it must be to live there. And you certainly won’t be wrong in doing so. However, for you, dear student, it is also equally important to know that London is going to cost you a bit more than the Average Cost of Living in the UK. And justifiably so. Ranked eighth most expensive city in the world, you are going to need a big budget to meet the expenses–beginning with rents, food, transportation, entertainment, and more.  

Cost of Living in Different Cities in the UK

UK Student Visa Cost

Now that you have a good grasp of the Average Cost of Living in the UK, it is also essential to consider the expenses tied to obtaining a student visa. With an 86% visa acceptance rate, the UK remains a top choice for international students. Therefore, knowing of the various fees involved is a must. This includes the VISA application fee and a healthcare surcharge. Including them in your budget is essential for accurate financial planning. P.S. On a side note, it is wise to check with the UK embassy every now and then, as these fees are subject to change. 

Remember, most people applying for a UK visa pay a healthcare surcharge, which allows them free healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.

Cost of Studying at Top Universities in the UK

With over 116,000 Indian students choosing the UK for higher studies in 2024, it’s clear why this country is a top choice. Nevertheless, the tuition fees for your degree depend on the university of your choice, the course you choose, and whether you are aiming at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. In general, studying overseas, specifically in the UK, might be slightly more costly than studying in India. Still, the kind of job opportunities that accompanies qualifications obtained from UK universities can lead to far-reaching career prospects.

Here are 5 best universities in the UK for Indian students along with the fee structure.

Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Living in the UK

Contrary to popular belief, the Cost of Living in the UK is indeed cheaper for Indian students as compared to other Western countries like Luxembourg (7.4% higher), Singapore (35% higher) and Switzerland (77.8% higher). Moreover, securing scholarships will have a tremendous impact on shaving down the costs of living and consequently making education affordable. These financial aids sometimes include tuition only but can also include financial assistance for monthly expenses.

Here’s a list of significant scholarships available for Indian students.

Part-Time Jobs in the UK for Indian Students

Studying in the UK means that everyone has an opportunity to work part-time, which provides students with the means to get an effective experience and earn money at the same time. Here are some popular part-time job options available for students in the UK:

Top 5 High-Paying Jobs in the UK

Although certain jobs and positions might require higher education and experience, they often come with financial rewards and ample opportunities for professional growth. Moreover, living and working here can help you establish a secure financial future–irrespective of the Cost of Living in the UK. With that in mind, here is a list highlighting some of the highest-paid jobs in the United Kingdom. 

Conclusion

Studying in the UK is honestly such a great chance for Indian students to grow, both personally and academically. With access to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, tons of course options, and the chance to experience a whole new culture, students can pick up skills that are valued pretty much anywhere.

Sure, tuition fees and Cost of Living in the UK are a bit higher than back home in India, but there are scholarships and part-time jobs to help balance things out. And it’s not just about the money – the UK has this unique academic vibe and strong career options that make it even more attractive. 

For further assistance with your study abroad needs, contact us at Admissify.

FQAs

What are the top universities in the UK for Indian students?

Some of the top universities to study in London include Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge.

Do I need to prove my English language skills before studying in the UK?

Yes, you must provide proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

Can I work while studying in the UK?

Yes, international students can work part-time during their studies, typically up to 20 hours per week. This can help you significantly reduce your Average Cost of Living in the UK.

What scholarships are available for Indian students to study in the UK?

Scholarships such as the Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Masters Scholarships can help cover tuition fees.

What is the average Cost of Living in the UK?

The average monthly cost of living is around INR 87,000 (£812), excluding rent.

Aakriti Kumari

Aakriti Kumari is a passionate content writer who finds solace in the world of books. An avid reader from a young age, she has cultivated a deep love for the written word. When she’s not crafting compelling content, you can find her lost in the pages of a captivating novel. Aakriti shares her literary adventures and book recommendations on her Instagram account, @aakthereader, dedicated to her love of reading. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, she brings words to life, inviting readers on a journey through her writing.