How Much Does University Cost in the UK?

If you choose to study law in the UK then sooner or later you’ll have to figure out your upcoming university costs. Moving to another country is a big decision and getting a grip on your finances will be crucial in order to make sure you get the most out of it. So without further ado, here’s an overview of some the main UK university costs to consider. Hold onto those piggy banks!

Tuition fees in the UK

Your course costs are, naturally, one of the main expenses to think about. Tuition fees for your law course can vary greatly depending on what you’re studying, whether that be an LLB, GDL, LPC, BPTC, and LLM or other master’s courses.

UK university tuition fees are a turbulent topic in the UK; Home students can expect to pay up to £9,000 per year for an undergraduate course, with some universities now considering charging even more. Universities will charge international students more than this, with anything from between £9,500 to a mega £30,000 per year.

Most law schools charge the same fees for international students as they do for applicants from the UK for their GDL, LPC and BPTC courses. Be prepared for fees of around £7,250 to £10,000 for a GDL, £8,500 to £14,000 for the LPC, and a juicy £14,250 to £17,350 for the BPTC. The pricier options depend on the provider and location: if you’re keen to study in London then you’ll be paying full whack for your tuition fees. Other big Northern cities, for example Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds which also host plenty of city delights, can offer slightly cheaper prices than those in the capital.

Cost of living in the UK

Location isn’t just a factor affecting tuition fees, so you’ll have to think hard about what’s most important to you for your study in the UK. Accommodation costs can vary massively across the UK: anything from £70 to well over £100 per week depending on the city (again, some Northern cities can be more affordable). The UK Border Agency requires you to have a minimum budget of £1,000 per month for life in Central London, with around £150 per week on accommodation alone depending on the location and type of digs. One saving grace: full-time students don’t have to pay council tax in the UK.

Other necessary costs typically include utility bills and internet, travel, food, clothing, study books and social activities. You can’t travel all that way to study in another country without having a social life while you’re there, so it’ll be up to your own budgeting to work out what you set aside cash for.  Those cinema trips and weekend beers won’t pay for themselves!

Ouch… How am I going to afford it?

Don’t panic! There are options out there for international students to get financial support. You can explore scholarships to cover your tuition fees and refine your skills in the fine art of student scrimping and budget living for those day-to-day costs. Students receive discount on numerous items in various UK stores and for things like tickets for the theatre, so there will be life outside of your studies if you budget correctly!

For more information on scholarships for international students click here.

Financial Support

• Scholarships for International Students