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If you plan to study in the UK, you might be interested in what financial support is available to help you during your studies.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees can vary depending on level, course, and location. Check courses in our search tool

The average cost for an international student studying at undergraduate level in the UK, is about £22,000 per year, but can vary from £11,400 - £38,000. At postgraduate level, the average cost for an international student studying in the UK is about £17,109 per year, but can vary from £11,400 - £38,000.

For guidance on whether you're eligible to pay overseas or home/EU fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Student finance

If you're an international non-EU student, it's unlikely you'll be able to get a student loan from the UK Government. Some universities will create their own student loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds, including non-EU students. Contact the university you're interested in attending to ask if they run a student loan scheme, and what the eligibility requirements are. 

Chat to students studying at UK universities

Want to speak to international students currently studying in the UK and find out what moving to the UK and studying at a UK uni is like?

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How do I find a scholarship?

Scholarships

Scholarships are the most common form of funding available for EU and international students, and usually awarded based on academic ability or potential, or talent in another area, like sports or music.

Scholarships may cover tuition fees in full, reduce them, or contribute to the cost of living and studying away from home, in the UK. 

There are lots of scholarships to study in the UK. This is great news, but it’s important to remember they have strict eligibility criteria and are highly competitive.

Scholarships

Bursaries and grants

Bursaries and grants are similar to scholarships but less common. Bursaries and grants are usually based on students’ personal circumstances – like experiencing some form of personal or financial disadvantage. They’re usually one-off payments, sometimes to help with travel costs, or costs to settle in.

International students may also receive a bursary or fee reduction from a university, based on a prior relationship or existing link with them:

  • a family member, i.e. a sibling, parent, child, or spouse, is a current student or alumnus

  • they studied a prior qualification at that university, and are continuing their studies there, e.g. moving from foundation degree to undergraduate degree

  • they participated in an international summer school, exchange, or similar programme at that university, and are continuing their studies.

Private grants and loans

Private grants are another financial option for international students studying in the UK. Companies and non-governmental organisations have finance options to help students complete their higher education. 

If you take out a private loan, always read the agreement before you sign it. These loans often come with repayment time limits and interest.

Some companies will give students a loan under the condition they work for them once they've completed their degree. Remember, as an international student in the UK there are no guarantees with these financial options, so always think about how you can finance your studies if these options are not available to you.

Refugees and asylum seekers

Equal access or sanctuary scholarships are available for refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution in their home country.

Financial support for refugee and asylum seeking students

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