London has always been a dream destination for international students. Reasons? Its top-notch education, incredible career prospects, lively city life, and more. But let’s be real, living and studying in London in London comes with its costs.
If you’re planning to move here for higher studies, it’s important to get a practical and clear idea of what to expect financially. This will help you make the most of your time and experience in the city.
In this blog, we break it all down for you.
Factors Impacting Study Cost In London

So, what exactly influences the cost of studying in London? Here’s a closer look at the key factors:
- Tuition fees for international students
- Cost of living, including rent, food, and transport
- Pre-arrival and post-arrival expenses
Now, let’s dive in and explore what it really takes to study in London without breaking the bank!
Tuition Fee Costs for Indian Students
Without a doubt, London is the ideal study-abroad destination for international students; however, compared to other British cities, the cost of living here for students is far higher. But, choosing to attend university in this city means you will have access to top-notch teaching and research facilities as well as excellent career opportunities – the pros, you see.
Therefore, according to your level of study, the cost of studying in London for you is as follows:
Degree Type | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
Bachelors in London | £10,000 – £20,000 |
Masters degree in London | £10,000 – £20,000 |
Doctoral Degree in London | £15,000 – £24,000 |
Further, for your better understanding, below is a detailed overview categorized for private and public universities in London:
Private Universities in London
If you choose a private university in London for your higher education, your cost of study in London may be slightly higher than those who choose to study in public universities. Here are some of the famous universities and their yearly tuition fees:
University Name | Tuition Fees (annually) |
GSM London | £10,000 |
BPP University | £9,500 |
Regent’s University London | £18,500 |
St. Mary’s University London | £12,900 |
Public Universities in London
Now, we share a similar breakdown of finances if you plan to opt for public universities during your higher studies in London. Here are some famous public universities in London and their respective study cost:
University Name | Tuition Fees (Average Annual Fees for 2024) |
London School of Economics | £23,088 |
Imperial College London | £10,000 |
The University of London | £10,000 |
London Metropolitan University | £4,500 – £9,000 |
The University of East London | £21,000 |
Scholarships for London Studying Cost
Having shared with you areas that would need financial commitments should you choose to study abroad in London, we now share crucial information on scholarships to support your stay in the UK.
Scholarships | Average Amount (in £) |
Gates Cambridge Scholarship | £17,500 stipend per annum |
Imperial College London Ph.D. Scholarship | £16,500 |
GEMS International Undergraduate Scholarship | £2,000 fee reduction each year |
Cambridge University MBA Scholarship | £30,000 |
Living Expenses in London for Indian Students
Now, specifically regarding Indian students and their potential study costs in London. The average monthly living expenses in London for Indian students are around £1,015. This is if they live outside London. Likewise, the average expense for those who reside in inner London is around £1,265 per month.
Below is an overview of the cost of living in London for Indian students:
Expenses Type | Amount (in £) |
Accommodation | £8,100 per year |
Food | £3,000 per year |
Travel | £1,220 per year |
Leisure and Miscellaneous Costs | £2,220 per year |
Pre-arrival and Post-arrival Costs of Studying in London – What You Need to Budget For
Alright, so you’ve decided to study in London – amazing choice! But before you start, let’s talk about the costs you’ll need to cover before and after you arrive. Planning ahead will save you from any last-minute surprises, and trust me, London is full of surprises (some fun, some… less fun for your wallet).
Pre-Arrival Costs

This cost includes what you’ll spend before you even get there. Before you hop on that flight, there are a few essential expenses to take care of:
Entrance Exams
If your university requires test scores, here’s what you might need to budget for:
- GRE: ₹15,800
- GMAT: ₹18,500
- IELTS/UKVI: ₹15,100
- TOEFL: ₹13,770
University Application Fees
This usually ranges between £50 and £150 per application. Some universities charge more, so check their official websites for details.
Student Visa & Immigration Health Surcharge
You’ll need to show financial proof of:
- £1,050 per month if you’re living outside London
- £1,265 per month if you’re living inside London
Other Fees
Don’t forget smaller but necessary costs like mailing documents, getting test results sent, and other administrative fees.
Lastly,
Flight Tickets
Depending on when you book, expect to pay anywhere between ₹27,887 and ₹31,794 for a one-way ticket to London. Booking early can save you some cash!
Post-Arrival Costs

Coming to Post-arrival costs, this cost includes what you’ll spend once you’re in London.
Once you land, here’s what you’ll need to factor into your budget every month:
Tuition Fees
This will be your biggest expense, ranging from £10,000 to £24,000 per year, depending on your course and university.
Cost of Living
Living in London isn’t cheap, and you’ll need around £1,265 per month for rent, food, transport, and other essentials.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for student discounts, get a part-time job, and follow money-saving hacks (like the ones we talked about earlier) to make your budget go further!
FAQs

The tuition fee depends on your degree level:
Bachelor’s/ Master’s: £10,000 – £20,000 per year
Doctoral: £15,000 – £24,000 per year
Private universities tend to be pricier than public ones. Add living expenses of £1,015–£1,265/month, and you’re looking at a significant investment – but with high returns in quality education and career prospects.
Here’s the breakdown:
Tuition Fees
Accommodation (£8,100/year)
Food (£3,000/year)
Transport (£1,220/year)
Leisure & Miscellaneous (£2,220/year)
Entrance Exams, Visa, Flights (Pre-arrival costs can go up to ₹80,000+)
Yes! Several scholarships ease the financial load:
Gates Cambridge: £17,500 stipend/year
Imperial Ph.D. Scholarship: £16,500
GEMS International UG: £2,000/year
Cambridge MBA: £30,000
Public universities often offer lower tuition fees, with some charging as low as £4,500–£10,000/year (e.g., London Met or Imperial). Private universities like Regent’s or GSM London may charge up to £18,500/year. Choosing wisely can save you thousands.
Planning your finances is just one part of your study abroad journey. There’s also choosing the right university, acing entrance exams, sorting out paperwork, and figuring out the whole visa process. Right, we hear you – this can feel overwhelming. That’s where Admitix comes in.
Admitix takes care of:
– Finding your perfect-fit university
– Preparing entrance exams & documents
– Securing education loans
– Navigating the visa process
– And even help you earn rewards once you’re abroad through our Ambassador Program!
Your London dream is closer than you think. Book a free consultation today at Admitix.in and get started!