Living And Studying In London As Indian Students

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.

City of London flag

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

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 TypeAverage 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 NameTuition 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 NameTuition 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.

ScholarshipsAverage 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 TypeAmount (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

1. How much does it cost for Indian students to study in London?


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.

2. What are the main expenses students should budget for when moving to London?


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+)

3. Are there scholarships available to study in London?


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

4. Is it cheaper to study at a public or private university in London?


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.

5. How can Admitix help me plan my study abroad journey to London?


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!