Studying at a university in UK is a great experience, yet it has costs. Studying at college or university is not cheap, but could be extremely rewarding.

Therefore, students often ask themselves the question – how do they pay for everything?

In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of university in the UK for 2024 and explore available financial support options, including loans, grants, and bursaries, to help you plan effectively.

Tuition Fees: Cost of University in UK

For most students in England, tuition fees are the most significant cost of their college education. Universities can charge up to:

• £9,250 per year for full-time undergraduate courses.
• £9,250 per year for standard degrees and £20,900 per year for accelerated degrees (delivered in two years).

From August 2025, these fees will increase to

• £9,535 for a standard degree per year.
• £11,440 per year for an accelerated degree.

These fees include tuition, classrooms, and other amenities and infrastructure, including libraries, but exclude housing and other learning material costs.

The cost of university tuition in the UK may seem high, but funding options are available. Students can borrow a tuition fee loan from Student Finance UK to pay tuition fees.

This loan is paid to your university of choice to exempt you from paying for it.

If you’re attending a private university, the tuition fee loan will be capped at:

£6,165 for standard courses—£ 7,400 for accelerated degrees.

Any costs beyond this amount must be covered by you, which could further impact the cost of university in the UK.

Living and Maintenance Cost in the UK

Living expenses, including rent, food, and transportation, form another substantial part of the cost of university in the UK.

But, maintenance loans are available to students to ease these burdens, with amounts determined by:

Where they live While Studying: Those living at home are worse off than those living alone, specifically in London.

Household Income: The loan is means tested, implying that higher-income families get lower loans.

• Maintenance Loan Amounts for 2024/25:

Beyond Loans: Additional Financial Support

While loans form the foundation of university funding, extra financial support can reduce the cost of university in the UK:

• Grants for Special Needs: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is an arrangement that assists students with disabilities to meet some of the extra costs.
• Bursaries for Specific Groups: There are additional grants available for single parents, care leavers, and students with dependents.
• Scholarships: Various types of scholarships are available in universities, including merit-based, need-based, and other scholarships given to students who do not have to pay back.

Planning for Hidden Costs

University fees do not only include tuition and rent. Students should prepare for:

• Textbooks and Materials: Certain courses like medicine or engineering may need expensive equipment.
• Travel: The costs can undoubtedly increase when going to work or simply visiting home.
• Social Activities: Some clubs or events may require one to spend more cash.

Setting aside some money to cater for these kinds of expenses is always advisable since they are unplanned.

Repaying Your Student Loans

When learning about cost of university in the UK, you should know about loan repayments too. Loan repayment begins in April after you graduate, but only if you earn above a certain threshold.

For students starting in 2024, the repayment plan is as follows:

• Threshold: £25,000 annual income.
• Repayment Amount: 9% of earnings above the threshold.
• Repayment Period: 40 years.

For instance, if you earn £30,000 per year, you’ll repay 9% of £5,000, which is £450 annually. Any remaining debt after 40 years is written off.

Studying Abroad or on Placement:

Your costs may vary slightly if your course involves a year abroad or a work placement.

• They are usually cheaper during these years.
• Overseas study maintenance loans start from £5,662 up to £11,713, depending on your family income and where you live.

Also, the travel grants may include the fare and other incidental expenses.

Funding a Second Degree

Student loans are generally for your first undergraduate degree only. However, exceptions exist for specific fields, such as:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Initial Teacher Training.

Strategies on How to Deal with University Expenses

Create a Budget: You should always have a budget and be able to set a portion of the money for basic needs such as rent, food, and books.

Explore Discounts: Students can use coupons and discount bookings to travel, shop, and eat out to reduce costs.

Seek Additional Income: If you need more money, look for a part-time or freelance job.

Utilize Campus Resources: Most universities provide services that are either free or charge minimal fees, such as library services and exercise facilities.

For more tips, read here.

Final Thoughts

The cost of university in the UK can feel overwhelming, but with proper planning and the right financial support, it’s manageable.

We have tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and additional grants, so you can focus on your books rather than your budget.

Enrollmate deals with helping students to overcome the challenges of university funding. Whether you need loans or scholarships, we will assist you in choosing the right options.

Visit Enrollmate right now to get the best out of your university life and begin creating your worth-it future!