University Costs Guide: Tuition, Living & How to Fund It
Tuition Fees
UK undergraduate tuition fees are capped at £9,535/year for 2025/26 (recently increased from £9,250). Over a typical 3-year degree, that's £28,605. Scottish students studying in Scotland pay no tuition fees.
Living Costs
Average annual living costs vary significantly by location:
- London: £15,000-18,000/year
- Other major cities: £10,000-13,000/year
- Smaller university towns: £8,000-11,000/year
This covers accommodation (the biggest cost), food, transport, course materials, and socialising.
Total Cost of a 3-Year Degree
- London university: £73,000-82,000
- Major city: £58,000-67,000
- Smaller town: £52,000-62,000
Funding Options
Tuition Fee Loan: Covers full tuition. Paid directly to the university. You don't repay until earning over the threshold.
Maintenance Loan: Up to £13,762/year (living away from home, London) depending on household income. Lower income = higher loan.
Grants and bursaries: Many universities offer means-tested bursaries of £500-3,000/year. Check each university's financial support page.
Part-time work: Most students work part-time. The recommended maximum is 15-20 hours/week during term time.
Scholarships: Academic, sports, and subject-specific scholarships available. Apply early — many have autumn deadlines.
Is University Worth It?
Graduates earn on average £10,000 more per year than non-graduates over their careers. However, this varies hugely by subject and institution. Consider the return on investment for your specific course and career plans.
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does university cost in total?
A 3-year degree costs £52,000-82,000 including tuition (£28,605) and living costs (£24,000-54,000). London is most expensive. Most students fund this through tuition fee loans and maintenance loans.
Do I have to pay tuition fees upfront?
No. The Tuition Fee Loan covers the full amount and is paid directly to your university. You only start repaying when you earn above the threshold (£27,295 for Plan 2), and it's written off after 30 years.