Costs of Studying in the UK for Pakistani Students

Studying in the United Kingdom (UK) offers Pakistani students access to world-class education, global career opportunities, and multicultural experiences. However, understanding the financial requirements is essential for planning a successful study abroad journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs for Pakistani students in the UK.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in the UK vary depending on the university, level of study, and program.

Undergraduate Programs

Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: £15,000–£22,000 per year
Science, Engineering, and Technology: £17,000–£25,000 per year
Medicine and Dentistry: £35,000–£50,000 per year

Postgraduate Programs

Taught Master’s Programs: £16,000–£30,000 per year
MBA Programs: £30,000–£50,000 per year
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD): £18,000–£35,000 per year

Note: Fees may vary depending on the university and whether the student chooses to study in London or other regions.

Living Costs

Living expenses are a significant part of studying in the UK. Costs depend on the city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation.

Accommodation

University Halls of Residence: £4,000–£8,000 per year
Private Apartments/Shared Flats: £5,000–£10,000 per year (depending on location)

Food and Groceries

£150–£250 per month for self-catering or groceries
Eating out occasionally can cost £10–£25 per meal

Transportation

Student travel cards and railcards offer discounted rates
Monthly transport: £50–£120 depending on city and mode of transport

Utilities and Internet

£50–£100 per month for electricity, heating, water, and internet

Miscellaneous Expenses

Books and study materials: £300–£600 per year
Personal expenses (clothing, entertainment, mobile, healthcare supplement): £100–£200 per month

Work and Part-Time Opportunities

Pakistani students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during holidays.

Average hourly pay ranges from £10–£15, which can help offset living costs.
Part-time work opportunities include retail, hospitality, tutoring, or on-campus roles.

Tip: Focus primarily on academics while using part-time work to supplement expenses, not cover all costs.

Healthcare Costs

International students in the UK are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the visa application:

IHS Fee: £470 per year (2025) for access to the National Health Service (NHS)
Provides access to doctor visits, hospital care, and emergency services without additional costs.

Estimated Annual Expenditure

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (GBP)
Tuition Fees (Undergraduate)	£15,000–£25,000
Tuition Fees (Postgraduate)	£16,000–£35,000
Accommodation	£4,000–£10,000
Food & Groceries	£1,800–£3,000
Transportation	£600–£1,400
Utilities & Internet	£600–£1,200
Books & Study Materials	£300–£600
Miscellaneous Expenses	£1,200–£2,400
Total Annual Cost	£23,500–£50,000+

Note: Living in London is generally more expensive than in cities such as Manchester, Glasgow, or Birmingham.

Tips for Cost Management

Apply for Scholarships: Explore Chevening, Commonwealth, and university-specific scholarships.

Choose Affordable Accommodation: University halls outside city centers are usually cheaper.
Budget Carefully: Maintain a monthly budget for groceries, transport, and personal expenses.
Part-Time Work: Utilize permitted work hours to offset living costs, but prioritize academics.
Use Student Discounts: Take advantage of railcards, cinema, and retail discounts available to students.

Conclusion

Understanding the costs of studying in the UK allows Pakistani students to plan effectively and avoid financial stress. By combining tuition, living expenses, healthcare, and personal budgeting, students can estimate the total expenditure and explore scholarships and part-time opportunities to make studying in the UK more affordable. Proper financial planning ensures a smooth academic journey, allowing students to focus on achieving their educational and career goals.