Studying in the United Kingdom as an international student: costs, visa and work rules (2026)
In the United Kingdom, tuition at a public university is £16k to £24k for a master’s and £12k to £33k for a bachelor’s. For the student visa you must show £1,171 / mo, you can work 20 h / wk while studying, and you can stay 24 months after graduating.
✓ Last checked against official sources: 14 Oct 2026. Every figure links to the government body or university that sets it. No school pays to appear here.
Costs
| Item | Master’s (1 year) | Bachelor’s (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, public university | £16k to £24kEst., varies by program | £12k to £33kEst., 2026–27 university fee lists |
| Tuition, private or top-ranked | £24k to £38kEst. | £33k to £46kEst., top-ranked; medicine more |
| Money to show for the visa | £1,171 / mo£1,529 in London, for 9 months | |
| Health insurance | About £800 a year (estimate) | |
| Visa and permit fees | About £600, once (estimate) | |
| Total* | ≈ £31,400 | ≈ £117,000 |
*Diplonaut estimate at a public university: the lower tuition figure + the money you must show for the visa (a floor for living costs, not a budget) + health insurance, for the whole degree, plus visa fees once. Tuition ranges are estimates: each university publishes its own fees. UK tuition ranges are estimates; universities publish their own fees.
Visa and entry
| Your passport | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss | Student visa before travel (EU citizens included) |
| United States, Canada, Australia, South Koreaand some other passports | Student visa before travel (£558, plus £776 a year health surcharge) |
| Most other countries | Student visa before travel |
Work rights
- While studying: 20 h / wk.
- After graduating: 24 months (Graduate Route).
Will my degree from the United Kingdom be recognized?
Only ‘recognised bodies’ can award UK degrees. ‘Listed bodies’ teach courses whose degrees are awarded by a recognised body. It’s an offence to offer a UK degree without authorization, so always check who awards yours.
Check an institution: GOV.UK: check a degree is officially recognised
For a bachelor’s: Apply through UCAS: the deadline for most courses is 13 January 2027 (15 October for some). Degrees take 3 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, 4 in Scotland.
By field of study
- No field yet (undecided): You apply to one course through UCAS. In Scotland, 4-year degrees let you try several subjects in years 1 and 2 (for example Edinburgh). Changing course keeps your visa only if it is at the same level, in a related subject and ends within your visa dates; otherwise you need a new visa and CAS.
- Medicine or dentistry: Medicine is an undergraduate degree. International places are capped (the regulator sets a separate, limited overseas allowance). Example: University of Edinburgh MBChB, £54,650 a year in 2026–27.
- Law: The LLB is an undergraduate degree in English law; to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE, your degree can be in any subject.
- Art, design or music: Music, drama and screen courses at conservatoires use a separate route, UCAS Conservatoires, with an audition.
Recent official changes for United Kingdom
- No rule change for United Kingdom has been tracked in the last months. See all changes by country.
Compare United Kingdom
See the United Kingdom next to the other destinations, adjusted to your passport, degree level and field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in the United Kingdom?
Tuition at a public university is £16k to £24k a year for a master’s and £12k to £33k for a bachelor’s. With the money you must show for the visa and health insurance, a 1-year master’s comes to about £31,400 in total (Diplonaut estimate).
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in the United Kingdom?
£1,171 / mo (£1,529 in London, for 9 months).
Can I work while studying in the United Kingdom?
Yes: 20 h / wk.
Can I stay in the United Kingdom after graduating?
24 months (Graduate Route).
Other destinations
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Student visa
- Home Office: Statement of Changes HC 584 (3 September 2026)
- GOV.UK: all statements of changes to the Immigration Rules
- Loughborough University: international fees 2026–27
- GOV.UK: Graduate visa
- UCAS: 2027 entry deadline
- GOV.UK: check a degree is officially recognised
- University of Edinburgh: how degrees work
- University of Huddersfield: changing course on a Student visa
- Office for Students: medical and dental places
- University of Edinburgh: medicine fees 2026–27
- SRA: the SQE route
- UCAS: Conservatoires
Information, not legal or immigration advice.