UK Masters Degree Cost: Tuition Fees, Living Expenses & Scholarships for International Students
Studying for a masters degree in the UK is an exciting opportunity, but it comes with financial considerations. The cost of a masters degree in the UK varies based on factors like university reputation, course type, and location. In this guide, we break down UK masters tuition fees for international students, explore budgeting strategies, and highlight scholarship options to help fund your studies.
How Much Does a UK Masters Degree Cost for International Students?
Masters tuition fees in the UK for international students typically range from £16,000 to £35,000 for a one-year taught programme. However, some courses—especially MBAs—can exceed £45,000, particularly at top business schools. Universities review and increase their masters tuition fees every year for the September entry.
Breakdown of UK masters degree fees:
Standard Masters Courses: £16,000 - £35,000
MBA & Business Programmes: £20,000 - £45,000+
STEM & Medicine Masters: Higher tuition fees due to laboratory and research costs.
The majority of masters degree courses in the UK can be completed in just one year of full time study, offering both financial and career advantages. A one year masters course typically comes with lower tuition and living costs compared to a two year course. Plus, it allows for a quicker entry or return to the workforce, helping you advance your career sooner.
What Do UK Masters Fees Cover?
The cost of a masters in the UK for international students includes tuition but excludes additional expenses such as:
Accommodation & Living Costs: Budget £12,000 - £18,000 per year
Course Materials & Books: Additional costs for textbooks and printing
Travel & Transport: Varies by location
Social & Personal Expenses: Consider monthly lifestyle costs
If you study in London, expect living costs to be £1,000 per month higher than other UK cities.
Check out this advice from UCAS on how to budget properly and save money at university.
When Do I Pay My Masters Tuition Fees?
Most UK universities require a deposit when you accept your place, typically around £5,000, which is deducted from your total tuition fee. This deposit is intended to secure your place and discourage you from accepting offers from multiple universities. Before paying, ensure you’re fully committed to your choice of university.
It’s also important to check the terms and conditions of your deposit, as it is usually non-refundable. Understand the specific circumstances in which a refund might be possible—this could be crucial if unexpected events prevent you from starting your course as planned.
Payment deadlines for the remainder of your tuition fees vary by institution. Many universities require a first instalment shortly after enrolment, with further payments spread throughout the academic year. Your university should provide clear payment deadlines, but if you haven’t received this information, make sure to ask.
Why Do Masters Costs in the UK Vary?
Several factors influence the cost of a masters degree in the UK:
University Ranking & Reputation
Highly ranked institutions, such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, charge higher fees due to their global reputation and prestige.
Lower-ranked universities often have more affordable tuition fees.
Course Type & Subject Area
STEM and Medicine courses tend to be more expensive due to laboratory facilities, specialist staff, and research costs.
Business and Law programmes, especially MBAs, often come with premium tuition fees.
Location Matters
Courses in London are typically 20-30% more expensive than in other UK regions due to higher operational costs and demand.
How to Fund Your UK Masters Degree
The high fees of masters in the UK make scholarships an essential funding option for many international students.
The good news is that many scholarships are available to help reduce the cost of tuition. UK universities offer both automatic and application-based scholarships to international students.
Steps to Secure a Scholarship:
Use our UK Scholarship Finder
Use our UK scholarship finder to compare the best scholarships available to you.
Research university websites for institution-specific awards.
Understand UK Visa Requirements
Before applying for a UK masters, ensure you can meet living expense requirements for a student visa.
The UK Government mandates students prove they can afford £1,483 per month in London or £1,136 per month outside London (as of 2025).
Application-Based Scholarships
Some of the highest-value scholarships require an application.
Read our blog posts on writing a winning scholarship application and creating a strong video application to increase your chances of success.
Many universities offer scholarships that are automatically awarded when you meet eligibility criteria. Here’s how to secure one:
Apply to your chosen university: If you meet the criteria, the scholarship is often granted automatically.
Check terms & conditions: Some require you to accept your place by a certain date.
Understand renewal policies: Find out if the scholarship applies to the first year only or can be renewed.
Some scholarships allow stacking, helping you reduce UK masters tuition fees further.
Can International Students Work While Studying in the UK?
Most international students in the UK are allowed to work part-time, which can help you cover the costs of your masters fees and living expenses. Under UK government (UKVI) regulations, students on a study visa can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during university holidays. However, it's important to check the specific conditions of your visa and any additional restrictions set by your university to ensure compliance. For more advice, visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
From 1st April 2025, the UK’s minimum wage for adults over 21 will be £12.21 per hour. If you work the maximum 20 hours per week during term time, you can earn around £250 per week. During university vacations, you can work full-time and potentially earn even more. Always double-check your visa conditions and university guidelines before taking up a job. For more information, visit UKCISA.
Final Thoughts: Is a UK Masters Degree Worth the Cost?
A masters degree in the UK is a significant investment, but with careful planning and scholarship opportunities, you can manage the costs effectively. Whether you choose a top-tier university or a more budget-friendly institution, understanding tuition fees and funding options is key to making the right decision.
Start your UK masters funding journey today with our UK scholarship finder and take the first step towards securing financial support for your studies!