Plan your full study abroad budget: tuition, monthly living costs and one-off costs like visas, health cover and flights, in any currency.
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What to budget for
- Tuition: from your offer letter. International fees often differ from home fees.
- Rent and bills: usually the biggest living cost, especially in capital cities.
- Food, transport and day-to-day spending.
- Visa and health costs: for example, the UK Student visa costs £558 from 8 April 2026, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 a year.
- Flights and settling in: a rental deposit, bedding, a phone and course books.
Worked example: a 12-month Master’s in the UK
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | £18,000 |
| Living (£1,320 a month × 12) | £15,840 |
| Visa, health surcharge, flights, set-up | £2,634 |
| Total | £36,474 |
Visa proof of funds is different
Most student visas ask you to show a set amount for living costs, which may be more or less than your real budget. Examples: £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere in the UK (for up to 9 months), C$23,448 a year for Canada and €992 a month for Germany.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study abroad?
It varies widely. A one-year Master’s in the UK can cost £30,000 to £45,000 in total including living costs.
What's the UK student visa fee in 2026?
£558 from 8 April 2026, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 a year.
Is the visa funds amount the same as my budget?
No. It’s a minimum you must show; your real costs may be higher, especially in big cities.
Can I work while studying?
Often, with limits. UK students on degree courses can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time.
Sources
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