The Costs of Higher Education

•  accommodation
•  general living expenses
•  tuition fees.   

University-Owned Accomodation

Universities charge in the region of £65 - £120 per week for accommodation in their halls of residence. These costs depend on whether the halls are full board or self-catering and usually include all bills apart from telephone and internet connection costs. 

According to the NUS (National Union of Students) the average rent for self-catering single university-owned and managed accommodation, including utility bills such as water and energy was ~£72  outside London and ~£96 in London for 2007/08.

Privately Rented Accomodation

The average weekly cost of private rented student accommodation in the UK is around £60, this is exclusive of bills. 

• food
• toiletries
• clothes
• insurance
• books
• stationery
• travel
• social activities, and 
• phone bills.           

The National Union of Students (NUS) estimates that the average student outside London spent around £9,176 on general living expenses during the 2007-08 academic year, while the average student in London spent £11,142. 

For a breakdown of the estimated costs and more information on Student Finance from the NUS see the NUS Higher Education Student Finance-Press Summary 2007/08.

Students studying in England, Northern Ireland and Wales

• Students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales now have to pay money directly to universities to help cover the cost of their education. 

• Scottish students studying at higher education institutions in England, Northern Ireland and Wales will have to pay tuition fees or apply for a fee loan.

Students Studying in Scotland

• Scottish and non-UK EU students studying at a Scottish higher education institution do not have to pay tuition fees. They can apply to the SAAS (Student Awards Agency for Scotland) for their fees to be paid for them. 

• English, Northern Irish and Welsh students studying at Scottish higher education institutions will have to pay tuition fees.

There are different systems in place in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Payment of Tuition Fees

Students are not expected to pay tuition fees before they study (although they can pay them in one lump sum if they wish to). Instead, they will be able to take out a loan to cover the fees which will be paid directly to the university on their behalf.  These loans are referred to as 'fee loans':

• 
  They have a very low interest rate which is linked to the rate of inflation.

• No loan repayments will have to be made until after graduation, and not until earnings exceed £15,000 per annum.

• The size of monthly repayment will be linked to the rate of income.

• Payments will usually be made automatically through the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) system and will be collected by HM Revenue and Customs (formerly the Inland Revenue).

Choose the region you come from for more information on the cost of tuition fees and financial help available to you: