Key takeaways
- Monthly living expenses in the US are a bit higher, ranging from USD 1,070 to USD 3,400, as in the UK, it may cost around GBP 814 to GBP 2,090 each month.
- To get a US visa, you’ll need to pay USD 160 while a UK visa will cost you GBP 822 plus an annual GBP 1,035 for healthcare coverage.
- Studying in the US could cost between USD 32,070 and USD 90,060 per year, while in the UK, the total ranges from GBP 23,957 to GBP 58,407.
- Both countries offer scholarships, like Fulbright in the US and Chevening in the UK, to help reduce costs.
Choosing a country to study abroad is an important decision, and the cost of studying is a major factor when making this choice. This article will help you make an informed decision by giving you a comparison of the costs that go into studying in the US and the UK. Read to know more about tuition fees, living expenses, and scholarships in the US and the UK. Get all the information and more you need for your study abroad journey.
Table of Contents
- Course fees in the US and UK
- University fees in the US and the UK
- Cost of studying in public and private universities in the US and UK
- Living costs
- Student visa costs
- Pre-arrival costs
- Scholarships for international students
- Frequently asked questions
Course fees in the US and UK
Understanding tuition fees is important as they form the largest expense when studying abroad. Let’s compare the course fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in both countries.
US university fee for international students
- Tuition fees for undergraduate programs in the US can range from USD 20,000 to USD 50,000 per year.
- For postgraduate programs, the fees can range from USD 20,000 to USD 60,000 annually.
- PhD programs can cost between USD 28,000 and USD 40,000 per year.
UK university fee for international students
- Tuition fees for undergraduate programs in the UK typically range from GBP 10,000 to GBP 30,000 per year.
- Postgraduate programs can cost between GBP 10,000 and GBP 35,000 annually.
- PhD programs can range from GBP 15,000 to GBP 25,000 per year.
University fees in the US and the UK
We will have an overview of the tuition fees of some of the best universities in the US and the UK. This will help you understand the money required for studying in the best universities.
Top 10 US universities and their fee
Here's a list of some of the best US universities and their starting tuition fees. This information will give you an idea of the costs at various universities when studying in the US.
| Universities | Tuition fee |
|---|---|
| Texas State University | Starts from 16,600 USD |
| Temple University | Starts from 17,475 USD |
| University of North Texas | Starts from 19,571.36 USD |
| Troy University | Starts from 19,800 USD |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Starts from 19,881 USD |
| University of Central Florida | Starts from 21,492 USD |
| Kent State University | Starts from 22,903 USD |
| Sacred Heart University | Starts from 27,105 USD |
| Arizona State University | Starts from 31,449 USD |
| Gannon University | Starts from 34,570 USD |
Data as of March 2025
Also read: Cheapest university in the USA
Top 10 UK universities and their fee
Below are some of the best UK universities and their starting tuition fees. It is good to know this information when you select a university to study in the UK.
| Universities | Tuition fee |
|---|---|
| Sheffield Hallam University | Starts from 15,860 GBP |
| University of Strathclyde | Starts from 16,050 GBP |
| University for the Creative Arts | Starts from 17,500 GBP |
| University of Greenwich | Starts from 17,500 GBP |
| Brunel University of London | Starts from 17,665 GBP |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | Starts from 18,000 GBP |
| University of Essex | Starts from 20,700 GBP |
| Queen Mary University of London | Starts from 28,350 GBP |
| University of Glasgow | Starts from 30,240 GBP |
| University of Sheffield | Starts from 31,190 GBP |
Data as of March 2025
Cost of studying in public and private universities in the US and UK
Tuition fees can vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private university. Below, we compare the costs of studying in the US and UK for both types of institutions.
United States
Tuition fees for international students at public universities in the US typically range from USD 25,000 to USD 50,000 annually. Meanwhile, private universities tend to have higher tuition fees, ranging from USD 30,000 to USD 60,000 per year.
Source: National Centre for Education Statistics as of March 2025
United Kingdom
At public universities in the UK, tuition fees for international students generally range from GBP 10,000 to GBP 20,000 per year. In contrast, private universities often have higher fees, typically ranging from GBP 15,000 to GBP 35,000 annually
Source: UK Council for International Student Affairs as of March 2025
Living costs
Living expenses are another major component of studying abroad. This section provides a comparison of average monthly living costs in the US and UK.
Average living costs in the US and UK
| Expense | Per month in the US | Per month in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Student halls | USD 500 to 1,200 | GBP 280 to 720 |
| Room in private accommodation | USD 700 to 1,500 | GBP 854 to 1,000 |
| Household bills | USD 100 to 200 | GBP 100 to 200Ṅ |
| Groceries | USD 200 to 400 | GBP 100 to 200 |
| Socialising | USD 100 to 300 | GBP 50 to 150 |
| Public transport | USD 50 to 100 | GBP 70 to 100 |
| Mobile phone bill | USD 30 to 50 | GBP 10 to 30 |
| Student gym membership | USD 20 to 50 | GBP 20 to 40 |
Source: Numbeo as of March, 2025
Also read: UK university accommodation for international students
Related articles
Student visa costs
As a student wishing to go abroad for higher education, you will also need a visa. A student visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge for the specific country are mentioned below.
| Expense | United States | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa application fee | USD 160 | GBP 822 |
| Healthcare surcharge | Varies | GBP 1,035 per year |
Source: U.S. Department of State and UK Home Office as of March 2025
Also read: Student accommodation for international students in the USA
Pre-arrival costs
Apart from tuition and living expenses, there are other costs associated with studying abroad, such as pre-arrival costs.
When planning to study abroad, you will have to consider the various exams and their costs. For the UK, you will have to take the GRE, GMAT, or IELTS UKVI, whereas for the US, the IELTS and TOEFL are required. These exams generally cost between USD 200 and USD 300.
Universities charge an application fee. In the US, this fee ranges from USD 50 to USD 100 per application, while in the UK, it ranges from GBP 50 to GBP 100 per application.
There are other expenses as well, such as sending documents or test scores to universities or embassies, which can cost between USD 50 and USD 100. Flight tickets can also be a significant expense, typically ranging from USD 500 to USD 1,500.
Also read: UK vs US education system: Which is better?
Scholarships for international students
Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad. You can find a list of some popular scholarships available to international students like you who want to study in the US and the UK.
United States
- Fulbright scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for international students.
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: Provides a year of professional enrichment in the US.
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: Covers all billable expenses.
United Kingdom
- Chevening scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for one-year master's degrees.
- Commonwealth scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries.
- GREAT scholarships: GBP 10,000 for one-year postgraduate studies.
Also read: Cheapest accommodation in the UK for international students.
Studying in the US or the UK is an exciting opportunity, but it does come with its set of challenges—especially when it comes to costs. Tuition fees can be high in both countries, but luckily, there are scholarships and financial aid options to help. If you're looking for extensive university choices, the US might be your pick, while the UK can be a great option if you're hoping to find more affordable living costs in some areas.
At the end of the day, the choice depends on what you want, your career goals, and your budget. Both countries offer world-class education and unique cultural experiences. By understanding the costs involved, you can make an informed decision that best suits your academic and financial goals.
We’re a global technology-enabled platform to help international students like you study abroad. Download our all-in-one study abroad app, which makes it easy to find courses, apply, and enrol in international universities. With over 18 years of experience, we've helped more than 85,000 students from 25+ countries achieve their study-abroad dreams. You could be next!
Whether you want to study in the US or the UK, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to go to university in the US from the UK?
The cost varies depending on the university and program. On average, tuition fees range from USD 23,000 to USD 50,000 per year for international students.
How can I study in the US?
To study in the US, you need to research universities, apply for admission, secure funding, and obtain a student visa (F-1 or M-1). We can guide you through the process.
How much does it cost to attend a university in the US?
Tuition fees in the US vary by institution and program. Public universities charge around USD 35,000 to USD 60,000 for international students. Private universities can cost up to USD 60,000 per year.
How much is the tuition fee in the UK for international students?
The cost of undergraduate studies in the UK usually falls between GBP 10,000 to GBP 30,000 per year, while postgraduate programs can cost between GBP 10,000 and GBP 35,000 annually. For those pursuing PhD programs, the fee can range from GBP 15,000 to GBP 25,000 per year.
