How to fund your studies in the UK 

Here, we have outlined methods you can try to help fund your education when it comes to studying abroad.

In this article:

• Plan the cost of studying abroad
• Scholarships
• Student loans
• Part-time Jobs

Plan the cost of studying abroad 

Along with tuition fees, it is essential to know the other costs involved such as: 

• Accommodation
• Travel
• Food
• Study materials
• Recreational activities

Keeping all these expenses in mind, it is best if you start thinking about your budget right from the start.

Pointers to plan your study abroad budget

• Select the type of course that fits your budget well. Sometimes the tuition fees vary a lot depending on the kind of course you opt.

Suggested reading: 'How to search for university tuition fees through Edvoy'

• Select a course with an apt length. Typically UG courses are 3-years long and PG courses are 1-year long. But, there are some courses that are longer. You must know how long you want your education to be so that you can plan accordingly.
• Choose accommodation that is right for you. There are plenty of options like,
  • Halls of residence (Dorms)
  • Private halls of residence
  • Rented houses/apartments
• UK Visa processing charges for Tier 4 student visa is about £348 and short term student visa is about £97 (6 months) and £186 (11 months).
• You also need to keep travelling charges in mind. You can reduce the flight charges for travelling home by planning and booking your tickets well in advance. You can utilize the student bus passes and train cards to bring down the overall expense.

Scholarships 

Scholarships are monetary awards to help students fund their education across the globe. Scholarships, unlike loans, do not need to be paid back. They can cover a huge proportion of your expenditure while studying abroad as they mostly include tuition fees, accommodation. Certain scholarships can even offer a small stipend for your personal expenses.

Suggested reading: 'UK scholarships for international students'

Student loans 

There are a variety of student loans available to international students. You can find these student loans in banks in your home countries and in the UK. While considering a student loan, you must always find a source that is offering a more structured and credible format of raising funds. Use this checklist to choose a student loan that is best suited for you.

• Make sure you thoroughly check the credibility of the lending bank.
• Compare the interest rates of all shortlisted banks and also check if they are subject to change with the market trends.
• Carefully study the repayment terms.
• Make a list of institutions that require a collateral to be supported and the interest rate with the same.

Also read: Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students

Part-time jobs

There are many part-time job options available to students. To start looking for a job:

• Build a decent CV (mention your skills, details of your education, and prior experience details) For more pointers on writing your CV read, How to write your CV
• Post your resume on online platforms, and college placement cells. You can also scout out nearby neighbourhoods and look for jobs in local shops and restaurants.