Tuition is the headline. It is rarely more than half of what you will actually spend. Here is the full picture, in the order you will pay it.
Before you arrive
- Application costs - UCAS or direct application fees.
- English test - IELTS, PTE or equivalent.
- Tuition deposit, usually required to secure your place and issue a CAS.
- Student visa fee, set by the Home Office.
- Immigration Health Surcharge, paid up front for the full length of your visa. For a multi-year course this is a substantial single payment.
- Maintenance funds evidence. You must show you hold a specified amount for living costs, held for a set period before applying. This is not a fee, but the money must genuinely be there.
- Flights, and TB testing where required.
All current figures are published on gov.uk and by universities. Use those; fees change annually.
Tuition
International tuition varies widely by institution and subject, with laboratory, clinical and business subjects typically at the higher end. Get the exact figure for your course and year - and check whether it is fixed for the duration or rises annually.
Living costs
Rent is the dominant line and varies enormously between London and the rest of the UK. Then utilities, food, transport, phone, books and materials, insurance and a social life. The Home Office publishes the maintenance amounts it considers necessary, which is a reasonable minimum planning figure - but only a minimum.
The costs people forget
- Deposit plus advance rent on private accommodation.
- Setting up a room from empty.
- Travel home during holidays.
- Course-specific equipment or field trips.
- Graduation and document costs.
- The Graduate Route application fee and health surcharge afterwards, if you use it.
How to reduce it honestly
Study outside London; choose a shorter programme; apply for scholarships early - see are there scholarships for Indian students in UK universities; and start with a lower-cost recognised qualification rather than jumping straight to a full degree abroad.
Next step
LSBUK publishes course fees on each course page - see the Level 3 Diploma in Business and Management - and admissions can discuss payment plans. Contact us.