For many Bangladeshi students, pursuing higher education in the UK is a dream inspired by the prospect of world-class teaching, globally recognised degrees, and good career prospects after graduation. While the cost to study in the UK can vary, the country is home to some of the world’s top universities, offering various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Students benefit from high academic standards, research-focused training, and strong post-study job opportunities. All of these make the UK an attractive higher-education choice.
However, getting higher education in the UK requires careful financial planning. Living and studying overseas expenses can be high, particularly when considering tuition, housing, travel, and everyday costs. Students and their families must grasp the complete financial commitment before starting the application process. By managing a budget wisely and seeking scholarships or part-time job opportunities, pursuing studies in the UK can turn into a valuable investment.
This article will explore the comprehensive expenses for Bangladeshi students studying in the UK, including tuition, housing, visa fees, and crucial living costs. Additionally, we will address health insurance requirements, transportation costs, possible tax liabilities, and frequently asked questions to assist students in making informed choices.
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Cost of Studying in the UK for Bangladeshi Students
Living and studying in the UK is a dream for many Bangladeshi students, but this quality education does not come cheap. There are numerous expenses related to studying in the UK, such as tuition fees, living costs, visa fees, and insurance. All of these costs are explained in detail in the passages below.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees constitute the most significant expense for any international student studying in the UK. This fee is what students must pay to their university for their education and certificate. The tuition fee varies based on several factors, including the type of qualification, the university, the courses, and the available scholarships.
Courses in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and education are generally less expensive, while those in fields such as medicine and engineering tend to be more costly. Postgraduate courses typically incur higher costs than undergraduate programs. Among these, MBA programs are often the most expensive. Average annual tuition fees for various courses are listed below.
- Undergraduate degree: £10,000-£20,000
- Postgraduate degree: £10,000-£20,000
- Doctoral degree: £15,000-£25,000
Accommodation Cost
The accommodation cost will be the second biggest expense for international students studying in the UK. Rent varies from location to location, and typically, the busy cities have the highest rent in the UK. A cheaper alternative for students is living in the dormitories of their universities.
London is undeniably the most expensive city in the UK, with an average monthly rent ranging from £1000 to £1500. Other costly cities include Brighton, Oxford, and Bristol. Cardiff, Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, and Cambridge are more affordable cities.
In addition to the rent, you will also need to pay for utilities such as electricity, internet, water, and cable. International students can expect to pay around £150 to £250 monthly, depending on their usage of these services.
Cost of the Student Visa
Bangladeshi students also need to pay for their student visas. Currently, they are required to pay BDT 86,276 to apply for a student visa. This fee may vary over time and due to other factors. Additionally, the visa fee can differ based on the type of visa.
Other Expenses
Other living expenses encompass food, housekeeping, mobile plans, clothing, books, stationery, and more. A complete list of these monthly expenses is provided below.
- Food: £100-£250
- Mobile and Data Plan: £20-£50
- Housekeeping: £160-£200
- Clothes: £20-£100
- Books: £20-£50
- Entertainment: £50-£100
Remember that these expenses may vary due to inflation, economic factors, and the student’s lifestyle. You might pay more or less than the specified amount based on your living conditions in the UK.
Health Insurance
The UK boasts one of the world’s most advanced public healthcare systems, offering free healthcare services to the public. However, a yearly health insurance fee is required to access these benefits. Bangladeshi students must pay £470 annually as the UK health insurance fee or Immigration Health Surcharge.
Transportation
International students studying in the UK must use transportation to travel from their residence to campus. Transportation is generally affordable in the UK due to public options such as buses and trains. Students can anticipate spending £50-£100 per month on transportation during their stay in the UK.
Taxes
Bangladeshi students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. They must pay income tax if they hold a job while studying in the UK. Typically, employers deduct Income Tax and National Insurance from wages through the Pay As You Earn system, meaning students do not have to pay taxes separately. Inquire with your employer about taxes to ensure timely payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Study in the UK for Bangladeshi Students?
Bangladeshi students’ overall cost of studying in the UK ranges from about £20,000 to £35,000 yearly. However, this cost can vary based on the university, courses, location, timing, the economy, and other factors.
Is Studying in the UK Worth It Now?
Yes, studying in the UK is still worth it because, although the education is not cheap, it is world-class and cultivates scholars with high employability. This is why thousands of international students come to the UK to pursue their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
What Is the Cheapest University in the UK?
Wrexham Glyndwr University is often considered the cheapest university in the UK due to its affordable tuition fees. Other affordable universities include York St John University, the University of Bolton, the University of Bedfordshire, Plymouth Marjon University, Leeds Beckett University, the University of Cumbria, and Middlesex University.
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a UK Student Visa?
Students must demonstrate a bank balance of £1483 per month for up to nine months while studying in London and £1136 per month for up to nine months when studying outside of London. Please note that this amount may change over time due to various factors.
Is the UK Too Expensive to Study?
No, the UK may seem expensive due to tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses, but UK universities offer world-class education that develops scholars with high employability. This justifies the higher tuition fees at UK universities compared to other institutions.
What Is the Cheapest Degree in the UK?
Undergraduate degrees in the humanities and social sciences are generally the most affordable in the UK. In contrast, degrees in engineering, medicine, and business rank among the most expensive in the UK.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK provides Bangladeshi students with high-quality education, a rich cultural experience, and global career prospects. Nonetheless, students must engage in proper financial planning during their stay in the UK. Annual costs- covering tuition, accommodation, visa fees, and living expenses- typically range between £20,000 and £35,000. Students should also consider health insurance, transportation, and occasional recreational activities. Despite these expenses, the UK remains a favored destination because of its academic excellence, diverse universities, and strong employment opportunities post-graduation.