The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world – and the most expensive ones. Although tuition fees for domestic undergraduate students are capped at £9250 per year, international students can expect to pay much more than this. However, higher fees often correspond to greater prestige and a higher standard of tuition, meaning that the financial cost may be worth it. It’s also important to consider graduate prospects and earning potential when deciding how valuable a degree really is.
The most expensive university to attend in the UK depends on factors such as the course chosen, fee status, and the cost of living. In this article, I’ve put together a list of some of the most expensive universities using data collected by Britannia. The fees shown are based on international prices for one year of tuition.
10. Durham University – £23,000 – £25,500
First on our list of most expensive universities in the UK for international students is Durham University. Durham has a student population of 20,268, representing 120 countries. With over 200 different undergraduate courses, it’s a versatile and well-respected member of the Russel Group. It’s in the world’s top 10 universities for 3 subjects: Archaeology, Classics, and Theology.
9. London School of Economics and Political Science: £26,784
LSE is one of the UK’s most prestigious universities, admitting only 8.9% of applicants. LSE alumni include 55 heads of state and 18 Nobel laureates, with 13 of 49 Nobel Memorial Prizes in Economics going to LSE staff or graduates. It has also produced the most billionaires of any European university. With all this in mind, its high price tag might produce significant returns!
8. Loughborough University – £23,000 – £28,600
Loughborough University is best known for its sports-related courses, and attracts students from all over the world to study at its Loughborough and London campuses. It has been awarded 5 stars for research by the International QS Stars Scheme, and ranked in the Top 10 in the Complete University Guide 2017-2024. The cost of living here is slightly lower than in most other cities on this list, with rent averaging £400 – £500 monthly.
7. University of Bath – £25,700 – 28,800
Ranked in the top 150 universities in the world, the University of Bath enjoys a good reputation and is currently educating around 20,000 students. In fact, nearly a quarter of Bath’s population are students! 92% of its research has been defined as “world-leading or internationally excellent,” and it has invested £450 million into its campus in the last decade. It’s also the UK’s number one university for Marketing.
6. University of Warwick – £24,800 – £31,620
The University of Warwick is ranked 61st in the world. It ranks especially highly in Economics, Business, and Philosophy. It’s also the 6th most targeted UK university by graduate employers, so going here is likely to pay off. Cost of living can vary, but is likely to be cheaper than in London, Oxford, or Cambridge.
5. University of St Andrews – £30,160 – £36,990
As Scotland’s oldest university, it’s no surprise that St Andrews attracts students from over 130 countries. It has one of the best first-year retention rates in Scotland, with 96% of students continuing to second year. St Andrews is also known for educating Prince William, who studied its Art History degree. It’s also one of the most expensive universities in the UK, with international tuition fees beginning at £30,160 per annum. It used to be the MOST expensive uni, so it’s good to know it’s worked its way down our list a little.
4. University College London – £31,100 – £37,500
UCL is rated 2nd in the UK for research power, and has produced 30 Nobel laureates to date. It’s one of the biggest universities on this list, educating over 50,000 students. It’s long been known for its progressive approach: it was the first university in England to admit women and students from all religions.
3. University of Oxford – £27,840 – £39,010
Recognised as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Oxford’s prices reflect its reputation. Its tutorial system allows students to learn in a much more personalised environment, which has likely contributed to its consistently high rankings. The cost of living in Oxford is high, and students can expect to spend roughly £1,345 – £1,955 per month. However, terms in Oxford are shorter than at other universities, which could bring living costs down.
2. Imperial College London – £35,100 – £46,650
Imperial is a top-ranked STEM university, and is the only UK university to focus solely on science and business subjects. It was founded in 1907 with the mission “to be useful”, and it has certainly delivered on that promise; its pioneering work has resulted in breakthroughs such as penicillin, bionic arms, and the use of brain scans to detect Alzheimer’s. Due to its London location, living costs are also high – expect to pay about £1800 per month.
1. University of Cambridge – £23,340 – £60,942
Often mentioned alongside Oxford, it’s no surprise that the University of Cambridge is one of the most expensive universities in the UK. One of the most expensive courses offered at Cambridge is the Bachelor of Medicine programme, which will set international students back by a staggering £58,038 per year. The university estimates that students staying in Cambridge during term time (9 months of the year) should budget £10,950 for living costs.
So, there you have it. Those are the most expensive universities to attend in the UK. Did anything on this list surprise you? If you’re deciding where (or where not) to study, take a look at our list of the best to worst Russell Group universities.
Last Updated on June 20, 2024
Published on May 19, 2024
