Most Expensive Universities in the UK

When dreaming about higher education, many students have the United Kingdom in mind due to its prestigious universities and world-class academic programs. However, studying at a top UK university may come as pricey, with the cost of attending these institutions being a major concern for international students. In this guide, we will talk about tuition fees, leagues table, and rank the most expensive universities in the UK.

We’ll also talk about a very good companion for those travelling to study abroad or an international student considering your options: Wise, a multi-currency account, that makes your life easier.

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Top Five Most Expensive Universities in the UK

The price you pay for your course can actually tell you a lot about how good it is. Universities with higher tuition fees usually invest more into facilities and services to make the student experience better. Studying at a top-notch UK uni might sting your wallet a bit, but the prestige of doing it at a world-leading institution pays off in terms of opportunities after you graduate and earning potential. This depends on factors such as the course chosen, fee status, and the cost of living. So let’s see the top five most expensive universities in the UK, from the bottom to the top.

5. Imperial College London

Imperial College London, specialising in fields like science, engineering, medicine, and business, is known for being one of the priciest choices when it’s about higher education in the UK. ICL stands out with the highest score among all UK universities in terms of spending on academic services, having several investments in resources like libraries and IT to support students' academic needs. Their students can expect access to world-class facilities and abundant academic resources.

For international students, annual tuition fees range from £35,100 to £46,650.¹ Additionally, the living expenses in London can be notably high, totaling around £16,209 per year for students.

4. University of St Andrews

Over in Scotland, you'll find the University of St Andrews, one of the UK's ancient gems when we’re talking about universities. They like to call themselves a "Scottish university with a global orientation" because they've got people from all over - over 40% of students and staff hail from every corner of the globe while still keeping that distinct Scottish charm. This university ranked at a solid fourth place in the UK offering several courses, and 25 of them are in the UK's top ten.

If you're an international student, be prepared: you'll be paying from £25,272 to £34,128 per year.² Plus, in a big survey covering unis in England, Scotland, and Wales, St Andrews was in the top three for the highest cost of living, just behind London and Glasgow.

3. London School of Economics and Political Science

LSE is famous for its social sciences offerings, being the only UK uni solely dedicated to the humanities and draws in a substantial crowd of global students, which bumps up its tuition fees and puts it among the UK's top 5 most expensive universities. Situated right in the middle of London, LSE boasts an impressively diverse student gang, with nearly half of its crew coming from places far and wide beyond the UK and EU borders.

When it comes to ranking, LSE doesn't mess around - it's in the top ten for ten subjects, including Law, Accounting & Finance, Politics, Sociology, and more. Tuition fees can go up to £23,330 per year.³

2. University of Cambridge

The prestigious University of Cambridge doesn't come cheap when it comes to tuition fees, especially compared to other top UK universities. However, these fees translate into top-notch academic services and facilities, with a significant parcel of the budget being distributed to enhancing resources like libraries, IT infrastructure, and other essential services

If you're an international student aiming at Cambridge, be prepared to pay anywhere from £24,507 to £63,990 in annual fees.⁴ And if you're eyeing the medical field, brace yourself because Cambridge offers the UK's most expensive Bachelor of Medicine program, ringing in at a jaw-dropping £63,990 in yearly tuition fees for international students. Don't forget about the cost of living either, which can hit you with an estimated additional £8,375 each year.

1. University of Oxford

The globally renowned University of Oxford is always in the top spots in international rankings. Its distinctive approach to higher education, including a personalized tutorial system, that plays a pivotal role in Oxford's academic excellence, contributing to the university's outstanding performance across nearly 40 different courses. Oxford also excels in allocating resources for academic services, ensuring that students have access to high-quality library and IT services.

When it comes to costs, tuition fees at Oxford range from £33,050 to £48,620 per year for international students.⁵ While living in Oxford can be on the pricey side, with an estimated annual cost of £14,100 to £20,520, it's important to note that Oxford's unique term structure (8 weeks) means you're typically in the city for just six months in any given year, which can help cut living expenses.

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Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Sources used:

1. Imperial College London
2. University of St. Andrews
3. London School of Economics and Political Science
4. University of Cambridge
5. University of Oxford

Sources last checked on date: 13-September-2023