How much does it cost to study in London? A Complete Guide for 2026

 

Introduction

 

Study in the UK is always a dream for Bangladeshi students. Studying in London, in particular, means world-class education, international networks, and global career opportunities. But the most common question is—how much does it cost to study in London?

 

In this article, we will analyze the entire budget, including tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, visa costs, bank balance, based on the estimated cost for 2026—so that you can make realistic plans.

 

 

Study in the UK: Why London?

 

London is not only the capital of the UK, it is also one of the world's educational centers. It is home to world-renowned universities such as:

 

University College London

 

King's College London

 

London School of Economics

 

Imperial College London

 

 

Studying in London provides the opportunity to learn in an international environment, which will provide great benefits for your future career.

 

How much does it cost to study in London in total? (2026 estimate)

 

Costs can generally be divided into 3 main categories:

 

1️⃣ Tuition fees

 

2️⃣ Living expenses

 

3️⃣ Visa and other ancillary costs

 

1. Tuition fees (per year)

 

Tuition fees vary by course and university.

✔️ Bachelor's program

 

£15,000 – £25,000 per year

Estimated in Bangladeshi taka: 22–37 lakh taka

✔️ Master's program

 

£17,000 – £30,000

Estimated in Bangladeshi taka: 25–45 lakh taka

 

Fees can be higher, especially for medical, engineering or business programs.

 

2. Cost of living (Living Cost in London)

 

London is the most expensive city in the UK. The official living expenses for students (for visa) are around £1,334 per month.

Annual calculation:

 

£1,334 × 9 months = £12,006

About 18–20 lakh taka in Bangladeshi taka

 

 

Cost breakdown:

Type of expense Monthly estimate

Housing £600–£1,200

Food £150–£250

Transport £100–£150

Other £100–£200

3. Visa and ancillary costs

 

Student Visa is required to study in the UK.

Estimated Cost:

 

Visa Fee: Approx. £490

 

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Approx. £776 per year

 

Biometrics and other: 20–30 thousand taka

 

Total Estimate: 2–3 lakh taka

 

Bank Balance for UK Student Visa

 

Bank balance is very important when studying in London.

 

You will need to show:

 

✔️ 1 year tuition fees

✔️ £12,006 (Living Cost)

✔️ Stable balance in the bank for 28 days

 

It is common for Bangladeshi students to show a sponsor (parent).

 

Total Estimated Budget (First Year)

Type of Expenses Approx. Rs

Tuition Fees 25–45 lakhs

Lifetime 18–20 lakhs

Visa and other 2–3 lakhs

✅ Total: 45–65 lakhs taka (First Year)

 

This cost may be less or more depending on the course and lifestyle.

 

Part-time work opportunities

 

Students studying in the UK:

 

✔️ Can work 20 hours a week

 

✔️ Can work full-time during holidays

 

With a minimum hourly wage of £10–£12, it is possible to earn £800–£1,000 per month. This can manage a large part of the cost of living.

 

Will costs increase in 2026?

 

Due to global inflation and the increase in the cost of living, costs may increase slightly in 2026. Rents, especially in London, are increasing every year. So it is safe to budget an additional 5–10% when planning.

 

Student Visa to Study in the UK

 

International students are required to obtain a Student Visa to study in the UK. With this visa, you can study full-time at a recognized educational institution.

 

Things to ensure before applying for a visa:

 

✔️ CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a recognized university

✔️ Payment of required tuition fees

✔️ Specified bank balance

✔️ English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)

 

 

As per the rules set by the United Kingdom government, the cost of living in London and outside London is considered separately. Therefore, it is important to check the latest guidelines before applying.

 

Higher Education Application Process, Costs and Scholarships in the UK

 

Application Process (Step-by-step):

 

1️⃣ Course and University Selection

2️⃣ Prepare Required Documents (Academic Transcript, SOP, CV)

3️⃣ Online Application

4️⃣ Receive Offer Letter

5️⃣ Pay Deposit

6️⃣ CAS Collection

7️⃣ Visa Application

Application Cost

 

University Application Fee: £20–£100

 

Tuition Fee Deposit: £2,000–£5,000

 

Visa Fee and IHS are separate

 

Scholarship Opportunities

 

There are various university and government scholarships in the UK. For example:

 

Chevening Scholarship

 

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

 

Also, many universities offer 10–50% tuition fee waivers based on merit.

 

How much money do you need to save for a university in the UK?

 

For the first year you will typically need to save:

 

✔️ Full tuition fees

✔️ 9 months of living expenses

✔️ Visa and other costs

Total estimated savings (for London)

 

45–65 lakhs Taka (varies by course)

 

If studying outside London, it may be possible for 35–50 lakhs Taka.

 

How much does a UK student visa cost?

 

Current estimates:

 

Visa application fee: around £490

 

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): around £776 per year

 

A total of around 2–3 lakhs Taka in Bangladeshi Taka (visa related costs).

 

UK Student Visa Processing

 

Visa processing is usually completed within 3 weeks (application from Bangladesh 

 

 

However, it may take longer during peak seasons. So it is safe to apply at least 3 months before the start of the course.

 

Priority or Super Priority service allows for faster visas (additional fees apply).

 

How many IELTS scores are required to go to London?

 

If you want to study in London, IELTS Academic is usually required.

 

General score requirements:

 

Bachelor: Overall 6.0–6.5

 

Master: Overall 6.5–7.0

 

Some universities require specific bands (such as 6.0+ in Writing).

 

Top universities in London may require relatively higher scores.

 

Some practical advice for Bangladeshi students

 

✔️ Considering cities outside London will reduce costs

✔️ Find scholarships

✔️ Plan a budget in advance

✔️ Plan for part-time work

✔️ Avoid sudden large bank deposits

 

FAQ – Common Questions and Answers

🔹 How much does it cost to study in London?

 

It is usually difficult to budget for the first year below 45 lakhs.

🔹 Is studying in the UK very expensive?

 

London is expensive, but other cities in the UK are comparatively cheaper.

🔹 Can you stay permanently if you study in London?

 

After completing your studies, you can get a job opportunity for 2 years through the Graduate Route visa.

 

Conclusion

 

How much does it cost to study in London in total?—The answer to this question depends on your course, university and lifestyle. However, as a safe plan, you should keep a budget of 45–65 lakhs in the first year.

 

Studying in the UK is a big investment for your career. With the right planning, strong application and financial preparation, studying in the UK can be a life-changing decision for you.

 

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