Money is part of the decision. Studying at UCL in London is an investment — in time, money, and opportunity cost — and it's worth understanding what you're actually paying before you commit.
UCL Tuition Fees 2025/26
UK Undergraduate Students
From the 2025/26 academic year, the UK government cap on undergraduate tuition fees has increased. UK students at UCL pay £9,535 per year for most undergraduate programmes. This is funded through the Student Loan Company for eligible students, with repayment beginning only once you earn above the repayment threshold (currently £25,000 per year).
International Undergraduate Students
International fees at UCL are set by faculty and vary significantly:
| Faculty | Annual fee (2025/26) |
| Arts and Humanities | £24,200–£27,400 |
| Social and Historical Sciences | £24,200–£27,400 |
| Engineering | £33,200–£38,800 |
| Mathematical & Physical Sciences | £30,800–£36,400 |
| Medical Sciences | £35,500–£44,000 |
| Law | £28,400–£32,800 |
Fees are indicative and should be verified directly with UCL Admissions before application.
Postgraduate Taught Programmes
Postgraduate fees vary widely. UK students typically pay £15,000–£25,000 for a one-year taught master's. International students pay £24,000–£40,000+ depending on the programme.
UCL Scholarships and Bursaries
For UK Students
UCL Financial Assistance Fund — available to UK students facing financial hardship. Applications are assessed individually.
UCL Bursaries — means-tested bursaries for UK undergraduates from lower-income households. Students with a household income below £25,000 may receive up to £2,000 per year.
Departmental scholarships — many UCL departments offer small scholarships for academic merit. Worth checking your department's page.
For International Students
UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship — a competitive award for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition (typically £5,000–£10,000 per year).
Country-specific scholarships — UCL participates in several international scholarship schemes, including Chevening (UK government), Commonwealth Scholarships, and various bilateral agreements.
UCL PhD Studentships — Postgraduate research students may be eligible for funded studentships covering fees and living costs.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Value |
| UCL Global Undergraduate | International UG, academic merit | £5,000–£10,000/year |
| UCL Financial Assistance Fund | UK students in hardship | Up to £3,500 |
| Chevening | International postgrad | Full tuition + maintenance |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Commonwealth nationals | Tuition + maintenance |
Cost of Living in London: Realistic Estimates
Fees are one cost. Living in London is another. For students in private accommodation near UCL:
| Expense | Monthly estimate |
| Rent (Zone 1–2 shared room) | £900–£1,100 |
| Food and groceries | £150–£250 |
| Transport (student Oyster) | £60–£100 |
| Utilities (if not included) | £80–£130 |
| Personal spending | £100–£200 |
| Total (excl. tuition) | £1,290–£1,780/month |
International students on a Student Visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, which helps with living costs. See UCL student life and campus experience for more on working during your studies.
Accommodation and Financial Planning
For international students especially, where you live affects your monthly outgoings significantly. Private student accommodation near UCL with bills included simplifies budgeting — one fixed payment covers rent, utilities, and broadband, with no unexpected charges.
See the full UCL accommodation guide for a breakdown of costs across different areas. For admission planning, the UCL acceptance rate guide covers entry requirements.
Conclusion
UCL is an expensive place to study, particularly for international students. The fees are competitive with other top London universities (King's, Imperial, LSE), and the financial support available is reasonable — but it requires active research to access. Start your scholarship applications early; most have deadlines 6–12 months before your programme starts.
Acolyte Living's student accommodation near UCL offers bills-included options to help you plan a fixed monthly budget.
FAQ
Q: How much are UCL tuition fees for UK students in 2025?
UK undergraduates pay £9,535 per year from 2025/26, funded through a Student Loan which you repay only once earning above £25,000 per year.
Q: How much do international students pay to study at UCL?
International undergraduate fees range from around £24,200 (arts and humanities) to £44,000 (some medical programmes) per year. Postgraduate fees vary by programme.
Q: Does UCL offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship offers partial tuition funding for high-achieving international students. External schemes like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships also support UCL students.
Q: What is the UCL means-tested bursary?
UK undergraduates from households with income below £25,000 may receive up to £2,000 per year through UCL's bursary scheme. Applications are assessed automatically via the Student Finance application.
Q: How much does it cost to live in London as a UCL student?
Beyond tuition, most students spend £1,300–£1,800 per month on accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs in the London Zone 1–2 area.
