The Cost Of UK Student Life And How It Compares To Canada

The UK is one of the most popular destinations for international students to study abroad. A degree from a UK university continues to provide graduates a distinct advantage in acquiring a job of their liking in a highly-competitive marketplace.

UK universities believe all of their resources keep them competitive in attracting international students to study away from home.

But one factor that students always want to know the answers to is, how much does it really cost to study abroad? Read on to see how student life compares in the UK and Canada.

Tuition cost

The cost of UK student life and how it compares to Canada is dependent on many factors, including institution cost, the course you choose, location and funding opportunities that could bring the overall amount down.

On the whole, UK and Canadian tuition fees are similarly priced with students looking to study abroad still able to take advantage of the CanLearn loan alongside a private student line of credit.

Although the UK doesn’t offer a drastically lower cost in tuition fees, the financial benefit to study in the country occurs due to the course length...

Undergraduate course length

On average, it takes three years to gain an undergraduate degree at a UK university, in comparison to the standard four years of study in Canada.

This means that thousands of dollars can be saved on overall tuition costs at the end of your degree. This also applies to graduate students too who can obtain a Master’s degree in one year at a UK university, while it will take two years back home.

Cost of living

One rule for anyone looking to study in the UK is that London is more expensive compared to the rest of the UK. Whilst you may be tempted to live in the capital during your studies there, it's important to remember that there are some brilliant universities around the rest of the UK too.

Overall, the UK is slightly lower in living costs compared to Canada, according to Numbeo in 2023.

It is also worth remembering that UK universities offer international students the option to live in halls of residence. We highly recommend taking this option in your first year especially, as it gives you the benefits of cheaper rent, great location and a chance to build relationships with your neighbours.

Part-time Work

If you’re a full-time student studying in the UK, your visa permits you to work on a part-time (20 hours per week) basis.

Similar to back home, there are plenty of job opportunities from working in the local restaurant to stacking shelves in a grocery store. Minimum wage rates are determined by age for those 23 and under. With the 21-22 age bracket getting paid at a higher rate than those aged 18-20 etc. This is of particular interest to many Canadians who may be considering studying in the UK after already completing a degree back in Canada.

Interested in the UK?

Choosing to study at university will be one of the biggest decisions of your life. Whether you stay and study at your local university, or travel to the UK, the costs are going to play an important role in the decision you make.

UK universities can offer you a potentially faster and cheaper degree compared to Canada, as well as the chance to live in a new country. In the UK you have access to one of the world’s cultural hubs, greatest educational institutions and the doors to Europe.

If you’re prepared to take the next step on your journey to the UK, click here.