UK

In 2025, the UK living expenses range from £1,400 to £2,200 monthly for a student. It will manage the accommodation, food, medical bills, and other costs for the student. This number will change from one city to another. For example, London is the most expensive, where the cost ranges from £1,200 to £1,300 monthly. This is the average cost, and it strictly depends on the student's lifestyle, spending habits, and student discounts. There are multiple student discounts available in the UK, from public transportation to entertainment, so this is advantageous. Also, considering health insurance, visa expenses, and other costs is important. Students also take up some part-time job, while studying, whether at their university or outside, to manage the expenses.

The National Health Service, or the NHS, covers the basic healthcare requirements for international students in the UK. These services offer medical services for any healthcare emergency or in case of any accident. It is available 24/7 and is considered best for international students, with its mental health services and affordable medication purchases. But, if a student feels additional health service is required, then it is possible. But the health insurance provider must be dependable, available 24/7, and reputable. This will provide coverage to non-NHS services such as dental care and quicker access to a specific healthcare provider.

In certain situations, yes, you can get your IHS refunded. If your visa application is rejected or you withdraw your visa application due to any unforeseen circumstance, you will get a full refund. The refunded amount will be credited to your source of payment, which can be your debit card, credit card, or your bank account. The Immigration Health Surcharge, or the IHS, is the UK health insurance fee for international students, paid with the visa application fees. This opens the door to NHS services all across the UK, making healthcare free, with a few exceptions. All international students need to be aware of NHS services and their benefits before travelling to study in the UK.

Based on the age, location, and type of coverage, the cost of private healthcare ranges from £30-£200 monthly. Healthcare policies, on a basic level, will cost £30-£90 monthly. And, if, as a student, you are going for comprehensive healthcare, then it will cost you around £100-£200+ monthly. The student health insurance UK depend on the age. A person in their 20s can choose a £30-£90 monthly health insurance. While a person in their 40s or above needs to choose a bigger policy, covering different health services such as eye care, or surgeries, costing around £100-£200+ monthly. Choose a private healthcare insurance provider wisely and carefully.

The medical insurance for international students in UK will cost £776 per annually. This is the Immigration Health Surcharge, paid during the visa application, along with the visa fees. This will allow the students to gain access to NHS services, which will make healthcare affordable, except for dental care, eye care, surgeries, or prescription medications. If there is a dependent accompanying the student, a separate Immigration Health Surcharge fee needs to be paid during the visa application fee payment. If one feels, one can add a private health insurance along with NHS services to cover the other aspects of healthcare, not covered by the NHS.

In most cases, a student cannot study abroad without taking any standard exam. Exams are a requirement for admission to international universities. Exams serve as a way to assess a student's academic abilities and language proficiency and ensure that they are prepared for struggles of getting higher education abroad. However, there are a few exceptions, such as-

• Language Programs- Students who enroll in a language program they need not need to take academic subject tests. But students will still need to show their proficiency in the language they intend to study.
• Portfolio Based Programs- For some programs such as art, design, etc., students may be able to submit a portfolio of their work instead of taking exams.
• Work Based Programs- Some programs such as internships, may not require students to take exams like the SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.