Do you ever think about why UK universities giving scholarships? Are you interested to study in the UK? Must read before choosing the UK for Study. Because the UK has changed a lot now. It’s not the same as it was before. And many consultants will not tell you the reality, they will only highlight the benefits, and even they just tell you once you fly from here, then there is heaven out there. But beware, it’s not.
There are a lot of benefits to studying in the UK but I’m going to reveal some facts which no one tells you. Studying in the UK is expensive if you have enough amount which you or your parents can spend on you. Then It’s okay, no need to read further but if you are thinking to take a loan for study or just investing your saving to go abroad once on a study visa. And you think you can study there and also earn a living which will be enough for your study & living cost and also you will save some money. Then you are Wrong!
Yes, the consultants will always tell you that, you can easily earn money to cover your fee and you can even save some money. But it’s not possible for 95% of cases. I’m not saying all this on my assumptions only. So let’s do some maths to understand it properly.
Average Part-Time Earning as a student in the UK
The current Per Hour Wage is 5 – 9 pounds and students are allowed 20 hours legally to work part-time in the UK. So, I assume you work 20 hours every week so, your total monthly income will be
9 pound per hour * 20 hours = 180 pounds per week
180 * 4 = 720 pounds per month earning.
Well, working more than 20 hours per week is illegal but consultants will say you can manage to work cash in hand. And It’s really hard to manage extra time for work when you are studying for a professional degree. Your study will also be disturbed. But still, I assume you managed to work some extra hours. I assume on average you work 8 hours extra. So total you work 28 hours per week.
9 pounds * 28 hours = 252 pounds
252 * 4 = 1008 pounds monthly earning
Average Living Expenses as a Student in the UK
According to some universities, a student’s average living expense other than university fee is nearly 1097 pounds per month. (That’s why some universities ask for a “1097 pounds * 9 months” 9873 pounds bank balance so that they can assure the student can live here in the UK. But let’s do some math as I always take decisions on real data & facts, not just assumptions.
Here are some major expenses for a student in the UK
- Rent: 300 – 500 pounds per month
- Grocery/Food: 200 – 300 pounds (Vary for everyone according to his eating habits)
- Internet + Phone : 30 – 60 pounds
- Traveling: 200 – 250 pounds
- Miscellaneous: 200 – 300 pounds (Laundry, Shopping, University labs, papers, etc)
If we sum up the middle or lower values instead of upper values,
Total Expenses = 400 + 250 + 40 + 200 + 200
= 1090 pounds per month expense
Average University Fee for International Students in the UK
No doubt, UK universities are top in the ranking of all over the world. But some universities even don’t care for anything, they even don’t need IELTS. They just do business & need earning from students. As the Fee for a Degree for UK residents is on average 5500 – 8500 pounds but the same degree for international students is almost double, around 15000 – 19000 pounds or even more.
Consultants will also offer you partial scholarships but still, after the scholarship, your fee will around 13000 – 14000 pounds (If you choose subjects of consultant choice).
Can you pay your University Fee from your earnings in the UK?
It’s a big question for every student who belongs to an average family & no one has on back to supporting him financially (Even if you have but the UK University feeses are high). Consultants will say, you can easily pay your feeses but as I always tell you. Never take decisions on assumptions, Take decisions on real data & facts.
So, according to the data which we calculated above
Your Average Living Expenses = 1090 pounds per month
Your Average Earning = 1008 pounds per month
Your Savings = 1008 – 1090 pounds = -82 pounds
Well, your earnings & living expenses are nearly equal. How do you pay your fee? Now, the consultants also say you will get some holidays to work. So, let’s say you work on those extra days. And on average you save 500 pounds every month. So, your saving is 500 * 12 = 6000 pounds.
Still, you are not able to pay your University fee, there is too much gap. Now, it’s all the data I took in your favor, still not possible.
So, you have the answer now.
Can you settle in the UK by going on Study Visa?
Well, many people think it’s easy to settle in the UK. That’s why they choose this option and go to the UK on a study visa. But the reality is very different. UK government is very strict about giving PR (Permanent Residency) to newcomers.
If you come to the UK for study, mostly you will get a 1 or 2 years PSW (Post Study Work) permit. It means you will get 1 or 2 extra years after study to work full time in the UK (only if you qualify for the degree).
To get PR in the UK, you must get sponsorship from an employer (Job offer) then you will convert your visa to a work visa. Then at least you have to work 5 years and show stable income with good moral conduct. Then you will be able to get PR.
But a major chunk of students failed to get sponsorship from an employer and deport back to home country after completing there study & PSW. (Because most students don’t choose subjects or degrees wisely (They just need admission to immigrate, don’t think this degree have value/demand or not). So, it is also one reason for not getting sponsorship).
Tip: The only shortcut to settle in the UK is to marry a UK citizen. (It also takes up to 5 years & you have to live & prove your marriage is genuine).“If you really want to settle in UK easily :)”
Conclusion
Well, I don’t want to scare you or even I’m not saying to not study in the UK. My point is, never take decisions on just assumptions. Do some maths & google. Then make your decision.
The UK is a really good country to study in, but you should have the university fee in your hand and some extra savings so that you can enjoy the study. That’s what I wanted to explain. I researched everything about this. I also have some friends & clients in the UK who helped me to gather this data. If you have better ideas or have some suggestions, please comment below to correct me. Thanks for reading & Good luck with your Journey of Study Abroad!
