'Expenditure' is an area which most students would like to have detailed information first, before they plan their education abroad. In fact, awareness about the costs involved is 'very crucial' before one ventures into this expenditure-involved process.
Here are the details of Specific costs involved in Study Abroad Process
1. Application costs
Your study abroad plans start with the application process. If you want to apply for 4-6 universities/colleges, you have to consider Application Fees, Courier Charges, Cost of Documentation and Miscellaneous Expenditure like Stationary etc.
Very few universities facilitate applications without fee, but most have an application processing fee, which is mandatory for international students. For UK, there is no application fee for post-graduate applicants.
2. English Tests
Students have to write IELTS as a prerequisite but some universities might consider TOEFL for admissions. Each student has to pay Coaching Fees and Examination Fees as prescribed by the respective Testing Agencies. The total expenditure for tests will be in the range of 8,000-15,000 (approx).
3. Scores reporting costs
IELTS - Local center will determine the cost of additional score reporting
4. Tuition and fees
Interestingly, Bachelor's degree is costlier than Master's degree because of the more number of credits involved at Grad level. Please note that all the costs indicated are approximate and vary upon the universities and programs. These costs will hike from one year to another. However, the average increase is around 5-10% per annum.
5. Cost of living expenditure
| Outside London | £5,500 per year |
| London | £6,500 per year |
6. Insurance
Insurance is mandatory for all international students, who plan to study abroad. Depending upon the company and policy taken, the cost of insurance for a student may vary and potentially it could be ranging around Rs 15,000 - 20,000 per year, in UK.
7. Books and supplies
This could be anywhere between US $ 400-1200 per year, depending upon field of study and the courses chosen
8. Other costs
Visa application fee, air fare and settlement expenses like deposit on room/flat, basic necessities etc. are also to be considered, while calculating the expenditure involved for studying abroad. Air fare could be between Rs 15,000 to 45,000 depending upon the country, season and airline.
9. Educational Costs
The cost of studying in the UK is determined by the tuition fees of the course and institution/university. Typically, the guide below shows an average fee for UK courses.
| Business Courses | £5,500 - £12,000 per year |
| Engineering and Science Courses | £6,500 - £12,000 per year |
| MBA | £7,000 - £16,500 per year |
Also below table shows the average fees for graduation and post-graduation course with living expenses.
| TUITION FEES | LIVING EXPENSE | |
| Under Graduation | 6000-8000 UK Pounds | 4500-5500 UK Pounds/Year |
| Post Graduation | 6000-12000 UK Pounds | 5500-5500 UK Pounds/Year |
A minimum expenditure is ideal towards preliminary expenditure - including coaching costs for IELTS, TOEFL, etc. and an additional Rs 2-4 lakhs towards tuition and fees for one semester and living expenses for two-three initial months.
In case if bank loan or any other educational loans are available, you may not need to carry much money physically, since most payments would be taken care by the loan-granting institution. Some private education loans even pay for your living expenditure when you study abroad.
10. Student Part-time Jobs:
According to UK Visa regulations, on a student visa the student can work part-time (20 hours a week) during term-time and full-time (40 hours a week) during vacations/holidays.
Documents to be submitted to the university/college you wish to apply to:
- Completed Application
- Your transcripts from 10th class onwards (duly attested by the respective Head of the Institution) 10th and Inter (12th) transcripts need not be in sealed envelopes. Whereas, your degree marks and provisional must be in sealed envelope, with seal and signature on the flap of the envelope too.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) - Ideally must be a one-page statement of your purpose in personal and academic life. SOP must contain information on your education objectives, career goals, reasons for study in the US and reasons for choosing a particular program in a particular institute.
- Recommendation Letters - At least two-three recommendation letters from three lecturers/professors, who taught you at the degree level preferably from those who taught you the main subjects. These recommendations must be done on personal or college letterheads and must be signed and sealed (including the envelope).
- Formats cannot be generalized for all the students and need to be personalized as per individual requirements. We will mail a customized format for you as and when you may need one.
- Bank Statement - Financial Statement or Bank Statement indicates the availability of funds with you, (or your sponsor) in a bank, in a Savings Bank account only. These funds must be available for the purpose of your further education. A statement given by the Bank manager, on the Bank's letterhead, clearly indicating the amount of funds available both in your native currency and also the currency of the country where you would like to study has to be given, with the seal of the bank and signature of the Manager.
- To each and every university you apply to, you need to enclose an original Bank Statement showing adequate funds to cover at least a year's tuition and living expenses. Instead of getting multiple originals, which may not be practically possible, you may get the first statement photocopied (before signatures are made by the banker) and then signed and sealed by the bank manager individually.
- Some universities need the Financial Statement filled, in the application itself. If it is indicated as mandatory, you need to get that form appropriately filled by the Bank.
- Ideally, one should indicate availability of funds for the entire duration of the course. For example, for a two-year Masters program, funds must be adequate to cover for both the years. If you cannot show funds for two years, then you must indicate availability for at least one year, covering tuition, living expenses and other fees. Hence, before taking a statement, calculate what would be the maximum expenditure from among the universities you wish to apply to. Take the higher amount and arrange for Bank Statement, accordingly. This will eliminate the need to take fresh statement every time you apply to universities with higher fee structure.
- Affidavit of Support on Rs.20 Non Judicial Stamp Paper
- An Original AOS (notarized) has to be sent to each university. Letter of Undertaking or Affidavit of Support (AOS) is an undertaking to be given by your sponsor who finances your education. This has to be given on Rs.20/- (if in India) Non-Judicial Stamp Paper, in a prescribed format.
- Sometimes, the universities request the undertaking to be given on their applications itself, in which case you have to do so. This AOS has to be signed by the sponsor, properly witnessed and attested by Notary public. To each and every university you apply to, you need to enclose an original AOS. Instead of getting multiple stamp papers and doing the AOS, you may get the first statement photocopied (before signatures are made by the sponsor) and then signed by the sponsor and notarized individually.
- Application fee in US $ (or that country's currency) as required by university.
- Covering letter - A covering letter, indicating your plans about TOEFL and GRE/GMAT and informing them that you would arrange score reporting by ETS- If not taken and reported already.
- Also, if there are any issues concerning your application, like backlogs, failures or gaps between various levels of your education etc., use the covering letter to provide an explanation about such issues. This will offset any problem that you may encounter when you do not explain.
VISA PROCESS – UK
VISA PROCEDURE
The Advantage factor for UK aspirants is that it is easy to obtain Student Visas. Almost all the candidates who receive a confirmed offer from a UK university and show evidence of financial support for tuition fees and living costs are sanctioned Visas. We have dedicated Visa counselors who can help you with Visa procedures. Once you have an offer from a university, you can start applying for a UK student Visa. Along with the visa form you need to submit personal information, academic qualifications, financial strengths etc. Generally you can obtain a visa for the entire duration of the course in the UK. All student visas are Multi Entry Visas.
VISA APPLICATION
Apply two to three months before you intend to travel. The period from September to January is especially busy for the visa office, so make sure you apply well in advance.
Step 1:
Visa fees should be paid only by a bank draft (available at the Visa Application Centers). They should be made in favor of:
British High Commission - Delhi (If Applying In Northern India)
British Deputy High Commission - Mumbai (If Applying In Western India)
British Deputy High Commission - Chennai (If Applying In Southern India)
British Deputy High Commission - Kolkata (If Applying In Eastern India)
As on April 28, 2010 the visa fee is £199 =Rs. 13592.29 (approx)
Step 2:
Be ready with the documents.
Step 3:
The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you. The schedule of the interview will be given to you.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS
VISA CHECKLIST
Note for students in India: It is strongly recommended that sponsors, other than parents, living outside of India prepay your University tuition fees and keep the receipt of the payment before you apply for your visa. This proves that the sponsor is genuine. Sponsorship from individuals who are not close family members of the student will have to be supported by very strong evidence on why they wish to spend a large amount of money on your education.
Student Visa Fee
The current student visa fee that will allow a student multiple entries to the UK may be found out from the nearest British High Commission or Embassy or Study Overseas offices. The fee should be paid by demand draft and submitted with your application to the British High Commission or Embassy.
Visa fees are not refundable.
Visa fees should be paid by bank draft (available at the Visa Application Centres). They should be made in favour of:
Medicals
Students enrolled on a course for more than 6 months may be required to undergo a medical examination before leaving for UK. This may vary depending on the country you are living in.
Note for students in India: Medicals are not currently required as part of the Visa application process.
VISA PROCEDURE
The Advantage factor for UK aspirants is that it is easy to obtain Student Visas. Almost all the candidates who receive a confirmed offer from a UK university and show evidence of financial support for tuition fees and living costs are sanctioned Visas. We have dedicated Visa counselors who can help you with Visa procedures. Once you have an offer from a university, you can start applying for a UK student Visa. Along with the visa form you need to submit personal information, academic qualifications, financial strengths etc. Generally you can obtain a visa for the entire duration of the course in the UK. All student visas are Multi Entry Visas.
VISA APPLICATION
Apply two to three months before you intend to travel. The period from September to January is especially busy for the visa office, so make sure you apply well in advance.
Step 1:
Visa fees should be paid only by a bank draft (available at the Visa Application Centers). They should be made in favor of:
British High Commission - Delhi (If Applying In Northern India)
British Deputy High Commission - Mumbai (If Applying In Western India)
British Deputy High Commission - Chennai (If Applying In Southern India)
British Deputy High Commission - Kolkata (If Applying In Eastern India)
As on April 28, 2010 the visa fee is £199 =Rs. 13592.29 (approx)
Step 2:
Be ready with the documents.
Step 3:
The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you. The schedule of the interview will be given to you.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS
- Student Visa Application form
- Photograph - size 2 inches x 2 inches
- Offer Letter from the Institution
- Valid passport
- Letter from the sponsor
- Copies of academic mark sheets and certificates
- TOEFL / IELTS score, if applicable
- Visa fee in the form of a bank draft
- Proof of payment of fees, if applicable
- Income tax papers of the sponsor
- Work experience certificates, if applicable.
- Proof of funds - Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient liquid assets to pay the tuition fees, living expenses and traveling cost without engaging in employment in UK. Even bank loans are accepted.
VISA CHECKLIST
- Visa Application form (VAF1 - Non-settlement) - fully completed and signed by applicant
- Appropriate Visa fee of for multiple entry
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with available 'visa' pages for stamping (additional pages are not acceptable)
- If available, the student's old passport
- Study Overseas reference letter & copy of signed Declaration Form – for Study Overseas students
- Receipt for any deposit or prepayment of tuition fees paid to the University – if applicable
- Evidence of current studies, or current employment. If neither, evidence of current status
- Valid original acceptance letter from school/college in the UK stating
- Cost of course fees and receipt for any fees paid
- Details of accommodation and how much it costs
- The start date and duration of the proposed course
- Evidence of ability to pay for course: (Please contact your nearest Study Overseas office for detailed advice)
- Original bank statements/passbooks covering at least 6months or FD (copies to be submitted)
- The sponsor's IT returns for 3 years and salary certificates
- Deeds of any property or land owned in the student's country of origin
- Chartered accountant's report
- All educational certificates after/from schooling till date
- Evidence of English Language qualifications
Note for students in India: It is strongly recommended that sponsors, other than parents, living outside of India prepay your University tuition fees and keep the receipt of the payment before you apply for your visa. This proves that the sponsor is genuine. Sponsorship from individuals who are not close family members of the student will have to be supported by very strong evidence on why they wish to spend a large amount of money on your education.
Student Visa Fee
The current student visa fee that will allow a student multiple entries to the UK may be found out from the nearest British High Commission or Embassy or Study Overseas offices. The fee should be paid by demand draft and submitted with your application to the British High Commission or Embassy.
Visa fees are not refundable.
| For Indian Students only | ||
| Visa Application fees | Rs 16,500 (approx) (updated on 17 Mar 2011) | Students Visa (multiple entry) |
| VFS Visa handling fees | Rs 300/400 (approx) | Depending on the city in India |
Visa fees should be paid by bank draft (available at the Visa Application Centres). They should be made in favour of:
| Applying in | Payable to | At |
| Northern India | British High Commission | Delhi |
| Western India | British Deputy High Commission | Mumbai |
| Southern India | British Deputy High Commission | Chennai |
| Eastern India | British Deputy High Commission | Kolkata |
Medicals
Students enrolled on a course for more than 6 months may be required to undergo a medical examination before leaving for UK. This may vary depending on the country you are living in.
Note for students in India: Medicals are not currently required as part of the Visa application process.
