How much more do international students pay?

International students typically pay 2 to 3 times more than home students. Home undergraduate fees are capped at 9,535 pounds per year. International fees range from 15,000 to 40,000 pounds or more, depending on the university and course. STEM and medical courses tend to be at the higher end.

When do I qualify for home fee status?

You generally qualify for home fee status if you have settled status (ILR, British citizenship, or EU settled status) and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years before the start of your course. Refugees and those with humanitarian protection may qualify without the residency requirement.

Can I change from international to home fees mid-course?

This is unusual. Most universities assess your fee status at the point of application and it remains fixed for the duration of your course. If your immigration status changes during your studies (for example, you gain ILR), some universities may reassess, but policies vary.

Are there scholarships for international students?

Yes. Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, ranging from partial fee reductions to full scholarships. External scholarships from bodies like Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, and country-specific funds are also available.

University Fees for Visa Holders in the UK 2026

University fees in the UK are divided into home and international rates. Home fees are capped at around 9,535 pounds; international fees can be 15,000-40,000+ pounds. Your fee status depends on immigration status and 3 years of UK residence. This guide covers fee categories, how to qualify for home fees, and funding options.

Home Fees vs International Fees

UK universities charge two different fee levels:

Home fees: Capped by the government at around 9,535 pounds per year for undergraduates in England. These students can also access student finance.
International fees: Set by individual universities. Typically 15,000-25,000 pounds per year for arts and humanities, 20,000-35,000 for STEM, and up to 40,000+ for medicine and dentistry.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different fee structures for home students. Check the GOV.UK student finance page for current rates.

Who Qualifies for Home Fee Status

You typically qualify for home fees if you:

Have indefinite leave to remain, British citizenship, or EUSS settled status
Have been ordinarily resident in the UK (or EEA/Switzerland for certain EU nationals) for 3 years before the first day of your course
Are a refugee or have humanitarian protection (no 3-year residency requirement)

Those with pre-settled status under EUSS may also qualify in certain circumstances. Each university ultimately decides fee status based on the Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations.

Visa Holders Who Pay International Fees

The following visa holders generally pay international fees:

Student visa holders
Skilled Worker visa holders (and their dependants in most cases)
Spouse visa holders (unless they have gained ILR)
Graduate route visa holders

Once you gain ILR and have 3 years of UK residence, you move to home fee status for future courses.

Funding Options for International Students

University scholarships: Check each university's international scholarship pages
Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded UK government scholarships for future leaders
Commonwealth Scholarships: For nationals of Commonwealth countries
Country-specific funds: Some governments fund citizens studying abroad
Part-time work: Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term — see our student work rights guide

Check GOV.UK for eligibility details.

Postgraduate Fees

Postgraduate fees also differ between home and international students. Taught master's programmes typically cost 8,000-15,000 pounds for home students and 15,000-35,000 pounds for international students. Research degrees (PhDs) may offer funding through studentships or scholarships.

Next Steps

Check your fee status with the universities you are considering. If you are close to qualifying for home fees (for example, you will have ILR soon), consider timing your application accordingly. Explore scholarships well in advance of application deadlines.

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