What will it cost to study in the UK?

Overseas students are not entitled to financial support form the UK Government. You are to contact the Ministry of Education, other agencies or voluntary organisations in your home country for assistance, or sponsorship to finance your studies. The University does offer a range of scholarships for new students but competition is high.

There are two main costs when studying in the UK which you must have funds for prior to your arrival, as there is very little financial support for overseas students.

1. University Tuition Fees

   For your degree course and any English language programme you register for. Check the amount for the course with the Admissions department at the University. Your fees will include teaching, assessment, examinations, library and computer facilities, and welfare support. It does not cover fieldwork, books or living costs.

   What are ‘Bench Fees’? – These are additional fees that certain courses charge to pay for consumable items like laboratory equipment or chemicals. Check with the Admissions tutor if you need to pay.

2. Living Expenses

   This depends on the type of course you are studying and whether you are single or bringing dependants. The British Council figures allow for a modest living, but do not include travel costs from home, running a car or owning a mobile phone.

   The British Council suggests that

   Students require about £600 per month to live on in the UK, or up to £760 in London or the South East (www.britishcouncil.org)

How much cash should I bring?

You should have enough money to cover the first few weeks of your accommodation and food expenses until you open a bank account, which can take 2-3 weeks to finalise.

You are not advised to bring large amounts of cash with you. Instead, bring the majority in traveller’s cheques, and take out travel insurance for your first few weeks of stay in the UK.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay in full at the beginning of the academic year or in three instalments.

How do I open a bank account?

Speak to your bank in your home country, find out about the different ways of transferring money to the UK and what costs and security will be involved. Ask if they can recommend a bank in the UK who they have a good working relationship with and, if so, can they help you to open an account with them? Also ask whether you can use your home country bank’s cash card to withdraw money form UK bank machines?

The main bank of campus at Kedleston road is Natwest (located in the Atrium) however most major banks can be located in the city centre of Derby, including Lloyds TSB, Barclays Bank and HSBC.

Before opening a Bank Account consider:

• What services will the bank provide (cash card, cheque book, overdraft facility) and what charges are included?
• What arrangements can be made to transfer your money from your home bank and what costs are involved?
• What documents will they need to see? Many UK Banks will need to see your passport, a letter from the University confirming your student status and your accommodation contract to provide proof of a UK address.

How do I get a letter from the University?

You will most likely be presented with a letter to confirm you are a student when you register for your course. If not, contact the Student Information centre, who will be able to produce this letter once you have enrolled.

Will I get help with medical costs?

If you are on a course of study lasting over 6 months or your country has a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK (your Doctor will have a list of such countries), you are entitled to free National Health Service (NHS) treatment from the beginning of your stay.

What is Council Tax and will I have to pay it?

It is tax collected by the local authorities to pay for public services such as rubbish collection, the fire, and the police services. Full-time students (including international students), however, are classed as ‘exempt’ adults and will not be asked to pay this tax on accommodation. Any dependants will also be exempt.

Employment

As an international student you are allowed to do some work while studying in the UK. The stamp or sticker in your passport however places conditions on your right to work during your stay.

Most students who are planning to attend a course for six months or more can expect to receive a restriction on employment. Your passport should read: “No recourse to public funds work (and any changes) must be authorised.” This statement allows you to work a maximum of 20 hours a week during term time and full time during the vacation periods.