The UK is a great place to study and improve your English skills. You can immerse yourself in the language with native speakers through conversation, television, radio, and more. The best way to learn a language is to listen, speak, and read it. Furthermore, it is home to some of the best English language institutes in the world.
Therefore, you shouldn't hesitate to choose the UK as your chosen country of study. However, before you do, learn the details and costs of studying English in the UK so you can accurately estimate your budget. This article will help you do so.
Valuable Tips and Information Before Traveling to the UK
As an international student coming to the UK, you will need to apply for a visa, depending on your country of origin. Therefore, research how to obtain one.
Culturally, the UK is very diverse and welcoming to people from all over the world. You will find many other international students at all institutes, most of whom will be willing to help you. You won't regret meeting like-minded people from similar backgrounds. We also recommend searching for Facebook groups related to your institution (they often have groups specifically for international students) so you can discuss any questions you have and even make friends before your arrival.
In case you weren't already aware, Britain is known for its cold and wet weather, so pack plenty of warm clothes and a waterproof coat for the winter months. Don't expect the summers to be too hot.
All international students, both within and outside the EU, will need to prove they have health insurance to cover any healthcare they may need while in the UK.
Arrange your accommodation before you arrive in Britain, as the worst thing that can happen is that you arrive and don't have a ready-made place to stay.
The vast majority of rooms in both halls and private residences are single-occupancy, meaning you won't have a roommate, but instead have a room to yourself. If you'll be staying in the UK for more than a few months (more than a semester), we recommend setting up a bank account. This will make it easier to pay bills, keep your money safe, and avoid foreign exchange fees you might otherwise incur if you used a non-UK bank account to pay for things in the UK.
Student bank accounts are a great option, as they offer many benefits, including interest-free loans of up to £3,000. However, it's worth noting that not all banks offer bank accounts for international students, especially for temporary language study.
What are the costs of living in the UK
First, we'll highlight the cost of living before the cost of studying English in the UK. Of course, these costs will vary greatly depending on your lifestyle, spending habits, and budget, but here are some average prices. These costs are given monthly, so you can calculate estimated costs based on the length of your stay in the UK:
Rent for a small house: £547.
Medium food: £200.
Gas and electricity: £60.
Internet: £40.
Mobile phone bill: £30.
Laundry fee: £25.
Stationery and textbooks: £40 for an average book.
Average clothing per month: £75.
Travel (bus, tram, and train): £90 per month (one bus journey: £1.50).
Average rent for accommodation is £150 per week.
Movie ticket: £9.
Dinner at a restaurant: £15.
On average, you will need around £104 per week to cover living costs. This amount will vary depending on your lifestyle and the extent of your social interaction.
What are the costs of obtaining a student visa in the UK?
Visas to the UK require you to have a budget of £1,265 per month to study in London, for example. This amount, in addition to your tuition fees, is the minimum amount you need to show to obtain a visa to study in London, for example. For other places in the UK, the amount will be less than in the capital. If you will be studying in places outside London, you will need a minimum of £1,015 per month.
Details of the costs of studying English in the UK
Unlike the many different university degree prices and costs in the UK, the cost of English language courses in the UK is roughly the same, regardless of your location. There are some uniform institutes across the UK, but fees will vary considerably depending on the type of course, its duration, and the institution you choose.
Language Course Costs in the UK
The best way to give you an idea of average costs is to look at an actual example of a language institute. For this reason, we will use King Street College in London to provide a sample of the required costs:
Full-time standard English language classes (15 hours per week) start at £70 per week or £555 for a 10-week program. Part-time courses (4 hours per week) cost £275 for 12 weeks, and intensive courses (30 hours per week) cost £1,293 for 10 weeks.
This is just an example of costs, but most colleges and foreign language schools charge similar prices. However, as mentioned, there is some variation, so if you're not too keen on studying at a particular institute, don't search too much, as you won't find a huge difference in prices.
To find out the exact costs for the institutes and cities you're interested in, visit our website to easily determine prices and book through this link, which explains the steps for booking language courses.
Cost of Studying in the UK in Saudi Riyals
The cost of studying English in the UK for three weeks at Cambridge, for example (to give you an idea of prices in Saudi Riyals), is as follows:
Pocket Budget: 1,125 Saudi Riyals.
Round trip Eurostar flight Paris - London: 1,000 Saudi Riyals.
Round trip by train London - Cambridge: 225 Saudi Riyals.
Study an intensive English course in the UK: 8,000 Saudi Riyals.
Thus, the total cost of studying in the UK in Saudi Riyals for approximately 3 weeks is approximately 10,000 Saudi Riyals, or approximately 67,000 Saudi Riyals for studying English in the UK for 6 months in 2020 (based on 2020 costs).
Cost of studying English in Manchester
Manchester is an excellent city for studying the language in the UK. Located in northwest England, Manchester has a population of over 600,000. We will mention some examples of institutes there, along with their average costs:
First - EC English in Manchester
The institute was established approximately 30 years ago. The institute currently has approximately 30 branches worldwide, including in the United States and Canada, as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland. It's worth noting that EC English has English language centers for adults over 30, in addition to online language learning services. The cost of one week of study in Manchester is approximately $500, including registration fees and no other costs.
Second - MC Academy
The general English courses offered by MC Academy are designed for students of all English language levels who wish to improve their language skills to facilitate their daily lives, or even to enhance their English level to advance their careers or studies. This is achieved using a wide range of books and study materials. MC Academy also helps students prepare for life in English or for exam preparation classes. In general, classes range from beginners (A1) to advanced (C2).
The general English courses at MC Academy aim to
Improve students' skills in grammar, speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Develop students' vocabulary and functional language skills.
Ensure student engagement and collaboration using a communicative classroom approach.
Give students an excellent understanding of British culture through a variety of classroom topics.
The cost of a 15-hour-per-week general language course at MC Academy is also approximately $500, which illustrates the similarity in prices across institutions.
How to Create a Smarter Budget
Creating a budget is the most important financial aspect of student life. It's important to plan how, when, and where you want to spend your money. Learning to manage your money and live within your means can reduce the stress you may experience when studying English abroad in general, and the costs of studying English in the UK in particular. There are some tips you can follow to maintain your budget, including:
If you eat out often (4-5 times a week), you're likely to spend more money on food, which can be detrimental to your budget. Try cooking on your own to save money.
Socializing is the most important part of student life, and it's also the most expensive part. Try not to neglect it, but at the same time, balance your financial plan with these activities.
Students studying full-time in some courses are entitled to savings on their travel expenses by receiving a 30% discount on travel costs and weekly/monthly tuition, so look for these things. You can often save money by booking off-peak (summer is the most expensive time), and you're more likely to find discounts on English language courses in the UK than during the winter.
How to Choose the Best English Language Institute in the UK
Finding a course in a country you're unfamiliar with can be challenging, and there are different factors to consider for each city.
The best way for students who want to study English is to use an agent. There are specialized agencies that can help you with English language courses abroad. Agents can also help arrange accommodation and transportation. Some charge fees, while Courses.com charges no application fee.
Agents can be helpful, but you should check and ensure they are accredited by a professional body in the UK.
Points to Consider Before Choosing an Institute
Whether or not you are receiving help from agents in choosing an institute, there are some useful questions and points to ask and keep in mind before choosing any English language course you are considering enrolling in. These are more important than the cost of studying English in the UK. These points include:
Class Size: The larger the class, the less personal attention you are likely to receive. Therefore, it is a good idea to know both the average and maximum class sizes for your school.
Different Levels Starting at the Same Time: Sometimes students start a semester and quickly discover that they are either above or below their standard and want to transfer to another level. Therefore, it is in your best interest to ensure that different levels are taught at the same time.
The Type of Assignments: It may be helpful to know whether you will be given regular homework that will be graded and assessed, and whether you will be subject to periodic reviews and checks. What's Included in the Price: It's important to know whether the price includes materials, exams, and any accommodations or excursions provided, to accurately determine the cost of studying English in the UK.
The Course Method: Many English language schools use the Callan Method, a form of direct learning that relies heavily on speaking. This method is very successful for some students, but others prefer a course with a greater focus on reading and writing. Research what might suit you before choosing a method. Some schools also allow you to attend a trial day before committing, which can be helpful if you're unsure.
The Facilities the Institute Offers: A library with books and the internet may be helpful. Some institutes also have cafes and TV rooms.
Transportation to the Institute: Research the route to the institute and ensure the journey isn't too long for you. You often can't own your own car during this time, so check whether public transportation is convenient for you and won't increase the cost of studying English in the UK.
Does the school offer accommodation or help with accommodation? Many students find that staying with a local family is one of the best ways to supplement their classroom learning. Ask about the possibility of staying with a host family. If you're staying in shared accommodation, find out how many people you'll be sharing and what facilities the accommodation offers. You should also check the location for public transportation. To learn more about studying English with a host family, visit our article on: Studying English in the UK with a Family.
Finally, if you're an international student coming to study English in the UK, we understand that it can be a bit daunting, especially if this is your first time. That's why we've provided this article on the costs of studying English in the UK. If you need more details, you'll certainly find them in other articles, so don't hesitate to browse and explore the site