- What EU students pay to study in the UK has changed completely: you’re classed as an international student, with higher tuition and new visa costs.
- UK university fees for EU students vary widely by course and uni, and can be up to 4 times higher than home fees.
- If you have settled status or are an Irish citizen, you might still pay home fees; otherwise, budget for full international rates plus visa and health costs.
Before Brexit, EU and EEA students at British universities paid the same tuition fees as UK students. They were the same as “home” students and could also get student loans. But from August 2021, things changed. Now, most EU students are classed as international students. This means higher tuition fees and no access to UK student loans in most cases.
In England, UK students pay a maximum of £9,535 per year for a Bachelor’s degree. It’s about the same in Wales. But if you're from the EU, you'll pay the international student fee, which each university decides. These fees are often 2 to 4 times higher than what UK students pay. It depends on the subject and the university.
How much are tuition fees for EU students now?
Under the post-Brexit rules, EU students now pay the same tuition fees as other international students when studying in the UK. If you're from the EU and starting your course in 2025, you'll usually be charged the international fee rate, which is set by each university and can vary a lot depending on what and where you study.
Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:
- Bachelor’s degrees: £12,000–£25,000 per year
- Master’s degrees: £13,000–£30,000 per year
- Courses like Medicine or MBA programmes can cost even more
Across all UK universities:
- The average fee for international undergraduates is about £22,000 per year, but it can range from £11,400 to £38,000
- For postgraduate students, the average is around £17,100 per year, with the same broad fee range
In comparison, UK students (also called home students) pay up to £9,535 a year for undergraduate courses in England, so there’s a clear difference.
Things changed in Scotland too
If you're planning to study in Scotland, keep in mind that EU students no longer get free undergraduate tuition — that benefit ended in 2021. The good news is that some universities offer special discounts or scholarships for EU students, so always check what’s available when you apply.
How to check your tuition fee on Mastersportal
Not sure how much you’ll need to pay? On Mastersportal, it’s easy to check the tuition fees for each study programme.
You’ll see both the national (home) and international fees listed, so you can quickly find out which one applies to you. Even if you’re planning ahead for next year, you can get a clear idea of what UK universities are charging right now.
Can EU students still pay “home” fees?
There are a few exceptions where you might still pay UK home fees:
- You have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (you had to apply before June 2021)
- You’re an Irish citizen, thanks to the Common Travel Area agreement
- You’re already studying and have started your course before August 2021
- You’re a UK national living in the EU who meets certain rules
If you’re not in one of these groups, you’ll be treated as an international student for tuition fees.
What other costs should EU students plan for?
Studying in the UK isn’t just about tuition. There are other important costs to keep in mind:
| Type of cost | What you need to know |
| Student visa | You need a visa to study in the UK. The application fee is £524. |
| Healthcare (IHS fee) | You must pay £776 per year for access to the NHS. Paid when you apply for your visa. |
| Living expenses | - London: around £1,480/month \n- Other cities: around £1,130/month \nYou’ll need to show proof of funds for your visa. |
| Travel and extras | Budget for flights, travel insurance, study materials, and deposits for housing. |
| Working while studying | You can work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during holidays. Helpful, but won’t fully cover your costs. |
These costs apply to all international students, including EU students in UK tuition fees. Always plan ahead so you’re financially ready before you move.
Can EU students still get financial support?
If you’re an international student from outside the EU, you probably won’t be able to get a student loan from the UK Government. But some universities do offer their own loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds — and that can include non-EU students too.
You can’t apply for UK student loans anymore unless you have settled/pre-settled status. But there are still other options:
University scholarships
Some universities offer scholarships just for EU students. These could be:
- Fee discounts
- Merit-based scholarships
- Bursaries for financial need
External funding
You can look for:
- British Council scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships (for Master’s students)
- Scholarships from your own country
- Private foundations or industry sponsors
Tip: Use tools like our scholarship search to search by nationality and subject.
What are UK universities doing to support EU students?
Some universities want to keep strong connections with Europe. They’re offering:
- EU Transition Scholarships
- Lower international fees for EU nationals
- Dedicated support services for European students
Also, new UK-EU partnerships may soon make it easier for EU students to access short courses or exchanges in the UK under fairer terms.
A new UK–EU student mobility deal could be on the way
The UK and EU are discussing a new deal to make it easier for students to study, travel, and work in each other’s countries. This could lead to a new exchange programme, or even a return to something like Erasmus+.
Details are still being worked out, but it’s a sign that UK–EU student opportunities may improve in the future.
Keep an eye on this if you're planning to study abroad – things could get easier soon.
Final tips: how to plan your studies in the UK
- Start early: Apply for your course, visa, and funding as early as you can
- Check your status: If you think you might qualify for home fees, ask the university
- Ask for help: University admissions teams are usually very helpful
- Use trusted websites like the British Council, UKCISA, and UCAS to check official info
Of course, you don’t need to feel pressured into taking a decision to study in the UK. There are other ways to enjoy the high academic quality of British universities. For example, you can always check out online Bachelor's and Master's offered by UK universities.
FAQs about EU students and tuition fees in the UK
Do EU students pay international fees in the UK?
Yes, unless you have settled/pre-settled status or Irish citizenship.
Can EU students get student loans in the UK?
No, not unless you have special status.
Is healthcare free for EU students?
You need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa. This lets you use NHS services.
Can EU students work in the UK?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week during term time.
