Canada
Australia
Netherlands
Ireland
Japan
CyprusCost of a first year
United Kingdom vs United States: what a year of study costs
The United States costs less on average, about EUR 5,100 less for a first year, though its most expensive options cost more than the United Kingdom's.
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  United Kingdom |  United States |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 26,800 to 47,900 | EUR 17,900 to 40,300 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 14,400 to 24,400 | EUR 11,800 to 34,400 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 669 | EUR 166 |
| First year, all in | EUR 41,900 to 73,100 | EUR 29,900 to 74,900 |
| Money to show for the visa | EUR 12,630 | Not published |
| Work during term | 20 hours a week | 20 hours a week |
| Stay to work after | 2 years | 1 year |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-24 |
Every figure is from the United Kingdom and United States guides, where each one links to its official source with the date we checked it. Living costs are the published monthly range times twelve. Converted at the day's rate (2026-11-08). Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Questions
Is it cheaper to study in the United Kingdom or the United States?
The United States costs less on average, about EUR 5,100 less for a first year, though its most expensive options cost more than the United Kingdom's. A first year in the United Kingdom costs about EUR 41,900 to 73,100 and in the United States about EUR 29,900 to 74,900, counting tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee, from each country's official sources.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in United Kingdom and United States?
United Kingdom: EUR 12,630 a year. United States: no fixed national amount is published.