How much does it cost to study abroad?
Updated 3rd November 2010
English tuition fees will rise to at least £6,000 per year from 2012. Some universities will increase their fees to as much as £9,000.
It is estimated that most universities will have to charge fees of £7,000 just to make up for the cuts in government funding to universities. The increase in fees is unlikely to lead to an improvement in facilities and teaching resources for undergraduate students.
We have outlined here international tuition fees for various countries around the world.
Education at public universities in Europe is often still free of charge for all EU citizens but even some of the continent’s best private universities are available at a similar cost to an English education. Many private universities may also take your individual circumstances into consideration and this is why you will see a range of fees below.
You need to be aware that usually it is not possible to get a student loan if you wish to go to a university abroad, unless you are taking part in a recognized exchange programme. The exception to this is within the European Union where you should be entitled to exactly the same support as local students.
A Star Future cannot provide accurate advice on issues relating to tuition fees at specific universities because the situation is changing all the time. We suggest that you speak to your chosen institution for the most reliable information as they will also be able to advise you of any scholarships or financial aid that it is on offer.
The relative cost of higher education in many countries is outlined below:
| Country | Average Monthly Living Expenses |
Annual Tuition | Average Total Cost 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| England (from 2012) | £750 | £6,000-9,000 | £12,750 -£15,750 |
| Australia | £700 | £10,000-£14,000 | £16,300 - £20,300 |
| New Zealand | £700 | £8,600-£10,900 | £14,900-£17,200 |
| USA | £700 | £4,000-£25,000 | £10,300-£31,300 |
| Canada | £700 | £6,800-£10,000 | £13,100-£16,300 |
| South Africa | £300 | £2,500 | £5,200 |
| Japan | £750 | £3,000-6,000 | £11,250 |
| Czech Republic 2 | £400 | £3,020 | £6,620 |
| Denmark | £700 | £0 | £6,300 |
| Finland | £700 | £0 | £6,300 |
| France | £700 | £80-£500 | £6,380-£6,800 |
| Germany | £450 | £720 | £4,770 |
| Netherlands | £570 | £1,421 | £6,551 |
| Italy (Bocconi) |
£650 | £3,915-£8,800 | £9,765-£14,650 |
| Spain | £600 | £200 | £5,600 |
Notes
- Total Cost is calculated on the basis of a 9 month academic year.
- The tuition fee quoted relates to Prague College, a private university college in the Czech Republic.
- The range of fees presented for the USA reflects the range of higher education institutions from Community Colleges up to Private Universities. Usually it is not possible to complete a bachelor degree at community college but it can replace the first two years at a public or private university, thereby reducing the overall cost of a US degree.



