MBA Fees & Cost of Living in UK for Indian Students in 2025

The average cost of studying MBA in the UK is around GBP 43,000 and GBP 140,000, which is about INR 43 Lakhs to INR 1.4 crore per year. This cost depends on where you study and how you live. Top colleges like London Business School, Oxford, and Cambridge charge more, but obviously, they offer strong career returns.

You can also apply for MBA scholarships like Chevening or Commonwealth to reduce the cost. Many students also choose budget-friendly MBA options or specialisations like Finance, International Business, or Entrepreneurship.

MBA Fees in the UK

MBA tuition in the UK usually costs between GBP 31,000 to GBP 87,000. That means around INR 32 L to INR 91 L for the full course. Top colleges like London Business School charge on the higher end, while public universities are more affordable.

Cost of Living in the UK

If you live in London, you may spend about GBP 1,300 to GBP 1,400 per month. That’s around INR 1.36 L to INR 1.47 L every month. In other UK cities, monthly costs can be GBP 900 to GBP 1,300 (INR 94 K to INR 1.36 L). This includes rent, food, and daily expenses.

Books and Materials

For books and study materials, you will spend around GBP 200 to GBP 400 per year. That is about INR 20 K to INR 40 K. You can save by using libraries or buying used books.

Health Insurance and Medical Fees

Indian students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is around GBP 1,552 for a 2-year visa. That equals about INR 1.55 L. Private health insurance may cost GBP 150 to GBP 200 per year (INR 15 K to INR 20 K).

Transportation

You will be spending around GBP 54 to GBP 103 per month on buses, trains, or underground passes. This means about INR 54 K to INR 1.03 L per year. Student discounts are available in most cities.

Personal Expenses

You will likely spend GBP 150 to GBP 250 each month on groceries, internet, clothes, and other needs. That comes to about INR 1.5 L to INR 2.6 L every year. Your total will depend on how you manage your spending.

Most students pay around GBP 47,000 to GBP 50,000 (INR 50 L to INR 53 L) for an MBA in the UK. This makes UK MBAs shorter and often cheaper than many two-year MBAs in other countries. MBA fees in the UK change based on the university, check how: 

• The most expensive one is at the London Business School. It costs around GBP 115,000 (INR 120 L). This is the highest MBA fee in the country. 
• The next high fee is Oxford’s Said Business School. It charges about GBP 71,540 (INR 75.7 L) for one year.
• Some top schools like Cambridge, Imperial, and LSE also charge between GBP 67,000 to GBP 87,600 (INR 71 L to INR 93 L). These are all one-year programmes. 
• Public universities like Edinburgh or Bristol have lower fees. Their cost is under GBP 40,000 (INR 41 L).

The cheapest MBA is available at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David for just GBP 7,800 (INR 8.6 L). Close to this are the University of Bolton, Glyndwr University, and York St John University. All of these universities are offering programmes for under GBP 9,000 (INR 9.9 L). A few more cost-effective options fall in the GBP 12,500 to GBP 14,300 range, which equals about INR 13 L to INR 15 L. 

Again, these MBAs are one-year programmes, helping students cut down on living costs and graduate faster. Despite their low tuition, these universities still offer an MBA that is well recognised across the UK.

Living in the UK is expensive, especially in London. Students there spend more than GBP 1,400 (INR 1.54 L) every month. But if you stay in cities like Sheffield, Leicester, or Glasgow, your costs can go down to GBP 900–1,100 (INR 99,000–1.21 L). 

The biggest cost is rent. In London, student housing can cost over GBP 700 (INR 77,000), but in smaller cities, it can be half of that. Travel is also costly in London. A monthly pass can cost GBP 150 (INR 16,500), while other cities charge less than GBP 60 (INR 6,600). You see the difference? More than a 50% difference here.

If you choose a cheaper city, you can save up to GBP 5,000 (INR 5.5 L) in one year.

Many MBA scholarships in the UK are not just for good grades. Some support women, like the Imperial Women Scholarship. The BK Birla Scholarship at London Business School is for students who show strong values and work experience. If you score 750 or more on the GMAT, you can get GBP 5,350 (INR 5.8 L) at Imperial. 

Full-fee scholarships are rare, but many offer between GBP 5,000 and GBP 10,000 (INR 5.5 L to 11 L), which can lower your costs a lot. Some scholarships, like the Inlaks, are not from universities but still provide large support. They can offer up to USD 100,000 (INR 83 L), which covers most of your MBA cost.

You need to break your expenses down into different parts to estimate your total MBA cost. Each student may spend differently depending on the university, location, lifestyle, and scholarship support. Here’s how you can calculate it step by step:

Tuition Fees

Check the official university website to find the exact tuition fee for your MBA course. It usually ranges between GBP 30,000 to GBP 90,000 (INR 33 L to INR 99 L).

Living Expenses

Estimate your rent, food, travel, and basic needs. If you live in London, plan for around GBP 1,400 (INR 1.54 L) per month. In smaller cities, GBP 900 (INR 99,000) per month might be enough.

Visa Application Fee

Add GBP 490 (INR 54,000) for your UK student visa. This is a one-time cost.

Health Surcharge (NHS)

Add about GBP 776 (INR 85,000) for the Immigration Health Surcharge. This covers basic healthcare for one year.

Flight Tickets

Include the round-trip ticket cost from India to the UK. It usually falls between GBP 500 to GBP 800 (INR 55,000 to INR 88,000), depending on when you book.

Study Materials and Application Costs

Keep around GBP 1,000 to GBP 2,000 (INR 1.1 L to INR 2.2 L) for books, printing, internet, laptop needs, and MBA application fees.

Scholarship Support

If you expect to get a scholarship, subtract that amount from your total cost. Some scholarships reduce the fee by GBP 10,000 to GBP 40,000 (INR 11 L to INR 44 L).

Part-time Work Income

If you plan to work part-time during studies, you can reduce your costs. At minimum wage, 20 hours per week can help you earn around GBP 700 to GBP 900 (INR 77,000 to INR 99,000) per month.

MBA graduates from UK business schools often recover their study costs within just 2–3 years of employment. On average, MBA graduates in the UK earn between GBP64,000 and GBP128,000 (INR 56 L to INR 1.12 Cr) annually. 

Durham University offers the highest reported MBA salary at GBP117,289 (INR 1.2 Cr). It is followed by LBS and Edinburgh reporting salaries above GBP90,000 (INR 79 L). Schools like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial also offer solid packages above GBP68,000.

Most of these universities see placement rates above 90%. The famous employers like McKinsey, Amazon, Deloitte, PwC, and Goldman Sachs keep actively recruiting. Graduates typically enter roles in consulting, tech, finance, and operations, where MBA-level compensation is strong.

The average UK MBA fee is around GBP40,000 to GBP60,000 (INR 35 L to 53 L), which is still more affordable than in the USA. In the USA, programs often stretch to GBP70,000 + (INR 62 L+) with longer durations.

Countries like France, Germany, and Canada offer slightly lower tuition fees than the UK, but often with limited post-MBA salary potential. On the other hand, Australia and the US are far more expensive, especially when you add in living costs.

The UK stands out because of its one-year program format, strong salaries (up to GBP117,000), and relatively lower living expenses compared to the US or Australia. This makes the UK a cost-effective choice for Indian students who want global exposure without spending 2+ years abroad.

Your total MBA cost in the UK depends on where and how you study. Business school fees, programme length, city expenses, nationality, and even your lifestyle affect your budget. For example, some top B-schools charge over GBP 78,000 (INR 86 L), while others may offer options as low as GBP 30,000 (INR 33 L). On top of that, you might also pay extra charges like application fees and deposit amounts.

Choice of University

Top-ranked schools like London Business School charge high fees, up to GBP 78,500 (INR 86 L). Other respected options like Durham offer MBAs at around GBP 30,000 (INR 33 L). The higher the reputation and ranking, the more you pay.

Course Duration

Most UK MBAs are 12 months long. But if your course runs for 15 or 18 months, your total cost will increase. You will need to cover extra months of rent, food, and utilities, too.

Location of the University

Studying in London will cost more than in smaller cities. Rent, transport, and food prices are much higher in major cities. So even if the tuition fee is the same, your living costs can vary a lot.

Student’s Nationality

International students pay more than UK or EU students. For example, non-EU students can be charged above GBP 50,000 (INR 55 L), while UK students pay a capped amount, often under GBP 10,000 (INR 11 L).

Scholarships and Financial Support

If you get a scholarship, your cost drops. Many UK B-schools offer scholarships for international students based on merit, need, or diversity.

Application and Deposit Fees

Some schools charge a non-refundable application fee of GBP 25 to GBP 60 (INR 2,100 to INR 5,000). After getting selected, you’ll likely pay a deposit between GBP 1,000 to GBP 4,000 (INR 1.1 L to INR 4.4 L) to hold your seat.

Living Expenses and Lifestyle

Your habits matter. Shared accommodation, basic groceries, and public transport will keep your costs low. On the other hand, private rentals, eating out, and travel will push your expenses up.

You can reduce the overall cost of studying an MBA in the UK by choosing flexible course formats, applying for funding beyond scholarships, and managing living expenses smartly. Some students also cut costs by working part-time, picking affordable cities, or finishing their MBA in one year instead of two.

Choose Shorter or Online MBA Programmes

One-year MBA programmes can help you finish faster and save both tuition and living costs. Online or hybrid options also let you study from home, reducing accommodation and travel expenses.

Select Affordable Universities and Cities

Living in cities like Sheffield, Liverpool, or Leicester is more affordable than staying in London. You can also find reputed business schools in these places offering MBA degrees with fees starting around GBP 20,000 (INR 21 L).

Consider Employer Sponsorship

If you're working, ask your employer if they sponsor MBA degrees. Many companies fund part or full MBA fees if it aligns with your job role.

Work Part-Time During Studies

You can legally work 20 hours per week during term time as an international student. This helps you earn and cover day-to-day expenses, especially in affordable cities.

Apply for Research or Teaching Assistant Roles

Some UK universities allow MBA students to assist professors or departments. These roles often come with stipends or fee waivers.

Plan Accommodation and Meals Smartly

Living in shared housing or university halls and cooking at home can save you a good chunk of monthly costs. Avoiding frequent dining out and using travel passes can also cut expenses.

Use Student Offers and Discounts

Get a TOTUM card or a railcard. Many UK stores, travel services, and entertainment platforms offer discounts to students.

Explore Post-Study Work Options

You can stay in the UK for up to 2 years under the Graduate Route visa once your MBA is complete. This gives you time to work, earn back your costs, and build local experience.

Yes, an MBA in the UK is worth it for many Indian students. You get access to top-ranked global business schools, complete your degree in just one year, and can earn a higher salary faster compared to many other countries. Though the upfront cost is high, strong post-study work options and career outcomes often make it a good return on investment.

Return on Investment (ROI)

An MBA in the UK may seem expensive at first, but many Indian students find it pays off quickly. Given below are the average costs, salary expectations, and how soon graduates recover their investment: 

• Most UK MBAs cost between GBP 30,000 and GBP 60,000 (INR 32 L to INR 65 L). But since most programs last just one year, students save both time and one full year of living expenses. 
• Post-MBA salaries in the UK typically range from GBP 50,000 to GBP 90,000 (INR 54 L to INR 98 L), depending on the role and industry. 
• Many Indian graduates working in London or Europe recover their investment within 2 to 3 years.

Strong Post-Study Work & PR Pathway

The UK offers a clear and supportive route for international students to stay back and work after graduation. Here’s everything you need to know about the post-study visa options and how they support long-term career plans for Indian students: 

• You can stay in the UK for up to 2 years through the Graduate Route visa after finishing your MBA.
• If you get a job with a licensed sponsor, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa during this time.
• This is a direct route toward permanent residency in the UK. This visa support makes it easier to build a long-term international career.

Shorter Duration Saves Time

Time plays a big role when deciding where to study an MBA, and UK programs save a full year compared to others. Given below is how the shorter 1-year UK MBA helps save time and boosts early career returns: 

• UK MBA programs usually last just 12 months. In contrast, MBAs in India or the USA often take 2 years. 
• This shorter time helps students re-enter the workforce quicker and start earning earlier, speeding up the ROI.

Global Recognition of UK Degrees

A degree from a UK business school is well-known and respected around the world. Here are the reasons why a UK MBA degree is valued by employers across the world, including India: 

• UK business schools like London Business School, Cambridge Judge, and Oxford Said are ranked among the world’s best. 
• Employers in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia all value these degrees. 
• The global recognition of a UK MBA makes it easier for Indian students to find jobs both abroad and at home.

London’s Business Advantage

Studying in a top business city like London opens many doors for Indian students. Below is a quick look at why studying in London gives Indian students an edge in terms of job access and networking: 

• Studying in the UK also gives you access to global business hubs mainly in London. As it offers thousands of global firms, startups, and finance companies.
• London also offers strong networking, internships, and job opportunities. 
• This exposure becomes the biggest benefit of studying in the UK for many Indian students.

Understanding how much you'll spend each month as an Indian MBA student in the UK isn't always easy. The numbers vary based on your city, lifestyle, and spending habits. To help you plan better, we’ve put together real-life monthly budgets based on student experiences across different UK cities. From living in London to managing costs in smaller towns, here’s what Indian students spend and how they make it work.

Riya, 26: MBA Student at University of Leeds (Budget-Conscious)

Background: Riya comes from a middle-class family in Pune and is funding her MBA through a scholarship and savings. She lives in shared student housing and cooks most of her meals.

Arjun, 28: MBA Student at Warwick Business School (Mid-Range Budget)

Background: Arjun worked in Bangalore for 4 years before coming to the UK. He lives in university-managed accommodation and balances eating out with cooking.

Doing an MBA in the UK is a big decision. Many Indian students worry about the cost, the right college, and whether they’ll get a good job afterward. However, the process, from choosing the perfect program to winning scholarships, tends to be a little daunting.

If you’re serious about studying in the UK, Yocket Premium can make a big difference. Our experts help you choose the best universities, write strong SOPs, prepare for interviews, and plan your entire application timeline. You’ll get personal guidance from start to finish.