The Cost

Cost has always been a factor in the decision-making process.

• Now more so than ever, since the government's decision to allow English universities to charge tuition fees of up to £9,000 per year from 2012 entry.
• Welsh and Scottish Universities will also be able to charge English students up to £9,000 per year.
• The situation is complicated, with different arrangements applying in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland with a further layer of complication for students moving from one country in the UK to another.
• Tuition fees have always been a factor in influencing the decisions of International Students including choosing between the UK and other countries.
• Read Tuition Fees 2012 for more detail.

Universities have introduced bursary schemes to assist students who are from low-income backgrounds and for students who wish to study shortage subjects.

• In order to find out how much it will cost to study at a particular university you will have to check their fees and your potential eligibility for any of their bursary schemes.
• Read about bursaries and scholarships.

Even then, this may not give you the full picture, as there will often be a range of costs that you will have to bear but which you are not always told about in advance.

• If you want to be particularly thorough, try asking universities how much it will cost for you to join the sports centre, connect your laptop to the university network, use the library photocopier or bring your parents to your graduation ceremony.
• Many universities supply this type of detail in their prospectus and on their website.
• If you are planning to start university in 2012, use our Student Loan Repayment Calculator for an insight into how much you may need to repay and how long it may take.

In summary, underestimate cost at your peril and remember to budget for your social life too.

• Read the articles on Financial Support and Managing Your Money for more advice.

Next page: The Decision