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Full Breakdown of the Cost of Studying for a Master’s Degree in the UK (2025 Guide)

Total initial cost and payment structure for a Nigerian planning to study a master’s program in the UK.

Full Breakdown of the Cost of Studying for a Master’s Degree in the UK (2025 Guide)

Published by Eduvoy Global | Updated: October 2025

Thinking about studying in the UK for your master’s degree? 🇬🇧 Here’s a detailed breakdown of the total initial cost and payment structure for an international student — especially from Nigeria — planning to study a master’s program in the UK with a total tuition of £16,000. This guide covers everything from visa fees, health surcharge, proof of funds, flight tickets, and instalment payment structure so you can plan your study journey with confidence.

🎓 Tuition and Proof of Funds Overview

Before you apply for a UK student visa, you’ll need to show that you can cover tuition and living expenses.
  • Total Tuition Fee: £16,000
  • Initial Deposit (before CAS): £4,000
  • Remaining Tuition Balance: £12,000
Under UKVI rules, students must show proof of funds for:
  • Any remaining tuition not yet paid
  • Living expenses (maintenance funds)
Maintenance (up to 9 months):
  • Outside London: £1,023/month × 9 = £9,207
  • In London: £1,334/month × 9 = £12,006

💷 Initial Financial Requirement Before Visa Application

Item Amount (£) Notes
Tuition Deposit 4,000 Paid to university before CAS
Proof of Remaining Tuition 12,000 Must be in your bank for visa proof
Proof of Living Expenses (outside London) 9,207 Required for maintenance
Total Proof of Funds 21,207 12,000 + 9,207
5% Proof of Funds Buffer (approx.) 1,060 Covers exchange rate changes
Total to Show in Bank (approx.) ≈ £22,200 Held for 28 consecutive days

💳 Visa and Health-Related Costs

Approx conversions used: ₦ @ 1,950/£ (for reference).
Item Amount (£) Approx. in Naira (₦)
UK Student Visa Application 490 ₦955,500
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 1,035 ₦2,020,000
Tuberculosis (TB) Test 150 ₦292,500
Miscellaneous (biometrics, courier, etc.) 50 ₦97,500
Total Visa-Related Costs (approx.) 1,725 ₦3,365,500

✈️ Flight Ticket Cost from Nigeria to the UK

Flight prices vary with date, airport and airline. As of 2025 (estimate):
  • Average one-way ticket: £650 – £850 (≈ ₦1.2 – ₦1.6 million)
  • Estimated average used below: £750
💡 Tip: Book early (2–3 months ahead) to save more.

💰 Initial Out-of-Pocket Cost Before Travelling

Item Amount (£) Notes
Tuition Deposit 4,000 Paid to university
Visa, Health & TB 1,725 Payable before visa
Proof of Funds Buffer 1,060 Optional financial cushion
Flight Ticket (estimate) 750 Average one-way
Total Initial Cost (approx.) ≈ £7,535 ≈ ₦14.7 million (approx.)

🧾 Remaining Tuition Payment Plan (After Enrolment)

Once you arrive and complete your registration, many universities allow flexible payment of the remaining £12,000. Example plan (8 monthly instalments):
Instalment Amount (£) Due Date
1 1,500 1st month after enrolment
2 1,500 2nd month
3 1,500 3rd month
4 1,500 4th month
5 1,500 5th month
6 1,500 6th month
7 1,500 7th month
8 1,500 8th month
Total 12,000 Completed by month 8

📘 Quick Summary

  • Tuition Deposit: £4,000
  • Visa, Health & TB: £1,725
  • Flight Ticket (estimate): £750
  • Proof of Funds Buffer: £1,060
  • Initial Out-of-Pocket Cost: ≈ £7,535
  • Remaining Tuition (8 instalments): £12,000
  • Total Cost of Study: ≈ £19,535

🧭 Key Takeaways for International Students

  • ✅ You don’t have to pay full tuition before getting your CAS — just show proof of funds.
  • ✅ Keep your proof of funds in the bank for 28 consecutive days before applying for a visa.
  • ✅ After visa approval, you’ll often pay the balance through instalments after enrolment.
  • ✅ Always account for exchange rate fluctuations and international transfer fees.
  • ✅ Book your flight early to reduce costs.

🏫 Final Thoughts

Studying in the UK offers a world-class education, but proper financial planning is key to a smooth transition. With this breakdown you now have a clear idea of the true cost of studying in the UK as an international student — from deposit to visa fees, IHS, and maintenance proof requirements. If you’re planning your 2025 UK study journey, start preparing your financial documents at least 2–3 months before your visa application for a stress-free process.

Ready to Start Your UK Study Journey?

Let Eduvoy Global guide you every step of the way from admission to visa approval.

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📘 Keywords: UK study cost 2025, UK masters tuition, proof of funds, UK visa fees Nigeria, Eduvoy Global

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