Nursing is a noble profession that is in high demand worldwide. Little wonder, there is an increased interest in studying nursing among international students. The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking nursing degrees.
However, nursing education is a costly undertaking. The cost of getting a nursing degree as an international student in the UK is relatively high and can be a significant barrier to your dream. That brings us to the question: how much does it cost to get a nursing degree as an international student in the UK?
It is essential to do your due diligence before enrolling in a nursing program to determine the curriculum content, learning structure, and cost implication. In this article, we will discuss the cost of getting a nursing degree as an international student in the UK and explore ways to manage the expenses.
Let’s start from the basics.
READ: What You Need to Know Before Studying in the UK
What Are the Career Opportunities in Nursing?
Although the main job description of a nurse is to care for patients in different healthcare facilities, there are other ways you can earn a living as a nurse. If you are not keen on tending to patients on the sickbed, you can utilise your nursing degree in other areas as:
- Clinical Nursing Educator
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing Manager
- Medical Administrator
- Healthcare Manager
- Telemedicine Nurse
- Life-Care Planner
- Health Coach
- Legal Nurse Consultant
- Occupational Nurse
- Nursing Informatics
- Physical Therapist
- Medical Sales Executive
- Health Researcher and Writer
To excel in these roles, you must have excellent communication, critical thinking, leadership/managerial skills, team spirit, time management, and a heart for service.
How Much Does a Nursing Degree in the UK Cost?
Tuition fees for nursing programs in the UK depend on several factors. It varies according to the level of study, program structure, and type of institution. Typically, international students pay higher tuition fees than UK and EU students. Also, enrolling in a private or elite school will cost far more than a community college or state university. Although there is no fixed cost for nursing school, here is a breakdown of the average tuition fees for nursing programs in the UK.
1. Undergraduate (Bachelor) Degree
The average tuition fee for an undergraduate degree in nursing is between £20,000 and £25,000 per year for international students.
2. Master’s (Graduate) Degree
The average tuition fee for a master’s degree in nursing is between £20,000 and £30,000 per year for international students.
3. Doctorate (Postgraduate) Degree
The average tuition fee for a master’s degree in nursing is between £20,000 and £30,000 per year for international students.
These tuition fees may seem outrageous, but it helps if you consider them an investment that will pay off handsomely.
Additional Costs Associated with Studying Nursing in the UK
Apart from the tuition fees, there are additional costs associated with studying nursing in the UK that you need to consider. They include:
1. Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in the UK depends on the location and type of accommodation. On average, you may pay between £6,000 and £12,000 per year on housing. You can mitigate the cost by using other cheaper alternatives like on-campus and homestay accommodation.
2. Living Expenses
The cost of living in the UK is relatively high, especially in London. You will likely spend approximately £900 to £1200 on food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses every month.
3. Health Insurance
As an international student, you must have health insurance while studying in the UK. The cost of your health insurance depends on the insurance package and coverage level. On average, you will spend roughly £150 to £250 on health insurance every year.
READ: How to Cut Cost and Save Money as an International Student in the UK
Can I Study Nursing for Free in the UK?
Having seen the cost of getting a nursing degree as an international student in the UK, you may wonder if there are free study alternatives. Although studying nursing in the UK is not free, there are funding opportunities for international students, which you explore for lower fees or fully funded tuition. They include; educational scholarships, grants, financial aid, and student loans.
Scholarship Opportunities for International Students Studying Nursing in the UK
Here are some scholarship programs you can explore for your nursing degree as an international in the UK.
1. Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students from over 160 countries worldwide who want to enrol in a master’s program in the UK. The scholarship covers your tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend. You can apply if you are a citizen of the approved countries, have second-class honours (upper division) in your undergraduate study, and have a provisional offer of admission from a UK university.
READ: How to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship
2. Commonwealth Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to international students from commonwealth countries. Each year, over 800 international students get the chance to further their studies in the UK through the Commonwealth Scholarship. You can be one of the lucky scholars. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend.
3. British Council Scholarship
The British Council offers scholarships to international students from select countries who want to study in the UK. You can apply for the scholarship if you are from Egypt, Ghana, China, Kenya, India, Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. The scholarship covers tuition fees and an allowance for your living expenses.
4. University Scholarships
Many UK universities offer scholarships to international students, which cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. This is one factor you should consider when choosing a school for your nursing program.
READ: List of Schools with Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in the UK
Conclusion
Studying nursing in the UK can be costly, especially for international students. However, with careful planning and research, you can manage the expenses, explore scholarship opportunities, and make your dream come true.
You must also remember that the benefits of obtaining a nursing degree from a UK institution far outweigh the cost. Nursing is a lucrative career, and graduates from UK nursing programs are highly sought after by employers worldwide. So, you can look forward to a rewarding career in the healthcare sector. If you need further guidance, schedule a call with our career advisors today!
.