Compare UK university tuition fees by domicile and study location for 2026-27
Fees shown are based on published 2026-27 rates. Actual fees may vary by institution. International fees vary significantly by university and course.
Understanding UK university tuition fees is essential for anyone planning higher education. Tuition fees in the United Kingdom vary significantly depending on where you live (your domicile), where you choose to study, and whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student. The devolved nature of education policy means that England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each set their own fee structures. For the 2026-27 academic year, English-domiciled students studying at English universities face the highest regulated fee cap of 9,535 per year. Scottish-domiciled students studying in Scotland benefit from free tuition, funded through the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Welsh students pay up to 9,250 regardless of where they study in the UK, while Northern Irish students studying in Northern Ireland pay a reduced fee of 4,750 per year. Cross-border students generally pay the host nation's fee rate. For example, a Scottish student choosing to study in England would pay the English fee cap. International and EU students (post-Brexit) pay fees set individually by each university, which can range from 12,000 to over 45,000 per year depending on the institution and course. Our calculator uses the latest published fee caps from the Office for Students and devolved government sources to give you an accurate comparison of what you would pay across different UK nations. This helps you make an informed decision about where to study based on the financial implications.
To calculate your expected tuition fees: 1. Select your domicile from the dropdown menu. This is where you normally live, not your nationality. Your fee status is determined by your country of ordinary residence within the UK, or whether you are an EU or international student. 2. Choose your intended study location. Select the UK nation where you plan to attend university. 3. Select your course type. Undergraduate fees have a regulated cap, while postgraduate taught courses in England have access to a separate master's loan of up to 12,167. 4. Enter the length of your course in years. Most undergraduate degrees are 3 years (4 years in Scotland and for sandwich courses). Postgraduate courses are typically 1-2 years. 5. If you are an international student, enter the expected annual fee quoted by your chosen university. International fees vary widely by institution and subject. 6. Review the results panel to see your annual fee, total course cost, and your fee status. The bar chart shows how fees compare across the four UK nations for your domicile.
UK tuition fees are determined by a combination of your domicile (where you live) and your study location: England domicile: The fee cap is 9,535 per year for undergraduate study anywhere in the UK. This cap is set by the Office for Students and applies to all approved providers. Scotland domicile: Students studying in Scotland pay no tuition fees, with costs covered by SAAS. Scottish students studying elsewhere in the UK pay the host nation's fee cap. Wales domicile: The fee cap is 9,250 per year. Welsh students may be eligible for a tuition fee grant from Student Finance Wales that reduces the net cost. Northern Ireland domicile: Students studying in Northern Ireland pay 4,750 per year. Those studying elsewhere pay the host nation's fee cap. International and EU students: Fees are set by individual universities and are not subject to government caps. Typical fees range from 12,000 for classroom-based courses to 45,000 or more for laboratory and clinical courses. Total fees are calculated as: Annual Fee multiplied by Course Length in years. For postgraduate taught courses in England, students can access a master's loan of up to 12,167 (2026-27 rate), which is not means-tested and covers both fees and living costs.