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Do you want to study in the UK? We know that this is a significant financial decision and you’ll be looking into the best UK universities for Indian students. Sunderland is one of the cheapest cities to live in the UK and has a growing community of international students.
Studying in the UK offers international students a unique opportunity to experience world-class education at prestigious universities, renowned for their research, innovation, and high academic standards. The UK is home to a diverse, multicultural society, which makes it an ideal environment for personal growth and cultural exchange. Find out more about why you should study in the UK as an international student.
The cost of living in England can vary depending on location, so as an Indian student it’s important to consider where you study. For example, the north-east of England is one of the most affordable areas to live in the UK, particularly Sunderland! The north-east's student living costs are around £954 a month, compared to the national average of £1,078 (Save the Student, 2024). We’ve recently been ranked in the top 40 universities in the UK and are receiving over £400m investment into the city over the next few years.
For international students, the cost of studying in the UK largely depends on the program and university. According to Save the Student, international students can expect to pay between £11,000 and £67,000 per year in undergraduate tuition fees. International students may also be required to pay additional costs such as visa fees and health insurance.
It's important to research the specific costs at the university of your choice and ensure that you have enough funds to cover these expenses. At Sunderland, we have a dedicated international fees area as well as if you qualify to pay in fee instalments. Check out our fees and funding support hub for more information.
Living expenses in the UK can vary significantly depending on the city and lifestyle. According to the UK Government website as a lone student, you’ll need £1,483 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London and £1,136 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London. This will increase if you bring dependents with you. These costs often include accommodation, food, transport, and leisure activities.
With this budget in mind, it is important to choose an area to live and study in that you can afford with your budget. The University of Sunderland is the 7th cheapest city for student accommodation in the UK (Student Crowd, 2024). Here are some living expenses to consider when choosing where to study as an international student:
Where you choose to, such as university accommodation or privately renting, will affect the cost of your rent. Our student accommodation includes utility bills, Wi-Fi, and contents insurance, making this option better value for money. For example, you can stay in our accommodation for as little as £85 per week with a dormer height room at Panns Bank. This cost increases if you choose to upgrade to one of our refurbished or ensuite rooms.
Find out more information about our accommodation.
For international students, cooking at home will be your cheapest option and you can expect to spend around £30-£35 a week on your food shop.
In Sunderland, we have many supermarkets around our campuses, including Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and more, who offer loyalty schemes to help you save money when shopping in store or online.
There are also several Indian food shops and restaurants offering groceries, spices and more! This includes New India Food Store, Hardeep's Indian Grocers and Spiceway, as well as Indian restaurants like My Delhi, My Bombay Bistro, and Goa. You can see more international stores on our Virtual Experience platform.
When budgeting for your studies in the UK, it’s important to consider transportation costs. If you live on-campus, transportation expenses may be minimal, so as often you can walk between buildings or utilize free travel provided by the university.
For students living off-campus, public transport costs can add up quickly. You may require bus, train, or subway services depending on the city. Some universities offer discounted travel passes for students, so ensure you explore your options to keep travel costs down.
Our University is in the heart of the city centre, so you'll save money on transport costs as our accommodation and campuses are all within walking distance of one another. If you don’t want to walk, you could hop on one of our free buses that go between campuses, and we have a bus that goes directly to student accommodation too. Check out our guide for how to travel around our campuses.
The north-east and Sunderland have excellent public transport systems, and they are very affordable, especially for students. You can travel by bus, Metro, train or taxi. For more information you can read our guide on cheap and sustainable travel.
While studying is important, it's important to plan and allocate a portion of your budget for leisure activities, so you can balance your academic life with fun, maintain your wellbeing, and make the most of your time abroad. Common student activities include going out for meals, attending events, exploring local attractions, or joining clubs and societies. To stick within your budget, read our guide on how to save money as a student.
On campus, we offer a cinema where you can watch a film for £6.95, and a gym membership at our CitySpace gym is just £15 a month. We also have a range of clubs and societies you can join.
There's so much to see and do in Sunderland! The city offers a balance of vibrant city life, along with a beautiful coastline and countryside. Our St Peter's Campus is next to the beach, where you can find gorgeous views and enjoy lots of nice cafes, pubs, restaurants, and more! Our City Campus is surrounded by local attractions like the Sunderland Empire, as well as a range of shops and restaurants.
If you like to watch sports, there are lots of spectator sports you can watch in the north-east. Sunderland is home to some of the most passionate football fans in the world and you can watch the men’s and women’s teams in action at the iconic Stadium of Light, which is also one of the leading concert venues in the UK.
Many universities and organizations in the UK offer scholarships to international students, which can help reduce tuition fees and living expenses. It's important to research scholarship opportunities early and apply for those that you are eligible for.
At Sunderland, we offer a £5,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduate courses or £4,500 for postgraduate courses. You can read more about our UK scholarships for Indian students.
Many international students look for part-time jobs to supplement their income while studying in the UK. For Indian students, you’ll be studying on a Tier 4 or Student visa, which means if you’re studying full-time, you’re permitted to get a part-time job. However, if you’re studying part-time as an international student, you’re not permitted to work due to the terms of your visa. Find out more about Student Visa conditions.
According to UCAS, during term-time, you’re typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week in a variety of job roles. However, there are some restrictions, such as the type of role, taking full-time permanent roles or working over 20 hours per week. Find out more information on job opportunities for Indian students.
There is a range of support available for Indian students in the UK, such as from your university and the city you choose to live in. UCAS has a guide for support organisations for international students which may be able to provide guidance on support required, such as:
At Sunderland, we offer a range of services to assist students throughout their academic journey. The University’s dedicated team for International Student Support are always on hand to help with any issues related to visas, accommodation, scholarships and bursaries, or personal challenges. We provide counselling services, academic tutoring, and health services to ensure the overall wellbeing of our students. Whether it’s adjusting to life in the UK as an Indian student or seeking academic assistance, Sunderland provides robust support to help students thrive.
Sunderland is also a safe city to live in, as it has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community, ensuring that you can focus on your studies and enjoy a stress-free living experience. There is a security presence on campus and our buildings are operated by smart card entries with lots of friendly and communal spaces.
While the cost of studying in the UK can be significant for international students, there are many ways to manage expenses. By choosing an affordable city, budgeting carefully, and exploring scholarships and part-time work opportunities, Indian students can make their experience in the UK both financially manageable and academically rewarding.
At Sunderland, over 40% of our students come from outside of the UK and each year we welcome new students from over 100 countries. We're 10th in Europe and 2nd in the UK for International Student Diversity (QS World University Rankings Europe, 2025). Find out more by browsing our international hub, or explore our university via our virtual experience.