Can I Conquer UK Tuition by Working 20hrs/week as an International Student, per Govt. Rules?

Studying as an international student in the UK can be an exciting experience, but many wonder if it’s possible to work and pay off their UK tuition fees. Today, we’ll explore this topic and discuss the financial realities faced by international students.

The specific amount required in your bank account before relocating to the UK as a student can vary depending on several factors, including institution you will be studying at (outside/in London), amount you have already paid as tuition fee, and your country. There are some specific situations where proof of fund might not be required.

As stated on the UK Government website, If you submit your application on 1 January 2021, you’d have to show that the funds were in your bank account for at least the 28-day period ending on 1 December.

For most student visas, such as the student visa, there are financial requirements that must be met. The following financial requirements are in place:

Tuition Fees: You must provide evidence that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees for the first year of study. The exact amount will depend on the course and institution you are attending. It’s best to check with your specific university or educational institution for the exact tuition fees.

Living Costs: You must show that you have enough funds to cover your living expenses while studying in the UK. As of 2021, the amount required for living costs outside of London was £1,023 per month for up to nine months, and this means you need to show that you have £9,207. For living costs in London, it was £1,334 per month for up to nine months, and it means you need to show that you have £12,006. Based on the content on the UK Government website, this amount has not changed. London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.

It is important to note that these financial requirements are subject to change, and it’s crucial to consult the official UK government website or the university you plan to attend for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding financial requirements for student visas.

Additionally, it’s worth considering other expenses such as travel costs, health insurance, and any additional funds you may need for personal expenses or emergencies.

Overall, it is recommended to have a sufficient amount in your bank account to cover your tuition fees and living costs as required by the UK immigration authorities.

So, the question we have been receiving in the last couple of days is that: Is it possible to work as a student in the UK, and still be able to pay off the balance of their tuition fee.

Before we can answer this question, we have to consider several factors such as your earnings, rent, transport fare, feeding, clothing, phone, location, remittances, entertainment, vacation, etc.

Each Student’s Situation is Unique: A One-Size-Fits-All Approach Won’t Work.

Let’s break down the numbers:

University Tuition: £14,000.
Amount Paid: £7,000.
Balance Remaining: £7,000.

Student Earnings:

Assuming you work 20 hours per week during term time, earning £11 per hour, and with a standard work month considered as 4.33 weeks, your monthly net income, after taxes, would be approximately £933.93. See the calculations below:

Gross Income Calculation:

Assuming you work 20 hours per week, earn £11 per hour, and the standard work month is considered as 4.33 weeks, the monthly gross income can be calculated as follows:

Hourly wage: £11

Weekly wage: £11 * 20 hours = £220

Monthly gross income: £220 * 4.33 weeks = £952.60

Net Income Calculation:

To calculate your net income, we’ll consider tax deductions, including income tax and National Insurance contributions.

Income Tax:

As a student, you may be eligible for the personal allowance of £12,570 in the UK. This means the first £12,570 of your income is tax-free. Any income above this threshold is subject to income tax.

Annual earnings: £952.60 * 12 months = £11,431.20

Taxable income: £11,431.20 – £12,570 (personal allowance) = -£1,138.80

Since your taxable income is below the personal allowance, there is no income tax to be deducted.

National Insurance (NI) Contributions:

To calculate your monthly NI contributions, we need to determine if your income falls within the range subject to NI. As of the tax year 2021/2022, the Class 1 National Insurance contribution rate for employees is 12% on earnings between £9,568 and £50,270 per year. Earnings above £50,270 are subject to a reduced NI contribution rate of 2%.

Monthly earnings: £952.60

NI-liable earnings: £952.60 – £797 (lower earnings limit) = £155.60

NI contributions: 12% of £155.60 = £18.67

Therefore, your monthly net income, after deducting NI contributions, would be £952.60 – £18.67 = £933.93.

Student Expenses:

Rent:

In the United Kingdom, the rent prices can vary significantly depending on various factors such as location, property type, size, and local demand. The most important thing is for you school to be close to the location with either low or high rent depending on your preference.

Minimum Rent Prices:

The minimum rent prices in the United Kingdom can vary depending on the region and the type of accommodation. In general, smaller cities or less desirable areas tend to have lower rent prices compared to major cities or popular locations. However, even within cities, there can be significant variations. In some areas, it’s possible to find a small studio apartment or a single room in a shared house for around £550 to £750 per month (inclusive of Council tax, water, electric, and gas bills).

Save money by finding people in your school, religious houses, or community who are willing to share a double room with you. You split the cost in half, paying only for your share. Inform your Property Agent or Landlord beforehand about your intention to share. These prices are typically more common in less expensive regions. The minimum rent term could be 6 months. A month rent and a month deposit may also be required. Apart from England, you can also try Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Higher Rent Prices:

In contrast, the higher rent prices are typically found in prime locations, such as central London and other affluent areas. The rental costs for high-end properties, luxury apartments, or houses in prestigious neighbourhoods can reach several thousand pounds per month. In central London, for instance, it is not uncommon for rents to exceed £2,000 to £5,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and prices can escalate further for larger properties or prime locations.

London, being the capital city and a major business and cultural hub, generally has higher rent prices compared to other parts of the UK. However, cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol also have relatively high rent prices due to their popularity and economic growth.

It’s important to note that these figures are just general estimates, and the actual rent prices can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances and market conditions. Factors such as local housing demand, property availability, and economic factors can influence rent prices, making it essential for individuals to conduct thorough research and consult local rental listings or real estate agents to get accurate and up-to-date information.

Furthermore, changes in market conditions and other external factors can cause fluctuations in rent prices over time. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult recent data or local experts to obtain the most accurate and current information about rent prices in the United Kingdom. UK tuition fees are high, and students are faced with the additional challenge of finding ways to cover their rent expenses.

Websites like Zoopla, Right Move, and Gumtree can help you find suitable options.

Transport:

The cost of transportation depends on the distance between your university, residence, and other places you visit. If you are in London, consider purchasing a monthly Oyster Travelcard, which may cost around £156.30, based on your specific criteria (check TfL).

Using tfl.gov.uk, you can easily check the journey cost between any two stations in London for Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and National Rail services (with contactless or Oyster). Assuming you live and study in London, here are examples:

1. Stratford to Queen Mary University: Peak: £1.90, Off-Peak: £1.80 (Oyster Card). Cash fare: £6.70 at any time.
2. Stepney Green to City University London: Peak: £2.80, Off-Peak: £2.70 (Oyster Card). For one-way travel only, not round-trip.

Remember to touch your card on a yellow reader at the start and end of your journey to avoid maximum fare charges.

Food and Drink:

In a decent restaurant like Bob Bob Ricard City, a meal with Vodka, Starters, Main, Sides, and Desserts can cost around £52. If you’re craving African cuisine, Afrisian offers Jollof rice for £10 and Abula for £23. While it’s not advisable for a money-conscious student to indulge regularly, occasional rewards are worthwhile.

Opting to cook at home can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you avoid expensive ingredients. If you’re looking to buy Asian and African food items for your cooking needs, Queens Market in Upton Park, London, is an excellent destination. Cooking expenses typically range from £112 to £180, depending on frequency and market purchases. As a student, you’ll find cooking more cost-efficient than daily Tesco sandwiches (meal deal) or McDonald’s Big Mac (Meal). However, treating yourself occasionally is still important. Enjoying an occasional ‘mcdies’ is a pleasure.

Fashion, Beauty & Toiletries:

As a student in the UK, you may need to purchase additional clothing for the colder weather. Affordable options can be found at stores like River Island, JD Sports, NEXT, ASOS, H&M, Deichmann, Zara, Primark, and Sports Direct.

For beauty and toiletry needs, Tesco or Boots stores are convenient options. Haircuts can cost around £20 every 2 weeks for men and up to £160 for women, so some may choose to cut their own hair or visit the salon less frequently.

Phone:

If you’re used to pay-as-you-go shopping in your home country, prepare for a surprise in the UK. There are companies that offer expensive phones and tech gadgets on contract or monthly subscription, which can relieve financial stress. Choose your preferred data plan (6GB, 12GB, 25GB, 100GB, or Unlimited), contract duration, and upfront fee if applicable.

For example, at £63.99 per month over 3 years, you can get the ‘iPhone 14 Pro Max’ from Tesco Mobile. Alternatively, you can opt for the Samsung Galaxy A14 and pay £25.49 per month for 36 months (with 25GB data).

Miscellaneous:

In the end, it’s important to set aside £150 for emergency expenses, considering unforeseen circumstances and the possibility of finding love in the UK, which may require financial investment. Additionally, as a foreigner, you may need to allocate funds for remittances to your siblings or parents in your home country. Don’t forget to budget for Wi-Fi broadband (Depending on Provider: £26.50+) and Gym membership (Depending on Gym & location: £16 – £59) expenses as well.

The student’s situation:

Monthly Earnings: £933.93
Expenses: approx. £933.79

If the student cuts down on clothing expenses and avoids spending on a partner, they could save approximately £200 per month, accumulating a total of £2,400 in savings over the course of a year. However, this amount falls short of the £7,000 tuition balance. Working extra hours illegally (which we don’t advise) could earn the student an additional £933.93 per month (£11,207.16 per year), which would be enough to cover the remaining tuition fees. Exploring better-paying jobs like Care Worker or Security Officer and reducing living costs by staying with a relative can also help bridge the financial gap.

There are other financial resources available to help ease the tuition burden. Universities and external organizations offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Some institutions provide instalment plans, allowing fees to be paid in manageable amounts. Additionally, traveling with a dependent who can work while you study is another option.

In Conclusion:

While the ability to work and repay tuition fees depends on the remaining balance, student earnings and tenacity, there are international students who successfully pay off their tuition while working and studying.

Please note that these calculations are estimates, and it’s advisable to consult with a qualified tax consultant or financial planner for accurate information.

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