Fees, accommodation and living costs
Fees for international students
It is important to think about not only your tuition and accommodation costs but the cost of living too.
The minimum cost of living as recommended by UKVI for studying outside London is £1,136 per month, but will vary from student to student. This is a guideline to cover items like accommodation, food, laundry, books, clothes, toiletries and socialising. For up to date information, visit Student visa: Money you need - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Currently the maintenance level is set at £1,483/month for those studying in London and £1,136 for people studying outside of London.
Tuition fees (listed below) will be an additional cost, as well as student insurance, the health care surcharge and transfers to and from the airport.
Find fees for our pathway programmes, as well as airport transfer costs and other payment information.
International Foundation Year
| Pathway | 2025/26 |
| Arts, Humanities, Law and Social Sciences | £21,250 |
| Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance | £22,250 |
| Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture | £23,250 |
| Health, Medical and Life Sciences | £23,900 |
Accelerated International Foundation
| Pathway | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
| Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance | £18,250 | £19,500 |
| Engineering, Physical Science and Computer Science | £18,750 | £19,900 |
International Year One
| Pathway | 2025/26 |
| Accounting and Finance | £21,500 |
| Business Management | £21,900 |
| Engineering | £22,250 |
| International Relations | £21,900 |
| Journalism, Media and Culture | £21,900 |
| Law | £22,750 |
| Psychology | £21,900 |
Pre-Master's Programmes
| Pathway | Semesters | 2025/26 |
| Business, Economics, Social Sciences and Humanities | 2 | £20,250 |
| Science and Computing | 2 | £22,250 |
English Language Programmes
| Pathway | Duration | Tuition Fees |
| Online English for International Foundation Year | 10 weeks | £3,500 |
| Online English for International Year One | 6 weeks | £2,100 |
| 10 weeks | £3,500 | |
| 16 weeks | £5,600 |
| Pathway | Fee |
| Prepare for Success | Free |
| Enhanced Induction | Free |
| Additional fees and costs | Fee |
| StudyCare Insurance (up to 12 months) | £450 (£8.65 per week). Prices are indicative. |
| StudyCare Insurance (24 months fixed) | £720 (£6.93 per week) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Please visit the Gov.uk pages to read more about how much you need to pay |
| Accommodation | Fees 2024/25 |
| Part-catered (shared bathroom) | £5,899.60 - £6,756.40 |
| Part-catered (en-suite) | from £6,753.60 |
| Self-catered (shared bathroom) | £4,768.40 - £5,622.40 |
| Self-catered (en-suite) | £5,196.80 - £7,302.40 |
Explore our accommodation options.
Please note: these are the accommodation costs for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years.
Below are average costs for travel from Cardiff's nearest airports to your student accommodation.
| Taxi transfer fees (one way) | Price** |
| Cardiff (CWL) | £82 |
| Bristol (BRS) | £148 |
| Heathrow (LHR) | £282 |
** Prices subject to change
Confirmation payment & tuition fees
Once you have received an offer of a place at the International Study Centre, you are required to pay a confirmation payment. The security deposit is held to cover damages and any other incidental expenses. Any monies left at the end of your programme will be returned to you. If you do not require a student visa you must pay your confirmation payment and advance tuition fees payment no later than 3 months before the start date of your programme.
| When? | Amount (GBP) |
| Confirmation payment at point of confirming offer to study | £1,000 security deposit £260 administration fee (non-refundable) |
| Prior to applying for your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (‘CAS’) | £6,000 advance tuition fees payment Please note: this is in addition to the initial confirmation payment taking the total fees paid prior to applying for your CAS to £7,260. |
| 28 days prior to start of 1st semester | Balance of 1st Semester fees (if any) as set out in your offer letter |
| 2 months prior to start of 2nd semester | Balance of 2nd Semester fees (if any) as set out in your offer letter |
For certain territories, you may be required to pay a higher amount in respect of advance tuition fees. Details will be set out in the individual payment plan attached to your offer letter. For full information about fees and refunds read our Terms and Conditions.
Paying your fees
Our how to pay page has all the information you need to know on paying your tuition fees.
Additional information
All international students should have accident and medical insurance for the duration of their time in the UK. This will make you feel more secure because not having the proper coverage can be extremely difficult and expensive.
You can take out our own Study Care Insurance policy or alternative cover with a third party. The StudyCare Insurance policy covers loss of personal possessions as well as providing health and medical insurance. It is specifically designed for international students’ needs during your studies at the International Study Centre and, if required, after progressing to your university. Insurance cover is offered for flexible terms of up to 12 or 24 months (fixed), allowing you to choose a policy duration that fits your needs. If you select 24 months, you will be covered for the duration of your pathway programme plus the first year of your degree.
All students under the age of 18 at the start of their course will receive our guardianship service free of charge. A guardian will support you during your time in the UK until you turn 18. More information will be provided after you apply.
Scholarships
Explore the scholarship options available for students studying at the International Study Centre.
Find out more
