What does it really cost to go to university? For many parents, one of the biggest concerns about university is cost.
Whether your young person is applying through UCAS or considering options during Clearing, it’s natural to ask: How much will it cost, and what support is available?
The reality is that while there are costs involved, students are supported through a combination of loans, bursaries and university services. Understanding this can make the process feel far more manageable.
Student living costs: what to expect
Living costs will vary depending on lifestyle and location, but most students should plan for:
- Accommodation (halls or private renting)
- Food shopping
- Travel
- Study materials
- Social and everyday spending
Rather than focusing on exact figures, it’s more helpful to think in terms of monthly budgeting and understanding what support is available.
Tuition fees explained
Tuition fees depend on where your child is from:
- Scottish students studying in Scotland
Tuition fees are typically covered by SAAS, meaning no upfront payment is required.
- Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
At the time of writing (March 2026), fees are £9,790 per year for most undergraduate courses. These tuition fees are not paid upfront as they are usually covered by a tuition fee loan from your funding body.
Loan Repayments only begin after graduation — and only when earnings exceed a set threshold.
- International students
Tuition fees vary depending on the course and are set by the university. These are typically higher than UK fees, so it’s important to check individual course pages for the most up-to-date information. Scholarships and other financial support may also be available.
Support with living costs
In addition to tuition fees, students can apply for financial support to help with day-to-day living. This typically includes:
- A maintenance loan
- Bursaries or grants (which do not need to be repaid)
For example, Scottish students may receive a combination of loan and bursary support depending on household income, with total support reaching over £11,000 per year in some cases
Specific support for Nursing & Paramedic Science students
Students from Scotland studying Nursing or Paramedic Science receive, at the time of writing) a non-repayable bursary of £10,000 per year in years 1–3. In year 4, Nursing students receive a slightly lower bursary of £7,500 due to the shorter academic year. The bursary is paid monthly over 12 months, and previous degrees generally do not affect eligibility unless the prior course was also in nursing, midwifery, or paramedic science.
Other UK nations also offer maintenance funding through their respective student finance systems.
Financial and practical support at Queen Margaret University
Alongside government funding, universities offer additional support to help students manage their finances. At Queen Margaret University, this includes:
- Discretionary funds for students experiencing financial hardship
- Careers support to help students find part-time work
- A campus food pantry ran by the Students' Union offering low-cost groceries
- Free sanitary products across campus
- Short-term laptop loans and access to digital learning resources
- Transport support, including access to discounted or free travel schemes
Find out more about our cost of living support.
Location and cost of living: why it matters
Location plays a significant role in the overall cost of university. Cities like Edinburgh offer excellent opportunities, but living in the city centre can be more expensive than living less centrally. Many students therefore look for a balance — studying near a major city while living somewhere more affordable. Our beautiful campus in Musselburgh is just 6 minutes by train from Edinburgh, giving students easy access to the city centre while enabling them to choose between finding accommodation in central Edinburgh or enjoying a more relaxed and affordable place to live. We also offer high quality student accommodation on campus. With utility bills covered in the price, students living there don’t need to worry about budgeting for electricity or gas.
Supporting your child with budgeting
University is often the first-time students manage their own finances. Parents can help by encouraging:
- Simple monthly budgeting
- Planning ahead for key costs
- Using student discounts
- Ensure they have a Young Scot card
- Seeking support early if needed
You might also find the student living calculator from Student Information Scotland useful during this process.
What about Clearing and finances?
If your child is considering Clearing, you may be wondering whether this affects funding or costs. In most cases, it does not. Students applying through Clearing can still:
- Access tuition fee loans and maintenance support
- Apply for accommodation
- Receive the same financial and wellbeing support as any other student
The cost of living is an important factor when choosing a university, but it should be considered alongside the support available.
With the right information, families can make confident decisions knowing that financial support is in place and help is available when needed.
