As an international student, it can be tricky deciding where you’d like to pursue a degree. After all, there are some amazing countries out there with great universities. But you’ve also got to consider living costs as you progress through your studies. 

That’s one of the many reasons so many international students choose Scotland. 

Scotland is a place where you can make your money stretch further. And here at the University of Stirling, we offer a range of services and funding opportunities designed to support international students. 

Read on to find out how living costs compare in Scotland versus other countries, see a breakdown of monthly student living costs and get pro tips on how to reduce your expenses while studying here in Scotland. 

How do prices compare in Scotland vs. other countries? 

To give you an idea of what living costs look like here in Scotland, here’s a quick breakdown of how expenses here stack up against other potential study destinations:

• Scotland: The average student budget ranges from £900–£1,400 per month. This includes your rent and bills, food, transport and going out with friends. 
• London: If you’re studying in the UK capital, you can expect higher living costs of between £1,264-£2,118 per month. This includes accommodation, food and travel. 
• USA: The average budget ranges from around $1,100-$4,000 USD per month. Costs vary wildly between different states, and there are also additional costs like health insurance that you’ll need to budget in on top of that. 
• Canada: The average budget ranges from around $1,425-$3,300 CAD per month. This range includes accommodation, food, energy bills, transportation and entertainment. It also includes health insurance fees. 
• Australia: The average budget ranges from $1,400-$2,500 AUD per month. This includes accommodation, energy bills, food, and social activities. 
• Europe: Living costs vary by country. But as an example, students in Rotterdam, The Netherlands could expect to pay around €1000-€1800 per month. This includes your accommodation, bills, travel, social and food costs. 

It’s important to remember these numbers aren’t exact. They should only serve as a guide.

Expenses do vary between different cities, states and countries. Likewise, your monthly budget could be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle.

But these estimates make it clear that Scotland is definitely a cost-effective study destination for international students wanting to stretch their money further.  

Now, let’s take a closer look at some basic student expenses here in Scotland and how much you should budget monthly. 

What’s the cost of travel in Scotland? 

Travel costs are a necessary expense for most students — whether it’s getting to campus, work, exploring various parts of the UK or travelling home. 

The good news: if you’re under 22 years old, you’ll be eligible for a free nationwide bus pass. That means you’re able to travel around cities like Stirling for free when using the bus. 

If you’re over 22 years old, you’ll need to budget for bus travel to get from place to place. This is normally around £40-£50 per month depending on which part of Scotland you’re living in. 

For example, let’s say you choose the University of Stirling. You can buy a monthly UniLink bus pass for £42 per month, which gives you unlimited travel between campus and the city. 

If you want to explore further afield (or are living further away from where you’re studying), you may want to budget for rail travel. 

Scotrail offers a 16–25 Railcard that saves you 1/3 on all train fares. If you use the train regularly, this will pay for itself very quickly. It currently costs £35 per year.

There are also banks that offer students travel perks when they set up a current account here in the UK. For example, Santander’s Edge account offers a free 16-25 Railcard for all four years of your studies. Be sure to shop around to see what other freebies you can gain when setting up a UK bank account.

How much does food cost for students in Scotland? 

We know food shopping is an essential expense, but that doesn’t mean it has to eat away at your whole budget – especially if you’re studying in Scotland. 

It’s good to remember that there’s no set rule on how much you should spend, everybody has different responsibilities. Somebody with children or caring responsibilities is not going to spend the same amount as a single student. 

But generally speaking, the average weekly cost for food and drinks here is £69.00 per week.  

That’s significantly lower than the average price in London (£76.70 per week) and Northern Ireland (£86.40 per week). 

How much do energy bills cost in Scotland? 

If you’re staying in University-managed accommodation, this is an easy one. All your energy bills are included as part of your accommodation, and so you don’t have to worry about it. Electricity and heating are built into your rent. 

But if you’re renting privately, energy costs are something you’ll need to consider. 

According to British Gas, the average monthly energy bill in Scotland is £144. This includes both electricity and gas heating.  

Fortunately, this cost can be split if you’re staying in a shared flat with others. 

What does an average student budget look like in Scotland? 

As we’ve already pointed out, no two student budgets are going to look 100% alike. The exact amount you spend each month will depend on your priorities, lifestyle and income. 

But to give you a rough idea of what to expect as an international student, here’s a monthly breakdown of the expenses you might expect as a University of Stirling student: 

5 Top tips to keep costs down while studying in Scotland 

Want to keep your living costs down while studying in Scotland? Don’t worry. There are plenty of ways you can minimize your expenses and make your money stretch further. 

To get you started, here are five pro tips: 

1. Create a monthly budget (and stick to it) 

Heading off to a new country can be extremely exciting, and you’ll be tempted to try loads of new things. Just make sure you’re always living within your means. 

This is where budgeting is extremely important. 

Make a list of all your income and stack it up against your monthly expenses. Create pots or categories to divide up your income and make sure you stick to the amount you’ve allocated. 

Need help creating a student budget? Check out this free guide from the University of Stirling’s Student Support team. 

2. Consider extra costs when choosing accommodation 

Accommodation is often going to be your top monthly expense. That’s why you need to choose wisely before locking yourself into a rental agreement. 

Different properties may include higher utility costs. For example, your energy bills might be higher in some neighbourhoods, or you may need to pay extra for a premium broadband service to reach adequate internet speeds. 

This isn’t an issue if you opt for University-managed accommodation. Costs like heating, electricity, Wi-Fi and housekeeping are all included in your rent. 

But if you’re renting privately, make sure you talk to the letting agent or current tenants about current utility rates or additional expenses you can expect over the duration of your contract. 

Check out our website for more tips on choosing the right accommodation. 

3. Look for student discounts 

One of the easiest ways to bring down your living expenses down is to check out student discounts. 

To help students, loads of businesses offer exclusive discounts to university students. This includes big brands as well as small independent shops. 

When checking out, you should always ask if the store you’re in has a student discount available. Likewise, apps like Student Beans or UNiDAYS have a variety of discounts you can use both online and in-person. 

4. Consider part-time work 

As an international student in the UK, you’re permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. That enables you to generate extra income throughout your studies. 

If you’re a University of Stirling student, our Careers Service can help connect you with a variety of both on-campus and off-campus part-time work opportunities. 

Just remember to prioritise your studies and stay within the limits of your student visa. 

5. Ask for funding support 

If you need help with additional funding, just ask. You may be surprised at the range of opportunities available to you. 

For example, at the University of Stirling, we offer multiple scholarships designed to support international students. In addition, we have Discretionary and Assistance Funds available to support students who are in financial crisis. 

Ready to learn more? 

We know that living costs are a major concern right now. Fortunately, Scotland is one of the most cost-effective study destinations for international students. 

But that’s not the only reason you should consider achieving your degree at the University of Stirling, Scotland. Check out our website to learn more about our amazing campus environment, facilities and world-class degrees. 

You can find out more on our Money Support page. And don’t forget: If you have any questions about funding your studies in Scotland, get in touch. Our team is always happy to help, and we can’t wait to hear from you!