Living costs for postgraduate study

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student. The amount you spend largely depends on the type of accommodation you choose.

This estimate covers the costs of:  

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills (for example, gas and electricity)
  • mobile phone
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs, including:
    • basic personal care costs, hygiene products and clothing
    • health and fitness costs, such as gym or club memberships
    • entertainment costs, such as event tickets and entertainment subscriptions 

Breakdown of costs

Our breakdown of living costs is a guide with estimated costs rather than a complete list of everything you need to consider. For example, if you are moving into accommodation for university, you may also need to factor in costs for things like kitchen utensils or bedding if these are not included in your accommodation costs. 

What to note about the breakdown of living costs: 

  • all data included in these tables was provided in April 2025
  • this guide does not include studying costs such as books, IT equipment and field trip expenses, which will vary depending on your programme
  • cost of living rates may change in line with inflation (this means in response to the Consumer Price Index or the Retail Price Index) 

University accommodation 

Rent for University accommodation includes utilities, such as gas, electricity and WiFi. 

When you will qualify for our postgraduate accommodation guarantee

CostsPer monthPer 51-week lease
University accommodation£373 to £1,536£4,280 to £17,630
Food£400£5,200
Mobile phone£40£520
Health and wellbeing£300£3,900
Travel (minimum)£54£702
Total£1,167 to £2,330£14,602 to £27,952

Private student accommodation 

These figures give you an idea of the cost of student accommodation, for example, managed by a private company external to the University. Private rental accommodation can cost as much as £1,500 per month or even more. 

If you are renting private student accommodation, utilities costs are often charged in addition to your monthly rent. 

CostsPer monthPer 39-week academic yearPer 52-week year
Private student accommodation (minimum)£750£7,312.50£9,000
Food£400£3,900£5,200
Gas£80£780£1,040
Electricity£80£780£1,040
Internet/WiFi£40£390£520
Mobile phone£40£390£520
Health and wellbeing£300£2,925£3,900
Travel (minimum)£54£526.50£702
Total£1,744£17,004£21,922

Travel costs 

The estimated costs in the tables are based on Lothian Bus travel with a Student Ridacard purchased in advance. 

In Scotland, free bus travel is available to anyone who is under the age of 22 and has lived in Scotland for at least six months. You need to get an entitlement card before you travel. 

Financial requirements for international students

If you are applying for a Student visa, you will need to show evidence that you have enough money to cover your living costs while you are studying in the UK. 

Help with managing your living costs

Working to help fund your studies