If you are planning to study an undergraduate degree at University College London (UCL), it is vital to understand the funding options available. Whether you are a UK or international student, knowing how to cover tuition and living costs will help you focus on your studies and make the most of your time at UCL.

What are the main costs you’ll face

When preparing for undergraduate study at UCL you’ll need to consider two major cost areas:

1. Tuition fees – These depend on your fee-status (Home, Overseas) and the particular programme you choose.
2. Living costs – Accommodation, food, travel, study materials and general day-to-day expenses in London can be significant. UCL provides guidance on typical cost ranges.

Funding options for Home (UK) fee-status students

If you are classified as a Home student, the following supports are available:

1. Government loans – Eligible students can apply for tuition-fee loans and maintenance loans via Student Finance (or equivalent in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).
2. UCL Undergraduate Bursary – This is non-repayable cash support for UK students whose household income falls below a specified threshold.
3. Bursaries for care leavers and estranged students – For example, students who have been in care or are estranged from family may receive additional bursary support.
4. Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) – If you have a disability which causes extra costs in studying, you may be eligible for DSAs on top of other funding.
5. Emergency / short-term hardship support – UCL offers funds to help students who face unexpected financial difficulties while studying.

Funding options for Overseas (International) fee-status students

For students paying overseas fees, funding is more limited but still possible:

1. Scholarships for international undergraduates – UCL’s Global Undergraduate Scholarship is a notable example, offering a number of awards covering full tuition fees (and in some cases maintenance allowance) for eligible international students from low-income backgrounds.
2. Department-specific awards / programme-specific scholarships – Some faculties or departments may offer scholarships targeted to particular countries, subjects or student profiles.
3. External funding – Consider scholarships from governments, foundations, or trusts in your home country which you might be eligible for.
4. Budgeting and planning early – Because fewer automatic funding routes exist for overseas students, it’s even more important to plan finances ahead of your studies.

How to improve your chances of getting funding

Here are suggestions to make your funding application stronger:

1. Check eligibility early – Find out if you are Home or Overseas fee-status, what your household income is (if applicable) and what deadlines apply.
2. Look into both tuition and living cost support – Tuition scholarships are helpful, but living costs in London can be high, so aim to find support or plan savings accordingly.
3. Prepare application materials – Some bursaries or scholarships may require additional documentation (income evidence, personal statement, etc.).
4. Explore all available funds – Don’t rely solely on one scholarship; check departmental awards, external sources, and hardship assistance.
5. Budget carefully – Estimate your accommodation, travel and day-to-day costs realistically. Many students find shared accommodation and part-time work help.
6. Keep track of deadlines – Funding applications often have deadlines earlier than or separate to course application deadlines; missing a deadline may reduce options.

Final Thoughts

Studying at UCL is a major investment. If you start early, understand the costs, explore funding options thoroughly and apply proactively, you can greatly improve your chances of securing the support needed. With the right planning and preparation, you can focus on your academic goals and working towards your future at UCL.

References

1. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/scholarships/funding-students-undergraduate-courses
2. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/ucl-global-undergraduate-scholarship
3. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/funding-your-studies
4. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/widening-participation/sites/widening_participation/files/mature_students_guide.pdf