Undergraduate programmes at University of Sheffield: Fees and Funding

One of the most important parts of planning for university is understanding the costs and the financial support available. The University of Sheffield is committed to making a top-tier education accessible, and there are two main financial areas to consider: Tuition Fees (the cost of your course) and Living Costs (your everyday expenses).

Here is a simple, clear guide to the fees you can expect and the funding options to help you cover them.

Part 1: Understanding Your Tuition Fees

Your tuition fee is the amount charged for your academic course. This cost depends on your fee status—whether you are classed as a Home (UK, including Channel Islands and Isle of Man) student or an International (Overseas) student.

Fees for Home Students (2025/26 Entry)

For most undergraduate degree courses, the tuition fee for Home students is set by the UK government.

Standard Tuition Fee: £9,535 per year.
How it’s paid: You do not pay this fee upfront. Eligible Home students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from their relevant student finance body (like Student Finance England). This loan is paid directly to the University on your behalf. You only start repaying it after you graduate and are earning over a specific threshold.

Fees for International Students (2025/26 Entry)

Fees for International students vary significantly depending on the course you choose.

Fee Range: For 2025/26 entry, the fees for new full-time overseas undergraduate students typically range from £23,810 to £30,570 per year.
Specialised Courses: Courses like Medicine and Dentistry have higher annual fees.
Consistency: The tuition fee you pay in your first year will generally remain the same for each subsequent year of your study.

Reduced Fees for Placement or Study Abroad Years

If your course includes a mandatory year studying abroad or a placement/industrial year:

Home Students: You pay a significantly reduced tuition fee for that specific year, often around 15-20% of the standard full-time rate.
International Students: You will also pay a reduced fee, calculated as a percentage of your course's full-time international rate.

Part 2: Managing Your Living Costs

Tuition fees are only half the story; you also need to budget for your day-to-day expenses. Sheffield is known as one of the UK’s most affordable large student cities, which helps keep living costs lower than in places like London or the South East.

Key Living Expenses to Budget For:

Accommodation: This is usually your biggest cost, covering rent, utilities (gas, electricity, water), and internet. University-managed accommodation rents vary depending on the location and room type (e.g., shared bathroom vs. en-suite).
Food and Groceries: Budget for cooking at home, which is the cheapest option, or for dining out occasionally.
Travel and Transport: Costs for local buses, walking is free and often the quickest way to get around the city centre and campus.
Course Materials: Books, printing, and specific equipment needed for your studies.
Personal and Social Costs: Clothing, phone bills, and leisure activities.

General Monthly Living Cost Estimates (Excluding Tuition):

While everyone's lifestyle is different, most students in Sheffield typically budget between £900 and £1,400 per month to cover all living costs.

Part 3: Accessing Financial Support and Funding

There is a huge amount of support available, covering both loans that need to be repaid and non-repayable awards like scholarships and bursaries.

Government Loans (For Home Students)

Tuition Fee Loan: As mentioned, this covers your course fee and is paid to the University.
Maintenance Loan: This is money paid directly into your bank account in three instalments throughout the year to help cover your living costs.
The amount you receive is based on your household income and where you will be living while you study (e.g., at home, or away from home).
Like the Tuition Fee Loan, you only start repaying it after you graduate and are earning above the repayment threshold.

Scholarships and Bursaries (Non-Repayable Funds)

The University of Sheffield offers a range of financial awards that do not need to be paid back.

1. University of Sheffield Bursaries (For Home Students):

These awards are generally based on your household income and are designed to provide extra financial support for students from lower-income backgrounds. Eligibility is often assessed automatically when you apply for your government student finance.

Example Bursaries: Awards are given based on different bands of household income, such as up to £1,000 per year for the lowest income band £0–£25,000. Additional awards may be available for specific circumstances.

2. Scholarships (For Home and International Students):

Scholarships are usually competitive and based on academic merit, subject area, or other specific criteria.

Access to Sheffield Scholarships: Designed for UK students who face social or educational disadvantages.
International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship: A highly competitive award for high-achieving international students, offering a significant tuition fee discount (e.g., £10,000 in the first year).
Departmental Scholarships: Many specific academic departments also offer their own awards, often sponsored by industry partners.

3. Additional Support:

Students who are care leavers, estranged from their families, or have specific needs may qualify for additional hardship funds, accommodation support, or government grants like the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).

The best way to figure out your individual financial picture is to use the Student Funding Calculator on the University's website. It provides a personalised estimate of the bursaries and loans you might be eligible for.