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Compare a stated course, intake, campus and study period. Add net tuition, estimated living costs and one-off expenses, then show payment timing and refundable deposits separately.
Define what is being compared
A useful comparison identifies the qualification level, course, study mode, campus, academic year and duration. Similar course names are not proof of equivalent modules, assessment or teaching location. Keep those differences visible beside the price.
The current university sample uses five named business-related taught masters courses. Portsmouth's January example is 14 months, while the other researched examples are 12 months. A tuition-only order therefore does not compare total living costs over the same period.
Build the cost in separate parts
Start with the published course tuition and subtract only a scholarship that applies to the applicant and can combine with other discounts. This release assumes no scholarship in its comparison. Add accommodation and other monthly living costs over the period you actually budget for.
Keep travel, application-related costs and initial setup separate as one-off inputs. Enter the fees that apply to your situation rather than copying a figure from a different route or date. Exclude a refundable housing deposit from the expense total and show it as cash tied up instead.
Show payment timing without double counting
A tuition deposit is part of tuition already included in the course fee. It reduces the amount remaining to pay; adding it again to the total would overstate the cost. The cash needed before departure depends on the payment schedule you enter and is a different view of the same budget.
The calculator's total cost and pre-departure cash figures should not be added together. A refund policy, scholarship deadline or change of course can alter the plan, so keep the university's written terms with your calculations.
Keep currency and visa evidence distinct
The calculator uses GBP for its main calculations. NPR conversion becomes available when you enter your own GBP-to-NPR planning rate. It is an approximation, with no claim to be a live bank or immigration conversion rate.
UKVI financial evidence rules are separate from a student's actual spending budget. Use the official financial guidance for the applicable amount, permitted evidence and timing. A budget calculation does not validate a bank statement or establish visa eligibility.
Sources you can check
Open the original information and confirm the course, date and conditions that apply to you.
- UK Student visa financial requirements www.gov.uk
Source-check date: 25 October 2026. Published information can change. Course offers, individual circumstances and official rules take priority over general examples. Read our research standards.