An overview of tuition fees

UCL's tuition fees are set annually and cover registration, tuition and supervision for each academic year, or part of the academic year that you are enrolled. Tuition fees are subject to an annual increase of up to 5% annually (except for Overseas Undergraduate fees from 2018–19, which are fixed at the rate at entry), which should be accounted for when you are applying for a programme.

Fees are normally quoted at the full-time rate, except where the programme is offered part-time or modular/flexible only. Fees for part-time or modular study are normally charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Most fees are quoted in GBP, but some are in other currencies.

Research degrees

UCL's tuition fees are set annually and cover registration, tuition and supervision for each academic year, or part of the academic year that you are enrolled. Tuition fees are subject to an annual increase of up to 5%, which should be accounted for when you are applying for a programme.

Fees are normally quoted at the full-time rate, except where the programme is offered part-time or modular/flexible only. Fees for part-time or modular study are normally charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Most fees are quoted in UK Pounds but some are in other currencies.

Details about fees for individual programmes can be found on the specific programme information pages. 

Additional Fee Element (AFE)

Research programmes at UCL may be subject to an Additional Fee Element (AFE). The AFE is applied to cover additional costs related to consumables, equipment and materials and other items (excluding student visas) which are not included in the composite tuition fee listed in the fees schedule and is, therefore, applied to a minority of programmes.

As each PhD programme is unique in its nature, the AFE is calculated on a student by student basis and is determined by the supervisor. The AFE is banded into four fixed amounts: £1,000, £2,500, £5,000 and £10,000, with one further band for variable sums over £10,000. Please contact your supervisor directly for advice on whether or not your programme will incur an AFE. Please note that you will be informed in your offer letter of any AFE you will be required to pay.

At some UK institutions the AFE may be referred to as bench fees.

Tuition fee classification

The level of tuition fee charged will also depend on whether you are classified as a UK, Overseas or Islands student. It is likely that you will already know into which category you will fall, but this will be confirmed if you are offered a place to study at UCL. Your fee classification plays no part in deciding whether or not to offer you a place to study at UCL.

Each student's fee classification is determined in accordance with the 2007 Education (Fees and Awards) (England) Regulations (SI No. 779) and subsequent amendments, and is based upon information that you have provided on your application.

Paying your tuition fee

For full-time and part-time students your tuition fee will normally be quoted on your offer letter. For flexible/modular students, fees will be assessed according to the number of credits selected, therefore a fee will not be quoted on your offer letter.

You must pay at least 1/3 of your tuition fee before or at enrolment to be fully enrolled, or provide a letter of sponsorship indicating who should be invoiced for your fee.

Students can pay in three equal instalments; the first before or at enrolment, the second by 7 February and the third by 2 May. No charge is made for paying in instalments, and no more than three instalments are permitted. No discount is offered for paying in full at the start of your programme. 

Tuition fee deposits

UCL requires successful applicants to selected postgraduate programmes to pay a tuition fee deposit. Payment of the deposit allows applicants to demonstrate their commitment to attending their chosen programme of study at UCL and aids UCL in its student number planning. Once a successful applicant is enrolled on their programme of study, the deposit will form part of the total tuition fee, as quoted on the offer of admission.

Please note that the required tuition fee deposit must be paid in full by the deadline specified in the offer of admission, which will usually be no earlier than 1 April for entry the following September.

Some programmes will have earlier deadlines and you should consult your offer letter for the deadline which applies to you.

Should a deposit apply to your intended programme, please take time to read UCL's tuition fee deposit policy. Payment of the tuition fee deposit (in full or in part) will be considered as acceptance of the terms detailed in the policy.

Fee deposit FAQs

Find out all you need to know about tuition fee deposits for postgraduate study with our frequently asked questions.

Tuition fee deposits policy

This version applies to those who have accepted an offer on and after 24 October 2023.

A note for EU students

The UK has now formally left the EU. Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland who start their programme of study in 2021 or later will no longer be eligible for the UK (Home) fee status and will pay fees at the Overseas rate. 

Further information