Families often compare study options on tuition alone. It is the biggest line, but rarely the one that decides whether a plan is realistic. A fair comparison puts every option through the same list.
Tuition over the whole course
Fees are quoted per year and can rise annually [verify each institution’s policy]. Multiply by the length of the programme, and check whether a foundation year, honours year or placement year changes the total.
Living costs where you will actually live
Accommodation, food, transport and insurance vary between cities and between halls, homestay and private renting. Immigration authorities publish the minimum funds they expect students to show [verify current figure], which is a useful floor but not a budget.
One-off costs
Visa fees, health checks, flights, deposits, and the first weeks of settling in add up before a single lecture. Write them down.
What offsets the cost
Scholarships, part-time work rights during term [verify current hours], and post-study work options all change the real cost of a degree. They should be understood before an offer is accepted, not after.
The question that matters
The cheapest option is not the right one if it does not lead where the student wants to go. The aim is a plan the family can afford with confidence, for a course the student actually wants to finish.
Visafy walks every family through this comparison before any application is made, and shows the reasoning. If you would like to talk it through, message us on WhatsApp.