Study in London course costs
Visiting and Exchange Students pay full-cost fees, whatever their country of origin. Financial support from the UK Government is only available to undergraduate students who can satisfy conditions related to the length and purpose of their residence in the UK, and who have no restrictions on living in the UK.
Fees and living expenses
Tuition fees
For up-to-date information on tuition fees, please see Undergraduate tuition fees.
High cost programmes are those with a major studio or laboratory content, or which mainly involve Art Practice, Computing, Design, Drama, Music or Psychology – or any combination of these subjects. It is likely that Art students will have to pay for some materials during their course; you will be sent a materials list with details of costs. Further advice on the costs of study is given to you when you accept our offer of a place.
Living costs
London can be an expensive city, but Goldsmiths is situated in a relatively low-priced area. We estimate that as a single undergraduate you will need at least £8,000 per academic year for your living and accommodation expenses. This figure does not include international flights, and is based on an academic year of 40 weeks.
Scholarships for Study Abroad
The British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association (BUTEX) provides some scholarships for USA or Canadian university students who would like to study at Goldsmiths. For student testimonials and up-to-date information regarding the scholarships available and the application process, please go to'The BUTEX Scholarship' section of www.butex.ac.uk.
Exchange students
Exchange students do not have to pay tuition fees, but other costs are estimated at £8,000 for the academic year.
Employment
As an international student it is important to check your visa before seeking employment as you may not be permitted to work in the UK. If you are studying on a course of six months or less it is likely that you will not be permitted to work. If you are studying on a course of more than six months it is likely that you will have been issued with a restriction rather than a prohibition on working.
If your visa states ‘No recourse to public funds. Work and other changes must be authorised’ or 'Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State' then you have been given a restriction. You will be restricted as follows:
- Maximum working hours – 20 hours per week during term time (please note that this includes both paid and unpaid work).
- You can work full time during vacations (NB postgraduate students remain restricted to 20 hours per week during the long summer vacation as this is when you will be working on your dissertation).
- Must not engage in business, be self-employed, or provide service as a professional sports person or entertainer.
- Must not pursue a career by filling a full-time vacancy.
If you are found in breach of the restrictions it is very serious and can lead to expulsion from the UK. Remember that when applying for entry clearance you will need to show UK immigration authorities that you can pay your fees and living costs without needing to work. You cannot claim welfare benefits. For further information about working during your studies please see the UKCISA website [pdf download].
Foreign exchange control
It is very important that you make arrangements for the transfer of funds to pay your fees and maintenance costs before you come to the UK. This is a particular problem in countries with strict exchange control regulations, such as Nigeria and Iran. Remember that your fees are due at the beginning of your period of study, and you will not be allowed to attend classes unless you can make satisfactory arrangements for payment.
Banker’s draft
The cheapest way of bringing money into the UK, for fees etc, is to get a banker’s draft in pounds sterling drawn on a bank in the UK. It will be more expensive to get a pounds sterling cheque drawn on a foreign bank outside the UK, due to extra bank charges levied by the banking system here.
International currency transfer
If you choose to send money through a bank in your home country [an ‘International currency transfer’], indicate that you will pay all bank and agent’s charges; this may help you to avoid further bank charges when the money reaches Goldsmiths’ bank. You should keep a copy of the transaction note to bring with you.
Other methods of payment
If you choose to pay by any other method, you will have to pay extra bank charges levied by the banking system, which is outside the control of Goldsmiths’ management and bank.
Please note: if you are transferring money directly into Goldsmiths’ account, please add £20 sterling to cover bank charges and ensure your name is clearly stated on the payment instruction.
International Students’ Money Guide
Most of the information above can be found in our International Students’ Money Guide [pdf].