These UK Universities Charge Application Fees

Introduction

While most UK universities don't charge additional application fees beyond the UCAS fee, some institutions require extra payment. This guide helps you understand which universities charge fees and how much.

Understanding Application Fees

What Are Application Fees?

Application fees are charges some universities levy on top of the standard UCAS application fee. They're typically:

• Non-refundable
• Required before application processing
• Separate from tuition deposits

Why Do Some Universities Charge?

Reasons include:

• High application volumes
• Additional processing requirements
• Assessment costs (portfolios, auditions)
• Deterring non-serious applicants

UCAS Fees (All Applications)

First, remember the standard UCAS fees:

• Single Choice: £22
• Multiple Choices (up to 5): £27.50

These apply to all undergraduate applications.

Universities Charging Additional Fees

Medicine and Dentistry

Many medical schools charge additional fees:

University	Fee
University of Cambridge	£60-75
University of Oxford	£75
Imperial College London	£80
UCL	Varies

Arts and Creative Courses

For portfolio-based courses:

University	Course Type	Fee
Various art schools	Portfolio review	£20-50
Drama schools	Audition	£50-100

Business Schools

Some MBA and business programmes:

Institution	Fee
London Business School	£100+
Cambridge Judge	Varies
Oxford Saïd	Varies

Postgraduate Application Fees

More common at postgraduate level:

Research Programmes

Some universities charge for:

• PhD applications
• Research proposal reviews
• Interview arrangements

Professional Programmes

• Law conversion courses
• MBA programmes
• Professional certifications

How to Pay

Payment Methods

• Online payment (most common)
• Bank transfer
• Credit/debit card
• Some accept PayPal

When to Pay

• Usually at application submission
• Sometimes after initial review
• Before interview stage

Fee Waivers

Some universities offer waivers for:

• Students from low-income backgrounds
• Applicants from certain countries
• Those with scholarships
• Widening participation candidates

Always ask about fee waivers before paying.

Tips for Applicants

Before Applying

• Check all fee requirements
• Budget for application costs
• Ask about fee waivers
• Understand refund policies

Application Strategy

• Prioritize your choices
• Consider fee-free alternatives
• Apply early (some fees increase)
• Keep receipts for all payments

Impact on International Students

International applicants should note:

• Some fees are higher for international applications
• Currency conversion may apply
• Payment methods may vary
• Processing times may differ

Comparing Costs

When budgeting, consider:

• UCAS fee: £27.50
• University fees: £0-100 per university
• Total for 5 applications: Potentially £27.50-£500+

Conclusion

Application fees are an additional cost to consider when applying to UK universities. Research fees early, ask about waivers, and factor these costs into your application budget.

Note: Fees change regularly. Always verify current fees directly with universities before applying.