Graduate fees and costs
Meeting the financial commitment
Fees and Maintenance
The cost of studying at the University of Cambridge is broken down into two areas:
The University Composition Fee (UCF) covers the cost of your education and your College membership. This is the fee levied for teaching, supervision, student support and the facilities you will receive and have access to from the University and your College.
Maintenance is the estimated minimum cost of living during your time at the University. This covers your accommodation/rent, bills, food, books, travel around Cambridge, and other living expenses. For the academic year 2025/26, this figure is estimated at £19,020.
These, along with any additional costs, make up the minimum financial commitment you will be required to demonstrate before you can be admitted to the University. A number of general and course-specific funding opportunities exist to help you meet this commitment, if you apply for these and are successful.
Proof of funding for the cost of your course needs to be in place before you start. You are, therefore, strongly advised to apply to all available sources of funding available to you as soon as possible.
Maintenance and other costs
Rent
Should you wish to live in College accommodation, King's is able to guarantee a room to all graduate students for at least one year. The rent for College rooms, including heating and electricity, ranges from £1,785.50 to £2,543.25 per quarter, depending on the room.
Meals
All graduate students have access to College dining facilities, where you can buy cafeteria-style meals three times a day. A typical one-course meal is in the range £4-£6.
Travel (local)
Transport costs in Cambridge are minimal, as the city is small enough to walk or cycle. There are several bus routes and a subsidised University bus service connecting West Cambridge with the city centre and Biomedical Campus.
Books
There are a total of 149 libraries across the university, and a very well-stocked library in King's. Specialist study needs are catered for in departmental libraries and in the main University Library. With so many libraries available, you shouldn’t have to buy many books for your course.
Computers
Computer facilities are available in King’s, with free internet access. Most students choose to have their own computers, with high-speed internet access available in student rooms and WiFi in the Bar and communal areas.
Socialising
How much you spend on socialising is your choice, but it is worth noting that, as many social events are College-based and student-run, they do not cost very much. You'll also find discounted prices at the King's Bar.
Clubs and Societies
King's has a range of facilities to support all sorts of activities, from art, music and photography, to a wide variety of sports. These activities are all available for free or at a very reduced rate to current students.
Dependants
Additional provision for accompanying dependants should be considered, if applicable.
Childcare
The cost of childcare in Cambridge is extremely high. Full-time nursery care for pre-school children costs up to £23,000 per child per year, and after-school clubs for children of school age cost up to £2,000 per child per year. The University runs several nurseries around Cambridge and also offers holiday playschemes.