Additional costs

For some programmes you will be required to obtain professional body membership and pay the associated fee.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are required for certain healthcare programmes. These costs are available on the Government website.

If you are an international student there will be visa-related costs. The Government’s visa fees tool will help you calculate these costs.

A Surrey degree will normally last four years as the majority of our students have the opportunity to undertake a Professional Training placement. Tuition fees during this year are substantially reduced and you may be paid a salary by your placement provider or receive funding for an unpaid placement.

If you decide to study abroad as part of your degree, you will be required to pay for travel, living costs, and potentially tuition fees. Currently, students looking to study abroad in Europe can apply for an Erasmus+ grant to assist with living and travel costs. For more information please see the Erasmus+ exchange page.

Some programmes charge a bench fee (also known as a research support fee) in addition to the tuition fee. The bench is charged to cover additional costs incurred by the academic department to support your research, such as consumables, materials, additional specialist training and trips. These costs are not covered by the tuition fee. The bench fee is calculated on a case-by-case basis depending on the nature of the research project and is independent from the tuition fee status of the student.

If you are made an offer of admission to the University of Surrey, you will be notified of any bench fee applicable in your offer letter. Students or sponsors should contact the academic supervisor directly for information on the specific breakdown of what their bench fee covers.

The definition of a ‘completing research student’ is contained in the appropriate set of general regulations for research degrees. In general terms, a ‘completing research student’ is a postgraduate research student who has carried out the required minimum period of registration (for the purpose of being eligible to transfer to ‘completing’ status), as prescribed in the appropriate regulations, to the satisfaction of their principal supervisor(s) and the dean of faculty. Someone who is no longer deemed to be using the faculty/departmental, computing or any other facilities e.g. laboratories (although the student may be allowed to make use of the University’s general facilities).

Completing students are required to pay a completing fee for each year or part thereof (as determined by the University’s fees policy) until the thesis/portfolio is submitted. Completing fees are payable per academic year with provision for partial refund as appropriate.

The standard completing (writing up) fee for the 2024-25 academic year is £650 and for the 2025-26 academic year is £680. 

This amount will be invoiced in full or proportionally, according to the expected end date available when raising the invoice, and will be reviewed at the point the Thesis Submission date is entered on the University database by the faculty.

• Books: A wealth of learning resources are available in our Library and Learning Centre. You may be required to, or prefer to, buy your own copy of key textbooks. If you return a book late you will have to pay a fine, and there are charges for losing books or replacing a campus card. See the Library FAQ for more information.
• Printing and photocopying: Although coursework is most commonly submitted online, you may still find yourself in need of our printing, photocopying and binding facilities.
• Computers and laptops: There are open-access networked computers available across campus and it is possible to loan laptops from the Library. However, you may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet.
• Reassessment: Reassessment by retake does not incur an additional cost unless you are required to be reassessed in either repeat or replace mode. If you need to be reassessed in a module you may be subject to extra costs depending on the type of reassessment that is available to you.
• Stationery: Students are required to supply their own stationery and study/writing materials.

As a university student you will need to budget for general living expenses, from food and toiletries through to travel and socialising. Read our budgeting information for useful advice and further information.

The University of Surrey has a nursery on its Manor Park campus, available for use by students with children. See the students with children information for advice on childcare whilst studying at university.

If you would like to join a Students’ Union society or Team Surrey sports club, membership fees will apply. See the societies and Team Surrey information to find out more.

You may also need to pay relevant additional costs.

Students are able to join Surrey Sports Park and gain access to a huge range of facilities, classes and activities. University of Surrey students benefit from discounted membership of Surrey Sports Park.

There are associated costs for graduating from the University of Surrey. These include guest tickets to your graduation (your ticket is free), cap and gown hire, photography and merchandise, and replacement certificates and transcripts.