A single student needs a minimum of £12,000 each year to cover the basic costs of living in London. You will need to budget for more if you are coming with a spouse or partner or have children. The cost of childcare in the UK is high.

There is very little funding available to international students once you arrive in the UK, so it is vital that you make sure you have enough money to cover your living expenses before you come.

The UKCISA website has good information about sources of funding for International Students, as does the British Council website.

Scholarships are provided by the British Government and other organisations. Competition is strong for these so it is important to research and apply as early as possible. Scholarships usually only cover part of the money needed.

The British Council has details of many different scholarships. You should contact them in your home country. The education department or ministry in your home country may also have information about funding that you might be able to apply for.

The Prospects website has information about a number of different schemes, and you can also look on Scholarships Search, as does Postgraduate Studentships.

As an international student you will not be eligible for loans within the UK.  You should find out what loans you might be eligible for from your home country and apply there.

The RCA is an eligible institution under the US Guaranteed Student Loan scheme.  More information here.