Media type · Tuition plus mandatory fees, living costs, books, insurance and travel for a defined period.
Cost of attendance
The full annual price of enrolment: tuition, fees, living costs, books, insurance and travel.
Key facts
| What it is | Tuition plus mandatory fees, living costs, books, insurance and travel for a defined period. |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | The institution publishes an estimate; actual prices come from the institution, landlord, insurer and airline. |
| Check before paying | Which items are mandatory, which are estimates, and which months the living-cost figure covers. |
Published estimate versus personal budget
Institutions publish cost of attendance to support visa and funding checks. The estimate usually assumes a room type, a meal plan and a number of months, so it can differ from what a particular student spends.
Use the published figure where a rule requires it and a personal budget for decisions. If the personal figure is higher, the difference has to be funded; if lower, the published figure still sets the evidence requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Does cost of attendance include travel?
Often an allowance for travel is included, but the amount and the number of trips vary. Add any trip the estimate does not cover.
Is it the same as tuition?
No. Tuition is one component; the total adds fees, living costs, books, insurance and travel.