Costs
The true cost of six years: what tuition-only quotes leave out
Tuition is often less than two-thirds of what a family actually spends. A line-by-line look at the rest.
6 min readPublished 24 Aug 2026Reviewed 19 Sept 2026By Meera JoshiDemo content
Tuition is the headline, not the total
Quotes often lead with annual tuition. Over a six-year programme, hostel, food, insurance, visas, flights and local transport can add a large share on top. Medgo's cost calculator separates every one of these so you can see which ones you control.
Costs you pay to the university
- Tuition — usually charged per year, sometimes per semester.
- Hostel — often optional; private flats cost more but may suit some students.
- Health insurance — mandatory in most countries for a residence permit.
- Mandatory fees — medical check-ups, residence registration, student cards.
One-time and recurring travel costs
- Registration and admission — paid once at the start.
- Visa and residence permit — the first application plus renewals.
- Flights — Medgo assumes one return trip per year; adjust it if you plan more.
Living in the city
Food, utilities, phone, and local transport vary by city far more than by university. A frugal, standard or comfortable lifestyle setting changes only these lines.
Currency matters
Fees quoted in US dollars move with the exchange rate. Medgo shows the rate used and its date, and lets you add a buffer for rate changes. All figures in this demo are illustrative estimates — always ask for the current fee schedule in writing.