Studying abroad is a dream for many students, especially those from developing countries. While other nations might restrict admissions, the UK welcomes international students. However, most schools in the UK are expensive, so you need to know the cheapest universities in the UK before applying.
This guide provides a list of the top 20 cheapest universities in the UK, their tuition fees, and notable courses. By exploring these universities, you can find an institution that balances affordability and academic excellence.
Top 20 Cheapest Universities in The UK
University of Cumbria
The University of Cumbria is a UK institution with campuses in the North West and London, known for its diverse undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The university offers a range of services for international students and excels in teacher training, business, law, and policing programs.
The tuition fee ranges from £14,900-£17,880 depending on the program. As one of the cheapest universities in the UK, it also offers scholarships and discounts to support international students.
Additional opportunities include The British Council GREAT Scholarships offer £11,000 towards specific master’s degrees, making the University of Cumbria a strong contender for students seeking affordable options in the UK.
Teesside University
Teesside University offers courses like Accounting & Economics, Art & Design, Business Management, Computing & Cybersecurity, Biosciences, Forensics, Media, and Health & Social Care.
For those seeking affordable education options in the UK, Teesside University stands out with its tuition fees ranging from £17,000 – £20,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This makes it one of the more budget-friendly choices among the cheapest universities in the UK.
Teesside University also offers a wide range of scholarships to international students. However, eligibility criteria must be met to benefit from these scholarships, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reduce the overall cost of studying in the UK.
Leeds Trinity University
Leeds Trinity University appeals to those interested in media, education, and business-related courses. The university is known for its strong industry connections and work placement opportunities, which enhance students’ job readiness upon graduation.
The tuition fee ranges from £12,000 – £18,000 depending on the course of study, making it one of the cheapest universities in the UK. Additionally, Leeds Trinity University offers funding for international students.
Be sure to check if you are eligible for any financial support during your application process. This can significantly reduce the cost of your studies, making it an affordable choice for international students seeking a quality education in the UK.
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development courses like Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Healthcare and Health Promotion, Tourism and Hospitality Management.
The tuition fee ranges from £14,850 to £17,900 depending on the course of study, making it a competitive option among the cheapest universities in the UK. The university also offers scholarships for international students.
Make sure to check if you are eligible during your application to maximize your savings at this affordable institution.
University of Chester
At the University of Chester, you can start your journey with foundation programmes leading to degrees in areas like Business, Law, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
The tuition fee ranges from £10,250 to £20,000. As one of the cheapest universities in the UK, the University of Chester provides affordable options for international students. Additionally, the university offers some scholarships for international students.
The University of Chester stands out as an attractive choice among the cheapest universities in the UK.
Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University offers courses that are updated to align with industry needs and trends. The courses are developed in collaboration with professionals to ensure that students are equipped with relevant skills.
The tuition fee ranges from £14,000 – £19,000 depending on the course of study, making it one of the cheapest universities in the UK. Staffordshire University also offers a wide range of competitive scholarships to help fund your studies.
Staffordshire is a great option for the cheapest universities in the UK. With its diverse programs and financial aid options, students can get the education they deserve without breaking the bank.
University of Suffolk
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs like Management, Arts, and Public Health. The tuition fee ranges from £15,210–£18,470 depending on the program of study. The university offers scholarships, check if you are eligible when applying.
Be sure to explore the scholarship opportunities available, as these can further reduce the overall cost of your education at one of the cheapest universities in the UK.
University of Derby
The University of Derby is home to over 2,000 international students studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Some notable courses of study for international students are Tourism, Hospitality, and Media Studies.
As one of the cheapest universities in the UK, the tuition fee at the University of Derby ranges from £14,900 to £19,950, making it an affordable choice for international students.
To support students, the University of Derby offers scholarships of up to £3,000. Be sure to check your eligibility when applying, as these scholarships can help reduce your tuition costs.
University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland has four campuses: two in Sunderland on the northeast coast of England, one in London that focuses on business, tourism, and nursing, and a newer campus in Hong Kong.
The University of Sunderland is one of the cheapest universities in the UK, with undergraduate tuition fees set at £16,000. Postgraduate fees range from £16,500 to £18,000, depending on the course.
Additionally, the university offers scholarships of up to £1,400 to support students financially, making it an affordable option for students.
Ravensbourne University London
Ravensbourne University is home to over 4,000 students. It offers practice-based courses in business, computing, design, digital media, and fashion, emphasizing hands-on learning. For students researching the cheapest universities in the UK, you should consider Ravensbourne.
Undergraduate programs start at £17,000, while postgraduate courses range from £18,000 to £19,500. Also, its substantial scholarship opportunities, offering up to £17,000, can significantly reduce costs and make it an attractive choice for international students.
University of the West of Scotland
The University of the West Scotland is home to a community of 3,500 international students, representing 140 nationalities.
Known as one of the cheapest universities in the UK, UWS offers degrees across various fields, including Business, Computing, Creative Industries, Education, Engineering, Health, and Sciences.
The tuition fee ranges from £9,250 to £15,500, making it an attractive choice for students seeking budget-friendly options. Additionally, the university offers various scholarships, so be sure to check if you are eligible when applying.
Wrexham Glyndŵr University
Wrexham Glyndŵr University offers diverse facilities and innovative learning environments. Its Campus 2025 project enhances Science and Engineering spaces to foster student growth. For students seeking the cheapest universities in the UK, the tuition fees start at £11,750 for undergraduate programs and £13,000 for postgraduate programs.
Additionally, Wrexham Glyndŵr University provides scholarships for international students, further solidifying its reputation among the cheapest universities in the UK. When applying, students should check their eligibility for scholarships to reduce costs further and access quality education at a reasonable price.
University of Stirling
The University of Stirling offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including subjects like Accounting and Finance, Aquaculture, Business and Management, Psychology, and Environmental Law.
The annual tuition fee for international students varies between £17,000 – £21,000. They offer scholarships of up to £20,000, which can reduce the cost of study. Although these fees are higher than some of the cheapest universities in the UK, the scholarships make it an attractive option for students.
Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University has around 11,000 students and is known for offering unique courses, including computer and video game design, comedy writing, and yacht design.
The tuition fee ranges from £15,265 making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking quality education without financial strain. In addition to competitive fees, the university offers grants and scholarships to support eligible students further.
This financial assistance highlights why Southampton Solent is considered one of the cheapest universities in the UK, especially for international students pursuing maritime or creative fields.
Queen Margaret University
Queen Margaret University (QMU), has expertise in business, the creative industries, health and rehabilitation, education, and social sciences. It is also known for and is known for its distinctive person-centred approach to education.
As one of the cheapest universities in the UK, QMU offers tuition fees starting from £9,250 for undergraduate programs and £17,000 for postgraduate programs.
While QMU does not have dedicated scholarship programs, it offers bursaries specifically designed for students from low-income earning countries.
University of Hull
For students seeking options among the cheapest universities in the UK, the University of Hull stands out. It’s tuition ranges between £9,000 and £13,000 for postgraduate studies, while undergraduates pay £9,535 per year. This makes it an attractive choice for students balancing quality education with affordability.
Additionally, the university offers a range of scholarships for international students. Be sure to check if you are eligible to take advantage of these financial aids, further solidifying its place among cost-effective options in the UK.
University of Bedfordshire
The University of Bedfordshire is known for its strong programs in Journalism, Nursing, and Engineering. As one of the cheapest universities in the UK, the University of Bedfordshire offers competitive tuition fees, starting at £15,500 for undergraduate programs.
For postgraduate studies, fees range from £15,900 to £29,200, depending on the course of study. These affordable rates make it an attractive choice for students seeking quality education on a budget.
The university provides scholarships for international students. This helps to reduce costs and makes it a standout option among the cheapest universities in the UK.
Edge Hill University
Edge Hill University is known for its recognition of programs like PGCE in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Among the cheapest universities in the UK, the tuition ranges from £17,000 for undergraduate programs and £21,500 for postgraduate programs.
Additionally, scholarships are available for students from Ghana, India, Kenya, Turkey, and Vietnam, enhancing its reputation as one of the cheapest universities in the UK for students seeking quality education with financial support.
University of Bolton
The University of Bolton offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, focusing on providing a supportive environment for student learning and achievement. Additionally, the university is known for its affordability. Some of its stand-out programs are Robotics, Nursing, and Business.
The tuition fee starts from £15,950 depending on the program or course of study. To assist international students, the university offers Excellence Scholarships available to full-time self-paying students, who pursue bachelor’s, taught masters, research masters and PhD studies.
London Metropolitan University
The university offers a wide range of courses and is known for its supportive environment and strong industry links, providing students with valuable practical experiences through placements and partnerships. London Metropolitan University (LMU) offers hundreds of courses across a range of subjects, including arts, design, and business
The tuition fee ranges from £9,250 depending on the course and program. The university offers fee reductions and scholarships be sure to take advantage of it.
What is The Average Cost of Studying at a UK University?
Studying in the UK requires a significant financial commitment, especially with the current exchange rate. The tuition fees vary depending on the university and program.
Tuition fees for undergraduate courses in the UK typically range from £9,000 to £20,000 per year, while living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transport, average around £1200 per month. It could be less depending on how you spend.
For postgraduate courses, tuition fees generally fall between £10,000 and £18,000. Programs like medicine or engineering may cost more. Opting for one of the cheapest universities in the UK can significantly reduce these costs, especially if you find programs that align with your career goals.
Additionally, living near campuses of some of the cheapest universities in the UK, such as in smaller cities or towns, may help lower monthly living expenses. Budget-conscious students can also benefit from exploring financial aid options, scholarships, or part-time work opportunities provided by these universities.
Check out: List of Best Universities Netherlands
Which Course Is Best to Study in the UK for International Students?
The UK offers a wide range of courses that align with global industry demands. Some of the best options for international students include:
Business Administration: Offered widely, focusing on global business strategies.
Engineering: Renowned programs in mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering.
Computer Science: Courses in AI, data science, and software engineering.
Health Sciences: Degrees in medicine, nursing, and public health are highly valued.
Creative Arts and Design: Programs in fashion, filmmaking, and graphic design.
Can I Study in the UK Without IELTS?
Yes, many UK universities allow international students to study without IELTS. These universities often accept alternative English proficiency tests, previous education in English, or an internal language assessment.
Choosing one of the cheap universities in the UK can make your dream of studying abroad achievable. These institutions combine affordability with academic excellence, offering a gateway to a brighter future.
Whether you’re interested in business, technology, or the arts, the top 20 cheapest universities in the UK have something for everyone. Remember to explore scholarships and financial aid options to reduce costs further and make your educational journey smoother.
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