One of the biggest concerns for international students when considering higher education in the UK is the cost. While the UK has world-renowned universities and excellent academic programmes, tuition fees and living costs can sometimes be daunting.
However, studying in the UK doesn’t have to break the bank. There are also many least expensive universities in UK available, finding the cheapest university in UK can help lower the overall cost of studying abroad. To help you out, we’ve complied a list of affordable universities for international students in UK. Review them now and find the best option for yourself!
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in UK for International Students
| University | Tuition Fees (Undergraduate) | Tuition Fees (Postgraduate) |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Margaret University | £9,250, up to £17,325 for Health-related degrees | £16,740, up to £21,875 for Health-related degrees |
| York St John University | £13,000 | £13,000 |
| University of Cumbria | £13,575, up to £16,400 for Health-related degrees | £13,575 |
| Leeds Beckett University | £14,000 | £16,000 |
| Leeds Trinity University | £12,000 to £14,500 | £12,000 to £15,000 |
| Wrexham Glyndwr University | £11,750 | £12,500 |
| Staffordshire University | £16,750, up to £19,000 for Paramedic Science, Nursing, Operating Department Practice and Midwifery | £16,750, up to £19,000 for Healthcare & Nursing |
| University of the West of Scotland | £15,500 | £15,500-£18,000 |
| University of Bolton | £15,950 | £15,950 |
| University of Chester | £13,450 | £14,500, up to £20,000 |
Cheapest University in UK
Queen Margaret University
| Average Tuition Fee | £9,250 – £21,875 (Undergraduate and Postgraduate) |
|---|---|
| Top Courses | Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Art Psychotherapy, Physiotherapy, Music Therapy, Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, and Dietetics. |
| QS Ranking | #801-1000 |
| Location | Musselburgh, Scotland |
Queen Margaret University in Musselburgh, Scotland, could be considered the cheapest university in UK. Named after St Margaret, it was originally a women-only institution focused on improving women’s access to higher education. The university is ranked first in the UK for Complementary Medicine and is highly regarded in Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy, among other fields. In addition, there is a lot of affordable Queen Margaret University accommodation, so you don’t have to worry about the living expenses.
With a student body of 10,007 (13% from outside Europe) and a low graduate unemployment rate of 3%, the university offers an attractive option among affordable universities in UK for international students. Located just six minutes by train from Edinburgh in the sunny seaside town of Musselburgh, Queen Margaret University provides a wide range of courses with competitive tuition fees, ranging between £9,250 and £17,325 for undergraduate students and £16,740-£21,875 for postgraduate students.
York St John University
| Average Tuition Fee | £13,000 |
|---|---|
| Top Courses | Economics and Financial Investment Management and Events, Accounting and Finance, British Sign Language, Business Management, Counselling, American Studies and War Studies, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Biomedical Science. |
| QS Ranking | #91 |
| Location | York, North Yorkshire |
York St John University has modern facilities and boasts 93% of its graduates finding employment or further study within six months of graduation. In addition, the university opened a £2.5 million Arts Centre, which includes performance and exhibition spaces, as well as new media workshops. With standard tuition fees of £13,000 for international students, it is one of the low cost universities in UK for international students.
Moreover, the university is also known for its high quality of teaching, ranking 13th in the UK for student satisfaction and 79th in the world. Conveniently located close to York city centre, the university offers a vibrant urban campus with easy access to student accommodation. Overall, York St John University is an excellent choice for students seeking quality education at an affordable cost.
University of Cumbria
| Average Tuition Fee | £13,575 – £16,400 |
|---|---|
| Top Courses | Creative Writing, Coaching and Mentoring, Criminology, International Business Law, Social Sciences & Management, and Engineering & Technology. |
| QS Ranking | 2407 |
| Location | Lancaster |
University of Cumbria, which was founded in 2007 but has a history dating back to 1822, is fast becoming home to around 10,000 students. Renowned for its research programmes, it is one of the less expensive universities in UK for international students, with competitive tuition fees that vary depending on the course. At undergraduate level, fees range from £13,575 for a standard Bachelor’s degree to £16,400 for a BA (Hons) in Health Pre-Registration Programmes. For postgraduate students, fees can be as low as £13,575 too.
With five campuses, including one in Lancaster, the university provides a vibrant and diverse learning environment, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality education at an affordable price. Furthermore, the cost of living in Northern cities like Lancaster is generally lower than in places like London, further increasing its appeal to students.
Leeds Beckett University
| Average Tuition Fee | £14,000 – £16,000 |
|---|---|
| Top Courses | Electronics Engineering, Politics, Civil Engineering, Business Economics, Life Sciences and Medicine, and Social Sciences and Management. |
| QS Ranking | #1001-1200 |
| Location | Leeds |
Leeds Beckett University is a low-price university in UK for international students, offering high-quality education at affordable prices. With around 28,000 students from over 100 countries, the university excels in providing opportunities through partnerships with leading industries to help its graduates secure great jobs.
Recently, the university climbed 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024, demonstrating its growing reputation. Known for its strong programmes in Economics, Media, and MBA, Leeds Beckett also boasts a 96% graduate employment rate. In addition, the main campus is located in Leeds, a student-friendly city with affordable living costs and extensive Leeds student accommodation options, making it an attractive option for those looking to study abroad.
Leeds Trinity University
| Average Tuition Fee | £12,000 – £15,000 |
|---|---|
| Top Courses | Business and Enterprise, Professional Policing, Criminology BA (Hons), Creative and Professional Writing, Journalism BA (Hons), Photography with Foundation Year in Arts and Communication, Digital Marketing BA (Hons), and Computer Science BSc (Hons). |
| QS Ranking | #122 |
| Location | Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire |
Leeds Trinity University is renowned for its teaching excellence, especially in Journalism, and boasts a 95% graduate employment rate within 15 months. Additionally, it ranks 18th for student experience in the Good University Guide 2023 and is recognized as one of the least expensive universities in the UK for international students.
Located in the vibrant student town of Horsforth, Leeds, the campus is conveniently close to an excellent range of affordable student accommodation options. And by incorporating work placements into every degree programme, Leeds Trinity significantly enhances employment opportunities. This combination makes it an attractive option for those seeking a quality and affordable education.
Wrexham Glyndwr University
| Average Tuition Fee | £11,750 – £12,500 (Undergraduate and Postgraduate) |
|---|---|
| Top Courses | Built Environment, Computing, Animal Science, Art & Design, Business & Industry, Education, Criminology & Policing, Engineering. |
| QS Ranking | #3933 |
| Location | Wrexham, Wales |
Founded in 2008, Wrexham Glyndwr University is one of the youngest universities in the UK, but has quickly gained recognition for its high quality of education and graduate employability. With low tuition fees – £11,750 for undergraduate courses and £12,500 for postgraduate courses – the university is an attractive option for international students seeking cheap universities in UK.
Located in Wales, the university has three campuses that are each conveniently located close to excellent student accommodation. In addition, Wrexham Glyndwr has achieved a 92.1% employment rate, surpassing the UK average, and is ranked 2nd in the UK for teaching satisfaction according to The Guardian University Guide 2022.
Staffordshire University
| Average Tuition Fee | £16,750 – £19,000 |
|---|---|
| Top Courses | Natural sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Medical sciences. |
| QS Ranking | #1201-1500 |
| Location | Staffordshire |
Staffordshire University is renowned for its emphasis on practical abilities and employability. It provides a diverse selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. It offers modern amenities, such as the Catalyst building, which promotes apprenticeships and skills development. Considering the amenities and quality, this university is reasonably priced, even for international students. As one of the most affordable universities for international students in UK, the cost of living in Staffordshire University is relatively low, with plenty of inexpensive Staffordshire University accommodation options. uhomes.com provides a great selection of low priced student accommodation near the campus that might be perfect for you.
University of the West of Scotland
| Average Tuition Fee | £15,500 – £18,000 |
|---|---|
| Top Courses | Business, Management, Science & Engineering, Law, and Psychology & Biotechnology. |
| QS Ranking | #601-800 |
| Location | West of Scotland and London |
University of the West of Scotland (UWS), a modern and active institution with campuses in Paisley, Lanarkshire, Dumfries, Ayr, and London, is considered the least expensive universities in UK’s Scotland. UWS is well-known for its career-focused education, strong industry connections, and dedication to expanding higher education access.
UWS students come from around 100 countries. This means that the university is very popular with international students. Aside from having outstanding academics, the university is also known for having low tuition fees.
University of Bolton
| Average Tuition Fee | £15,950 |
|---|---|
| Top Courses | Psychology, Business Management, Engineering, Computer Science |
| QS Ranking | #124 |
| Location | Bolton, Greater Manchester |
University of Bolton offers a range of unique degrees, including Special Effects and Visual Effects for Film and TV, alongside traditional vocational courses. With a student population of 14,000 and staff from over 60 nationalities, it stands out as one of the cheap universities in UK for foreign students, charging a tuition fee of £15,950 for most courses.
University of Chester
| Average Tuition Fee | £13,950 – £20,000 (Undergraduate and Postgraduate) |
|---|---|
| Top Courses | Biology, Social Sciences & Management, Business & Management, Arts & Humanities, Accounting & Finance, Engineering & Technology, Law, and Natural Sciences. |
| QS Ranking | #1201–1500 |
| Location | Chester |
University of Chester has multiple campuses in and around Chester, as well as in Warrington and Shrewsbury. It is known for its strong focus on employability, providing students with practical skills and opportunities to enhance their career prospects.
Despite coming in at number 10, University of Chester is still one of the cheapest colleges in the UK for international students. With tuition fees ranging from £13,450 for undegraduate programmes to £14,500 for an MBA, the university offers excellent value. Located in Chester, the campus is close to various student accommodations, ensuring that students can find affordable housing options nearby while pursuing their studies.
Average Cost of Studying at a UK University
In the UK, public universities typically charge two main types of fees: “Home” fees for domestic students and “Overseas/International” fees for EU and non-EU students. Home undergraduate fees are capped at £9,250, while UK university fees for international students range from £9,250 to £20,000 for bachelor’s degrees and £11,000 to £35,000 for master’s degrees.
Moreover, it’s important for students to also consider additional expenses, including travel, visas, application fees, and living costs like rent, bills, food, and social activities. For precise fee details, students should consult individual university websites.
Tips for Budgeting While Studying in the UK
Don’t be daunted by university fees; there are several ways to reduce expenses and manage your UK education budget effectively.
- Choose Wisely: Pick a degree that aligns with your passion while considering career opportunities for quicker job placement after graduation.
- Consider Smaller Towns: Smaller towns are generally cheaper. Consider commuting from nearby areas to experience city life.
- Use Scholarships and Grants: Research and apply for scholarships to help cover tuition costs.
- Start Saving: Set aside any monetary gifts from birthdays or holidays specifically for tuition.
- Monitor Your Spending: Develop budgeting skills by tracking your expenses and managing your money wisely.
- Be Sustainable: Reduce consumption and reuse items to save costs.
- Embrace Student Discounts: Always ask for student discounts in shops, travel, and activities—just remember to bring your student ID!
- Look for Part-Time Jobs: Many students work during their studies. University towns often have flexible job opportunities for students.
Wrap up the Cheapest University in UK
That’s our list of the top 10 cheapest university in UK for international students. The average tuition fee is less expensive. If you want to save more money, choose the cheapest colleges in England in a city with a relatively low cost of living. Also, choose a comfortable student accommodation close to the university to minimise your spending.
FAQs About Least Expensive Universities in UK
It turns out that there are a lot of universities with low tuition fees in the UK. Still, the 3 cheapest universities on our list are Queen Margaret University (£9,250 – £21,875), Wrexham Glyndwr University (£11,750 – £12,500), and Leeds Trinity University (£12,000 to £14,500) per year.
For a postgraduate or master’s degree, the cheapest uni in UK is Leeds Trinity University, which has tuition fees of £12,000 to £15,000 per year.
Queen Margaret University is the most cheapest university in UK, which is around £9,250 – £21,875 for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The tuition fee you must pay will also depend on your chosen course.
| University | Tuition Fees (Undergraduate) | Tuition Fees (Postgraduate) |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Margaret University | £9,250, up to £17,325 for Health-related degrees | £16,740, up to £21,875 for Health-related degrees |
| York St John University | £13,000 | £13,000 |
| University of Cumbria | £13,575, up to £16,400 for Health-related degrees | £13,575 |
| Leeds Beckett University | £14,000 | £16,000 |
| Leeds Trinity University | £12,000 to £14,500 | £12,000 to £15,000 |
| Wrexham Glyndwr University | £11,750 | £12,500 |
| Staffordshire University | £16,750, up to £19,000 for Paramedic Science, Nursing, Operating Department Practice and Midwifery | £16,750, up to £19,000 for Healthcare & Nursing |
| University of the West of Scotland | £15,500 | £15,500-£18,000 |
| University of Bolton | £15,950 | £15,950 |
| University of Chester | £13,450 | £14,500, up to £20,000 |
| Rank | Cities | Average Costs (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiff | £1,023 |
| 2 | Aberdeen | £1,283 |
| 3 | Durham | £1,426 |
| 4 | Canterbury | £1,433 |
| 5 | Swansea | £1,445 |
| 6 | York | £1,524 |
| 7 | Sheffield | £1,600 |
| 8 | Manchester | £1,644 |
| 9 | Reading | £1,862 |
| 10 | Leicester | £1,900 |
