15 Cheapest Universities in United Kingdom for International Students

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In United Kingdom, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United Kingdom without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in United Kingdom, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 164 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in United Kingdom, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in United Kingdom for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in United Kingdom ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Queen Margaret University 9,725 GBP - 17,400 GBP 51%
Wrexham University 11,800 GBP 41%
University of London 12,000 GBP - 14,000 GBP 39%
Leeds Trinity University 12,000 GBP - 14,500 GBP 39%
York St John University 12,100 GBP - 14,700 GBP 39%
Birmingham Newman University 12,500 GBP 37%
Walbrook Institute London 12,500 GBP 37%
University of West London 13,300 GBP 33%
Bishop Grosseteste University 14,400 GBP 27%
University of Salford 14,400 GBP - 21,600 GBP 27%
University of Chester 14,500 GBP 27%
Plymouth Marjon University 14,500 GBP - 14,600 GBP 27%
Liverpool Hope University 14,500 GBP 27%
University of Suffolk 14,600 GBP - 17,900 GBP 26%
University of Buckingham 14,800 GBP - 22,200 GBP 25%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 19,700 GBP for universities in United Kingdom.

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1. Queen Margaret University

Named after Queen Margaret of Scotland, Queen Margaret University was established to help women and working families. Dedicated to its original purposes, it continues to help the community by establishing itself as a campus without borders, open and working closely with its locality. Nationally, the university is included in the top 100 universities based on several ranking sites. These rankings and other awards like the e-Government National Award show the institution’s commitment to excellence.

2. Wrexham University

Transforming students’ lives is one of the primary goals of Wrexham University. The institution’s teaching approach, “Active Learning Framework,” is a blended learning of the traditional and modern methods, with students learning on campus and having access to online learning. This approach has mainly worked well for most full-time and part-time students since many of them come from different backgrounds. Its core values: accessible, supportive, innovative, and ambitious, perfectly align with the university’s values and vision.

3. University of London

The University of London is a public university in the United Kingdom that offers a unique academic experience through flexible study options and distance learning. The university allows international students to finish their degrees through one of its 17 member institutions in the UK. Students can also study at the University of London through one of its Recognized Teaching Centers in their home country.

4. Leeds Trinity University

Leeds Trinity University is a public Catholic university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It is home to a small student population which allows the school to offer highly personalized teaching to each student. The university aims to produce highly-employable graduates, so it invests in quality facilities for practical learning and requires every undergraduate to complete a work placement.

5. York St John University

The York St John University is among the schools in the UK that have been recognized for having high rates in completion and satisfaction of its students. The school offers an approximate of 100 degree programs from which students can choose from, ranging from subject areas like creative writing, computer science, business, arts, and more. Aside from this, the university has established its research performance among different fields.

6. Birmingham Newman University

Birmingham Newman University is a public educational institution situated in England’s West Midlands region. In its early years before gaining university status, it used to be called Newman College of Higher Education. Adding to this, it is a center of learning that is closely affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

7. Walbrook Institute London

Originally founded as the Institute of Bankers in 1879, the Walbrook Institute London achieved the Royal Charter in 1987. Through this, the name was changed to Chartered Institute of Bankers. It changed its name again to the Institute of Financial Services in 1997. The London Institute of Banking and Finance was the first institute to award the CeMAP qualification, which is given to mortgage advisers. It was granted ‘university college’ status in 2013, and the name was changed to The London Institute of Banking and Finance three years later. Now, the university name has changed to Walbrook Institute London.

8. University of West London

With historical roots dating back to 1860, the University of West London is a distinguished institute of tertiary education. It is situated in the Greater London area and has two campus locations, one in Ealing and another in Brentford. It prides itself on being a career university as it offers a wide range of study options to undergraduates and postgraduates.

9. Bishop Grosseteste University

The Bishop Grosseteste University, or BGU, was founded in 1862 as Lincoln Diocesan Training School for Mistresses. BGU obtained its ‘university-college status’ in 2006, it was then named Bishop Grosseteste University College or BGCU. BGCU was awarded its ‘university’ title in 2012 and, finally, renamed Bishop Grosseteste University in December of 2013. BGU only has one campus, which is situated in Lincoln.

10. University of Salford

Salford Working Men’s College was founded in 1858, while Pendleton Mechanics’ Institute was founded in 1850. These two schools merged in 1896, forming the Royal Technical Institute. On February 10, 1967, the University of Salford obtained its ‘university status’ along with the name change, then known as The Royal College of Advanced Technology. Through various changes and unions over the years, the University of Salford merged with University College Salford in 1996, forming one institution.

11. University of Chester

The University of Chester is one of the oldest public universities in the United Kingdom, having been established in 1839. It is home to around 15,000 students, with 10% international students from over 130 countries. The university has five campuses in Chester, another in Warrington, and the University Center at Shrewsbury. Across its seven faculties, the university offers academic degree programs in Arts, Humanities, Business, Medicine, Science, Engineering, and Social Care.

12. Plymouth Marjon University

Generally known as Marjon, the school is also recognized by the name the University of St. Mark and St. John. The university’s vast campus is filled with state-of-the-art facilities and greenery that will motivate and enhance the academic environment. Marjon is also acknowledged along with the universities with top-rate quality in teaching, learning community, and student satisfaction. Students can choose from undergraduate and postgraduate programs focusing on areas like business, education, and sciences. 

13. Liverpool Hope University

Liverpool Hope University is a small and relatively new university, only granted its status in 2005. However, despite its age and size, the university is still prominent in research and teaching, even earning itself a Gold Teaching Excellence Framework. In its regions, the university has also been a consecutive top-ranking institution in the National Student Survey and was ranked 4th for teaching quality. These awards, and more, reflect both the university’s performance and potential.

14. University of Suffolk

The University of Suffolk is one of the public universities in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2007 in its former name, the University Campus Suffolk, the university has four campuses across Ipswich and Norfolk. Furthermore, the university is home to more than 9,500 students, with around 8% international students. Through its four schools, students can study various degree programs in Social Sciences, Humanities, Business, Health, Sport Sciences, and Engineering.

15. University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham is famed for being one of England’s five private institutes of tertiary education. Other than that, it is also known for offering two-year accelerated undergraduate degree programs. With that, it has an extensive list of noteworthy alumni including playwright and director Bader Ben Hirsi, businessman James Brodie Henderson, and current Vice President of Ghana Mahamudu Bawumia.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in United Kingdom for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in United Kingdom ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of West London 6,875 GBP - 16,800 GBP 66%
University of London 9,180 GBP - 16,000 GBP 55%
Teesside University 10,000 GBP - 17,000 GBP 50%
University of East Anglia 10,700 GBP - 27,000 GBP 47%
University for the Creative Arts 11,700 GBP - 18,500 GBP 42%
York St John University 11,800 GBP - 18,400 GBP 41%
University of Hull 12,000 GBP - 16,000 GBP 40%
Leeds Trinity University 12,000 GBP - 19,000 GBP 40%
Walbrook Institute London 12,500 GBP 38%
Harper Adams University 12,500 GBP - 19,800 GBP 38%
Wrexham University 12,500 GBP - 16,000 GBP 38%
Birmingham Newman University 13,500 GBP 33%
Staffordshire University 14,000 GBP - 19,000 GBP 30%
University of Westminster 14,000 GBP - 20,000 GBP 30%
Leeds Conservatoire 14,400 GBP - 22,500 GBP 28%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 20,000 GBP for universities in United Kingdom.

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1. University of West London

With historical roots dating back to 1860, the University of West London is a distinguished institute of tertiary education. It is situated in the Greater London area and has two campus locations, one in Ealing and another in Brentford. It prides itself on being a career university as it offers a wide range of study options to undergraduates and postgraduates.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of West London should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 6,875 GBP to 16,800 GBP annually for their master's degree.

2. University of London

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of London. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of London is 9,180 GBP to 16,000 GBP.

The University of London is a public university in the United Kingdom that offers a unique academic experience through flexible study options and distance learning. The university allows international students to finish their degrees through one of its 17 member institutions in the UK. Students can also study at the University of London through one of its Recognized Teaching Centers in their home country.

3. Teesside University

Teesside University has its extensive set of sterling accomplishments and accreditations. Some notable achievements are the University of the Year (2022) for Social Inclusion award, ranking 1st in the International Student Barometer Survey 2021, consecutive Customer First accreditation, and the HR Excellence in Research award. All these and more are just a reflection of the high-quality performance and education Teesside University offers to its students.

The tuition fee at Teesside University for incoming international master’s students is 10,000 GBP to 17,000 GBP. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of East Anglia

Another affordable university to consider in United Kingdom is University of East Anglia.

One of the UK’s leading universities is the University of East Anglia. Located in the lively city of Norwich, the university offers academic programs in the field of Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Health Sciences. It consists of traditional and advanced courses that are currently popular among students. In addition, the institution is ideal for students who want to be surrounded by nature. The campus has a well-maintained wildlife trail enjoyed by students, staff, visitors, and the city’s locals.

The tuition fee in University of East Anglia for master’s program for foreign students starts from 10,675 GBP.

5. University for the Creative Arts

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University for the Creative Arts has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 11,700 GBP yearly.

With top rankings for different subject areas, such as in communications, media, business and management, the University for the Creative Arts shows its competency and excellence. The school offers a variety of courses, mainly in arts and business. All of these are recognized for their high quality curriculum and well-respected mentors and teachers. Studying in this university will surely help in enhancing the knowledge and skills that the students need in building their creative careers.

6. York St John University

The York St John University is among the schools in the UK that have been recognized for having high rates in completion and satisfaction of its students. The school offers an approximate of 100 degree programs from which students can choose from, ranging from subject areas like creative writing, computer science, business, arts, and more. Aside from this, the university has established its research performance among different fields.

7. University of Hull

Experience makes the best teacher, and England’s University of Hull, one of the United Kingdom’s oldest universities, sure has a lot of experience. This institution, whose history can be traced to 1927, has shared the light of learning with thousands of students for many decades. They continue to provide high-quality education and research training for their enrollees.

8. Leeds Trinity University

Leeds Trinity University is a public Catholic university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It is home to a small student population which allows the school to offer highly personalized teaching to each student. The university aims to produce highly-employable graduates, so it invests in quality facilities for practical learning and requires every undergraduate to complete a work placement.

9. Walbrook Institute London

Originally founded as the Institute of Bankers in 1879, the Walbrook Institute London achieved the Royal Charter in 1987. Through this, the name was changed to Chartered Institute of Bankers. It changed its name again to the Institute of Financial Services in 1997. The London Institute of Banking and Finance was the first institute to award the CeMAP qualification, which is given to mortgage advisers. It was granted ‘university college’ status in 2013, and the name was changed to The London Institute of Banking and Finance three years later. Now, the university name has changed to Walbrook Institute London.

10. Harper Adams University

Harper Adams University is notably known for offering academic programs specializing in agriculture, food production, veterinary, and land management. The institution is situated on a farm where students have access to advanced laboratories and agricultural land. This will give students a close-up range and first-hand experience of their studies. Undoubtedly, the setting and facilities play an important role in harnessing the students’ core capabilities, skills, and knowledge.

11. Wrexham University

Transforming students’ lives is one of the primary goals of Wrexham University. The institution’s teaching approach, “Active Learning Framework,” is a blended learning of the traditional and modern methods, with students learning on campus and having access to online learning. This approach has mainly worked well for most full-time and part-time students since many of them come from different backgrounds. Its core values: accessible, supportive, innovative, and ambitious, perfectly align with the university’s values and vision.

12. Birmingham Newman University

Birmingham Newman University is a public educational institution situated in England’s West Midlands region. In its early years before gaining university status, it used to be called Newman College of Higher Education. Adding to this, it is a center of learning that is closely affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

13. Staffordshire University

Are you interested in going to a research-dedicated university? At Staffordshire University, research is at its core, especially its research themes: business, enterprise, and management; crime, justice, and security; culture, heritage, and society; engineering, technology, and environment; and health, wellbeing, and education. The university has also earned accolades such as the University of the Year from the Edufuturist Awards 2021. The institution is also well-ranked in teaching quality, student satisfaction, job prospects, and social inclusion.

14. University of Westminster

The University of Westminster was founded in 1838 in its former name, Royal Polytechnic Institution. From being the first polytechnic in the country, it officially became the University of Westminster in 1992, offering academic courses in Arts, Sciences, Technology, and Business. It has four campuses in London, three of which are in Central London.

15. Leeds Conservatoire

Leeds Conservatoire is a specialist institute that offers a wide range of study options in music and performing arts. It has a strong reputation for training highly skilled artists who become sought-after talents upon graduation. The faculty works to maintain a vibrant, creative community that encourages growth, collaboration, and artistic innovation. The campus also houses industry-standard facilities, so students can easily focus on mastering their art.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in United Kingdom?

Applying to cheap universities in United Kingdom requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United Kingdom for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in United Kingdom?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in United Kingdom. For example, one of the best affordable schools in United Kingdom is the Birmingham Newman University, which offers Accounting and Finance, Adult Nursing, and Applied Writing to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Birmingham Newman University offers Criminology and Social Justice, Clinical Applications of Psychology, and Education (Mentoring and Coaching).

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United Kingdom, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United Kingdom as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in United Kingdom for international students was helpful!