Students can study at a UK university for just £11,300. Many international students think UK education is beyond their budget, but several affordable universities offer quality degrees at reasonable rates.
The 13 top Cheapest Universities in UK for International Students affordably priced, high-quality education. Their fees are far lower than those of other universities, ranging from £11,300 to £14,600. Benefits like scholarships are available at these affordable UK universities. Students also pay less on living expenses outside large cities.
To assist students in making informed decisions, we have analyzed the cost of living, scholarship opportunities, and tuition for each university. York St John’s £11,300 MBA program stands out among the options. The University of Bedfordshire welcomes over 2,000 international students from 100+ countries and provides excellent value through its diverse programs.
This York St John University ranks among the UK’s provided the most affordable options for international students who want quality education.
International students pay between £13,750 to £15,750 per year for undergraduate programs. The university is Partner with Flywire so the University Online Payment System are the two online payment methods that the university accepts from students. Students must pay a 50% deposit of their first year’s tuition in order to get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
The university gives extensive financial support through several scholarship programs. International students who enrolled in undergraduate programs get a £1,000 scholarship in their first year.Those student who pay their fees before September 15th receive a 5% early payment discount, which is valid for both postgraduate and undergraduate programs.
Student have a number of financial choices, including government-sponsored programs in foreign countries, German DAAD grants, and Norwegian state loans.
Federal loans are also available to US students for undergraduate and graduate education.
Living costs in York are far less than in other UK cities. The monthly living expenses of international students, excluding tuition, come to around £950. The cost of self-catered single rooms in the university-managed accommodation ranges from £99 to £224 per week. Privately renting a studio apartment in the city center costs about £1,050 per month.
York St. John University’s full career support displays its dedication to student achievement. Career services such as Handshake, a platform for graduate opportunities and one-on-one career counseling, are available to students for the rest of their lives. Graduates might receive up to 25% discount for additional education at the university.
The university’s career development paths include:
International students are negatively impacted by changes in immigration laws and competitiveness in the labor market. The institution provides placement opportunities and specialized career support programs to help address these issues.
The University of Cumbria is one of the UK’s most affordable universities. Students get great value through competitive fees and a detailed support system.
Most of the bachelor’s degrees will cost £14,900 for the school year 2025/26. Some particular courses cost £16,900. Pre-registration health courses include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, midwifery, diagnostic radiography, and social work. The same patterns apply to master’s programs: ordinary degrees cost £14,900, whilst MBA programs cost £16,900.
The student must pay a 50% program deposit before they can get their Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS). The term flexible payment plans are an option, which is wonderful news. The remaining fees can be paid in five equal installments starting in January and ending in May 2025.
The university offers scholarships to students in lots of ways. Students in full-time education from households earning less than £25,000 a year are eligible for the Cumbria Bursary of £1,000 each. Those who attend classes part-time receive £500 annually. International nursing students can get the Global Health and Wellbeing Scholarship worth £4,000 per year. They get an extra £1,000 if they pay their fees upfront.
The Student Support Fund helps students during financial emergencies with these amounts:
Carlisle, where one of Cumbria’s main campuses is located, keeps things affordable. Student housing costs about £97.90 weekly with utilities included. Daily expenses in the city are reasonable:
With Leeds Trinity, students have access to genuine career development possibilities. A professional work assignments that provide students with practical industry experience is a common feature of undergraduate degrees. The students are supported by the Careers+Placements staff by:
After graduation, 95% of graduates find employment thanks to the university’s strong industry connections.
Students can join industry mentoring programs to build job skills and explore career paths. Career services and job search support remain available to alumni throughout their careers.
Government hardship funds help students with financial difficulties
Teesside University sits in England’s vibrant Northeast, giving international students great value for money and strong career prospects.
The university keeps tuition rates competitive for international students. Undergraduate and postgraduate taught programs cost £17,000 per year. Students need to pay a £4,000 deposit to get their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The university also lets students spread their payments throughout the academic year.
Students can access significant financial help through several scholarships. The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship takes £7,000 off first-year fees as a one-time payment. Students can also apply for:
Students find Middlesbrough one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Monthly living costs average £758.58. Here’s what students typically spend:
Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. The university helps students find jobs at major companies like Microsoft, IBM, Siemens, and GlaxoSmithKline. Students get access to:
The university’s award-winning careers service works with international advisers and Students’ Union clubs to boost job prospects. Time Bank reports that 73% of employers prefer candidates with volunteer experience. Students can find volunteering opportunities through the university’s online Volun-tees service.
The University of Bolton offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the UK’s digital world and provides substantial financial support packages for international students.
International students at Bolton pay tuition fees starting from £11,250. Most programs for September 2024 start at £15,950. The university keeps its pricing transparent, and fees change based on your chosen program. MBA and specialized courses like MSc Physician Associate Studies have different rates.
The university shows its steadfast dedication to making education affordable through International Excellence Scholarships. Students can receive up to:
90% of international students get some form of scholarship support. The university is graduates get a £1,000 fee reduction when they study additional qualifications.
The University of Bolton ranks among the UK’s most affordable student cities. Student accommodation’s average weekly rent is £113, which costs much less than Manchester’s £160 rate. The university’s Orlando Village residence has some of the country’s most affordable accommodation rates.
Here’s what you can expect to spend annually:
Students can expect to spend £10,512 per year, making Bolton a smart choice for those watching their budget. The city’s tight-knit community adds value with local businesses that often give student discounts. On top of that, the university’s Cost of Living Support Fund helps eligible students who face financial challenges with one-time non-repayable awards of £500.
Wrexham Glyndwr University stands out as an innovative Welsh institution that gives international students quality education at reasonable prices.
International undergraduate programs at Wrexham will cost £11,750 in the 2025 academic year, making it one of UK’s most affordable options. Students pay between £12,500 to £16,000 for postgraduate programs, with MBA rates staying competitive. The university needs 75% of tuition fees paid upfront before they issue the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University’s main college campus in Stoke-on-Trent provides an cost-effective path to UK higher education for international students.
Staffordshire’s Program Fees International students need to pay a deposit of £6,500 to secure their spot for January 2025 entry. The university’s program prices change dependent on your course selection. The total cost of undergraduate courses is £16,750.
A specialized courses like paramedic science and nursing, meanwhile, cost £19,000. MBA programs and postgraduate teaching courses continue to charge £16,750.
Affordable Funding Support
The SMART Scholarship programme reduced costs by £3,000 a year during your studies.
This grant is given automatically to full-time international students who start their studies on campus in January or September 2025. The Lichfeldian Award allows people who want to work in the arts, and the 10-year-old Horizon Fund helps students who are struggling financially.
Stoke-on-Trent stands out as the UK’s most budget-friendly university city with an affordability score of 76.59 out of 100. Your monthly expenses stay reasonable with:
The city keeps everyday costs manageable:
The University of Sunderland, with its QS 4-Star rating, welcomes international students with quality education at reasonable prices.
Leeds Beckett University welcomes international students with affordable education options in Yorkshire’s bustling heart. The university stands out with its modern facilities and strong industry connections.
• Leeds Beckett’s Program Costs
• International foundation year programs cost £14,750. International students pay £14,000 for bachelor’s degrees, while master’s programs range from £15,000 to £16,000.In addition to a £260 administration fee, students must submit a £1,000 security deposit as part of the confirmation cost. When applying for their Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS), students must pay £8,000 in advance for their tuition at the university.
Financial Assistance Possibilities
• The university’s nation-specific scholarship programs cater to the needs of international students.
Students get comprehensive support through:
• Study Care Insurance that covers health, medical needs, and personal possessions
• Payment plans spread across 12 or 24 months
• Special insurance rates from £450 for up to 12 months
• Yorkshire Living Expenses
• Leeds remains an affordable city for students, and UKVI suggests £1,136 monthly for expenses outside London. Students can expect to pay:
• £114 to £229 weekly for university self-catered accommodation
• £30 to £35 weekly for groceries and toiletries
• £13 to £16 weekly for household bills when not included in rent
• • £42 to £63 weekly for personal expenses
• The city offers lots of accommodation choices that are relatively affordable for students.
For international students, travel is simple due to Leeds Bradford Airport’s close close by. Because of the university’s location, students can afford to explore Yorkshire’s stunning countryside.
• Students who bring meals from home might save money by using the campus’s microwaves. Many of the the universities it have career services, including as job advertising and placement assistance, remain available to students indefinitely. The university welcomes newcomers and provides pick-up services from Leeds Bradford Airport (£68) and Manchester Airport (£187).
• Chester is among the most welcoming to students cities in the United Kingdom.
• . Its ideal fusion of modern education at affordable costs and ancient beauty attracts students from all over the world.
• Chester’s International Fees
• The University of Chester offers affordable tuition rates. International students pay between £12,950 and £13,450 for undergraduate programs. The university accepts about 25% of applicants, which shows its balance of quality education and reasonable costs. Students need to secure their spot with a deposit before they receive their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Bursary Programs
Undergraduate and graduate students can receive substantial financial aid through merit-based scholarships. When students’ applications are directly considered, they are not need to submit separate applications, which separates the university’s scholarship process. Among the university’s scholarship opportunities are:
• International merit scholarships
• Subject-specific awards
• Regional excellence grants
• Cost of Living in Chester
• Chester glows as a cheap city, with monthly living prices ranging from £1,196 to £1,299.
• Here’s what students typically spend each month:
• Student housing comes in several options:
• PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation): £465-£700 monthly
•Private apartments: £725-£1,060 monthly
• • University halls: £500-£800 monthly
• Food costs stay reasonable with grocery bills around £200 monthly. Eating out fits different budgets:• High-end restaurants: £50 per person
The University of West London (UWL) has been a beacon of affordable education since 1860, welcoming international students to its distinguished campus.
UWL’s Program Fees
Undergraduate programs start at £13,000, while master’s programmes for overseas students range from £6,875 to £16,800. As stated in your offer letter, the university has a well-organized payment system that requires a non-refundable deposit. Half of the tuition must be paid at the time of enrollment. Students can pay in more than 70 currencies with no transfer fees thanks to UWL’s relationship with Flywire.
Scholarship Schemes
UWL’s dedication in guaranteeing that education is affordable is shown through a number of scholarship initiatives. Every year, up to 100 first-year students receive support through the International Ambassador Scholarship. The university offers:Alumni Bursary for UWL graduates who want to study further
The Help to Achieve Scholarships, backed by alumni and friends, support both local and international students. The university also works with various funding bodies to help students access Norwegian state loans and German DAAD funding.
Monthly living costs in London usually range from £1,400 to £1,500. Your basic expenses include:
Making educated choices helps students to successfully save money. Free entertainment is offered by the museums in London and BFI Southbank. Money can be saved by walking or cycling, particularly in downtown London. The Students’ Union at the institution organizes social events that are affordable. Part-time employment at LSE, think tanks, and tutoring services are other sources of income for students. You can obtain discounts in London at stores, gyms, and entertainment venues with your student ID.
Comparison Table
University | Undergraduate Tuition Fees (2025) | Key Scholarships/Financial Aid | Monthly Living Costs | Notable Features |
York St John University | £13,750 – £15,750 | £1,000 first-year scholarship; 5% early payment discount | £950 | Career services available throughout life; Graduate fee discounts reach 25% |
University of Cumbria | £14,900 | Global Health Scholarship (£4,000/year); Cumbria Bursary (£1,000/year) | £800-£1,000 | Food pantries support students; Easy payment plans available |
Leeds Trinity University | £12,000 | Sanctuary Scholarship (full tuition); PhD studentships (£12,500/year) | £950 | Degrees include work placements; 95% of graduates find employment |
University of Bedfordshire | £16,900 | Subject-specific scholarships (up to £6,000/year); EU Qualifications Scholarship (£4,500) | Not mentioned | Students from 100+ countries study here; Budget-friendly campus dining |
Teesside University | £17,000 | Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship (£7,000); Global Excellence Scholarship (£2,000) | £758.58 | Major company collaborations; Award-winning career support |
University of Bolton | £15,950 | International Excellence Scholarships (up to £6,000) | £876 (£10,512/year) | Most international students receive funding; Best value accommodation |
Wrexham Glyndwr University | £11,750 | First Generation Opportunity Scholarship (£1,000 + 25% accommodation reduction) | Not mentioned | Students in university housing pay no Council Tax |
Staffordshire University | £16,750 | SMART Scholarship (£3,000/year) | £450 (rent only) | Most affordable student city in UK; Strong focus on digital tech |
University of Sunderland | £16,000 | £5,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduates | £590 (accommodation) | QS 4-Star rating; Food support available on campus |
Leeds Beckett University | £14,000 | Country-specific scholarship programs | £1,136 | Insurance coverage included; Free airport pickup |
University of Chester | £12,950 – £13,450 | Merit-based scholarships (amount not specified) | £1,196 – £1,299 | UK’s second most student-friendly city (2019); 25% student acceptance |
Plymouth Marjon University | £14,600 | Sports scholarships (up to £4,000/year); Hardship Fund available | £1,400 – £1,600 | Help with work placements; Childcare facility on campus |
University of West London | £13,000 | International Ambassador Scholarship (amount not specified) | £1,400 – £1,500 | Simple payment system through Flywire; Multiple funding partners |
Conclusion
Excellent schooling in the UK doesn’t have to be expensive. The annual tuition for these 13 universities ranges from £11,750 to £17,000. This is significant since it indicates that their tuition is far lower than the average of more than £20,000 at other UK universities.
Even more money can be saved by students. The considerable scholarships offered by the institutions reduce expenses by £3,000 to £7,000 each year. Living costs are also significantly lower in their smaller city areas. In Middlesbrough, a student’s monthly budget is approximately £758, whereas in London, it exceeds £1,500.
Student success is the top priority at these schools. Leeds Trinity offers degrees that involve practical work experience, and York St. John offers lifetime career support. Additionally, flexible payment options and campus food pantries assist students in managing their everyday expenses.
These colleges may not be among the best in the world. But at a fraction of the typical cost of a UK institution, they offer excellent value in the form of high-quality instruction and impressive graduate results. Based on their financial constraints and academic objectives, students searching for reasonably priced UK degrees might evaluate these possibilities.
FAQs
Q1. What are some of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students? Some of the most budget-friendly options include York St John University, University of Cumbria, Leeds Trinity University, University of Bedfordshire, and Teesside University. These institutions offer quality education at lower tuition rates compared to many other UK universities.
Q2. How much can international students expect to pay for tuition at these affordable UK universities? Tuition fees at these universities typically range from £11,750 to £17,000 per year for international students. This is significantly less than the £20,000+ fees often charged by other UK institutions.
Q3. Are there scholarships available for international students at these universities? Yes, many of these universities offer substantial scholarships for international students. For example, York St John University provides a £1,000 first-year scholarship, while Teesside University offers a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship worth £7,000.
Q4. What are the living costs like in the cities where these universities are located? Living costs tend to be lower in the cities where these universities are situated compared to major metropolitan areas like London. Monthly expenses can range from around £750 in Middlesbrough (Teesside University) to about £1,300 in Chester.
Q5. Do these affordable universities provide good career prospects for international students? After all, career help and employability are major priorities for many of these universities. For example, most degrees at Leeds Trinity University include professional work assignments, while graduates of York St. John University have lifetime access to career assistance.