15 Cheapest Universities in The UK for International Students

If you’re planning to study abroad, the UK should definitely be an option you consider. With top universities and world-class quality education, gaining a degree from a school in the UK is a huge plus. 

Perhaps the UK is already your dream study destination, but you’re on a budget. So you’re searching for the cheapest schools in the UK for international students. 

Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, this article is where you’ll find low-cost universities in the UK for international students’ postgraduate and undergraduate programs!

Table of Contents

Why Study in the UK? 

The United Kingdom (UK) is a popular study destination, and you may wonder why people usually choose to study in the UK. 

The UK is known for its prestigious universities, high academic standards, and rich cultural heritage. From Oxford University to the University of Sussex, UK universities rank high on the global stage. Students benefit from a multicultural environment with various opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Also read: 10 Cheapest Universities in Finland for International Students

One of the appeals of studying in the UK as a postgraduate is the option to complete your studies in just one year. Unlike other countries where postgraduate programs typically take two years, UK universities offer intensive one-year master’s programs.

The UK also offers post-study work opportunities, allowing international graduates to work or seek employment in the UK within two to three years after completing their degree.

15 Cheapest Universities in The UK for International Students

People may find it hard to believe that there are low-cost universities in the UK for international students’ undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. But there are! In fact, over 500 schools in the UK have tuition fees that range from £3,000 and below. 

15 Cheapest Universities in The UK for International Students

We won’t be able to cover all 500, but today we’ll discuss 15. So in a random order, here are 15 of the cheapest universities in the UK for international students:

  1. Middlesex University 
  2. University of Portsmouth 
  3. University of Bedfordshire
  4. Coventry University 
  5. University of Central Lancashire 
  6. University of Stirling 
  7. Wrexham Glyndwr University
  8. Lancaster University
  9. Leeds Beckett University
  10. Teesside University 
  11. University of Cumbria
  12. University of West London 
  13. University of Bolton 
  14. York St John University
  15. Anglia Ruskin University

Now let’s elaborate more on each of these universities.

Also read: 15 Cheapest Schools in Canada for International Students

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #1: Middlesex University

Despite ranking among the top 4% in the world, Middlesex University remains one of the low-cost universities in the UK for international students’ undergraduate degrees. At Middlesex, students can find courses in Finance, Investment, Regulatory Compliance, and other related degrees for less than £3000 annually. Accommodation is also quite affordable, with different lodges to suit various budgets. 

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #2: The University of Portsmouth 

Located on the south coast of England, the University of Portsmouth is one of the low-cost universities in the UK for international students’ undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. From law and criminology to science and technology, the University of Portsmouth offers a broad range of disciplines, with tuition ranging between £16,200 and £19,200 per academic year. 

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #3: University of Bedfordshire 

The University of Bedfordshire has campuses in Luton and Bedford and offers programs across various fields, including business, media, education, healthcare, and science. Bedfordshire is known for integrating work placements and practical industry experiences into many of its courses. Tuition starts from £16,800 for international students’ undergraduate and postgraduate programs. While a postgraduate diploma is £11,300.

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Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #4: Coventry University 

Coventry University is a modern public university located in Coventry, England, with a reputation in areas like engineering, health, business, and the creative arts. Coventry invests heavily in cutting-edge facilities and has a large international student population.

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #5: University of Central Lancashire 

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is based in Preston. It is a modern university with strength in degrees like journalism, engineering, and health sciences. Established in 1828, UClan tuition ranges between £12,000 and £15,000 annually for undergraduates and £13,000–£18,000 for postgraduates. They also offer a few degrees that cost about £2,200 per year. 

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #6: University of Stirling 

The University of Stirling is a scenic university in central Scotland. Surrounded by mountains and a lake, Stirling has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK. With a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and student well-being, Stirling provides a balanced and supportive environment for academic and personal development.

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Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #7: Wrexham Glyndwr University

Wrexham Glyndwr University is located in Wrexham, North Wales. Undergraduate studies at Wrexham cost around £11,750 yearly, while postgraduate studies cost between £12,500 and £18,000 per year. Accommodation costs range from £3,500 to £6,000 per year.

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #8: Lancaster University

Lancaster University is a highly ranked institution located in North-West England. Offering a balance of academic excellence and a supportive student environment, Lancaster University is placed among the top 1% in global university rankings. They specialize in disciplines such as business and environmental studies, and tuition ranges between £20,000 and £25,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. 

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #9: Leeds Beckett University

The Leeds Beckett University, located in the vibrant city of Leeds, offers a broad selection of programs that emphasize employability and global relevance. As one of the low-cost universities in the UK for international students undergraduate degrees, Leeds Beckett undergraduate tuition is set around £16,350 and £17,900 for postgraduate courses. They also offer pre-sessional courses ranging between £2,800 and £4,200 and £14,850 for international foundation year. 

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #10: Teesside University

Teesside University is situated in Middlesbrough and known for its commitment to innovation and digital technologies. Teesside offers a range of forward-thinking programs in areas like animation, engineering, and health tech.

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #11: University of Cumbria

With campuses in some of the UK’s most scenic locations, including Carlisle and Ambleside, the University of Cumbria offers degrees with tuition as low as £16,900 for undergraduate and graduate programs. The lowest tuition at Cumbria is for sandwich or placement years, which costs £2,980. 

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #12: University of West London 

The University of West London is based in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Known as “The Career University,” UWL students enjoy modern facilities and a culturally diverse atmosphere, making it an attractive choice for both UK and international students.

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Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #13: University of Bolton 

The University of Bolton offers a wide range of practical and vocational courses and stands out for its commitment to academic quality and student satisfaction. With its friendly environment, Bolton provides a supportive space for students to thrive. Undergraduate and postgraduate studies begin from £15,950 per year.

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #14: York St John University

York St John University is located in the heart of York, England. Established in 1841, York St. John has a religious foundation and is among the Cathedrals Group of Universities. Tuition ranges between £11,500 and £13,500 annually, making it one of the low-cost universities in the UK for international students’ undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. York’s rich cultural setting enhances student life both academically and socially. 

Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students #15: Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University is located in East Anglia. Founded by William John Beamont, it was named after John Ruskin, an Oxford University professor and author. The tuition schedule per year for international students at Anglia Ruskin University is as follows: 

  • Undergraduate: £15,900
  • Postgraduate taught: £17,500-£20,200 
  • Postgraduate research full-time: £15,900 
  • Postgraduate research part-time: £7,950 

Key Points on Low-cost Universities in the UK for International Students’ Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees 

In the previous sections, we discussed 15 out of the cheapest universities in the UK for international students. Here’s a summary of the points covered:

  • There are over 500 universities in the UK with degrees that cost 3,500 pounds and below. 
  • Some of the low-cost universities in the UK for international students’ undergraduate degrees are ranked among the top 1% – top 4% in the world. 
  • Different course options exist even in low-cost universities. 
  • Universities in the UK are identified by their scenic locations, strong supportive student environment, multicultural atmosphere, and high academic standards. 

Cheap Universities in the UK for International Students Without IELTS

Are there universities in the UK that you can gain admission to without writing IELTS? The answer is yes! There are several universities in the UK that you can gain admission into without writing IELTS. They provide alternative English proficiency tests such as TOEFL iBT, Pearson (PTE Academic), and Duolingo. 

Some of these cheap universities in the UK for international students without IELTS are:

Aside from waiving IELTS, these universities are also very affordable for international students, with tuition ranging from £9000 to approximately £16,000 per academic year. 

The tuition of Swansea University, for instance, is an average of £9000 per annum, making it one of the top cheapest universities in the UK for international students without IELTS. 

Low-cost Universities in UK for International Students Postgraduate

Some of the low-cost universities in the UK for international students’ postgraduate programs are:

  • Swansea University
  • York St John University
  • University of Bedfordshire
  • Plymouth Marjon University
  • University of Hull
  • Wrexham University
  • Leeds Beckett University

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Cheapest University in the UK for a Master’s Degree?

Based on our ranking, the cheapest university in the UK for a master’s degree is Swansea University, with postgraduate research degrees as low as £5006 for international students!

What is the Cheapest University in the UK for a Bachelor’s Degree? 

Some of the cheapest universities in the UK for a Bachelor’s degree are the University of Stirling, Wrexham Glyndwr University, Lancaster University, Leeds Beckett University, Teesside University, the University of Cumbria, Swansea University, the University of Hull, the University of West London, the University of Bolton, etc. 

What is the Cheapest University in the UK for a PhD for International Students?

Some of the low-cost universities in the UK for international students’ postgraduate programs are Swansea University, Plymouth Marjon University, York St John University, Wrexham University, and Leeds Beckett University.

Conclusion: Apply to One of the Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students 

The UK provides a range of options for international students looking to study in the country. Whether you’re an undergraduate or a postgraduate, you can find affordable schools that fit into your budget.

So now that you’ve seen our top 15 cheapest schools in the UK for international students, you can make your choice, apply and hope for the best. Good luck in your academic journey in the UK!

Stay tuned to this blog for more up-to-date information on education!

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