Top 10 Cheapest Universities in UK for International Students

For many international students, studying in a foreign country can be daunting. To simplify your search for affordable universities in UK, we've compiled a list of affordable universities in the UK, complete with their average tuition fees.

Read on for our top picks of affordable universities in UK that promise to make your academic journey both rewarding and cost-effective.

Now, let's explore these universities in detail and choose a perfect match for your goals.

The University of Cumbria was established in 2007 and has 3 campuses in Carlisle, Lancaster, and Ambleside, all located in northwest England near the picturesque Lake District. Ofsted has rated the University's specialist teacher education facility in London as one of the best in the UK. The University of Cumbria also maintains good ties with the local creative arts community, which benefits art, design, and media programs.

Coventry University is well-known among international students and one of the cheapest universities in the UK. It has also received national and worldwide recognition for its research efforts. Despite being a low-cost institution in London, the university provides overseas students with scholarships ranging from 1500 GBP to 2500 GBP annually.

Teesside University, located in Middlesbrough, northeast England, was granted full university status in 1992. With over 30,000 students, it was the first modern university to win a Times Higher Education Award. Recognised for teaching excellence, it has received nine National Teaching Fellowships and was honoured with the Queen's Anniversary Prize for outstanding enterprise and business engagement in 2013.

Leeds Beckett University was founded in 1824 as the Leeds Mechanics Institute, attained university status in 1992. It is located in Leeds, United Kingdom, and has a diverse student body. It is known for its commitment to academic achievement, innovative research, and strong industry linkages. It is known to be one of the most affordable universities in UK.

The University of Chester, founded in 1839 as Chester Diocesan Training College, began offering degrees in 2005. It has evolved and is now a dynamic institution that provides high-quality education. With approximately 16,000 enrolled students, it significantly impacts the academic environment.

The University of Bolton was founded in 1824 as the Bolton Mechanics Institute and went through several changes before being granted degree-awarding powers in 1990 and being named the University of Bolton in 2005. More than 11,000 students are enrolled right now in this university. It is known to be one of the best universities with affordable fees in the UK.

West London University, established as a polytechnic in 1860, gained university status in 1992. Situated in vibrant West London, it offers its students diverse academic programs. The university is committed to excellence and is pivotal in higher education—it is also one of the cheapest universities in the UK.

The university's courses offer practical job skills and opportunities for professional growth at an accessible price. It also has one of Europe's largest teaching labs and specific art and design studios. The university's Business School in Moorgate recently underwent a £1 million transformation.

Staffordshire University is one of the most affordable universities in UK public research institutions. This institution is well-known for its scientific department, and some of its courses and departments are ranked in the top ten in the United Kingdom. This university has 20,000 students from 100 countries. It is one of the top 100 institutions according to the Complete University Guide's league table. Staffordshire University provides a specialised staff for foreign Student Support to help international students succeed.

The University of Bedfordshire, founded in 2006, is a thriving university in Bedfordshire, England. With a broad student body, it provides a variety of academic programs. The university is dedicated to educational excellence and has an active campus community.

London has always been a dream city for students studying abroad despite its higher cost than other places. So, if you want to study in London, we have compiled a list of the cheapest universities in UK based on rating, tuition cost, and other criteria.

Affordable universities in UK have a challenging admission procedure, and prospective students must fulfil the following qualifying requirements.

These are stated below for better understanding:

• Must prove an excellent command of English. Depending on their preparations, a candidate can take either IELTS or PTE. An IELTS score of 5.5-6.0 is required for undergraduate applicants. When applying for postgraduate studies, a candidate must earn an overall grade point average of 7.0.

• Before applying for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, candidates must prove that they have completed 13 years of schooling. Furthermore, while enrolling for a postgraduate program, students must demonstrate that they have completed three years of studies or have a graduate degree.

• To get admission to the cheapest universities in UK for international students in 2025, a candidate must have an offer letter, visa application form, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letter of Recommendation (LOR), job experience (if applicable), passport, and prior mark sheets.

You must apply now that you know about the best affordable universities in the UK. It is easy to qualify for these institutions.

Indian students wishing to study at the cheapest universities in UK must present specific documentation to apply. These documents are required for a smooth application procedure with no delays.

The documents required to study in one of the cheapest universities in UK are:

• Academic records of high school and post-secondary education

• Visa application form

• Letter of Recommendation

• Passport

• Proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL

• Offer letter from the university

• Statement of Purpose

• Work experience certificates (if any)

In conclusion, the paramount consideration for selecting a university should be the quality of education on offer and the potential for personal growth and development. The country can cater to students seeking world-renowned, costly institutions and more affordable universities in the UK. If you are contemplating pursuing your academic aspirations in the UK, consider these universities to ensure a comfortable and fulfilling stay.

We have furnished you with a comprehensive overview of the affordable universities in UK for overseas students. We encourage you to consult our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) for further insight and guidance. Even if you cannot visit our office in person, we offer a complimentary online counselling service through our website. Our team of dedicated counsellors is committed to providing you with the best possible advice and support so that you can pursue your academic ambitions at the top universities in the UK and gain invaluable global exposure. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

1. Can overseas students work part-time in the UK while studying?

UK international students are generally allowed to work part-time during their studies. The standard limit of part time work is 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. However, checking the specific visa regulations and restrictions is essential to ensure compliance.

2. Are the tuition fees mentioned fixed, or do they vary based on the course or level of study?

The tuition fees provided are average figures and can vary based on the program, level of education (undergraduate or postgraduate), and the city where the university is located. It's advisable to check the official university websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

3. How can I apply for scholarships at these affordable UK universities?

Each university has its scholarship application process. Generally, students must apply for admission to their chosen course and separately apply for scholarships. It is crucial to carefully check the eligibility criteria and deadlines and submit the required documents accordingly.

4. What is the average cost of living near these affordable universities?

The average cost of living can vary based on the location and lifestyle choices. On average, it ranges from £2,600 to £11,385 per year. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Students should create a detailed budget that considers their preferences and lifestyle.

5. Are there any English proficiency requirements for applying to these universities?

Yes, most UK universities have English language proficiency requirements. International students often submit English language test scores, such as IELTS or TOEFL, as part of their application. The specific score requirements may vary, so checking the admission criteria for each university and program is crucial.

6. What are the cheapest courses for Indian students in the UK?

The cheapest degrees in the UK for Indian students differ per university. Some of the most economical courses for Indian students are:

• Business

• Engineering

• Computer Science and Humanities.

• Social Sciences and Arts

7. What are the top affordable universities in London for International students?

The top 5 affordable universities in London are,

• University of East London

• London Metropolitan University

• University of Greenwich

• Middlesex University

• University of Westminster

8. What documents are necessary to be admitted to top affordable universities in UK?

Some of the required documents are:

• High school transcripts

• Passport and visa

• SOP for UK universities

• English proficiency test scores

• Entrance tests (if applicable)

9. Is there the cheapest university in UK for a master’s program?

Yes, most affordable universities in UK offer master's degrees to both foreign and domestic students.

10. Which city in the UK is the cheapest for Indian students?

Birmingham is considered one of the UK's cheaper locations for Indian students. Birmingham's cost of living is relatively inexpensive when compared to other cities. Furthermore, Birmingham has a substantial South Asian population, which helps Indian students feel at home.