The UK is the second most famous destination to study abroad for international students after the USA. There are more than 700,000 international students enrolled in UK universities. However, the UK is one of the most expensive destinations to study abroad. High tuition fees are a serious issue for international students who would like to study in the UK. Therefore, The first thing that most international students look for is affordable UK universities. Therefore, we made a list of the 11 cheapest universities in the UK for international students in 2022 to help you find a suitable college that fits your budget, qualifications, and abilities. We will also mention the average tuition fees in each of these universities.
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UK Higher Education System
Many UK universities top the list of best universities in the world. In THE World University Ranking for the year 2022, 8 UK universities ranked among the best 50 universities in the world, which are:
- University of Oxford ranks #1(best university in the world).
- University of Cambridge ranks #5
- Imperial College London ranks #12.
- UCL ranks #18.
- London School of Economics and Political Science ranks #27.
- University of Edinburgh ranks #30.
- King’s College London ranks #35.
- University of Manchester ranks #50.
UK universities´ tuition fees are among the highest in the world, however, the high-quality education at these educational institutions is definitely worth investing your time and money.
The UK’s higher education system starts with a three-year bachelor’s degree. However, sometimes an undergraduate program might last for 4 years, as an international student might need a preparatory year before starting his/her university studies. In addition, some undergraduate programs in the UK require students to do a one-year internship before graduation.
International students may find differences in bachelor’s programs between the four countries of the United Kingdom, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
Master programs in UK universities are taught or research programs. Duration is usually between one to two years.
In the UK, it takes at least up to 3 years to complete a Ph.D. degree.
Check: With Fees.. Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
Can I study in the UK for free?
Although universities in the UK are not tuition-free, you still have the chance to study in the UK for free as an international student. Scholarships and financial aid are among the most common ways to study in the UK for free. UK universities are among the most famous institutions that offer thousands of scholarships every year. In most cases, funding includes Tuitions fees, accommodation, monthly stipend, and other expenses!
One of the most famous scholarships in the UK is the Chevening Scholarship to study any Master’s program in the UK.
In addition, most universities in the UK, the UK government, and many foundations provide Scholarships to foreign students. To help you find financial opportunities in the UK easily, we recommend checking these scholarships Search engines in the UK:
- Scholarships in the UK
- study-uk.britishcouncil
- ukcisa
- gov.uk
- studyin-uk
Another option to help you finance your studies in the UK is the part-time job opportunities available for you as an international student in the UK. Students can work while studying in the UK for 20 hours per week. However, on official holidays they can work for more hours and thus make more money.
Check also: Guide to AMAZING Scholarships in Canada for International Students
List of the Cheapest Universities in the UKfor International Students 2022
Tuition fees at universities in the UK vary depending on the study level and the chosen program. Recently, universities in the UK implemented an increase in the yearly tuition fees for international students. so you will notice an increase in the study cost for this year compared to previous years
For the year 2022, the University of Chester is the cheapest university in the UK for international students. It offers programs for bachelor, master, and Ph.D. with average tuition fees of £12,950 per year for undergraduates, around £13,450 per year for Master, £13,750 for MBA, and £13,330 for Ph.D.
Generally, all UK universities mentioned in our list are affordable universities with low tuition fees compared to other universities in the UK.
12. Coventry University
Coventry University is a public university founded in 1843 as a college of applied arts and design but recently it has expanded into a large institution of higher education providing education to more than 31,000 enrolled students.
This affordable university in the UK has the main campus in Coventry, and the second one in London offering programs in management and business.
It consists of four academic faculties with different departments. It offers over 130 undergraduate programs and over 100 postgraduate courses. Foundation degrees, diplomas and short courses are also offered for students.
The cost of studying at Staffordshire University
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: £15,000 per year.
- Master’s programs: £17,900 per year.
- MBA:£20,100 per year.
- MSc with Extended Professional Practice: £18,950 per year.
- Scholarships: Available.
11. Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University is a public university established in the beginning of the 20th century. The university expanded with time to become one of the best affordable universities in the UK. It offers high-quality education with low tuition fees for international students. Currently, It has more than 15,000 enrolled students.
Staffordshire University in the UK is an intensive research educational institution. It includes some of the best departments in the UK, such as: Psychology, Biosciences and Molecular Biochemistry, and all of them rank high on universities rankings by subjects around the world.
Staffordshire University ranks among the top 1000 universities in the world, and top 100 universities in the UK.
The cost of studying at Staffordshire University
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: £14,500 per year.
- Master’s programs: £15,000 per year.
- Postgraduate Research programs: £13,000 per year.
- Scholarships: Available.
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10. Buckinghamshire New University
Buckinghamshire New University is a public university with many campuses around the UK, in High Wycombe, Uxbridge, and Aylesbury. It is definitely one of the best options for international students to study in the UK with low tuition fees.
It has approximately 12,000 enrolled students, and it offers bachelor’s and master’s programs.
This university is a good choice for international students who would like to study in an area close to the sights of London, without spending a lot of money on tuition fees.
The cost of studying at Buckinghamshire New University
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- FOUNDATION YEAR: £14,250 per year.
- Bachelor’s programs: £14,250 per year.
- Postgraduate courses: £14,800 per year.
- Professional courses: £14,250 per year.
- Scholarships: Available.
9. University of Wales Trinity Saint David
University of Wales Trinity Saint David is a public university that was established in 2010. It has more than 12,000 enrolled students in undergraduate and graduate study levels.
This affordable multi-campus university has three main campuses in South West Wales, Carmarthen, Lampeter, and Swansea, and a fourth campus in London.
The university was established by merging the two oldest institutions of higher education in Wales, the University of Wales Lampeter (UWL) and Trinity University College (TUC) in 2010, under the Royal Lampeter Charter of 1828
The cost of studying at Wales Trinity Saint David
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: £13,500 per year.
- Master’s programs: £15,000 per year.
- Ph.D. programs: £15,000 per year.
- Distance learning full-time: £10,000 per year
- Scholarships: Available.
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8. University of the West of Scotland
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS), formerly known as Paisley University, is a public research university, located in the southwest region of Scotland. It has many campuses, including in the cities of Paisley, Dumfries, Ayr, and Blantyre. It also included a co-campus in London.
The university currently enrolls more than 15,000 students. It has an international reputation for providing high-quality education and has a wide variety of Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. University of the West of Scotland consists of 6 faculties and offers more than 100 different programs.
The cost of studying at University of the West of Scotland
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: £12,000 – £15,000 per year.
- Master’s programs: average £14,500 per year.
- Ph.D. programs: average £14,500 per year.
- Graduate Diploma: £11,000 per year
- Scholarships: Available.
7. Royal Agricultural University
The Royal Agricultural University was founded in 1845 as the first institution of agricultural education in the English-speaking world. It is a public university located in Cirencester in Gloucestershire
It received the status as a university recently in 2013. The university focuses on providing high-quality education in fields related to agriculture. More than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs and courses are offered by this affordable university in the UK to international students.
Currently, the university has around 1,500 enrolled students in total. Courses are taught in 4 colleges: College of Agriculture, College of Real Estate and Land Management, College of Business and Entrepreneurship, and the School of Riding.
The Royal Agricultural University also ranks as one of the safest universities in the southern region of England. In addition, the application process and steps are very clear and simple.
The cost of studying at Royal Agricultural University
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: £13,500 per year.
- MSc courses: £15,950 per year.
- PhD / MScR: £12,750 per year.
- Graduate Diploma: £13,500 per year.
- Scholarships: Available.
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6. University of Bolton
University of Bolton is a public research university located in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Founded in 1982 (received its status as a university in 2004), it is one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions. The university maintains a high research profile and focuses on providing world-class degrees and programs for students from all around the world.
Currently, University of Bolton has more than 7000 enrolled students, and around 15% of them are international students from 70 different countries around the world. The main campus in Bolton is equipped with advanced student facilities, and the accommodation is one of the best options for students in the north of the UK.
University of Bolton also has campuses in Ras Al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates) and Colombo (Sri Lanka), with additional international partnerships linked to a group of universities in the world.
The cost of studying at University of Bolton
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: £12,450 per year.
- Master’s programs: £13,000 per year.
- Ph.D. programs: £12,450 per year.
- Scholarships: Available.
5. Plymouth University
Plymouth University takes 7th place on our list of the cheapest universities in the UK for international students. It is a public university located in Plymouth in the south of England. The university origins go back to the early 19th century, and it currently has around 23,000 enrolled students in total.
This low-cost university in the UK consists of 5 major faculties including Arts, Humanities, Business, Health Sciences and Natural Sciences.
The cost of studying at Plymouth University
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: average £12,000 per year.
- Master’s programs: average £13,000 per year.
- Ph.D. programs: average £13,000 per year.
- Scholarships: Available.
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4. University of Cumbria
The University of Cumbria is a public research university located in Carlisle, in the North West region of the United Kingdom. The university roots go back to the early 19th century as an art school.
The university has recently expanded into a global educational institution providing classes to more than 9,000 enrolled students. The main campus is located in Carlisle with other campuses in Lancaster, Ambleside and Workington.
The university includes 5 faculties: Institutes of Business, Health, Arts, Education and Science, that offer more than 100 different programs.
The cost of studying at University of Cumbria
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: £13,250 per year.
- Master’s programs: £12,800 per year.
- Ph.D. programs: £12,800 per year.
- Scholarships: Available.
3. University of Sunderland
Located in the northeastern region of Sunderland, the University of Sunderland is another affordable public university in the UK. It was founded in 1901, it has over 13,000 enrolled students.
University of Sunderland has two campuses, the first one in Sunderland in London, in addition to an international campus that was recently established in Hong Kong.
This low-tuition university consists of 5 major colleges and offers a wide range of programs. Also, It ranks among the top 100 universities in the UK.
The cost of studying at University of Sunderland
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: £13,100 per year.
- Master’s programs: £13,000 per year.
- Ph.D. programs: £7,000 per year.
- Distance learning full-time: £8,000 per year
- Scholarships: Available.
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2. University of Suffolk
Located in Suffolk in East Anglia, Suffolk University is a public research university, and one of the most recent additions to the UK higher education system. The university was established in 2007. It consists of 5 campuses, with the main campus located in Ipswich with additional campuses in: Ipswich, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds, and Yarmouth.
The university has 6 faculties, including Colleges of Law and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Psychology and Education, Science/Technology and Engineering, College of Arts and College of Business.
This low-cost university in the UK has over 5,000 enrolled students. It ranks among the top 100 universities in the UK, and it offers more than 70 different courses and programmes.
The cost of studying at University of Suffolk
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: £13,000 per year.
- Master’s programs: £13,000 per year.
- Ph.D. programs: £13,000 per year.
- Scholarships: Available.
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1. University of Chester
The University of Chester is the fifth oldest higher education establishment in England, with only the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and London outdating it. It is a public university located in Chester, England.
The college which would become the University of Chester was founded in 1839. In the 20th Century, the institution steadily expanded its student numbers and the variety and nature of its courses, which range from Animation to Zoo Management.
The University of Chester now has over 1,700 staff and some 20,000 enrolled students. It offers a range of foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as undertaking academic research. In addition, It holds the Silver Award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
The cost of studying at University of Chester
- Check university tuition fees on their official website.
- Bachelor’s programs: £12,950 per year.
- Master’s programs: £13,450 per year.
- MBA: £13,750 per year.
- Ph.D. programs: £13,308 per year.
- Scholarships: Available.
This was a full list of the 12 cheapest universities in the UK for international students in 2022 and the tuition fees in each one of them. If you are planning to study in the UK on a limited budget, I am sure that you will find the right choice between these affordable UK universities!
Check more articles about studying abroad following Study Abroad Category
Are you looking for opportunities to study abroad for free? Check international scholarships category.
FAQs
Which university has the cheapest tuition fees for international students? ›
University of Wuerzburg
The university is one of the cheapest universities in the world for international students. It provides affordable education in respect to the quality of education it offers. Average tuition fees is about £220 (INR 19,773) and average living costs are about £6,197 (INR 5,56,986).
- University of Oxford. The University of Oxford is a tuition-free university in the United Kingdom. ...
- University of Warwick. ...
- University of Cambridge. ...
- University of Reading. ...
- University of Bristol. ...
- University of Bath. ...
- University of Birmingham. ...
- University of Edinburgh.
International undergraduate tuition fees vary from £11,400 - £38,000. The average cost is estimated to be around £22,200 per year. Typically, undergraduate degree courses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland last for three years or four in Scotland.
Which part of UK is best for international students? ›- London. Some of the well-known universities for higher education are located in London, making it one of the best place to study in UK. ...
- Edinburgh. ...
- Manchester. ...
- Glasgow. ...
- Coventry. ...
- Newcastle Upon Tyne. ...
- Birmingham. ...
- Bristol.
| Rank | University | Offer rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford | 19.1% |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | 21.6% |
| 3 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 21.9% |
| 4 | University of St Andrews | 25% |
Cheapest University in UK: Cheap Universities in UK for International Students. Studying in the United Kingdom can definitely take a toll on your pockets. This is not just because of the universities' tuition fees, but because the UK is overall considered to be one of the most expensive study destinations in the world.
Which European country has lowest tuition fees for international students? ›- Overall: Slovenia (low cost of living) and Germany (more study/work opportunities)
- As a Bachelor's student: Germany and Portugal.
- As a Master's student: Greece and Portugal.
- As a PhD student: Estonia and Poland.
- As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen: Slovenia and Greece.
Can poor Indian students study abroad? Yes, your financial status will not be a strong limiting factor if you have an excellent academic record and you meet all other entry requirements for the course. Explore all the ways to fund your studies, especially scholarships.
Can a foreigner study in UK for free? ›Although there are no Tuition Free Universities in UK, there are many private and government scholarships for international students in UK. If you want to apply for a scholarship, here is the list of scholarships (fully funded) to study in UK.
How can I study in UK without fees? ›- Early submission of applications. If a student wishes to pursue a specific course of his/her choice, it's best if they could apply it early by submission of applications. ...
- Get Financial Assistance in the United Kingdom. ...
- Apply to affordable colleges or universities.
Can I study in UK for free? ›
Generally, there is no free tuition university education at any level in the UK. But there are some clever ways to considerably reduce your tuition fees and living expenses, so you can study at low to no cost.
Is UK cheaper than us to study? ›The cost of studying abroad can be very expensive but the UK tends to be cheaper than the US. The tuition fees you'll need to pay in the UK will depend on the university you choose but it can be anywhere between £15,000 - £30,000 a year or more.
Is US cheaper than UK for students? ›According to cost-of-living comparisons, the cost of living in the UK compared to the US is broadly equal, with the UK being slightly less expensive by some measures. The average cost of student living in the UK is around £547 a month if you are not spending too much on your accommodation.
How much funds required for UK study visa? ›Money to support yourself ('financial requirement')
How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You'll need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London. £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
Even if international students secure admission, they have to apply for a valid UK study visa in order to move there. As per the UK Immigration Statistics, 37,500 Indian students received a Tier 4 (study) visa in 2019 and the UK Visa rejection rate stood at 5%.
Are there any American universities in UK? ›Lots of US universities have campuses overseas, and there are some international institutions that follow an American model of higher education, like Richmond, The American International University in London.
How do I transfer from US university to UK university? ›- Application fees.
- Official transcripts from your secondary school and current university.
- Reference letters (these can be from current professors)
- Admissions essays.
- Personal statement outlining your reasons for transferring. Make sure you focus on positives, and do not criticise your current institution.
Test Scores and GPA
Unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Undergraduate Degree
MS students in the United Kingdom must have a 3.0 GPA in order to apply for admission. 2:1 or 2:2 minimum GPA required for ms in UK in bachelor's degree in a field related to the program to which you are applying for eligibility for ms in UK.
If your course requires a merit in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 80% or a GPA of 3.75 out of 4.0. If your course requires a distinction in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 85% and above or a GPA of 3.85 out of 4.0.
How much does a UK student need per month? ›
LSE broadly estimates that students should allow £1,300-£1,400 per month for all living expenses, including accommodation, travel, food, laundry, study costs, and other personal expenses. This will vary depending on your lifestyle and requirements, so it's important you do your own research.
Which university is cheapest in London? ›- University of London.
- London Metropolitan University.
- GSM London.
- University of West London.
- Coventry University.
- Ulster University.
- Middlesex University.
- University of Westminster.
If you fail to secure a fully funded scholarship from a university or are unable to pay tuition fees, you can get admission to universities where tuition fees are completely free. Among them are Germany, Italy, Norway, Iceland, Belgium, and Austria.
Which European country gives student visa easily? ›While there are several countries offering easy permanent residency programmes to international students graduating from their universities, some of the top European countries offering easy student immigration include Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Which is the cheapest English speaking country to study? ›Which is the cheapest English-speaking country to study? There is a great variety of choices. Of the English-speaking countries that attract the most international students – the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, probably Canada and New Zealand have the lowest cost of living.
Which country easily gives scholarship? ›China. The most famous grant of China is provided by the government of China and fully covers not only study, but also accommodation. It's called The Grant of the PRC and includes a monthly scholarship of $500-600 is paid to the student.
What is the GPA requirement for study abroad? ›Common study abroad eligibility and requirements
GPA requirement: Though 3.0 is a common GPA requirement, there are still a handful of programs that allow for lower GPAs, like a 2.5 GPA. A few programs also accept a 2.0 GPA, and some unique programs have no minimum requirements.
You do not need a visa to study in the UK for courses up to 6 months, as long as you are studying at an accredited institution. This includes English language courses. You can apply for a Short-term study visa if you're studying on an English language course which lasts up to 11 months.
How can I get full scholarship in UK? ›- UK University Scholarships for International Students.
- Choose the Scholarships that Suit Your Interests. ...
- The Application Process for Scholarships in the UK University.
- Getting a head Start on the Scholarship Application Process.
- UK Government Scholarships.
What's the cost of moving to London from the US? Quick answer: The cost of moving to London from the US averages $3000 to $7000. The size of your move and service are the most significant cost factors when moving abroad. However, the time of year and mover you choose can also affect the cost.
Where is the cheapest place to study UK? ›
- Manchester. One of the biggest and most affordable UK cities, Manchester has a vast industrial heritage and is a city which is a student hub in the UK. ...
- Cambridge. ...
- Leicester. ...
- Durham. ...
- Belfast.
- Edinburgh Napier University – Bachelors start at 0 GBP/year.
- University of Central Lancashire – Bachelors start at 770 GBP/year.
- Teesside University – Bachelors start at 1,300 GBP/year.
- Glasgow Caledonian University – Bachelors start at 1,820 GBP/year.
Some top UK universities with no application fee for international students are: Oxford University. Imperial College London. University of Cambridge.
Which country in Europe has the lowest tuition fee for international students? ›The cheapest countries to study in Europe: Overall: Slovenia (low cost of living) and Germany (more study/work opportunities) As a Bachelor's student: Germany and Portugal. As a Master's student: Greece and Portugal.
Which country is cheaper for study USA or UK? ›The cost of studying abroad can be very expensive but the UK tends to be cheaper than the US. The tuition fees you'll need to pay in the UK will depend on the university you choose but it can be anywhere between £15,000 - £30,000 a year or more.
Is UK cheap for international students? ›Which Top UK Universities Have the Cheapest Tuition Fees for International Students? If you want to study in the UK, unfortunately it doesn't come cheap – around £12,200/US$16,120 is needed for living costs alone (and that's if you don't study in the more expensive London).
Which country have cheapest study visa? ›- Norway: Study in Norway. - Advertisement - ...
- Taiwan: Study in Taiwan. ...
- Germany: Study in Germany. ...
- France: Study in France. ...
- Mexico: Study in Mexico. ...
- India: Study in India. ...
- Argentina: Study in Argentina. ...
- Poland: Study in Poland.
...
Length and Types.
| USA | UK |
|---|---|
| Ph.D.: 5-7 Years | PhD: 3 Years |
A common question from international students is, “Will US employers accept my degree from abroad?” We're here to give you a deeper look into this. The short answer is, yes, the majority of US employers will accept your international degree.
Is UK better than USA for living? ›The UK is often considered a cheaper place to live. The cost of living in both countries is not the same and can vary depending on where people choose to live. It's also important to note that the average salary for someone in the US is significantly higher than what it would be in the UK due to taxes.
How much do I need to pay for UK Student visa? ›
You'll need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London. £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
Is it worth to go to UK on Student visa? ›Students who have studied in U.K have time and again praised its educational system; they have also had nothing but good things to say about campus life too! Studying in Britain is certainly one of those 'must do' kind of things if you're looking to pursue an international degree program today!