The UK is the top destination for its attractive location, welcoming education system, state of art facilities and the best education facilities in the world. In 2023, 679,970 students from around the world started studying in the UK (source).
International students are increasingly looking for cheaper accommodation and affordable locations in the UK. International Students are attracted to cheap universities in the United Kingdom offering low-cost study options with world-class education quality. Such institutions as University of Bolton, University of Cumbria, and Teesside University are best known for their affordability and the standards in their operations.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Affordable Universities in UK
- Affordable accommodation, low living costs, living facilities, locations and spaces like libraries are necessary for international students.
- State-of-the-art research facilities, multicultural community and top teaching methods.
- A supportive faculty and student support services.
- Scholarships and financial aid availability.
- An intensive alumni network with many opportunities.
- Part-time jobs, career assistance, company partnerships and internships.
List of Cheap Universities in UK
| Name of University | Fees | Location |
| Coventry University | £9,000-12,600 | Coventry, England |
| Royal Agricultural University | £10,000 | Gloucestershire |
| University of Cumbria | £10,500 | Lancaster, England |
| University of the West of Scotland | £10,600 | Paisley, Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and London |
| Buckinghamshire New University | £11,000 | Buckinghamshire |
| Plymouth Marjon University | £11,000 | Plymouth |
| University of Wales Trinity Saint David | £11,000 | Carmarthen, Lampeter, and Swansea, Wales |
| Leeds Beckett University | £14,000 – £15,000 | Leeds, England |
| Teesside University | £13,000 | Middlesbrough, England |
| Staffordshire University | £12,000 – £14,500 | Staffordshire, England |
| University of Bedfordshire | £12,900 – £13,275 | Luton, Bedford, Milton Keynes, and Aylesbury |
| University of West London | £12,000 | London, England |
| Wrexham Glyndwr University | £11,750 | Wrexham, Wales |
| Southampton Solent University | £12,500 | Southampton, England |
| University of Bolton | £13,000 | Greater Manchester, England |
| University of London | £14000 | London, England |
| University of South Wales | £14,100 | Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd, Wales |
| York St. John University | £13,000 | York |
Coventry University
Coventry University is rated 5 by QS Stars for inclusivity and Gold for Student Experience.
In Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, courses provide knowledge, strategies, foundations and specialized careers. Also, it is located in the Top 10 Student Cities in England for Affordability according to the QS Best Student Cities Index Ranking Indicators, 2024. The documents required for applying the University of Coventry are:
- Academic transcripts
- References and Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- Copies of degree/diploma certificates
- Work Experience
- English language Proficiency test score
| Address | Priory Street, Town Centre, Coventry, United Kingdom |
| Tuition Fees | £9,000-12,600 |
| Programs offered | Data Science, Pharmacy, Medicine and Healthcare, Engineering, Business Management, Computer Science |
| Phone number | +44 24 7765 7688 |
| Official Site | https://www.coventry.ac.uk/ |
Royal Agricultural University
After teaching for 175 years, Royal Agricultural University has more than 1,100 students in sectors like agriculture, business, environment, equine science, farm management, food, real estate and rural land management.
The courses provide links with industry and skills in demand in the employment market for land-based expertise, both in the UK and worldwide. The documentation for Riyal agricultural University is as follows:
- Application Form
- Academic transcripts and Qualifications
- References and Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- Work Experience
- English language Proficiency test score
- Visa
- Proof of Finances
| Address | Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom |
| Tuition Fees | £10,000 |
| Programs offered | Agriculture and Farm Management, Agriculture Professional, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, Agroecology, Agricultural Technology and Innovation, Regenerative Farming.ng. The steps to apply in the University of |
| Phone number | +44 (0) 1285 652531 |
| Official Site | https://www.rau.ac.uk/ |
University of Cumbria
The University has industry links to Police Forces, Youth Centres, NHS Trusts, Schools and Colleges, and Artists. The skills and knowledge gained here prepare students for the real world of challenges. 92% of the graduates are employed or enrolled in further study within 15 months of graduating. The steps to apply to the University of Cumbria are:
- Select your course of study.
- Check entry requirements for your nationality and qualifications.
- Apply online through an undergraduate or postgraduate portal.
- Receive an admission offer from the University of Cumbria.
- Read the conditions and pay the tuition deposit.
- The University will send a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter or Confirmation of Enrollment.
- Apply for a student visa.
| Address | Bowerham Road, Lancaster, LA1 3JD, United Kingdom |
| Tuition Fees | £10,000 |
| Programs offered | Applied Management, Education Studies, International Business Management, Animal Conservation Science, and Computer Science. |
| Phone number | +44 01524 590800 |
| Official Site | https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/ |
University of the West of Scotland
The courses are strategically partnered with top companies in an internationally recognised qualification. Students are prepared for success in professional life. In Times Higher Education Rankings, The university is ranked 16th globally for reduced inequalities. The university follows the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Application process is listed below:
- Select a desired course.
- Check the entry requirements and fulfilments for the course.
- Upload necessary documents.
- Provide a personal statement of purpose.
- Submit the application.
| Address | Bowerham Road, Lancaster, LA1 3JD, United Kingdom |
| Tuition Fees | £10,600 |
| Programs offered | Accounting, Engineering, Bioscience, Business and Finance, Human Resource Management. |
| Phone number | +44(0)141 849 4101 |
| Official Site | https://www.uws.ac.uk/ |
Buckingham New University
The university is recognised for number one in the United Kingdom for student satisfaction, 96% employability, and Silver in Teaching Excellence Framework, 2023.
| Address | High Wycombe Campus, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom |
| Tuition Fees | £11,000 |
| Programs offered | Computing and Information Technology, Health Sciences, Business Management, Education, Art and design, sports and design. |
| Phone number | +44 330 123 2023 |
| Official Site | https://www.bucks.ac.uk/ |
Plymouth Marjon University
Plymouth Marjon University is honored with rankings like No. 3 in England for Student Satisfaction in The Complete University Guide 2025, Joint 1st in the UK for Academic Support.
National Student Survey 2024, Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023, first in the UK for assessment (2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023), top ten for teaching, and 12th in the 2023 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey. Steps to apply for Undergraduate courses:
- Apply through UCAS on the website and click ‘Apply’ for University of Plymouth.
- Apply through a Plymouth representative in your home country.
For Postgraduate courses:
- Fill in an online application form for postgraduate courses.
- Check information for entry and English language requirements on the information page of your selected course of study or visit Plymouth’s information page for your nationality.
| Address | Plymouth Marjon University, Derriford Road, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BH, United Kingdom |
| Tuition Fees | £11,000 |
| Programs offered | Professional Education Practice, Business Management and Expertise, Research, Public health, Psychology, Nurse degree apprenticeship, Criminology, Literature and Journalism. |
| Phone number | +44 (0)1752 636700 |
| Official Site | https://www.marjon.ac.uk/ |
Cheap universities in London
| University | Annual Tuition Fees in GBP |
| University of East London | 13,800 |
| London Metropolitan University | 13,200 – 17,200 |
| University of West London | 13,300 |
| University of Greenwich | 15,100 |
| Birkbeck, University of London | 14,600 |
| Middlesex University | 14,700 |
| University of Roehampton | 13,800- 17,200 |
| London South Bank University | 15,400- 18,500 |
| University of Westminster | 14,400 – 14,800 |
| London Institute of Banking and Finance | 13,000 12,000 |
Conclusion: Cheap Universities in UK
Overall, studying at low-cost universities in the UK forms a good opportunity for international students to get quality education free from cost, which is mostly associated with overseas education. Students can expect modern facilities, experienced staff, company links, hands on work experience, internships and a supportive, practical and professional learning environment to nurture students towards a bright future.
For instance, Leeds Beckett University and Staffordshire University excel on high standards of student support services augmented with state-of-the art research facilities.
There is a lower cost of living in towns such as Bolton, Lancaster, and Middlesbrough compared with major cities like London. This will make it cheaper to study in the UK since students can effectively weigh their cost of tuition fees against that of living.
FAQs
Is the UK cheap for international students?
Yes, It can be cheap if the student makes the correct planning for affordability. In general terms, however, student life in the UK, particularly for a foreign student, can be very pricey. Undergraduate fees stand between £11,400 to £32,081 a year. Medical degrees reach as high as £67,8921.
In some post-graduate fees, it drops between £6,500 to £51,3601. More expenses come along with these, such as living costs and accommodation with food and transportation. Some universities and cities are found to be cheaper with respect to student-friendly locations.
Is Studying in the UK Costly?
Yes, studying in the UK is pretty costly for any international student. Undergraduate programmes range between £11,400 – £32,081, and one has to fork out anything up to £51,360 for his or her postgraduate programme.
In addition, the cost of living, including accommodation, food, and transportation, increases. Quality education is, however, celebrated in the UK, and opportunities through scholarships also aid in balancing some of the costs. Studying in the UK becomes affordable if students plan their finances wisely and if students seek scholarships and part-time jobs.
Which university accepts a £3,000 deposit in the UK?
Several UK universities still accept this £3,000 deposit for international students, although it may differ depending on the course as well as the university. For example, in some places, acceptance of this amount is a norm at University of Hertfordshire and University of West London. Therefore, you will find it quite important to seek out both the university as well as the specific course regarding what deposit might be necessary.
Furthermore, when the course will start as well as to what extent the deposit is deducted. Get in touch with the admissions office or log into the university’s original website for the best, most recent information.
What are the documents required to get admission into the best budget-friendly universities?
Generally, international students require the following documents to gain admission in UK-based best budget-friendly universities:
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English proficiency, including IELTS/TOEFL
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Copy of Passport
How are tuition fees different in public and private universities?
The UK is different from other countries, as the line between public and private universities here is not well formulated.
For many years, British universities were funded through state grants and a whole range of other subsidies. However, over the last few years, the system has changed, and now most students pay tuition fees. Still, unlike in some other countries, at least to date, there are no significant differences in funding between public and private universities in the UK. Most public universities are funded by the state but are nevertheless sufficiently autonomous.
International student tuition for the most prestigious universities typically costs more, though public or private isn’t really a distinction, as pointed out above. Public university undergraduate courses may cost between £11,400 and £32,081 per year, although private costs can be steeper, though. The quality and resources going into the education, however, justify the spend.
Are there some scholarships or funding support that can be had by international students?
Yes, there are a myriad of scholarships and funding support for international students in the UK. Some of these scholarships include:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships, for example Rhodes Scholarship
- Oxford External Scholarships provided by organizations and foundations
These scholarships could be used for paying tuition, living costs, or both. One must also research as early as possible and apply in advance because competition is usually high. Some universities may also offer financial aid and bursaries on the basis of merit or need.
Read more in detail: UK Scholarships for Indian Students
How do I get affordable accommodation in the UK?
Finding affordable accommodation in the UK requires the following strategies:
- University accommodation: Most universities have facilities for on-campus housing, which happens to be relatively cheaper and convenient.
- Private lets: Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom can find a private let or shared house.
- Homestays: It is cheap and one stays with a local family.
- Student housing websites: There are student homes dedicated through Unilodgers and Student.com.
- Prior planning and research: The better the planning, the more one is likely to spend time looking at various websites in detail for affordable accommodation.
