“I’ve always dreamt of studying in UK but find most of the universities in UK incredibly expensive. Should I still pursue my dream? Is it worth it?”
If you’ve thought this too, you’re not alone. Many students stride along their path of studying in UK but fall face-first when they come across these almost unavoidable financial obstacles. Unable to find a way to pay for their tuition, they abandon their goals or change their destination.
Fear not! With some digging around, we have put together this list of some of most affordable universities in UK for international students based on rankings and tuition fees for the year 2023-24, so that you won’t have to compromise on the quality of your education and your experience in UK.
List of Most Affordable Universities in UK
Let us first get this clear - you can absolutely find affordable universities in UK. The trick is to aim for universities outside of London since the city is largely populated by international students, leading to inflation in their tuition fees for the students. You might notice a steep difference in fees for UK universities for international students and native students. In England, the government partially provides for the education of its citizens. This courtesy isn’t extended by UK universities for international students, causing a rise in fees.
1. Leeds Beckett University
Established in: 1992
Location: Leeds
Tuition fees: £11,000 - 15,000
First on our list of most affordable universities in UK for international students is Leeds Beckett University, which was known as Leeds Metropolitan University until 2014. Placing 1001-1200 in the QS Rankings 2023, this university is popular for its top-notch education in fields such as Economics, Media and MBA. Around 5.2% of the student population is international and the employment rate is 96%. If you’re looking for more reasons to enroll in LBU, it’s been awarded ‘Silver’ status in the National TEF. The university’s main campus is located in Leeds, which is a popular student destination with a reasonable cost of living and plenty of housing options.
2. Teesside University
Established in: 1930
Location: Middlesbrough
Tuition fees: £14,000 - 17,000
Established in 1930, the Teesside University, or TU Middlesbrough offers students courses at reasonable rates, making it one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students. Among its many achievements is some impressive positions on the THE rankings for world universities (801-1000) and young universities (301-350), along with placing 1st out of 96 world universities for student satisfaction on the International Student Barometer. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 names TU the University of the Year for Social Inclusion. The average cost of living in Middlesbrough, where the TU campus is located, is $1280. You can reduce this by opting for affordable housing near TU.
3. The University of Cumbria
Established in: 1822
Location: Lancaster
Tuition fees: £13,250 - 16,000
Located in Lancaster, England, the University of Cumbria is a well-known research institution and is considered one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students due to its low tuition fees. Although it was officially established in 2007, its roots can be traced back to 1822. The University of Cumbria is one of the most internationally diverse institutions in the world and ranks 1st in the UK for their high-quality education (TImes Higher Education Impact Rankings 2020). It has six other campuses across England, two of which are in Carlisle, and one in Ambleside, London, Barrow, and Workington. Compared to other cities like London, the cost of living in the Northern cities is quite lower, and Lancaster is no exception. You can pick from amber’s selection of accommodation near UoC Lancaster to lower your expenses even further.
4. University of Chester
Established in: 1839
Location: Chester
Tuition fees: £13,450 - 20,000
Ranking in the Complete University Guide’s top 4 universities in the North West and the top half nationally, the University of Chester is certainly one of the best and most affordable universities in UK for international students. The fifth oldest higher education institution in England, the University of Chester was opened in 1839 as a teacher training college, the first of its kind in the UK. Offering students top courses in several campuses located in Chester, Shrewsbury, and Warrington. A popular choice for those planning on studying accounting & finance in the UK, the University of Chester has several comfortable and affordable housing options located nearby.
5. Staffordshire University
Established in: 1906
Location: Staffordshire
Tuition fees: £14,000 - 19,000
Established in 1992, Staffordhsire University is best known in the eductaion field for its popular courses - computers, psychology, and MBA. Focusingmainly on employability, the university partners with global companies to ensure a rich and fulfilling career for each of their students. Having launched the world’s first-ever Esports degree, it comes as no surprise that Staffordshire University places 106th in the Times University Guide and 68th in the Guardian University Guide. Students can find some great accommodation options near Staffordashire University’s two main campuses in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford.
6. Coventry University
Established in: 1992
Location: Coventry
Tuition fees: £16,800 - 19,850
Titled the highest ranking Modern University in the Midlands according to Guardian 2022, Coventry University’s roots can be traced back to 1843 and began as Coventry College of Design. The main campus is located in Coventry, which is has been recognised as the 5th best UK student city! Other campuses can be found in London and Scarborough. The Coventry University recently won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, which is the UK’s most prestigious business award, making it no doubt one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students to consider. Amber offers several housing options nearby for your convenience.
7. University of the West of Scotland
Established in: 1897
Location: West of Scotland and London
Tuition fees: £12,600 - 14,100
One of the most affordable universities in UK for international students, the University of West of Scotland is ranked in the top 3 universities in Scotland by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, primarily for student experience and graduate career prospects. With around 3500 international students from 140 different nationalities, the University of West of Scotland offers courses in fields such as Computing, Accounting, and Finance at its four campuses in Paisley, Lanarkshire, Dumfries, Ayr, and central London. Amber provides students with homes close to this university’s London and Scotland campuses.
8. University of Bedfordshire
Established in: 1882
Location: Bedford
Tuition fees: £14,500 - 18,400
The four campuses of the University of Bedfordshire are based in Bedford, Luton, Aylesbury, and Milton Keynes. The main campus located in Bedford, is surrounded by several good accommodations. Having been awarded the prestigious ‘Silver’ status by TEF in 2017, it comes as no shock that this university is one of the top choices when it comes to the best and most affordable universities in UK for international students. Several courses scored 100% in overall student satisfaction including Forensic Science, Performing Arts, and Psychology.
9. University of Stirling
Established in: 1967
Location: Stirling
Tuition fees: £12,140 - 14,460
Founded in 1967, the University of Stirling is placed amongst the top 50 universities in UK in 2023’s Complete University Guide. It offers ranking courses in Marketing, Sociology, French, English, Education, and Law. With more than 30% of its student population from over 135 nationalities, it is certainly one of the low tuition fee universities in the UK for international students. You can check out the nearby amber accommodation options to get started on your journey abroad!
10. Queen Margaret University
Established in: 1875
Location: Musselburgh, Scotland
Tuition fees: £11,250 - 12,500
Named after Saint Margaret, King Malcolm III of Scotland’s wife, the school was originally a female-only institution, aiming to improve women’s access to good quality education of a higher level. Ranking 1st among UK universities for Complentary Medicine, in the top 5 of Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Occupational Therapy, and in the top 12 for Drama and Dance. Last year, the university had 10,007 students, out of which 13% are from outside Edurope. With a graduate unemployment level in Scotland 15 months after graduation as low as 3%, which is 2% lesser than Scotland’s average. With all these reasons and many more, including budget-friendly housing nearby, it is clear that Queen Margaret University is one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students.
11. University of West London
Established in: 1992
Location: Ealing, Brentford, and Reading
Tuition fees: £13,000
Ranked among the top 20% of UK universities by the Guardian University Guide 2023, the University of West London also bagged the titles of ‘University of the Year for Teaching Quality’ and ‘University of the Year for Student Experience’ according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023. If you’re looking for the best and most affordable universities in UK for international students, look no further! This university tops National Student survey 2022’s list of UK universities for student voice, satisfaction, and academic support. It offers excellent courses in the fields of Law, Music, Business, Nursing, and Film, Media and Design. With an extraordinary employment rate of 98%, the university’s nickname ‘The Career University’ checks out. Not only this, you can find a variety of housing options nearby to make sure you’re never late to a lecture.
12. Wrexham Glyndwr University
Established in: 2008
Location: Wrexham, Wales
Tuition fees: £11,750 - 16,000
One of UK’s younger universities, Wrexham Glyndwr University was founded in 2008. Despite being quite new to the game, the university has already climbed up 41 places to the 2nd rank in the UK for teaching satisfaction in The Guardian University Guide 2022. Located in Wales, the university is pretty close to several awesome student housing options. The Wrexham Glyndwr University has an employment rate of 92.1%, which is higher than the average in UK. Additionally, it is a university that is inexpensive for most people to attend because international students pay comparatively little in tuition, making it one of the top affordable universities in UK.
13. University of Bolton
Established in: 1982
Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester
Tuition fees: £12,950 - 14,450
Formerly known as Bolton Institute of Higher Education and Bolton University, the University of Bolton is located in Greater Manchester, England. With students from over 60 nationalities making up its student population, the University of Bolton is no doubt one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students. Since 2019, the university ranks 1st for student satisfaction in the North West in the Complete University Guide. It also takes up a spot in the top 10 UK universities for student satisfaction. With an employment rate of 80.5%, the university promises good placement on graduation. The cost of living in Greater Manchester is around £8,824 according to the university’s website. You can lower this by opting for affordable housing nearby.
14. Leeds Trinity University
Established in: 1966
Location: Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Tuition fees: £11,500 - 12,500
Ranking 18th among UK’s universities for student experience in the Good University Guide 2023, Leeds Trinity University is one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students. Located in Horsforth in Leeds, one of UK’s best student cities, the campus is near several incredible student homes. By pioneering the inclusion of work placements for every degree, Leeds Trinity University is one of the UK’s top universities for employability and has a high employment rate of 97%.
15. University of Sunderland
Established in: 1901
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Tuition fees: £13,000 - 16,500
Founded in 1901, the University of Sunderland’s main campus is situated in the northeastern area of Sunterland. Its second campus is located in London. Withing six months of graduation, 93.4% of the students of this university find employment or pursue further education. Consistently ranking in the top 100 universities in the UK, it comes as no surprise that the University of Sunderland is one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students, especially when considering the relatively low cost of living of the area it is located in, and the budgetfriendly accommodations available near its Sunderland and London campuses.
16. Plymouth University
Established in: 1862
Location: Plymouth, England
Tuition fees: £12,250 - 12,500
Located in Plymouth, England, the Plymouth University is based in South West England. Ranking in the top 700 globally (QS World University Rankings 2023), the University of Plymouth provides exceptionally good education in fields such as marine technology, psychology, art & design. The university's acceptance rate is a respectable 85%. The university is the ideal place to advance your career, with an employment rate of . With the cost of living in Plymouth at a low rate of just £1,487, it should come as no surprise that Plymouth university is one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students. Amber offers a wide range of student housing nearby for you to choose from.
17. University of Suffolk
Established in: 2007
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, Norfolk
Tuition fees: £12,996 - 16,497
Ranking 234th in the 2022-23 edition of Best Colleges is the University of Suffolk. Founded in 2007, this university was originally called University Campus Suffolk (UCS) and only received university status in 2016. Teaching around 10,000 students from nearly 70 different countries, the University of Suffolk is certainly one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students. Alongwith its main campus in Ipswich Waterfront, the university also delivers courses at its partner colleges. The university’s popular courses include business, health and computing. Amber provides students with a platter of housing options nearby to pick from.
18. Buckinghamshire New University
Established in: 2007
Location: High Wycombe
Tuition fees: £10,500
Ranked in the Top 10 universities for International Study by Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022, it is no shock that the Buckinghamshire New University is one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students. The university offers several unique and popular courses such as Design, Textiles and Pilot Training. With campuses in Great Missenden, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Uxbridge, the university is quite close to several amber accommodations. It has consistently ranked in several lists of creative universities in the UK. This university is the stepping stone for a great career with an employment rate as high as 98%.
19. London Metropolitan University
Established in: 2002
Location: London, England
Tuition fees: £13,200 - 14,500
Ranking in the top 100 global universities (QS WOrld University Rankings 2023), the London Metropolitan Unviersity is undoubtedly one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students. The university boasts an employment rate of 96.7% and provides several volunteer opportunities to students for the duration of their course. The university has two campuses in London - Holloway and Aldgate, where amber has student homes ready to pick from.
20. York St John University
Established in: 1841
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Tuition fees: £10,000 - 11,500
Named the top university in the North for its high teaching quality, the York St Joh University places at an impressive 13th rank in the UK for student satisfaction. It ranks 79th globally and is no doubt one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students with surprisingly low tuition fees. The university’s large urban campus is conveniently located quite close to York’s city centre and several amber accommodations.
This was the detailed list of all the low cost university in the UK. We hope that we have rekindled your ambitious spirit with this list of most affordable universities in UK for international students. Although UK universities are quite hard to get into due to the competition, we hope you achieve your dream! Quite a few Russell Universities are located in UK. If you’re curious about a specific kind of college, make sure to check out our lists of the best law colleges, top MBA universities, and psychology schools in the UK. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any more queries.
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