Savanna Hoffman
The cost of studying in the UK can be a significant barrier for international students, with tuition fees for non-EU international students far exceeding those of British or European residents. However, there are many budget-friendly universities in the UK where students can still receive a world-class education. When looking for cheaper universities in the UK, it is advisable to consider universities outside of London, as well as those lower down in the league tables, which may be more eager to attract international students. Additionally, scholarships, bursaries, and grants are offered by numerous UK universities and external organisations to help international students with their fees.
What You'll Learn
Scholarships and bursaries
The cost of studying abroad can be a significant barrier for international students. To address this, numerous UK universities and external organisations offer a range of scholarships, bursaries and grants.
The UK government's Chevening Scholarships, for instance, offer fully-funded scholarships for a one-year Master's degree in any subject at any UK university. These are highly competitive. Similarly, Commonwealth Scholarships are intended for students from developing Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover tuition fees, airfare to and from the UK, and a living allowance. They are available for Master's and PhD programs in various fields.
The University of Kent offers various degree and country-specific scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The London School of Economics and Political Science also awards a number of scholarships each year, funded by private or corporate donations. The University of Bradford, the University of Greenwich, and the University of Kent are also known for being some of the most affordable universities in England.
York St John University is another affordable option, with tuition fees as low as £11,300 for many MAs and some MScs. The University of Cumbria is also considered one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students due to its low tuition fees, with an average of £13,575 - £16,400.
When considering the overall cost of studying in the UK, it is important to factor in living expenses, including rent, bills, transport, and food. Students should also budget for social activities, clubs or societies, and other essentials such as clothes and healthcare.
To find cheaper tuition fees, prospective international students can look beyond prestigious institutions and those with high rankings, as competition for places can drive up prices. Universities lower in the league tables may be more keen to attract international students and could offer discounted tuition fees.
Online courses are also nearly always cheaper than full-time in-person tuition.
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Cheaper locations
While London is unlikely to be home to the cheapest universities, some London universities will have lower fees than universities elsewhere. Smaller cities and towns will have cheaper accommodation and more affordable entertainment options.
The University of Kent, for example, is one of the most affordable universities in England for international students. It offers various degree and country-specific scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The University of Kent is a semi-collegiate public research university located in Kent, UK, with more than 6,000 students. It is a students' top choice for studying Accounting & Finance, Business and Management, Law, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Teesside University, with campuses in London and Middlesbrough, offers affordable degree programmes to students. It has been consistently ranked in the UK's top ten for overall average international student satisfaction.
The University of Bradford is another affordable option, located in West Yorkshire, England. It is popular for courses like Archaeology, Forensic Science, Accounting & Finance, Business & Management, Software Engineering, and Psychology.
The University of Cumbria is another well-known research institution considered one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students due to its low tuition fees. It has six other campuses across England, two of which are in Carlisle, and one each in Ambleside, London, Barrow, and Workington.
York St John University is another affordable option, with tuition fees as low as £11,300 for many MAs and some MScs.
Other universities that offer affordable fees for international students include Writtle University College, Wrexham Glyndwr University, Leeds Beckett University, and the University of Chester.
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Low-cost courses
The cost of a degree in the UK can vary widely, and for international students, the fees are often much higher than for UK or EU students. However, there are many budget-friendly universities in the UK, and there are a few ways to find low-cost courses.
Firstly, look at universities outside of London, as running costs in the capital are expensive. However, some London universities will have lower fees than universities elsewhere. Secondly, look at smaller universities, as prestigious institutions with high rankings tend to be more expensive.
Thirdly, consider the type of course. Classroom courses are the cheapest to run and often only require lectures and minimal contact time with staff. Lab' courses such as science and engineering are likely to be more expensive due to the need for resources, technicians, and equipment. Clinical courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Vet Science are usually the most costly, as they require precision equipment and have high staffing costs.
There are also a number of universities known for offering low-cost courses. The University of Kent, for example, is one of the most affordable universities in England for international students. It offers a range of courses, including Accounting & Finance, Business and Management, Law, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The University of Bradford is another good option, with low tuition fees and popular courses such as Archaeology, Forensic Science, Accounting & Finance, and Software Engineering.
The University of Cumbria is also worth considering, with tuition fees ranging from £13,250 to £16,000. It is a well-known research institution and one of the most internationally diverse universities in the world. Similarly, the University of Chester has a diverse range of campuses and affordable housing options, with tuition fees ranging from £13,450 to £20,000.
If you're looking for a university with a good employment rate, Leeds Beckett University is a good option. It has a 96% employment rate and offers top-notch education in fields such as Economics, Media, and MBA. The University of Wolverhampton is another affordable option, with fees ranging from £14,450 to £16,950, and a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
For postgraduate courses, York St John University offers affordable options, with tuition fees as low as £11,300 for many MAs and some MScs. The University of Hull is another good option, with many taught MAs available for a tuition fee of £12,000.
Finally, it's worth looking into scholarships, as most universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, which can help reduce the cost of your course.
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Affordable accommodation
When it comes to affordable accommodation as an international student in the UK, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, university towns and cities tend to have a wide range of housing options, with varying price points. It is worth exploring the cost of living in different areas, as smaller towns and cities may offer more budget-friendly options. For example, cities like Leeds and Middlesbrough are known for having a reasonable cost of living and plenty of housing options.
Additionally, some universities may have specific accommodation options for international students, which can help you save on rent and other living expenses. It is worth contacting the universities you are interested in to inquire about any accommodation options they may offer.
To further reduce costs, you may also want to consider sharing a house or flat with other students. This can help split the cost of rent and bills, making it more affordable for everyone. Embracing student discounts is also a great way to save money, as many shops, transport services, and entertainment venues offer special rates for students.
Lastly, scholarships, bursaries, and grants can also help offset the cost of accommodation. Many UK universities and external organizations offer financial support specifically for international students, so be sure to explore these options when researching universities.
- University of Cumbria: Located in Lancaster, this university offers a range of courses and has a diverse international community. It has several campuses across England, providing a variety of accommodation options. The average tuition fee is £13,250-£16,000, with a total cost of living of approximately £2,600 per year.
- University of Chester: Chester is a great option for affordable tuition and accommodation. With tuition fees ranging from £13,450 to £20,000, it offers a supportive and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds. The total cost of living in Chester is approximately £2,599 per year.
- University of Kent: With a main campus in Kent and additional campuses in London and Middlesbrough, the University of Kent provides affordable degree programs and various scholarships for international students. It is a popular choice for students interested in Accounting & Finance, Business, and Management.
- York St John University: Located in the historic city of York, this university offers state-of-the-art facilities and a high graduate employment rate. The standard fee for international students is £13,000, with some courses varying in price.
- University of Wolverhampton: Wolverhampton is known for offering affordable undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields. With average tuition fees ranging from £14,450 to £16,950 and a total cost of living of £7,800 per year, it is an excellent option for budget-conscious students.
Remember to consider all the costs associated with your education, including rent, bills, transport, food, and social activities. By planning and budgeting wisely, you can find affordable accommodation options that fit within your financial plan.
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Student discounts
When it comes to the cheapest universities in the UK for international students, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, universities in smaller towns and cities tend to be more affordable than those in big cities like London. Additionally, universities lower in the league tables may have cheaper tuition fees as they try to attract international students. Online courses also tend to be more affordable than in-person tuition.
Now, let's talk about student discounts, which can help you save money during your time as a student in the UK. There are numerous discounts available to students across the country, and you should always be on the lookout for them. Many retailers and brands offer student discounts, so don't hesitate to ask or look for signs advertising them. You can find student discounts at most high street retailers and online, and websites like Save the Student can help you find specific deals.
To take advantage of these discounts, you'll typically need to present your student ID card in-store. For online purchases, you may need to sign up for a student discount service like Unidays, Student Beans, or Save the Student, which will verify your student status for the retailer. These sites often provide you with unique discount codes to enter at checkout. Some online retailers may instead ask for your university email address (usually ending in .ac.uk).
- Up to 50% off laptops and other technology
- Up to 25% off restaurant bills and takeaways
- 10% off at the Co-op supermarket
- 10-25% off ASOS
- 15% off Sephora
- 10% off everything at Boots
- Amazon Prime offers a free 6-month trial with access to Prime delivery, TV shows, movies, and sports
- Discounted train fares with certain rail companies, such as TransPennine Express offering 50% off advanced fares with a 16-25 Railcard
- Free or discounted coachcards from banks like Natwest and Santander, giving you reduced coach travel
- Discounted flights with Student Universe
- Discounted fashion, travel, and fitness deals with TOTUM (supported by the National Union of Students)
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Wolverhampton is the cheapest university in the UK for international students in 2025, with average tuition fees of £14,450-£16,950 and a total cost of living of £7,800 per year.
Other affordable universities in the UK for international students include the University of Kent, the University of Bradford, the University of Cumbria, the University of Chester, Leeds Beckett University, the University of Greenwich, the University of the West of Scotland, the University of West London, and Middlesex University.
The cost of a university in the UK can depend on its location, with London universities tending to be more expensive due to higher running costs. Universities with higher rankings also tend to charge higher fees.
