15 Cheapest Universities in England for International Students

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In England, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United Kingdom without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in England, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 136 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in England, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in England for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in England ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Bolton 9,750 GBP - 13,000 GBP 42%
Harper Adams University 11,300 GBP 33%
University of Nottingham 11,600 GBP - 26,500 GBP 31%
Leeds Trinity University 12,000 GBP 28%
University of London 12,000 GBP - 14,000 GBP 28%
Bishop Grosseteste University 12,500 GBP 26%
Liverpool Hope University 12,500 GBP 25%
Plymouth Marjon University 12,500 GBP 25%
Writtle University College 12,700 GBP 24%
University of Chester 13,000 GBP 23%
University of Suffolk 13,000 GBP - 14,600 GBP 22%
York St John University 13,000 GBP 22%
University of Sunderland 13,000 GBP 22%
Hartpury University and Hartpury College 13,000 GBP 22%
London Institute of Banking and Finance 13,000 GBP 22%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 16,700 GBP for universities in England.

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1. University of Bolton

Many students have found their place at the University of Bolton, and you might be next! The institution offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses to fit individuals’ needs and aspirations. Diversity is not just reflected in the available programs, for they also accept students worldwide. Indeed, individuals of more than 60 nationalities have found their homes and entrusted their futures with the university. The university’s performance is well-reflected in high student satisfaction ratings, investments in facilities, career initiatives, and more.

2. Harper Adams University

Harper Adams University is notably known for offering academic programs specializing in agriculture, food production, veterinary, and land management. The institution is situated on a farm where students have access to advanced laboratories and agricultural land. This will give students a close-up range and first-hand experience of their studies. Undoubtedly, the setting and facilities play an important role in harnessing the students’ core capabilities, skills, and knowledge.

3. University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is one of the public research universities in the UK. Besides its location in the vibrant city of Nottingham, it also has campuses in China and Malaysia. The university provides global and research-driven education to more than 34,000 students from over 150 countries. Its academic structure consists of 5 faculties with more than 50 schools, departments, and centers.

4. Leeds Trinity University

Leeds Trinity University is a public Catholic university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It is home to a small student population which allows the school to offer highly personalized teaching to each student. The university aims to produce highly-employable graduates, so it invests in quality facilities for practical learning and requires every undergraduate to complete a work placement.

5. University of London

The University of London is a public university in the United Kingdom that offers a unique academic experience through flexible study options and distance learning. The university allows international students to finish their degrees through one of its 17 member institutions in the UK. Students can also study at the University of London through one of its Recognized Teaching Centers in their home country.

6. Bishop Grosseteste University

The Bishop Grosseteste University, or BGU, was founded in 1862 as Lincoln Diocesan Training School for Mistresses. BGU obtained its ‘university-college status’ in 2006, it was then named Bishop Grosseteste University College or BGCU. BGCU was awarded its ‘university’ title in 2012 and, finally, renamed Bishop Grosseteste University in December of 2013. BGU only has one campus, which is situated in Lincoln.

7. Liverpool Hope University

Liverpool Hope University is a small and relatively new university, only granted its status in 2005. However, despite its age and size, the university is still prominent in research and teaching, even earning itself a Gold Teaching Excellence Framework. In its regions, the university has also been a consecutive top-ranking institution in the National Student Survey and was ranked 4th for teaching quality. These awards, and more, reflect both the university’s performance and potential.

8. Plymouth Marjon University

Generally known as Marjon, the school is also recognized by the name the University of St. Mark and St. John. The university’s vast campus is filled with state-of-the-art facilities and greenery that will motivate and enhance the academic environment. Marjon is also acknowledged along with the universities with top-rate quality in teaching, learning community, and student satisfaction. Students can choose from undergraduate and postgraduate programs focusing on areas like business, education, and sciences. 

9. Writtle University College

Writtle University College is a small institution near Chelmsford, accepting less than 1,000 college students every year. Its small size only means that students receive specialized education and training, especially in land-based courses. Their facilities are primarily geared for these subjects as the college has gardens, farms, glasshouses, research laboratories, and animal units, thus, allowing students to gain practical knowledge and skills. Besides land-based subjects, the university also offers sports, environmental, and animal courses.

10. University of Chester

The University of Chester is one of the oldest public universities in the United Kingdom, having been established in 1839. It is home to around 15,000 students, with 10% international students from over 130 countries. The university has five campuses in Chester, another in Warrington, and the University Center at Shrewsbury. Across its seven faculties, the university offers academic degree programs in Arts, Humanities, Business, Medicine, Science, Engineering, and Social Care.

11. University of Suffolk

The University of Suffolk is one of the public universities in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2007 in its former name, the University Campus Suffolk, the university has four campuses across Ipswich and Norfolk. Furthermore, the university is home to more than 9,500 students, with around 8% international students. Through its four schools, students can study various degree programs in Social Sciences, Humanities, Business, Health, Sport Sciences, and Engineering.

12. York St John University

The York St John University is among the schools in the UK that have been recognized for having high rates in completion and satisfaction of its students. The school offers an approximate of 100 degree programs from which students can choose from, ranging from subject areas like creative writing, computer science, business, arts, and more. Aside from this, the university has established its research performance among different fields.

13. University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland has been providing cutting-edge and internationally recognized degree programs for years. It has transformed the lives of its students by ensuring to satisfy their overall student experience during their time on campus. While its main campus is situated in Sunderland, it also has campuses in London and Hongkong, making this remarkable university an international institution easily accessible even on the other side of the world.

14. Hartpury University and Hartpury College

Hartpury University and Hartpury College were established in 1947, after World War II, initially starting as a college. As the university was primarily called Hartpury College, it formally changed its name to Hartpury University and Hartpury College when it obtained its ‘university status’ in 2018. The university remains an agricultural institution that offers a variety of land-based programs and courses.

15. London Institute of Banking and Finance

Originally founded as the Institute of Bankers in 1879, The London Institute of Banking and Finance achieved the Royal Charter in 1987. Through this, the name was changed to Chartered Institute of Bankers. It changed its name again to the Institute of Financial Services in 1997. The London Institute of Banking and Finance was the first institute to award the CeMAP qualification, which is given to mortgage advisers. It was granted ‘university college’ status in 2013, and the name was changed to The London Institute of Banking and Finance three years later.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in England for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in England ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Buckingham 5,060 GBP - 6,325 GBP 69%
University of Southampton 6,620 GBP - 26,900 GBP 59%
University of West London 6,875 GBP - 16,800 GBP 58%
University of Chichester 7,020 GBP - 15,300 GBP 57%
Coventry University 7,033 GBP - 14,300 GBP 57%
University of East Anglia 7,500 GBP - 29,000 GBP 54%
University of Greenwich 7,550 GBP - 18,500 GBP 53%
Buckinghamshire New University 8,000 GBP - 18,100 GBP 51%
Teesside University 8,500 GBP - 14,000 GBP 47%
University of Hull 8,950 GBP - 11,000 GBP 45%
York St John University 9,000 GBP - 13,000 GBP 44%
University of London 9,180 GBP - 16,000 GBP 43%
University of Winchester 9,250 GBP - 15,500 GBP 43%
Ravensbourne University London 9,750 GBP - 17,000 GBP 40%
Regent’s University London 9,750 GBP - 24,500 GBP 40%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 16,100 GBP for universities in England.

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1. University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham is famed for being one of England’s five private institutes of tertiary education. Other than that, it is also known for offering two-year accelerated undergraduate degree programs. With that, it has an extensive list of noteworthy alumni including playwright and director Bader Ben Hirsi, businessman James Brodie Henderson, and current Vice President of Ghana Mahamudu Bawumia.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Buckingham should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,060 GBP to 6,325 GBP annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Southampton

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Southampton. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of Southampton is 6,620 GBP to 26,850 GBP.

The University of Southampton is a public research university that was founded by philanthropist and benefactor Henry Robinson Hartley in 1862. Originally named Hartley Institution, it was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth II on April 29, 1952. The University of Southampton, abbreviated as Soton, has seven campuses: five are located in Southampton, where the main campus is in the Highfield area, while four others are around the city; the university has another campus near Winchester for the School of Art, and an international branch which is located in Malaysia, offering Engineering courses. As a founding member of the Russell Group, Soton is considered the largest university in the South East Region and ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide.

3. University of West London

With historical roots dating back to 1860, the University of West London is a distinguished institute of tertiary education. It is situated in the Greater London area and has two campus locations, one in Ealing and another in Brentford. It prides itself on being a career university as it offers a wide range of study options to undergraduates and postgraduates.

The tuition fee at University of West London for incoming international master’s students is 6,875 GBP to 16,800 GBP. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Chichester

Another affordable university to consider in England is University of Chichester.

The University of Chichester was ranked 21st in the United Kingdom by the Guardian University Guide 2022. This is an excellent achievement for the institution and a testament to how long they have come since 2005. Although relatively younger than most European institutions, the university can compete, as proven by this feat and its performance in the National Student Survey (top 25). These milestones and the wide variety of programs it provides assure students that there is a place of great potential for them at the University of Chichester.

The tuition fee in University of Chichester for master’s program for foreign students starts from 7,020 GBP.

5. Coventry University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Coventry University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 7,033 GBP yearly.

Coventry University is one of the United Kingdom’s largest and fast-growing universities. Its students are sure to receive high-quality education and research training, especially since the university hosts three national centers of excellence. Moreover, the institution has been recognized in many ways – shortlisted for 2021 University of the Year, 2022 No.1 Modern University in the Midlands, and Top 5 UK Student City. Its facilities, training, and history of excellence that date back to 1843 will enrich many individuals’ experiences.

6. University of East Anglia

One of the UK’s leading universities is the University of East Anglia. Located in the lively city of Norwich, the university offers academic programs in the field of Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Health Sciences. It consists of traditional and advanced courses that are currently popular among students. In addition, the institution is ideal for students who want to be surrounded by nature. The campus has a well-maintained wildlife trail enjoyed by students, staff, visitors, and the city’s locals.

7. University of Greenwich

One of the reputable institutions in the UK is the University of Greenwich. Established in 1890, this top-tier university has generated successful professionals throughout the years. Its vibrant and supportive student community is one of the significant factors in producing such creative talents. And being part of the Greenwich community will give students the needed support and guidance in choosing the right path for their future endeavors. The overall student experience at the university will truly be a rewarding experience.

8. Buckinghamshire New University

Buckinghamshire New University is a well-respected university that has partnered with other universities and colleges across the UK to provide good quality education to its students. In addition, the university is committed to lowering environmental impacts by setting up policies and practices within its campus to help resolve global challenges such as social and environmental issues. A truly inspirational institution that significantly contributes to the betterment of society.

9. Teesside University

Teesside University has its extensive set of sterling accomplishments and accreditations. Some notable achievements are the University of the Year (2022) for Social Inclusion award, ranking 1st in the International Student Barometer Survey 2021, consecutive Customer First accreditation, and the HR Excellence in Research award. All these and more are just a reflection of the high-quality performance and education Teesside University offers to its students.

10. University of Hull

Experience makes the best teacher, and England’s University of Hull, one of the United Kingdom’s oldest universities, sure has a lot of experience. This institution, whose history can be traced to 1927, has shared the light of learning with thousands of students for many decades. They continue to provide high-quality education and research training for their enrollees.

11. York St John University

The York St John University is among the schools in the UK that have been recognized for having high rates in completion and satisfaction of its students. The school offers an approximate of 100 degree programs from which students can choose from, ranging from subject areas like creative writing, computer science, business, arts, and more. Aside from this, the university has established its research performance among different fields.

12. University of London

The University of London is a public university in the United Kingdom that offers a unique academic experience through flexible study options and distance learning. The university allows international students to finish their degrees through one of its 17 member institutions in the UK. Students can also study at the University of London through one of its Recognized Teaching Centers in their home country.

13. University of Winchester

The University of Winchester is a public research institute for higher studies situated in England’s quaint county of Hampshire. Its historical background dates back to the year 1840 when the Church of England foundation initiated the Winchester Diocesan Training School. Presently, it is known in the UK as a prominent center of learning.

14. Ravensbourne University London

Ravensbourne University London is known for offering academic programs, particularly in digital media, design, and technology. The institution has a relatively small student community primarily comprised of artistic individuals aiming to pursue a career in digital media and creative industries. And since most of its programs are industry-specific and are currently in demand, graduates of the university are highly employable and assume high positions in the creative sectors

15. Regent’s University London

The university shows excellence in education through its accomplishments throughout its history. The private school is also a member of the Galileo Global Education which is the biggest provider of higher education on the continent of Europe. In this institution, the students are truly prioritized as one of the school’s beliefs is having a student-centered education.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in England?

Applying to cheap universities in England requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United Kingdom for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in England?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in England. For example, one of the best affordable schools in England is the Bishop Grosseteste University, which offers Counselling, Military History, and Education Studies to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Buckinghamshire New University offers Sports Therapy, Music and Audio Production, and Aviation Operations and Management.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in England, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in England as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in England for international students was helpful!