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 137 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*
MetFilm School 9,535 GBP - 27,800 GBP 52%
Leeds Trinity University 12,000 GBP - 14,500 GBP 40%
University of London 12,000 GBP - 14,000 GBP 40%
York St John University 12,100 GBP - 14,700 GBP 39%
Birmingham Newman University 12,500 GBP 37%
Walbrook Institute London 12,500 GBP 37%
University of West London 13,300 GBP 33%
University of Salford 14,400 GBP - 21,600 GBP 28%
University of Chester 14,500 GBP 27%
Liverpool Hope University 14,500 GBP 27%
Plymouth Marjon University 14,500 GBP - 14,600 GBP 27%
University of Suffolk 14,600 GBP - 17,900 GBP 27%
University of Buckingham 14,800 GBP - 22,200 GBP 26%
University of Cumbria 14,900 GBP - 17,900 GBP 25%
Birmingham City University 15,200 GBP - 29,600 GBP 24%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 19,800 GBP for universities in England.

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1. MetFilm School

MetFilm School is a renowned institution specializing in film, television, and online media education. Through its innovative and practical programs taught by influential experts in the industry, MetFilm School strives to provide high-level training to its students and help them secure employment after graduation. The school also has strong industry connections that enable students to participate in real-world projects and gain relevant experience.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Birmingham Newman University

Birmingham Newman University is a public educational institution situated in England’s West Midlands region. In its early years before gaining university status, it used to be called Newman College of Higher Education. Adding to this, it is a center of learning that is closely affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

6. Walbrook Institute London

Originally founded as the Institute of Bankers in 1879, the Walbrook Institute London 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. Now, the university name has changed to Walbrook Institute London.

7. 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.

8. University of Salford

Salford Working Men’s College was founded in 1858, while Pendleton Mechanics’ Institute was founded in 1850. These two schools merged in 1896, forming the Royal Technical Institute. On February 10, 1967, the University of Salford obtained its ‘university status’ along with the name change, then known as The Royal College of Advanced Technology. Through various changes and unions over the years, the University of Salford merged with University College Salford in 1996, forming one institution.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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. 

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. University of Cumbria

The University of Cumbria is a public institution with rich history and tradition. Originally a school for the arts, the university has expanded to offer a diverse range of study options at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is headquartered in Carlisle but also has campuses in four other locations: Ambleside, Barrow-in-Furness, London, and Lancaster. The university tailor-fits the courses offered with the unique environment each city or town offers, allowing students to achieve their potentials in a setting that best inspires them.

15. Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University offers a wide range of courses for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Its main campus is located in the city center, but there are other building locations spread throughout the city. The university is ideal for students who seek options as other study methods, like part-time study and integrated master’s, are also available. Check out their website to know more about what’s in store for you!

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*
Manchester School of Architecture 4,667 GBP - 31,500 GBP 77%
University of West London 6,875 GBP - 16,800 GBP 66%
University of London 9,180 GBP - 16,000 GBP 54%
MetFilm School 9,950 GBP - 22,000 GBP 50%
Teesside University 10,000 GBP - 17,000 GBP 50%
University of East Anglia 10,700 GBP - 27,000 GBP 47%
University for the Creative Arts 11,700 GBP - 18,500 GBP 41%
York St John University 11,800 GBP - 18,400 GBP 41%
University of Hull 12,000 GBP - 16,000 GBP 40%
Leeds Trinity University 12,000 GBP - 19,000 GBP 40%
Walbrook Institute London 12,500 GBP 37%
Harper Adams University 12,500 GBP - 19,800 GBP 37%
Birmingham Newman University 13,500 GBP 32%
University of Westminster 14,000 GBP - 20,000 GBP 30%
Staffordshire University 14,000 GBP - 19,000 GBP 30%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 19,900 GBP for universities in England.

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1. Manchester School of Architecture

The Manchester School of Architecture is one of the most well-respected academic institutions for architecture education in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1996 through the partnership of two globally acclaimed universities in the country: the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Through its world-class facilities and distinguished faculty, the university aims to provide top-notch education and practical training to its students and produce talented, dynamic, and influential architects and designers.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Manchester School of Architecture should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,667 GBP to 31,500 GBP annually for their master's degree.

2. University of West London

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of West London. 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 West London is 6,875 GBP to 16,800 GBP.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at University of London for incoming international master’s students is 9,180 GBP to 16,000 GBP. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. MetFilm School

Another affordable university to consider in England is MetFilm School.

MetFilm School is a renowned institution specializing in film, television, and online media education. Through its innovative and practical programs taught by influential experts in the industry, MetFilm School strives to provide high-level training to its students and help them secure employment after graduation. The school also has strong industry connections that enable students to participate in real-world projects and gain relevant experience.

The tuition fee in MetFilm School for master’s program for foreign students starts from 9,950 GBP.

5. Teesside University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Teesside 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 10,000 GBP yearly.

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.

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 for the Creative Arts

With top rankings for different subject areas, such as in communications, media, business and management, the University for the Creative Arts shows its competency and excellence. The school offers a variety of courses, mainly in arts and business. All of these are recognized for their high quality curriculum and well-respected mentors and teachers. Studying in this university will surely help in enhancing the knowledge and skills that the students need in building their creative careers.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Walbrook Institute London

Originally founded as the Institute of Bankers in 1879, the Walbrook Institute London 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. Now, the university name has changed to Walbrook Institute London.

12. 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.

13. Birmingham Newman University

Birmingham Newman University is a public educational institution situated in England’s West Midlands region. In its early years before gaining university status, it used to be called Newman College of Higher Education. Adding to this, it is a center of learning that is closely affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

14. University of Westminster

The University of Westminster was founded in 1838 in its former name, Royal Polytechnic Institution. From being the first polytechnic in the country, it officially became the University of Westminster in 1992, offering academic courses in Arts, Sciences, Technology, and Business. It has four campuses in London, three of which are in Central London.

15. Staffordshire University

Are you interested in going to a research-dedicated university? At Staffordshire University, research is at its core, especially its research themes: business, enterprise, and management; crime, justice, and security; culture, heritage, and society; engineering, technology, and environment; and health, wellbeing, and education. The university has also earned accolades such as the University of the Year from the Edufuturist Awards 2021. The institution is also well-ranked in teaching quality, student satisfaction, job prospects, and social inclusion.

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 Birmingham City University, which offers Accounting and Finance, Architecture, and Business Management to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Birmingham Newman University offers Criminology and Social Justice, Clinical Applications of Psychology, and Education (Mentoring and Coaching).

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!