4 Cheapest Universities in Manchester for International Students

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In Manchester, England, there are a handful 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, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Manchester, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 4 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Manchester, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Manchester Metropolitan University 16,500 GBP - 18,000 GBP 28%
University of Manchester 20,000 GBP - 27,000 GBP 12%
Royal Northern College of Music 22,800 GBP - 26,000 GBP -0%
Manchester School of Architecture 31,500 GBP -38%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 22,800 GBP for universities in Manchester.

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1. Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University is home to one of the largest student populations in the UK. It was founded as a school for mechanics and design but expanded to offer a wide range of study options throughout the years. Several students aspire to gain admission here because of the university’s commitment to academic excellence and continued investment in modern laboratories. Graduates of Manchester Met are equipped with knowledge and skills that are valuable to employers today, placing them in high demand at the job market.

2. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester was established in 2004 from the combination of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and the Victoria University of Manchester. It has become a well-recognized institution all over the world due to its groundbreaking research contributions and high quality of teaching. With top-grade amenities and equipment made accessible for its extensive list of course offerings, it is no doubt also one of the universities belonging to the renowned Russell Group.

3. Royal Northern College of Music

The Royal Northern College of Music or RNCM is one of the public conservatoires in the United Kingdom. Located in Manchester, the institution was established in 1973 after the merging of the Royal Manchester College of Music and the Northern School of Music. It is currently home to over 900 students across its degree programs in Music and Performance.

4. 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.

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

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Manchester 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 72%
Manchester Metropolitan University 16,500 GBP - 18,000 GBP 1%
University of Manchester 21,000 GBP - 32,000 GBP -26%
Royal Northern College of Music 24,300 GBP - 33,300 GBP -46%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 16,700 GBP for universities in Manchester.

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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. Manchester Metropolitan University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Manchester Metropolitan University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Manchester Metropolitan University is 16,500 GBP to 18,000 GBP.

Manchester Metropolitan University is home to one of the largest student populations in the UK. It was founded as a school for mechanics and design but expanded to offer a wide range of study options throughout the years. Several students aspire to gain admission here because of the university’s commitment to academic excellence and continued investment in modern laboratories. Graduates of Manchester Met are equipped with knowledge and skills that are valuable to employers today, placing them in high demand at the job market.

3. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester was established in 2004 from the combination of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and the Victoria University of Manchester. It has become a well-recognized institution all over the world due to its groundbreaking research contributions and high quality of teaching. With top-grade amenities and equipment made accessible for its extensive list of course offerings, it is no doubt also one of the universities belonging to the renowned Russell Group.

The tuition fee at University of Manchester for incoming international master’s students is 21,000 GBP to 32,000 GBP. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Royal Northern College of Music

Another affordable university to consider in Manchester is Royal Northern College of Music.

The Royal Northern College of Music or RNCM is one of the public conservatoires in the United Kingdom. Located in Manchester, the institution was established in 1973 after the merging of the Royal Manchester College of Music and the Northern School of Music. It is currently home to over 900 students across its degree programs in Music and Performance.

The tuition fee in Royal Northern College of Music for master’s program for foreign students starts from 24,300 GBP.


Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Manchester 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 Manchester?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Manchester. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Manchester is the Manchester Metropolitan University, which offers Accounting and Finance, Acting, and Architecture to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Manchester Metropolitan University offers Applied Criminology, Animation, and Creative Writing.


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 Manchester, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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