15 Cheapest Universities in United Kingdom for International Students

In United Kingdom, 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 United Kingdom, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 166 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in United Kingdom, make sure to read more!

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in United Kingdom for International Students

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Scotland’s Rural College 2,500 GBP - 15,000 GBP 85%
Robert Gordon University 4,640 GBP - 17,200 GBP 72%
Queen Margaret University 7,000 GBP - 15,500 GBP 57%
Ulster University 9,250 GBP - 15,900 GBP 43%
University of Aberdeen 9,250 GBP - 22,800 GBP 43%
Heriot-Watt University 9,250 GBP - 20,600 GBP 43%
University of Stirling 9,250 GBP - 18,800 GBP 43%
University of the West of Scotland 9,250 GBP - 17,300 GBP 43%
University of Edinburgh 9,250 GBP - 32,100 GBP 43%
University of Bolton 9,750 GBP - 13,000 GBP 40%
Harper Adams University 11,300 GBP 30%
University of Nottingham 11,600 GBP - 26,500 GBP 28%
Wrexham Glyndwr University 11,800 GBP 27%
University of London 12,000 GBP - 14,000 GBP 26%
Leeds Trinity University 12,000 GBP 26%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 16,100 GBP for universities in United Kingdom.

1. Scotland’s Rural College

Scotland’s Rural College is an institution focused on research and education in the fields of agriculture and life sciences. The school aims to develop the knowledge and skills of students for their contributions to improving the agricultural sector. Its vision and mission are centered on Scotland having a natural economy that is sustainable.

2. Robert Gordon University

Scotland’s Robert Gordon University offers a wide array of courses, many of which are well-ranked and highly-regarded. The institution itself is well-esteemed, placing high in teaching quality, course satisfaction, student experience, academic support, learning opportunities, and employability of graduates. The university is also committed and invested in its campus, facilities, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship initiatives. All these things and more have no doubt made it a sterling university.

3. Queen Margaret University

Named after Queen Margaret of Scotland, Queen Margaret University was established to help women and working families. Dedicated to its original purposes, it continues to help the community by establishing itself as a campus without borders, open and working closely with its locality. Nationally, the university is included in the top 100 universities based on several ranking sites. These rankings and other awards like the e-Government National Award show the institution’s commitment to excellence.

4. Ulster University

Ulster University is an institute of tertiary education in Northern Ireland. It is a multi-campus institution, with four of the main ones being situated in Coleraine, Jordanstown, and Magee. Aside from these, the center of learning also has locations in London, Birmingham, as well as Qatar. Moreover, it is well-known for producing groundbreaking research and it is included in the top 25% of the UK’s Universities for Research Power.

5. University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest institutions in the world. Its establishment dates back to 1495, and it classifies as an ancient university. Today, it is known for its unique blend of tradition and innovation, boasting an iconic campus that houses modern facilities and historic buildings alike.

6. Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is a specialist school that focuses on providing education in the fields of design, engineering, business, and science. It started as a mechanics institute – the first in the world – and it continues to be a leader in finding practical solutions to contemporary problems today. Because of its strong reputation in these highly-technical fields, Heriot-Watt is considered one of the most elite universities in the UK.

7. University of Stirling

The University of Stirling is a modern university whose mission is to provide education with a purpose. It has won multiple awards for its excellent curriculum, impactful research, and strong support for athletics. The university is also known for its iconic campus situated within the 18th-century Airthrey estate, with a castle and loch just within walking distance. Students benefit from the inspiring study atmosphere made possible by the exotic fauna and cutting-edge facilities found on campus.

8. University of the West of Scotland

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a public institute of higher studies that is regarded as one of the best universities all across the globe in terms of education quality and research. This institution has campus locations in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire, Paisley, and London. Moreover, UWS specializes in learning areas such as engineering, biological sciences, communication, and many more.

9. University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a public research university located in Scotland, a picturesque country known for its castles and whisky. It is one of the nation’s oldest centers of excellence as it was founded in the year 1583. Due to how highly regarded it is, many students choose to pursue their tertiary education at the university. With that, it has a long list of noteworthy alumni such as renowned psychologist and neuroscientist May-Britt Moser, molecular biologist and biophysicist Richard Henderson, as well as economist Sir James Alexander Mirrlees.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Wrexham Glyndwr University

Transforming student’s life is one of the primary goals of Wrexham Glyndwr University. The institution’s teaching approach, “Active Learning Framework,” is blended learning of the traditional and modern methods with students learning on-campus and having access to online learning. This approach has mainly worked well for most full-time and part-time students since many of them come from different backgrounds. Its core values: accessible, supportive, innovative, and ambitious, perfectly align with the university’s values and vision.

14. 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.

15. 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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in United Kingdom for International Students

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

University Annual Master’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of St Andrews 4,950 GBP - 25,500 GBP 69%
University of Buckingham 5,060 GBP - 6,325 GBP 68%
Robert Gordon University 5,300 GBP - 18,300 GBP 66%
Scotland’s Rural College 6,000 GBP - 15,800 GBP 62%
University of Southampton 6,620 GBP - 26,900 GBP 58%
Ulster University 6,720 GBP - 17,800 GBP 57%
University of West London 6,875 GBP - 16,800 GBP 56%
University of Chichester 7,020 GBP - 15,300 GBP 55%
Coventry University 7,033 GBP - 14,300 GBP 55%
University of East Anglia 7,500 GBP - 29,000 GBP 52%
University of Greenwich 7,550 GBP - 18,500 GBP 52%
Buckinghamshire New University 8,000 GBP - 18,100 GBP 49%
Glasgow School of Art 8,100 GBP - 29,400 GBP 48%
Teesside University 8,500 GBP - 14,000 GBP 46%
University of Hull 8,950 GBP - 11,000 GBP 43%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 15,600 GBP for universities in united kingdom.

1. University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews, or St And for short, is the oldest of the four “ancient universities of Scotland,” while it is the third-oldest in the English-speaking world, following Oxford and Cambridge. Initially founded by an assembly of Augustinian clergy in 1410, Antipope Benedict XIII bestowed the school ‘university status’, due to Bishop Henry Wardlaw’s petition, on August 28, 1413. Since then, the University of St Andrews has been comprised of three different institutions: United College, St. Leonard’s College, and St. Mary’s College. St And has also been dubbed as “University of the Year” twice by The Times and Sunday Times, and the first university ever to surpass Cambridge and Oxford in British rankings after being ranked as the best university in the UK in the 2022 Good University Guide.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of St Andrews should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,950 GBP to 25,450 GBP annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Buckingham

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Buckingham. 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 Buckingham is 5,060 GBP to 6,325 GBP.

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.

3. Robert Gordon University

Scotland’s Robert Gordon University offers a wide array of courses, many of which are well-ranked and highly-regarded. The institution itself is well-esteemed, placing high in teaching quality, course satisfaction, student experience, academic support, learning opportunities, and employability of graduates. The university is also committed and invested in its campus, facilities, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship initiatives. All these things and more have no doubt made it a sterling university.

The tuition fee at Robert Gordon University for incoming international master’s students is 5,300 GBP to 18,230 GBP. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Scotland’s Rural College

Another affordable university to consider in United Kingdom is Scotland’s Rural College.

Scotland’s Rural College is an institution focused on research and education in the fields of agriculture and life sciences. The school aims to develop the knowledge and skills of students for their contributions to improving the agricultural sector. Its vision and mission are centered on Scotland having a natural economy that is sustainable.

The tuition fee in Scotland’s Rural College for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,000 GBP.

5. University of Southampton

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Southampton 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 6,620 GBP yearly.

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.

6. Ulster University

Ulster University is an institute of tertiary education in Northern Ireland. It is a multi-campus institution, with four of the main ones being situated in Coleraine, Jordanstown, and Magee. Aside from these, the center of learning also has locations in London, Birmingham, as well as Qatar. Moreover, it is well-known for producing groundbreaking research and it is included in the top 25% of the UK’s Universities for Research Power.

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 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.

9. Coventry University

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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Glasgow School of Art

As an art school, the Glasgow School of Art has general and specialized courses in different subjects like design and fine arts. It consists of five departments divided into architecture, design, fine art, innovation, simulation, and visualization. The university has its own share of notable alumni, and it has also received recognition in international rankings for its performance among art and design schools.

14. 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.

15. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in United Kingdom. For example, one of the best affordable schools in United Kingdom is the Harper Adams University, which offers Agri-Business, Animal Health and Welfare, and Applied Zoology 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 United Kingdom, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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