Posted by The United Kingdom is one of the most expensive places for international students to study; yet, it accounts for one of the top three destinations where international students are trooping into. ‘Why?’, you may wonder. The answer is simple: the United Kingdom has one of the best education systems in the world, and reputable universities to match.
If you’re an international student looking to study in the UK, but you don’t have enough savings to cover the hefty tuition fees that top universities like Oxford and Cambridge are asking for, then why don’t you look out for schools with lower fees?
We’ve compiled a list of the 15 cheapest universities in the UK for international students. These schools offer high-quality education at an affordable price, giving you the opportunity to get a world-class degree without breaking the bank. Don’t let financial concerns hold you back from achieving your academic goals. Read this article to find the perfect fit for you.
Table of Contents
Overview
The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, but it can also be a costly place to study as an international student. However, there are options for the cheapest universities in the UK for international students.
These universities offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields of study, making it easier for international students to find a program that fits their interests and goals. Whether you’re a student on a budget, or simply looking for the most cost-effective options, our list has something for you to discover.
Benefits of Getting a UK Education
There are many reasons why the UK is a popular study destination for international students, despite the high cost of education. The UK represents one of the most advanced nations in the world, rich with history, and enablement across multiple industries and their economy. People love to come to the UK because they perceive it as a place to find better opportunities. Let’s discuss this in detail.
Here are some reasons why many students prefer a switch to the UK more than most other European countries:
1. UK Education is Very Good
Many UK universities are known for their research-intensive programs and have strong reputations for producing successful graduates who go on to make significant contributions in their fields. For example, the Russell Group is a crop of 24 of some of the best UK universities known for their high research quality and breaking into new frontiers in modern education.
2. UK Universities are World-class
UK universities are considered world-class and are highly respected globally. Even more impressive is the fact that many universities in the UK have a long history of higher education and are some of the most prestigious universities in the world. These universities are known for their high academic standards, rigorous curriculum, and innovative research programs.
3. UK Universities Have Low-Tuition Options that are Affordable for International Students
This is not generally the case; but there are universities in the UK that offer affordable tuition fees for international students, as well as scholarships. While these universities may not be as prestigious as Oxford or Cambridge, they are still well-respected and have a track record of being top schools. Continue reading this article to find them out.
4. UK Universities Have a Diverse Student Body
The United Kingdom is one of the most diverse places in the world with London statistically shown to be the center city of diversity. This fact is evident even in higher institutions in the UK. People from all over the world come to the UK for study, work, and other reasons; this is especially possible due to some of the benefits of living there, like the Global Talent Visa.
Generally, the UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, offering high-quality education in a range of fields. While tuition fees at UK universities can be higher for international students compared to domestic students, there are still options for those looking for affordable education. As we proceed, you will learn more about the cheapest universities in the UK for international students to study.
The List of 15 Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students
Here are some of the cheapest universities in the UK for international students to explore:
- University of Cumbria
- Teesside University
- Coventry University
- University of Chester
- University of Bedfordshire
- University of West London
- Plymouth University
- Southampton Solent University
- University of Stirling
- Queen Margaret University
- Leeds Becket University
- Wrexham Glyndwr University
- Leeds Trinity University
- Staffordshire University
- University of Bolton.
15 Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students
There are many affordable options for international students looking to study in the UK. If you’re an international student on a budget, take a look at our list of the 15 cheapest universities in the UK. These schools offer an excellent education at a price that won’t break the bank.
1. University of Cumbria
Tuition: £13,575
The University of Cumbria is located in Cumbria, UK.
It is located in the northwest of England, founded in 1822, and has campuses in Carlisle, Lancaster, Ambleside, and London. The University of Cumbria offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in subjects such as arts, business, education, health, and outdoor studies.
The university has a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning and has partnerships with various organizations and businesses in the region.
2. Teesside University
Tuition: £15,000
Teesside University is a public university with its main campus in Middlesbrough, England.
The institution offers over 50 undergraduate degrees and over 80 postgraduate courses to students from all over the world including Russia, China, South Africa, and France.
3. Coventry University
Tuition: £16,800 – £19,850 per year.
Coventry University is located in Coventry, UK, and was originally founded in 1843. It is stacked with various academic departments from a range of disciplines including social sciences, law, and medicine.
Coventry University offers courses at the undergraduate level (bachelor’s degrees), graduate level (master’s degrees), and postgraduate study for doctoral research into subjects such as psychology or mathematics. The university also offers short courses that can be studied online via its website or through distance learning options such as MOOCs.
4. University of Chester
Tuition: £13,450
The University of Chester is a public university in the UK with over 10,000 students and four faculties. It was founded in 1965 and has since gone on to be one of the preferred choices for international students who are on a budget. The school offers undergraduate degrees from bachelor’s to doctorate level and postgraduate courses (including master’s degrees).
The school offers degree programs in various disciplines like accounting, engineering, education, art, marketing, media, tourism, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, physics, criminology, economics, sport, and so much more. At Chester, you’ve got a whole lot of options for a £13,450 tuition fee!
5. University of Bedfordshire
Tuition: £13,500
The University of Bedfordshire is a public university in Bedfordshire, England. It was founded in 1882 and has campuses in Luton, Bedford, and Aylesbury.
The university has a strong focus on employability and has partnerships with various organizations and businesses in the region. The University of Bedfordshire is known for its diverse student body, with students coming from over 20 countries to study. The university also has a range of support services for international students, including language support and cultural events.
6. University of West London
Tuition: £15,000 – £20,000
The University of West London is a public university in Ealing, west London, England. The University of West London is a public university located in the west of England. It was founded in 1860 and has campuses in Ealing and Brentford.
The University of West London offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in subjects such as business, law, media, health, and music. The university has a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning and has partnerships with various organizations and businesses in the region.
7. Plymouth University
Tuition: £13,800
Plymouth University is located in the city of Plymouth, Devon, England. It has a long history of educating students for careers as well as furthering their education.
It now has more than 18,000 students from all over the world attending its degree programs in subjects such as computer science, artificial intelligence, biology, and mathematics among others; this makes it one of the top 20 universities in the UK for student satisfaction and teaching excellence.
8. Southampton Solent University
Tuition: £11,500
Southampton Solent University is a public university in Southampton, United Kingdom.
The university offers degree programs that can be studied full-time or part-time; as well as providing postgraduate research opportunities for students who wish to progress their studies further after graduation.
9. University of Stirling
Tuition: £15,900
The University of Stirling is a public research university in Stirling, Scotland. It was founded in 1967 and is known for its research in a number of fields, including management, health, engineering, and the arts and humanities. The campus is located in the heart of Scotland, just a short distance from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Some popular courses offered at Stirling include:
- BAcc (Hons) Accountancy
- BAcc (Hons) Accountancy and Finance
Advanced Clinical Assessment and Examination
10. Queen Margaret University
Tuition: £14,175
Queen Margaret University (QMU) is a public university in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was founded in 1875 as a college for training teachers and has since grown to become a comprehensive university with a focus on health, business, and the arts and humanities. The campus is located just a few miles from the city of Edinburgh and is easily accessible by public transportation.
11. Leeds Beckett University
Tuition: £11,700
Leeds Beckett University is a public university in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It was established as an independent university in 1824.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in subjects such as business, law, arts, social sciences, and health.
12. Wrexham Glyndwr University
Tuition: £11,750 – £12,500
Wrexham Glyndwr University is a public university in Wrexham, North Wales. It is the only Welsh university with a campus in England and it offers degree courses in English and Welsh.
The school has several campuses in the region, including a main campus in Wrexham and other campuses in Northop and St Asaph. The university is committed to providing high-quality education and a positive learning experience for its students.
13. Leeds Trinity University
Tuition: £12,000
Leeds Trinity University (formerly known as Leeds College of Music and Leeds Metropolitan University) is a public university in the city of Leeds, England.
The university offers undergraduate degrees in arts & humanities; medicine; science; engineering & technology; business management & marketing; law & social policy as well as master’s degrees in education.
14. Staffordshire University
Tuition: £16,750
Staffordshire University is a public research university in Staffordshire, England. It has one of the largest student populations in the UK.
Staffordshire University is quite famous among the locals for having some of the best programs in business, law, applied computing, design, games, journalism, and media production.
If you are keen on any of these programs, then Staffordshire may just become your new home. The tuition cost at this school is not the cheapest, but it is definitely affordable to students who are looking to save money on their education.
15. University of Bolton
Tuition: £11,250
The University of Bolton is a public university located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It is one of the UK universities known for its industry-relevant teachings and specializations that focus on providing you with the education, skills, and knowledge to kickstart your career immediately.
If you are pursuing a career in business or media, the University of Bolton makes a very solid option for you to consider. Along with its beat-down price, it makes it one of the cheapest universities in the UK for international students to study.
Ways to Apply to Low-Tuition Universities in the UK
If you are looking for an affordable university, then the UK is the place to go. There are many low-tuition universities in the UK that offer quality education at affordable prices without compromising on the quality of instruction or student services.
The application procedure varies depending on which university you want to apply to and what type of study you want to pursue. However, generally speaking, there are two main ways that students can apply:
- through clearing (taking another examination), or
- through direct entry (taking exams).
Most Popular Courses International Students Study in the UK
The most popular courses for international students to study are:
- Business and Management,
- Computer Science,
- Engineering, and
- Aerospace Engineering/Mechanical Engineering.
In terms of medicine and dentistry, medical students choose these courses due to their high demand from employers as well as the high salary at graduation time.
FAQs on Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students
What are the cheapest universities in the UK for International Students?
There are many universities in the UK that offer affordable education options, and this is by no means an exhaustive list. These schools typically tuition between the range of £9,000 to £18,000; which is three times lower than what international students traditionally pay in top schools in the UK. You can do more research to find out more schools like these ones.
How to apply to low-tuition universities in the UK?
Most schools in the UK accept admission applications through UCAS. Check with each school to find out the specific requirements of your school of choice.
How much does it cost to study at the cheapest universities in the UK for international students?
International students can generally expect to pay lower tuition fees at the universities listed in this article compared to more expensive universities in the UK.
Generally, the tuition fee for studying in the UK for international students usually ranges from £25,000 to £50,000 in most top universities in the UK. But there are a lot more cheap universities in the UK for international students to take advantage of, just like the schools in our article.
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- Study Abroad in England
- 10 Cheap English-Speaking Universities in Europe.
Wrapping It Up
So, if you are looking for the cheapest universities in the UK for international students, then look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the 15 cheapest ones that offer great value and excellent education. In total, they will save you over £10,000 per year (on average) compared to other top-tier institutions in the country.
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