London—the UK’s bustling capital—is more than a center for business and culture. It is also a major education hub for local and international students. Recent official analysis found that London was the most popular UK destination for international students, making it one of the cities ideal for both local and international students to study.
Although London has high living costs compared with most UK regions, particularly for housing, its universities offer a wide range of tuition fees. The capital is home to several relatively affordable and established institutions, and this article looks at cheap options in London for international students.
Affordable Schools in London for International Students
1. University of East London
The University of East London, or UEL, is a public university founded in 1898 as the West Ham Technical Institute. Its institutional records identify the University of East London name from 1992 onward. For 2026/27, typical tuition for UK undergraduates is £9,790 per year, while new full-time international undergraduate students pay £16,020 per year. International postgraduate fees vary by course; the £16,020 minimum published by UEL applies to the MArch Architecture program.
UEL has three campuses: Docklands, Stratford, and University Square Stratford. The Stratford campus is home to the School of Childhood and Social Care and the Centre for Clinical Education in Podiatry, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science. University Square Stratford hosts courses in law, criminology, dance, performing arts, and the MBA. Students can use facilities across all three campuses.
UEL reports a community of approximately 42,000 students representing more than 160 nationalities, including more than 10,350 international students.
2. Middlesex University London
Middlesex University London, or MDX, traces its history to St Katharine’s College, a teacher-training college for women founded in Tottenham in 1878. Its founding colleges formed Middlesex Polytechnic in 1973, and the institution became Middlesex University in 1992.
The university currently has four faculties: Arts and Creative Industries; Business and Law; Health, Social Care and Education; and Science and Technology. Its international community includes students from 122 nationalities, and Middlesex operates campuses in London, Dubai, and Mauritius. Its former Malta campus closed in 2022.
Most full-time international undergraduate degrees cost £17,200 per year. Postgraduate tuition varies substantially by course. Some full-time master’s degrees by research cost £17,000, while examples of taught programs include £17,700 for the Education MA and £18,750 for the International Business Management MSc. Applicants should confirm the exact amount on their chosen course page.
3. University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich is a public university with campuses in London and Kent. It was founded as Woolwich Polytechnic in 1890 and became Thames Polytechnic in 1970. It adopted the University of Greenwich name in 1992, and Thames College of Health Care Studies was incorporated into the university in 1993.
The university has three campuses: Greenwich, Avery Hill, and Medway. The Greenwich Campus occupies historic buildings within the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. Avery Hill provides teaching, sports, and student accommodation facilities, while the Medway Campus in Kent supports a range of engineering, science, health, and other programs.
Many full-time international undergraduate degrees cost £17,975 per year. Postgraduate fees differ by program: the MArch Architecture fee is £18,200, many taught master’s programs cost at least £18,700, and some business programs cost £19,450. Students should use the university’s course-fee table to confirm the current amount for their program.
4. University of Westminster
The University of Westminster traces its history to the Polytechnic Institution, which opened at Regent Street in 1838 and later became the Royal Polytechnic Institution. It was the United Kingdom’s first polytechnic and became the University of Westminster in 1992.
The university has four London campuses: Regent Street, Cavendish, Marylebone, and Harrow. Computer science and engineering are based at Cavendish, art and design subjects are primarily based at Harrow, and architecture and business subjects are based at Marylebone. Regent Street hosts several humanities and social science subjects.
International tuition varies by course. For example, the university’s Computer Science BSc Honours costs £9,790 per academic year for UK students and £17,600 per academic year for international students. The course is taught at the Cavendish Campus.
5. London South Bank University
London South Bank University, or LSBU, is a public university based in Elephant and Castle in Southwark. It traces its history to the Borough Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1892, and received university status in 1992.
LSBU’s main campus is in Southwark, and it also maintains facilities in Croydon and Havering. Its academic provision is currently organized into the College of Health and Life Sciences, the College of Technology and Environment, and the College of Society and Professions. Its courses cover fields such as applied science, business, engineering, law, health, and the built environment.
International tuition is course-specific. Slected undergraduate programs, including Biomedical Science with a Foundation Year and Therapeutic Radiography, list an annual international fee of £17,400. The International Business Management MSc lists a fee of £18,900.
FAQs: Studying in London
What Are the General Requirements to Study in London?
There is no single GPA requirement that applies to every university and course in London. Academic requirements vary by institution, study level, program, and the country in which an applicant completed their previous education. Applicants generally need to provide their academic qualifications or transcripts and proof of English proficiency.
Depending on the university or program, additional materials may include letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a curriculum vitae, evidence of professional experience, or a portfolio for certain creative courses. Some applicants may also be invited for an interview. Always check the official course page and the university’s country-specific admissions guidance before applying.
What Are the Accepted English Proficiency Exams in London Universities?
London universities accept a variety of English-language qualifications, but the approved tests and minimum scores vary by institution and course. London Metropolitan University, for example, currently accepts qualifications that include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English, Oxford ELLT, Duolingo, KITE, and LanguageCert Academic for many courses. Higher or specialized requirements apply to certain programs.
The University of East London accepts IELTS and several alternatives, including TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Oxford ELLT, and LanguageCert Academic. UEL does not currently accept the Duolingo English Test. Before taking a test, check the university’s official page for accepted test formats, required component scores, result-validity rules, and any separate Student visa requirements.
London has many established universities offering programs across a wide range of subjects. Although studying in the capital can be expensive, comparing course-specific tuition fees, scholarships, and living costs can help international students identify a suitable option. Tuition fees are reviewed regularly, so always confirm the amount for your entry year directly with the university.
We hope this article helps you plan your studies in the UK’s capital. If you are unsure which program to choose, visit our Study in the UK Page and review the Available Programs for International Students!
