The United Kingdom remains one of the most popular educational destinations, with over 500,000+ foreign enrollees. The high demand for British higher education is not surprising, though, given its quality. It also boasts a multicultural environment with reasonable living and healthcare costs.
Although some British universities don’t come in cheap, many offer reasonable-priced tuition fees. So, if you’re looking to study in the UK without breaking the bank, then make sure to consider these cheap universities in this well-known country!
Affordable Schools in the UK for International Students
1. University of Chester
Founded in 1839, the University of Chester is the cheapest in the United Kingdom for international students. It was established as the first teacher-training college in the UK. Since then, it has progressed into a world-class university with Chester, Warrington, and Shrewsbury campuses.
The university offers undergraduate and graduate courses through its three faculties: the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; the Faculty of Science, Business, and Enterprise; and the Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Society. It is also home to the celebrated Chester Business School. Moreover, the institution has one of the lowest foreign populations in the UK, with less than 15% of its students coming from outside the country.
2. University of Stirling
The University of Stirling, in Scotland, was founded in 1967. It is based in the Central Belt and is housed within the 360-acre Airthrey Castle estate. Because of this, the affordable institution is heralded as one of the most beautiful in the UK. More than just having a breathtaking campus, it is also known for its international degree partnerships. It also delivers traditional undergraduate and graduate programs through the Stirling Management School and the Social Science, Arts & Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Health Sciences faculties.
The tuition fee differs depending on your residency. Local students in the UK and Ireland pay less than international students. For instance, MSc Data Science for Business costs £10,900 for home students while it costs £22,900 for those out-of-country learners.
3. University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich was founded in 1890 as Woolwich Polytechnic, but it was eventually renamed Thames Polytechnic. It adopted its current name and university status in 1993. As one of the UK’s top schools, it also performs well in terms of responsible consumption, the life of the land, reducing inequalities, partnership for goals, and climate action.
The institution, which has campuses in Greenwich, Avery Hill, and Medway, is home to four schools: the Greenwich Business School, the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, the Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences, and the Faculty of Engineering and Science.
4. University of Westminster
One of the cheapest universities in the UK, the University of Westminster started in 1833 as the Royal Polytechnic Institution – before receiving its university status in 1992. The school has campuses in Central London, Marylebone, Fitzrovia, and Harrow. It also operates a foreign branch in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The institution is currently divided into three colleges and a school that oversees various divisions: the College of Design, Creative, and Digital Industries, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Westminster Business School. Almost half of the student population comes from outside the UK. Many are drawn by the school’s prestige and surprisingly affordable tuition.
5. University of Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield is a public research institution in West Yorkshire, England. While it only formally opened its doors in 1992, it can trace its beginnings back to the Huddersfield Science & Mechanics Institute, established in 1825. The institution, which has campuses in Queensgate, Oldham, and Barnsley, is home to five academic schools: Applied Sciences, Art & Humanities, Computing & Engineering, Business, Education & Law, and Human & Health Sciences.
Like the other schools, its undergraduate programs for local students are relatively cheaper than international student tuition. The annual fee for non-EU students usually starts at £16,500, depending on the chosen program.
6. University of Glasgow
Founded in 1451 through the Papal Bull, the University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest institution in the English-speaking world. It is also one of Scotland’s four ancient institutes, apart from being an integral part of the 18th-century Scottish Enlightenment. The Gilmorehill campus is home to the schools of business, dentistry, chemistry, computing science, and more.
Tuition fees for this school’s undergraduate courses start at £22,740 annually, while its postgraduate research programs cost £26,580. The fees for its postgraduate-taught programs will depend on the student’s choice. Moreover, international student prices go higher than the standard local, so make sure to check your fees carefully
7. University of Southampton
The University of Southampton, or “Soton,” is a research institution located in Southampton, northeast of England. It was opened in 1862 as the Hartley Institution under the University of London and finally awarded full university status in 1952. Southampton is organized according to five faculties that oversee several other academic units: Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Physical Science, Environmental and Life Sciences, Medicine, and Social Sciences.
Where you’re from and the major you pursue will determine how much you have to pay to get a degree at this university. The cost can start at £22,400 for an international student, far more than the tuition rates for students in the United Kingdom.
8. University of Bath
The University of Bath, an affordable institution in the United Kingdom for international students, is a public educational school located in Somerset, England, with a branch in Swindon. It opened in 1886 as the Merchant Venturers Technical College and eventually received its university status in 1971.
It is well known for its undergraduate and graduate technology, mathematics, physical science, and engineering programs. These, among many other degrees, are delivered through its four faculties: the Faculty of Engineering & Design, the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, the School of Management, and the Faculty of Science.
9. University of Birmingham
Founded in 1852 as the Birmingham School, the University of Birmingham is a noted research institution in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Its academic departments are categorized into the specialties of arts and law, medicine and health, engineering and physical sciences, social sciences, and life and environmental sciences.
Your status as an international or local (UK) student will determine the cost you must pay, along with the program you choose at this university. So, make sure to check your fees before deciding to enroll.
10. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research institution in the country’s fifth-largest borough. Its foundation is the Manchester Mechanics Institute, founded in 1924. This affordable school in the UK opened in 2004 and is academically categorized into the Faculties of Biology, Medicine and Health, Science and Engineering, and Humanities.
Many of the school’s students come from all across the EU – and the world. Its high foreign student population is usually attributed to its reputation, as it is currently ranked among the best in the UK.
FAQs: Studying in the UK
What Are the General Requirements to Study in the UK?
UK’s top universities may require a high school diploma, A-levels, specific grades, and proof of English proficiency. Some, like Oxford and Cambridge, may require an interview. Undergraduate applications are usually processed through the UCAS portal. Applicants for graduate levels, on the other hand, will need a bachelor’s diploma to apply. Depending on the university, curriculum vitae, interviews, or entrance exams may be required.
Do You Need to be Proficient in English to Study in the UK?
Yes, of course. English is the primary language in the United Kingdom, so all of its universities deliver their courses in English. Examples include Oxford, which requires an IELTS of 7.0 and a TOEFL of 100, and the University of London system, which accepts lower grades of 6.0 for the IELTS and 87 for the TOEFL.
Even if some universities offer cheap tuition fees, they still provide the best education and facilities for local and international students in the UK. Learners can also benefit from doing this because they can save money, avoid financial strain on their study and living expenses, and give more time to their studies. So, consider these schools and start enrolling right away!
We hope this article on the cheapest universities in the UK was helpful. Make sure also to check out our Study in the UK Page and the United Kingdom Programs for International Students to know more!
