The United Kingdom offers many things that students look for: a multicultural society, beautiful landscapes, lively nightlife, modern cities, historic landmarks, strong job opportunities, and, most importantly, high-quality education. However, tertiary education can be expensive, and some applicants have to spend money even before admission. That is why choosing universities with no application fees, or universities that offer application-fee waivers, can help students save money. This is not the only way to save money. You can also study in the United Kingdom for free, so check it out if you are interested.
There is no doubt that the UK is an excellent place to start university life, and it is also a strong option for postgraduate study. Many of the universities below do not charge a separate university application fee for standard direct postgraduate applications, while others offer application-fee waivers for specific applicants. However, undergraduate applicants who apply through UCAS usually need to pay the UCAS application fee unless they qualify for a UCAS fee waiver.
Universities in the United Kingdom with No Application Fees
1. Lancaster University
- No Application Fee Link
- No Application Fee For: applicants applying for postgraduate study. Full-time undergraduate applicants normally apply through UCAS, which charges its own application fee unless the applicant qualifies for a UCAS fee waiver.
Lancaster University, or the University of Lancaster, is a collegiate public research university in Lancaster, Lancashire, England, founded in 1964. Lancaster confirms that there is no application fee for postgraduate study. The university is also consistently placed highly in UK league tables, including a top-10 position in The Complete University Guide 2026.
Lancaster University has nine colleges: eight undergraduate colleges, Bowland, Cartmel, County, Furness, Fylde, Grizedale, Lonsdale, and Pendle, and one Graduate College. Students can choose programs across four faculties: Health and Medicine; Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; Management School; and Science and Technology.
2. University of Greenwich
- No Application Fee Link
- Application Fee Note: the University of Greenwich provides direct application routes for eligible international undergraduate applicants and most postgraduate applicants. Applicants applying through UCAS should check the current UCAS application fee.
The University of Greenwich is a public university located in London and Kent. It traces its roots to Woolwich Polytechnic, which was founded in 1890 and was the second polytechnic in the UK. The university has three campuses: Greenwich Campus, Avery Hill Campus, and Medway Campus.
Some of the programs offered at this university are in business, architecture, pharmacy, education, and engineering. International students may be able to apply through UCAS, directly to the university, or through an authorized in-country representative, depending on the course and level of study.
3. University of Glasgow
- No Application Fee
- No Application Fee For: postgraduate applications outside the Adam Smith Business School. Adam Smith Business School postgraduate taught programs carry an application fee. Undergraduate applicants should check the current UCAS or Common App fee rules.
The University of Glasgow is a public research university located in Glasgow, Scotland, and was established in 1451 by papal bull. It is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and is widely recognized as a world top-100 university.
There are four colleges: the College of Arts & Humanities; the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences; the College of Science & Engineering; and the College of Social Sciences. These colleges include a wide range of schools, including the James Watt School of Engineering, the School of Modern Languages & Cultures, and the School of Physics & Astronomy.
4. University of Leeds
- No Application Fee Link
- Application Fee Note: the University of Leeds provides a direct online application route for master’s courses, and its official master’s application guidance does not list a separate application fee.
The University of Leeds is a public research university located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It traces its roots to the Leeds School of Medicine, founded in 1831, and the Yorkshire College of Science, founded in 1874, before receiving its Royal Charter as the University of Leeds in 1904. Its main campus is close to the center of Leeds and covers about 100 acres.
Students at the University of Leeds can take part in many activities, including visiting galleries and museums, attending festivals and theater performances, and joining sports clubs and student societies. Leeds also has many restaurants, cafes, and bars where students can spend their free time.
5. University of Sheffield
- No Application Fee Link
- No Application Fee For: postgraduate taught master’s applications and postgraduate research degree applications.
The University of Sheffield, also known as Sheffield University, is a public research university located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. It grew out of Sheffield Medical School, Firth College, and Sheffield Technical School. The university is organized into faculties including Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Health, Science, and Social Sciences. Its former partnership with CITY College in Thessaloniki has been phased out, and students are no longer being recruited onto University of Sheffield courses there.
This institution is well known for its research activities. It combines collaboration with both local and global partners to turn research into practice and to discover new therapies and solutions that meet the needs of individuals and society. The good news is that this university in the UK does not charge application fees for postgraduate taught master’s and postgraduate research applications.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the UK Scholarships Page and Open Courses for International Students!
