collageFor those considering studying in UK for either undergraduate or postgraduate courses, the first major concern is the cost of tuition fee. It is well known that British universities are among the most expensive colleges to study in. That is just partly true. The reason why British education seems so expensive is not because of the college fee, but the living expenses. London is the most expensive student city in the world for Indian students. In this article, we will inform you about the low-cost universities in UK.
The tuition fee at most colleges is more expensive for international students compared to British or European residents. Prospective international students lookout for the low fees universities in UK. There are still a few colleges that are more affordable compared to others. Also, one thing to remember is that just because the tuition fee to these colleges is low, it doesn’t mean they are any less competitive. The colleges below have the lowest tuition fee and are very popular as well. You can have a look at the cheap and affordable fees universities in UK.
Top 10 Most Inexpensive Universities in UK 2022-23: Tuition Fees
Staffordshire University
The university is noted for its science departments with several of its programmes and departments featuring in the top 10 in the UK. University sets out in its plans to be an ethical and values-led organisation and will operate as a responsible and sustainable business. It has been ranked in the top 100 Universities in the UK for many years.
Tuition Fees Academic Year 2022/23:
| Course | Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | £14,500* |
| Standard postgraduate taught courses | £15,000 |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | £15,500 |
| Law LPC and LLM combined | £12,300 |
| Postgraduate Research | £13,000* |
| MSc Computer Science | £15,000 per course |
*per year of study
Teesside University
Teesside University is consistently in the UK’s top ten for overall average international student satisfaction-International Student Barometer 2008-12. It is the first and only modern university to be named Times Higher Education University of the Year. The university has over 80 years of teaching excellence.
Tuition Fees Academic Year 2022/23:
| Course | Fee |
|---|---|
| Full-time Undergraduate degree | £14,000 |
| Full-time Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) | £13,350 |
| Postgraduate taught degree (MSc/MA) one-year | £14,000 |
| MA Social Work | £28,000 total (£14,000 per year) |
| Full-time MBA one-year | £14,300 |
| Full-time MBA (Applied) two-year master’s | £17,000 total (£8,500 per year) |
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett offers quality education and skills at affordable prices. The university has partnered with numerous companies and organizations to make sure that students get the best jobs after completing their studies. It offers one of the lowest tuition fees among British universities.
Annual Tuition Fees (Non-EU)
| Course | Fees |
|---|---|
| Foundation | £12,500 |
| Undergraduate/Bachelors (most courses) | £14,000 |
| Postgraduate/Masters (most courses) | £15,000 |
| Full-time (PhD, MRes, MPhil) | £14,000 |
Leeds Trinity University
Leeds Trinity University is one of the of top UK universities for teaching excellence and is known for its Journalism courses. One fifth of the undergraduate courses receive 100% overall satisfaction from recent graduates. It is also known as the safest university in Leeds.
Tuition Fees Academic Year 2022/23:
| Course | Fees |
|---|---|
| Three-year undergraduate degree course | £12,000 (per year) |
| Two-year undergraduate degree course | £12,000 (per year) |
| MA Childhood and Education | £11,500 |
| MA Creative Writing | £11,500 |
| MA Criminology and Criminal Justice | £12,500 |
| MA Family Support | £11,500 |
| MA International Business | £12,500 |
| MA Journalism | £12,500 |
| MBA | £12,500 |
| MA Mental Health in Children and Young People | £11,500 |
| PhD, MPhil or MbR (cost per year) | £12,500 |
| MSc Project Management | £12,500 |
| MSc Psychology (conversion) | £12,500 |
| MA Victorian Studies | £11,500 |
| PGCE | £12,500 |
University of Cumbria
Established in 2007, the university is based upon the idea of a distributed learning network so that teaching takes place both at the university’s campuses and at remote colleges around Cumbria. The University of Cumbria has a strong track record in interdisciplinary research inviting and welcoming students from all over the world. In 2012 university launched an innovative Institute for leadership and stability at their Ambleside campus to further the learnings of the students
Tuition Fees Academic Year 2022/23:
| Course | Fees |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, LLB) | £13,250 |
| BA (Hons) Social Work | £13,250 |
| Postgraduate Courses (MA, MSc) | £13,250 |
| MBA | £15,000 |
Cheap Courses In UK For International Students
- University of Bolton
Current cost: £12,450
University of Bolton
In 2021/22, international students at the University of Bolton pay the same annual fee for postgraduate courses as they do for undergraduate courses, with tuition starting from £12,450. Supportive and personalised teaching plus a multicultural location helps international students to settle in and make the most of their studies.
Search through postgraduate courses at the University of Bolton.
- University of the Highlands and Islands
Current cost: from £12,420
University of the Highlands and Islands
On top of affordable and diverse postgraduate study options, international students at the University of the Highlands and Islands also gain easy access to the spectacular Scottish Highlands if studying on campus. Courses range from those rooted in the landscape (Coastal and Maritime Societies and Cultures, History of the Highlands and Islands) to those seeking a sustainable future (Net Zero Communities).
Search through postgraduate courses at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
- University of Suffolk
Current cost: from £12,150
University of Suffolk
Set on the stunning Ipswich waterfront, the University of Suffolk is one of the UK’s newest universities, established in 2007 and awarding its own degrees since 2016. With a modern and entrepreneurial focus, it seeks to equip students with the skills and attributes to succeed in a changing world. International postgraduates are charged the same fee as undergraduates in 2021/22, depending on course type.
Search through postgraduate courses at the University of Suffolk.
- Plymouth Marjon University
Current cost: £12,000
Plymouth Marjon University
Master’s specialisms at Plymouth Marjon University include Education and Teaching, plus Sport and healthcare related courses. A small uni, it provides good access to supervisors, and the campus provides all that students require.
Search through postgraduate courses at Plymouth Marjon University.
- Leeds Trinity University
Current cost: from £11,500
Students chatting in Leeds Trinity University
Leeds Trinity University has a strong focus on employability, running a year-round programme of workshops and employer events for students. The uni’s networks include over 3,000 employers across the UK and overseas, which could boost employment opportunities for international students on graduation.
Search through postgraduate courses at Leeds Trinity University.
- Liverpool Hope University
Current cost: from £11,400
Liverpool Hope University
Alongside affordable tuition fees for international students, Liverpool Hope University offers a range of enticing postgraduate courses to help boost your career prospects. As a student of the university, you’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful campus life while living near to the thriving city of Liverpool.
Search through postgraduate courses at Liverpool Hope University.
- Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Current cost: from £10,600
Performing arts teacher and students
The MA in Professional Practice: Theatre and Drama Facilitation is a work-based learning course seeking to refresh your facilitation techniques with management tools and techniques. As well as online and interactive learning, intensive weekend workshops are held on campus in the UK.
Search through postgraduate courses at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
- Royal Veterinary College
Current cost: from £10,240
Royal Veterinary College
The fees for the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) are just £10,240 for the year. RVC has both a central London campus and a more rural setting in Hertfordshire, meaning you can get the best of both worlds. You’ll also have the chance to work with a fascinating selection of animals during your time there.
Search through postgraduate degrees at Royal Veterinary College.
- Middlesex University
Current cost: from £8,000
Middlesex University
With one of the lowest fees in the UK for international postgraduate students, Middlesex University aims to equip you with the skills you need to fast-track your career after studying. Fees can be as low as £8,000, so as an international student, you can focus on your studies without worrying too much about breaking the bank.
Search through postgraduate degrees at Middlesex University.
- University of Hull
Current cost: from £7,850
University of Hull
In 2021/22 international students at the University of Hull will pay the same fees as UK/Home students for most full-time taught master’s degrees. This includes courses offered by the Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education, and the Law School and Department of Politics. International students from over 100 countries attend the uni, and as a former UK city of culture, Hull has plenty to offer for those who come to the city to live and study.
Most Affordable Universities in the United Kingdom for International Students
1.University of Stirling, Stirling –
The reputation of the University of Stirling is based on excellence and innovation. It provides high-quality education and a diverse range of academic options to its potential students. Despite its great reputation, the University of Stirling is one of the most affordable universities in the United Kingdom. This university will charge £12,140 for a classroom-based program and £14,460 for a laboratory-based course to undergraduate students. Postgraduate tuition fees are divided into four bands (A, B, C, and D) and range from £13,650 to £18,970.
2. Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian –
The Queen Margaret University campus, in the seaside village of Musselburgh, is only six minutes by train from the great city of Edinburgh. This city is a must-visit for sun lovers, as it is the sunniest spot in Scotland. This university offers a diverse range of degree options. In comparison to British standards, the tuition it offers is quite inexpensive. International undergraduate students will be charged between £12,500 and £13,500 in tuition fees, while postgraduate students will be charged significantly less.
3. Southampton Solent University –
Numerous international academics are interested in studying at Southampton Solent University. It has a student population of around 100 nationalities.
The following tables signify the various tuition fee distributions for international students in the academic year: –
- Full time Undergraduate course:
| S.N | NAME OF COURSE | FEE (In Pounds) |
| 1. | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | £12,500 |
| 2. | Foundation Year/Certificate | £11,000 |
| 3. | Higher National Diplomas/Certificates (HND/HNC) | £11,000 (additional registration fee may apply) |
- Full-time postgraduate fees:
| SN | NAME OF COURSE | FEE (In Pounds) |
| 1. | M.A | £12,500 |
| 2. | MSc | £13,500 |
| 3. | MBA | £15,000 |
| 4. | Full-time postgraduate research | £12,500 |
4. The University of West London –
The University of West London is well-known around the world for its academic excellence. As a result of its high quality, it is ranked 50th in the Guardian University Guide 2019. Its world-class teaching and research are carried out on a modern campus with cutting-edge facilities where everyone can grow. The University of West London is one of the cheapest universities in the UK, with relatively modest tuition costs. The tuition fee for the academic year at this university is £12,000 in most cases.
5. Leeds Becket University –
This university advertises itself as a university with distinct educational aspirations, based in the largest financial area outside of London and the bustling city of Leeds. Its mission is to provide scholars with a high level of education and skills that will help them succeed in the future. The university has a variety of collaborations with various organisations and businesses in the area to guarantee that its students have the best chance of finding a suitable career after they finish their studies. Currently, the university has approximately 28,000 students from around 100 countries. Leeds Becket University also has some of the lowest tuition prices of any British university.
You must pay the following fees to attend this university:
| S.N | NAME OF COURSE | FEE [In Pounds) |
| 1. | Undergraduate (most courses) | £12,000 |
| 2. | Postgraduate (most courses) | £11,500 – £12,500 |
| 3. | Research | £12,000 (subject to change) |
6. Teeside University –
Teeside University‘s reputation is well-known both nationally and globally. The institution ensures that its students receive an extraordinary education by offering a diverse range of academic programs as well as high-quality teaching and research. The university’s affordable tuition rates make it even more appealing to international students.
The academic distribution of the fees for various courses is as under:
| S.N | NAME OF COURSE | FEE (In Pounds) |
| 1 | International foundation program | £9,750 |
| 2. | Full-time undergraduate course | £11,825 |
| 3. | Part-time distance learning research degree (Post Graduation) | £5,875 |
| 4. | Master of Business Administration (MBA). | £17,000 |
7. Wrexham Glyndwr University –
Wrexham Glyndwr University is one of the UK’s newest universities. Regardless of its brief existence, this university is well regarded for its educational excellence. Furthermore, it is an institution that is easily accessible because overseas students pay significantly lower tuition rates.
The tuition fees for the academic year at the University of Glyndwr is as follows:
| S.N | NAME OF COURSE | FEE (In Pounds) |
| 1. | Undergraduate | £11,750 |
| 2. | Postgraduate | £12,500 |
8. University of Bedfordshire –
The University of Bedfordshire is a merger of two Bedfordshire university campuses, the University of Luton and De Montfort’s University.
With more than 20,000 students from more than 120 countries, the institution has a global appeal. Aside from being a well-regarded and appreciated university, it offers international students cheap tuition prices.
The students have to pay the cost of the courses according to the following table:
| S.N | NAME OF COURSE | FEE (In Pounds) |
| 1. | BA or BSc degree program | £11,500 |
| 2. | MA/MSc degree program | £12,000 |
| 3. | MBA degree program | £12,500 |
9. The University of Cumbria–
The University of Cumbria has 10,000 students and was founded only ten years ago. Their overarching goal is to prepare students to reach their full potential and pursue a rewarding profession. Cumbria University is one of the most affordable in the UK, despite its high quality. Tuition rates for international students vary depending on the type of program and academic level.
The distribution of the tuition fee is as under:
For Undergraduates:
| S.N | NAME OF COURSE | FEE (In Pounds) |
| 1. | Presessional English (6 weeks) | £1,554 |
| 2. | BA (Hons) Social Work and Health Pre-registration Program. | £15,500 |
For Postgraduates:
| S.N | NAME OF COURSE | FEE (In Pounds) |
| 1. | Young people Community and Society | £3,500 |
| 2. | Nuclear Security Management, Ecosystem Services Evaluation | £15,500 |
10. University of Chester:
The University of Chester has established a distinct character as a high-quality educational institution. Their goal is to teach students to develop the required skills that will enable them to further their academic careers while also assisting their communities. The cost of a degree at this university is quite low.
These are the tuition fees you can expect as an international student at the University of Chester, depending on the type and level of study you choose:
| S.N | NAME OF COURSE | FEE (In Pounds) |
| 1. | International Foundation Program | £9,250 |
| 2. | Bachelor’s degree including Foundation | £9,250 Year 1 £11,950 Years 2-4 |
| 3. | Undergraduate | £11,950 |
| 4. | UG Pre-Reg Nursing Pathways | £9,250 + £3,000 placement |
| 5. | Postgraduate | £12,000 |
| 6. | MBA | £12,250 |
| 7. | Research-MRes/MPhil/PhD (Lab-based) | £16,228 |
| 8. | Research-MRes/MPhil/PhD (Classroom-based) | £16,635 |
Top UK Universities That Have the Cheapest Postgraduate Fees for International Students?
If you want to study in the UK at postgraduate level, it’s an unfortunate fact that fees are high – even more so for international students. We recently looked at the UK universities with the cheapest international undergraduate fees here, so here we’ll run through the postgraduate version, also based on the results of the Reddin Survey of University Tuition Fees 2017/18, conducted by The Complete University Guide. All fees are for overseas students starting a taught, classroom-based postgraduate degree in 2017.
1. Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
Annual international postgraduate tuition fees: £8,925 (~US$12,030)
If you’re looking to study veterinary science or a similar subject at the lowest possible cost, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) could be ideal, being the cheapest of these UK universities for international students at postgraduate level. RVC’s fees are nearly £800 cheaper than the second-placed university – the largest gap between all the UK universities in this list. RVC is a constituent college of the University of London, and is the largest and oldest veterinary school in the country. It has two campuses, an urban one in Camden, London, and a rural one in Hertfordshire, giving students the best of both worlds. RVC’s postgraduate degrees include a range of taught master’s degrees in subjects such as One Health (Infectious Diseases), Veterinary Epidemiology, Wild Animal Biology, Wild Animal Health and Livestock Health and Production.
2. University of Chester
Annual international tuition fees: £9,700 (~US$13,070)
Also featuring in our list of the most affordable UK universities for international undergraduates, the University of Chester offers the cheapest tuition fees for international students of any non-specialized university. The university was originally founded as Chester Diocesan Training College in 1839, and didn’t gain university status until 2005. Today, it has around 19,850 students from over 130 countries, including more than 4,000 postgraduate students. All students are automatically considered for the university’s scholarships when applying, meaning you may be able to enjoy even cheaper fees.
3. University of Bedfordshire
Annual international tuition fees: £9,900 (~US$13,300)
Also offering postgraduate degrees for less than £10,000 a year, the University of Bedfordshire was established in its current form in 2006. The university has six campuses, with the Luton and Bedford campuses the largest. Despite its name, it also has campuses in the neighboring county of Buckinghamshire.
4. York St John University
Annual international tuition fees: £10,000 (~US$13,450)
Next in our list of the cheapest UK universities for international students at postgraduate level is York St John University, which like Chester has its roots in a diocesan college in the 19th century, not gaining university status until 2006. York itself is a popular, lively and historic student city, hosting around 20,000 students.
5. University of Suffolk
Annual international tuition fees: £10,080 (~US$13,530)
The University of Suffolk, home to 5,000 students, is one of the youngest of these UK universities, having only opened its doors in 2007. Its main campus is in the county town of Ipswich, but the university also has sites in Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, and Bury St. Edmunds.
6. University of the Highlands and Islands
Annual international tuition fees: £10,300 (~US$13,840)
The next institution in our list of the cheapest UK universities for international students is the University of the Highlands and Islands, which has a growing range of postgraduate courses, many of which take advantage of the unique environment, landscape and culture of the university’s location. The university has 13 colleges and 8,400 students, and also offers distance learning programs.
7. Newman University
Annual international tuition fees: £10,400 (~US$14,000)
One of the smallest UK universities with only around 2,800 students, Newman University is located in the Bartley Green area of Birmingham and is also one of the UK’s only catholic universities. It has some of the lowest postgraduate tuition fees around and welcomes staff and students of all religions and backgrounds. Newman has also boasted high graduate employment rates in recent years.
8. University of Cumbria
Annual international tuition fees: £10,500 (~US$14,100)
Also offering lower international tuition fees than most other UK universities, the University of Cumbria has around 8,800 students and has its main campus in Carlisle, northwest England. Founded in 2007 by a merger, the university also has locations in Lancaster, Ambleside, Barrow-in-Furness, Workington and London.
9. University of Chichester
Annual international tuition fees: £10,620 (~US$14,300)
Another of the cheapest UK universities for international postgraduate students is the University of Chichester, which has its main campus in the small city of Chichester, West Sussex. There is also a campus in the seaside town of Bognor Regis, and both locations have been redeveloped with new and improved facilities in recent years.
10. Wrexham Glyndŵr University
Annual international tuition fees: £10,750 (~US$14,440)
The only Welsh university in this list, Wrexham Glyndŵr University was also featured as one of the top cheapest UK universities at undergraduate level. Another young university (founded in 2008), it has around 6,660 students, with 20% of its 650 postgraduate students coming from outside the UK.
UK University Fees For International Students
In 2020/21, annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students in the UK* started at £9,250 (US $12,870) and rose to as much as £30,548 (US $42,500), or up to £64,652 (US $89,950) for medical degrees.
However, most universities’ fees for the majority of subjects fell somewhere between £10,000 – £20,000 (US $13,910 – $27,830). We’ll go into a little more detail later.
Annual tuition fees for international postgraduate students started from as little as £4,800 (US $6,680), rising to as much as £36,984 (US $51,440), or £49,950 (US $69,470) for medical degrees and £59,490 (US $82,740) for MBAs.
But as with undergraduate fees, most fall within a certain range. The majority of postgraduate courses at most universities charged between £12,000 – £20,000 (US $16,690 – $27,820) in 2020/21 and again, we’ll expand on this in a moment.* All figures sourced from the Reddin Survey of University Tuition Fees 2020/21. All currency conversions were rounded to the nearest $10 and were correct as of April 2021.
As you can see, tuition fees for international students vary hugely across universities, courses and levels of study – and, as such, it’s difficult to calculate an exact cost.
Although there are no exact rules, here are four things you’ll want to take into consideration when pricing up your degree:
- The more prestigious a university, the more expensive it will likely be. Check out the list of the top 10 UK universities to get an idea of which are considered the best.
- Medical and science degrees, especially those which involve expensive equipment or access to laboratories, will be substantially more expensive than lecture-based degrees in Arts and Humanities.
- Since tuition fees are charged on a yearly basis, how long your course is will also be a major factor in its overall cost.
- The level of study might also affect the cost – although it’s not always the case, postgraduate and doctoral degrees can be more expensive than undergraduate.
However, while we can’t give you a precise figure, what we can do is give you some averages so you have a rough idea of what to expect. For exact prices, you should contact the individual universities you’re interested in.
International undergraduate tuition fees
Most undergraduate courses run for three years, although some can run for longer.
‘Sandwich courses’ have an additional year in industry, for example, while in Scotland it’s the norm for undergraduate degrees to last four years.
Various sources estimate that the average annual cost of an undergraduate degree for an international student is around £12,000 a year (US $16,690)* – although as we outlined above, some can cost significantly more than that.
If we take the cost of tuition in isolation, this means the average degree will cost £36,000 (US $50,070)* over three years, or £48,000 (US $66,760)* for a four-year course. Of course, this doesn’t include the cost of living which will amount to several thousands of pounds every year in itself.
* All currency conversions were rounded to the nearest $10 and were correct as of April 2021.
International postgraduate tuition fees
If you decide you want to complete some further study after your undergraduate degree, you can expect to pay higher fees. This is particularly the case for master’s or PhDs, which are popular and well-sought-after postgraduate courses.
As these courses are naturally more specialised, there might be some additional costs you need to be aware of, like specialist research equipment or resources. Always check with individual universities for these.
And just with an undergraduate degree, costs will vary according to what kind of subject you’ll be studying.
Times Higher Education calculates the average cost of tuition as shown in the table below. And as master’s degrees tend to just last for one year, these averages also represent the total cost of tuition.
Average postgraduate tuition fees for international students
| Type of degree | Tuition fees (£) | Tuition fees (US $)* |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom-based | 16,081 | 22,370 |
| Laboratory-based | 18,613 | 25,890 |
| MBA | 21,754 | 30,260 |
*All currency conversions were rounded to the nearest $10 and were correct as of April 2021.
Don’t forget that scholarships and bursaries are much more common for postgraduate degrees than at undergraduate level, so it’s more likely you’ll be able to receive financial support to help you fund your studies.
Head over to our guide to scholarships and bursaries for international students to see what’s available.
Language Programmes
Many students also come to the UK to study a language at one of the country’s many language schools.
Prices vary across institutions but you should expect to be paying around £70 – £100 a week (US $97 – $154*) for a standard full-time course (15 hours) or around £1,300 ($1,808*) for a more intensive course lasting a few weeks or months. Again, prices vary depending on where you study and the service provided.
Check out Foreign Students for a directory of English Language schools in the UK.
Bear in mind that some courses will be accredited (i.e. they award recognised qualifications), and they will likely be more expensive than non-accredited ones.
* All currency conversions were rounded to the nearest $1 and were correct as of April 2021.What’s the best international student bank account?
How do UK international tuition fees compare with the rest of the world?
If you’re looking for a cheap destination for studying abroad, then the UK might not be your best bet.
In comparison, places like Germany, Sweden, South Africa, Finland and Denmark are considerably cheaper, by as much as £10,000 a year in some cases (when taking both tuition fees and cost of living into account).
Countries such as Germany and Norway offer completely free tuition in most cases (for international students as well as home students!) so you might only have to factor in living costs.
However, degrees in the UK are often shorter than in some countries. For example, an undergraduate degree in the US is four years, but only three in the UK. Similarly, an MA is two years in the US, while in the UK they typically only last one. This can have a significant impact on the overall amount you spend on tuition fees.
The UK does boast some of the best universities in the world, with a fascinating culture and impressive employment prospects to boot, but studying here is a serious investment – so you need to make sure it’s right for you.
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