20 Affordable Universities in the UK for International Students 2025

Marcel IfeanyichukwuNovember 22, 2024

0 33 13 minutes read

Discover some of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students and learn how to make your academic aspirations a reality. Are you dreaming of studying in the UK but worried about high tuition fees? What if you could access world-class education without breaking the bank? While the UK is known for its prestigious institutions, it also offers a variety of universities that combine academic excellence with affordability.

From lower tuition fees to scholarships designed for international students, these universities provide opportunities to gain a world-class education without breaking the bank. Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, options like Teesside University and the University of Chester offer budget-friendly pathways to achieve your academic goals. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most affordable UK universities for international students and what makes them stand out.

Most Affordable Universities in the UK

Let’s be clear right away: there are indeed reasonably priced universities in the United Kingdom. You may observe a significant disparity in tuition costs between international and domestic students attending UK universities. In England, citizens’ education is partially funded by the state. International students are not given the same politeness by UK universities, which results in higher tuition.

1. Leeds Beckett University

Tuition fees: £11,000 – £15,000 per year
Top Courses: Electronics Engineering, Business Economics, Civil Engineering, Politics
Eligibility Requirements: A GPA of 11/20 in at least four subjects and a minimum IELTS score of 6.

Leeds Beckett University, formerly Leeds Metropolitan University until 2014, is ranked first on our ranking of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students. This university, which ranks 1001–1200 in the QS Rankings 2024, is well-known for providing excellent instruction in subjects including media, economics, and management.

International students make up about 5.2% of the student body, and 96% of them are employed. For those seeking more justifications for enrolling, LBU has been granted “Silver” status in the National TEF. Leeds, a well-liked student destination with a cheap cost of living and lots of accommodation alternatives, is home to the university’s main campus.

2. Teesside University

Tuition fees: £14,000 – 17,000
Top Courses: Chemical Engineering
‍Eligibility Requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 is required for admission to Teesside University.

One of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students is Teesside University, or TU Middlesbrough, which was founded in 1930 and provides courses at fair prices. Among its numerous accomplishments are its high ranks on the “THE rankings for young institutions (301-350) and world universities (801-1000)”, as well as its status as the top university in the world for student satisfaction on the International Student Barometer.

The University of the Year for Social Inclusion award goes to TU, according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022. Middlesbrough, the location of the TU campus, with an average cost of living of $1280. Choosing a reasonably priced property close to TU can help you lower this.

3. The University of Cumbria

Tuition fees: £13,250 – 16,000
Top Courses: Coaching and Mentoring, Creative Writing, Criminology, International Business Law
Eligibility Requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 is required by the University of Cumbria.

The University of Cumbria is a renowned research university in Lancaster, England. Because of its cheap tuition costs, it is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students. Its origins date back to 1822, even though it was formally founded only in 2007. One of the most globally diversified universities in the world, the University of Cumbria is ranked first in the UK for its excellent educational program (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2020).

In England, it has six further campuses, including two in Carlisle and one each in Ambleside, London, Barrow, and Workington. Lancaster is not an exception to the Northern cities’ generally lower cost of living when compared to other cities such as London.

4. University of Chester

Tuition fees: £13,450 – 20,000
Top Courses: Accounting & Finance, Biology, Business & Management, Law
Eligibility Requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 is required by the University of Chester.

The University of Chester is undoubtedly one of the best and most affordable universities in the UK for international students, ranking in the top four in the North West and the top half nationwide in the Complete University Guide. The University of Chester, the fifth oldest university in England, was established as the first teacher-training college in the United Kingdom in 1839.

Offering top-notch courses to students on many sites in Warrington, Shrewsbury, and Chester. The University of Chester is a well-liked alternative for students wishing to study accounting and finance in the UK, and there are some cozy and reasonably priced living options close by.

5. Staffordshire University

Tuition fees: £14,000 – 19,000
Top Courses: BSN, B.E. / B.Tech, MBA/PGDM, MIM, LL.B, B.Sc
Eligibility Requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 and a UCAS score of more than 104 are required.

In the realm of education, Staffordshire University, which was founded in 1992, is most well-known for its well-liked courses in computers, psychology, and MBA. With a primary focus on employability, the institution collaborates with multinational corporations to guarantee each student a prosperous and satisfying career.

Staffordshire University ranks 68th in the Guardian University Guide and 106th in the Times University Guide, which is hardly surprising given that it introduced the first-ever Esports degree in history. The two main campuses of Staffordshire University, located in Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, are close to some excellent housing alternatives for students.

6. Coventry University

Tuition fees: £16,800 – £19,850
Top Courses: Arts & Humanities, Engineering &Technology, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Computer Science.
‍Eligibility Requirements: The student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in disciplines related to their course and a minimum IELTS score of 5.5.

With origins dating back to 1843 as Coventry College of Design, Coventry University was ranked as the top Modern University in the Midlands by the Guardian in 2022. Located in Coventry, which has been ranked as the fifth greatest student city in the UK, is the main campus! Other campuses are located in Scarborough and London.

One of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students to consider is Coventry University, which most recently earned the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, the most prestigious business award in the UK.

7. University of the West of Scotland

Tuition fees: £12,600 – 14,100
Top Courses: Business, Sciences, Management, Engineering and Technology, Psychology and Biotechnology.
Eligibility Requirements: Students at the University of the West of Scotland must have a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 and a TOEFL score of 78.

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide ranks the University of West of Scotland in the top 3 universities in Scotland, largely for graduate career prospects and student experience, making it one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students.

At its four campuses in Paisley, Lanarkshire, Dumfries, Ayr, and central London, the University of West of Scotland, which has about 3500 international students from 140 different countries, provides courses in subjects like computing, accounting, and finance. There are many housing for students near the campuses of this university in Scotland and London.

8. University of Bedfordshire

Tuition fees: £14,500 – 18,400
Top Courses: General Engineering, Chemistry, Psychology, Business & Management.
Eligibility Requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 is required by the University of Bedfordshire.

Bedford, Luton, Aylesbury, and Milton Keynes are the locations of the University of Bedfordshire’s four campuses. There are several decent lodging options close to the main campus, which is situated in Bedford. It should come as no surprise that this university is one of the best and most affordable universities in the UK for international students after receiving the esteemed “Silver” status from TEF in 2017. Forensic science, psychology, and the performing arts were among the courses with 100% overall student satisfaction ratings.

9. University of Stirling

Tuition fees: £12,140 – 14,460
Top Courses: Economics, criminology, computer science and software engineering, biology, business and management, accounting and finance, aquaculture, and data science and analytics
Eligibility Requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 is required by the University of Stirling.

The University of Stirling was established in 1967 and is ranked in the UK’s top 50 universities by the 2024 Complete University Guide. Marketing, sociology, English, French, education, and law are among the subjects it offers ranked courses in. With over 135 different countries represented among its student body of over 30%, it is undoubtedly one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students.

10. Queen Margaret University

Queen Margaret University

Tuition fees: £11,250 – 12,500
Top Courses: Radiography, Audiology, Occupational therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Art psychotherapy, Music therapy, Occupational therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and Nursing.
Eligibility Requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 is required for admission to Queen Margaret University.

The school was initially exclusively for women and was named for Saint Margaret, the wife of King Malcolm III of Scotland. Its goal was to increase women’s access to higher-level, high-quality education. Among UK universities, it ranks first in complementary medicine, fifth in occupational therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy, and the top 12 for dance and drama.

Of the 10,007 students enrolled at the institution last year, 13% were from outside of Europe. Scotland has a 3% graduate unemployment rate 15 months after graduation, which is 2% lower than the country’s average. Queen Margaret University is one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students for all of these reasons and many more, including the availability of reasonably priced housing in the area.

11. University of West London

Tuition fees: £13,000
Top Courses: Public Health, Music, Nursing, Business Studies, Psychology, Civil Engineering, Aviation and Tourism Management, and Human and Social Sciences.
Eligibility Requirements: For admission to the University of West London, applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component.

According to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, the University of West London won the titles of “University of the Year for Teaching Quality” and “University of the Year for Student Experience.” The Guardian University Guide 2023 ranked the university in the top 20% of UK universities. You’ve come to the right place if you’re searching for the top and most affordable universities in the UK for international students.

In terms of student voice, contentment, and academic support, this university ranks first among UK universities in the National Student Survey 2022. In the areas of law, music, business, nursing, film, media, and design, it provides top-notch courses. With a remarkable 98% employment rate, the university’s moniker “The Career University” is accurate. To ensure that you never miss a lesson, you can also locate a range of housing choices close by.

12. Wrexham Glyndwr University

Tuition fees: £11,750 – 16,000
Top Courses: Criminology & Policing, Education, Engineering, Business & Industry, Art & Design, Animal Science, and the Built Environment.

Founded in 2008, Wrexham Glyndwr University is one of the UK’s more recent universities. The university is very new to the game, but according to The Guardian University Guide 2022, it has already risen 41 spots to the second position in the UK for teaching satisfaction. Several fantastic student accommodation alternatives are rather close to the university, which is situated in Wales.

At 92.1%, Wrexham Glyndwr University has a higher employment rate than the UK average. Being one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students, it is also reasonably priced for the majority of individuals to attend because tuition for international students is quite low.

13. University of Bolton

Tuition fees: £12,950 – 14,450
Top Courses: Business Management, Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, and many more
Eligibility Requirements: A student must have an IELTS score of at least 5.5 to be admitted to the University of Bolton.

The University of Bolton, situated in Greater Manchester, England, was formerly known as Bolton University and Bolton Institute of Higher Education. The University of Bolton is unquestionably one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students, with a student body that includes people from more than 60 different countries.

According to the Complete University Guide, the university has been ranked first in the North West for student satisfaction since 2019. Additionally, it is in the top 10 UK universities in terms of student satisfaction. The university guarantees good placement upon graduation with an employment rate of 80.5%. The university’s website states that the cost of living in Greater Manchester is around £8,824 per year. Choosing reasonably priced housing in the area will help you reduce this.

14. Leeds Trinity University

Tuition fees: £11,500 – 12,500
Top Courses: Business and Enterprise, Creative and Professional Writing, Professional Policing, Computer Science BSc (Hons), Journalism BA (Hons), Criminology BA (Hons), and Digital Marketing BA (Hons)
Eligibility Requirements: To get admitted to Leeds Trinity University, a candidate must have five qualifications which include level 3 credentials.

Leeds Trinity University is one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students, ranking 18th among UK universities for student experience in the Good University Guide 2023. The campus is close to some amazing student residences and is situated in Horsforth, Leeds, one of the greatest student cities in the UK. Leeds Trinity University boasts a 97% employment rate and is ranked among the best universities in the UK for employability because it was the first to require work experience for all degrees.

15. University of Sunderland

Tuition fees: £14,000 to £17,000
Top Courses: Business, Management and Finance, Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Nursing and Health
Eligibility Requirements: Applying to the University of Sunderland requires an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.

The main campus of the University of Sunderland, which was established in 1901, is located in Sunterland’s northeast. London is home to its second campus. Ninety-three percent of this university’s graduates find work or continue their education within six months of graduation.

Given the comparatively low cost of living in the area where it is located and the reasonably priced housing options close to its campuses in Sunderland and London, it should come as no surprise that the University of Sunderland consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the UK and is one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students.

16. Plymouth University

Tuition fees: £12,250 – 12,500
Top Courses: Computer science, politics & international studies, business & economics, psychology, law, preclinical & clinical medical studies, and the arts & humanities.
Eligibility Requirements: An IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component, is necessary to apply to Plymouth University.

South West England is home to Plymouth University, which is situated in Plymouth, England. The University of Plymouth, which is ranked in the top 700 worldwide by the QS World University Rankings 2023, offers remarkably high-quality education in subjects including psychology, art and design, and marine technology.

An impressive 85% of applicants get accepted to the university. With an employment rate of, the university is the best place to grow your career. Plymouth University is one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students, which should come as no surprise given the low cost of living in the city at just £1,487.

17. University of Suffolk

Tuition fees: £12,996 – 16,497
Top Courses: Business & Management, Economics & Econometrics, Accounting & Finance.
Eligibility Requirements: Applying to the University of Suffolk requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.

The University of Suffolk is ranked 234th in the Best Colleges 2023–2024 edition. This institution was first established in 2007 under the name institution Campus Suffolk (UCS), and it wasn’t until 2016 that it was granted university status. The University of Suffolk is undoubtedly one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students, with over 10,000 students from nearly 70 different countries.

If you disagree, you can always choose to take out a student loan instead. The university offers classes at its partner colleges in addition to its main campus in Ipswich Waterfront. Popular courses at the institution include computing, business, and health.

18. Buckinghamshire New University

Tuition fees: £10,500
Top Courses: Sociology, Communication & Media Studies, Business & Management, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Psychology, Law and many more.
Eligibility Requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 is required for admission to Buckinghamshire New University.

It should come as no surprise that Buckinghamshire New University is one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students, having been ranked among the Top 10 universities for international study by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023. The institution provides many distinctive and well-liked courses, including textiles, design, and pilot training.

The institution is located near several local lodgings, with campuses in Great Missenden, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Uxbridge. It has continuously been placed in some UK lists of innovative universities. With a 98% employment record, this university is a wonderful place to start your career.

19. London Metropolitan University

Tuition fees: £13,200 – 14,500
Top Courses: Art, Architecture, Design, Human Sciences, Social Professions, Social Sciences, Computing and Digital Media, Business and Law.
Eligibility Requirements: Applying to London Metropolitan University requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.

Unquestionably one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students is London Metropolitan University, which is ranked among the top 100 universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2023). With a 96.7% employment rate, the university offers students multiple volunteer opportunities during their course of study. The institution has two campuses in London: Aldgate and Holloway.

20. York St John University

York St John University

Tuition fees: £10,000 – 11,500
Top Courses: Biomedical Science, British Sign Language, Accounting & Finance, American Studies & War Studies, Business Management, Counseling, Economics & Financial Investment Management & Events, and Hospitality & Tourism Management.
Eligibility Requirments: Applying to York St. John University requires an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.

York St. Joh institution, which has been named the best institution in the North for its excellent instruction, ranks an astounding 13th in the UK for student happiness. With unexpectedly low tuition costs, it ranks 79th globally and is without a doubt one of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students. York’s city center and a number of lodging options are both conveniently close to the university’s sizable urban campus.

The UK continues to offer a variety of affordable universities that provide world-class education for international students. Institutions like the University of Chester, Teesside University, and Leeds Trinity University stand out for their balance of quality and affordability. These universities not only have competitive tuition fees but also provide scholarships, grants, and financial aid options tailored to international students.

Studying in the UK comes with added benefits, including access to global networks, reputable degree programs, and opportunities for post-study work through the Graduate Route visa. With strategic planning, international students can manage living costs effectively by exploring on-campus accommodations and part-time job opportunities.

Affordable universities in the UK for international students in 2025 make studying abroad accessible without compromising the quality of education. By choosing wisely and taking advantage of financial support options, students can achieve their academic and career goals while experiencing the rich culture and history of the UK.