The UK remains to be one of the most popular destinations for education, having over 485,000+ foreign enrolees. The high demand for British education is not surprising though, given its quality education. Add to that, it also boasts of a multi-cultural environment with reasonable living/healthcare costs.
Although some British universities don’t come in cheap, many offer affordable 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 the UK. Prior to checking the list of 10 of the cheapest universities in the UK, please bear in mind that the list is not in any particular order, it is just prepared for you to have a more clear idea about 10 of the cheapest universities in the UK.
What Are the Requirements of Studying in the UK?
Apart from a high school diploma, UK universities may require A-levels and/or certain grades and proof of English proficiency. Some may require an interview, as is the case in Oxford and Cambridge. Undergraduate applications are usually coursed through the UCAS portal.
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Although some British universities don’t come in cheap, many offer affordable 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 the UK.
What Are the Requirements of Studying in the UK?
Apart from a high school diploma, UK universities may require A-levels and/or certain grades and proof of English proficiency. Some may require an interview, as is the case in Oxford and Cambridge. Undergraduate applications are usually coursed through the UCAS portal.
Masters applicants, on the other hand, will need a bachelor’s diploma to apply. Depending on the university, requirements such as curriculum vitae, interviews, or entrance exams may be needed.
Do You Need to be Proficient in English to Study in the UK?
Yes, of course. English is the primary language in the UK, 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.
Cheap Universities in the UK
1. University of Chester
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: From GBP 12,950 Per Year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: From GBP 13,450 Per Year
Founded in 1839, the University of Chester is the cheapest university in the UK for international students. It was established as the first teacher training college in the UK. Ever since then, it has progressed into a world-class university with campuses in Chester, Warrington, and Shrewsbury.
To date, the university offers undergraduate and graduate courses through its seven schools. These are the Faculties of Arts & Humanities, Medicine & Dentistry, Science & Engineering, Social Science, Education & Children’s Services, and Health & Social Care. It is also home to the celebrated Chester Business School.
The university has one of the lowest foreign populations in the UK, with only 11% of its students coming from outside the country.
2. University of Stirling
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: From GBP 15,900 Per Year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: From GBP 16,775 Per Year
The University of Stirling in Scotland was founded in the year 1967. Based in the Central Belt, it takes residence within the walls of the 360-acre Airthrey Castle estate. Because of this, the university is heralded as one of the most beautiful in the UK.
More than just having a breathtaking campus, this affordable university in the United Kingdom is also known for its international degree partnerships. Apart from that, it also delivers traditional undergraduate and graduate programs through the Stirling Management School and the Faculties of Social Science, Arts & Humanities, Natural Science, and Health Sciences.
24% of the university’s 9,500+ students represent nations from all across the globe.
3. University of Greenwich
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: From GBP 15,100 Per Year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: From GBP 15,100 Per Year
The University of Greenwich was founded in 1890 as Woolwich Polytechnic before it was eventually renamed Thames Polytechnic. It eventually adopted its current name and university status in 1993.
The university, which has campuses in Greenwich, Avery Hill, and Medway, is home to four schools. They are the Faculties of Liberal Arts & Science, Education & Health, Engineering & Science, and Business.
As one of the UK’s top universities, it also performs well in terms of responsible consumption, the life of the land, reducing inequalities, partnership for goals, and climate action.
The University’s three branches are home to more than 14,200 students, 38% of which come from abroad.
4. University of Westminster
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: From GBP 14,400 Per Year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: From GBP 13,000 Per Year
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. Currently, the university has campuses in Central London, Marylebone, Fitzrovia, and Harrow. It also operates a foreign branch in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The university is currently divided into 3 schools that oversee a variety of departments. These are the College of Design, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Westminster Business School.
Almost half (49%) of the school’s 16,200+ students come from outside the UK. Many of them are drawn by the school’s prestige – and surprisingly affordable tuition.
5. University of Huddersfield
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: From GBP 15,000 Per Year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: From GBP 16,000 Per Year
The University of Huddersfield is a public research institution situated 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, which was established in 1825.
The university, which has campuses in Queensgate, Oldham, and Barnsley, is home to various academic departments. They include the Schools of Applied Science, Art & Architecture, Computing & Engineering, Business, Education & Professional Development, Human & Health Studies, and Music & Media.
The university is home to almost 15,000 students, 26% of which represent a handful of countries from across the globe.
6. University of Glasgow
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: From GBP 20,400 Per Year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: From GBP 23,950 Per Year
Founded in 1451 through the Papal bull, the University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is also one of Scotland’s four ancient universities, apart from being an integral part of the 18th-century Scottish enlightenment.
The campus, which is situated in Gilmorehill, is home to the schools of Business, Dentistry, Chemistry, Computing Science, Critical Studies, Culture, Education, Engineering, Earth Science, Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, Law, Life Science, Math, Medicine, Language, Physics, Psychology, Social Science, and Veterinary Medicine.
This cheap university in the UK is home to a huge group of international students – about 38% of 26,500+.
7. University of Southampton
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: From GBP 19,300 Per Year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: From GBP 28,000 Per Year
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. In 1952, it was finally awarded full university status.
Southampton is organized according to five faculties that oversee several other academic units. These are the Faculties of Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Physical Science, Environmental & Life Science, Medicine, and Social Science.
More than 1/3 of Soton’s 23,500 students come from the EU and other countries.
8. Teesside University
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: GBP 14,000
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs:
- Postgraduate taught degree (MSc/MA) one-year: GBP 14,000
- Postgraduate taught degree (MSc/MA) two-years (Advanced practice/Applied courses) GBP 17,000 (GBP 8,500 per year)
Teesside University is a public university with its main campus in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire in North East England. It has over 21,000 students studying in the UK, according to the 2020/21 HESA student record
Since its formation as Constantine Technical College in 1930, Teesside University has been located in the borough of Middlesbrough in the North Yorkshire area of England on the south banks of the River Tees. Transport links exist through the A19 and A66 roads. The University’s main entrance is at the site of the old Constantine College building, fronted by the Waterhouse clock tower.
The University opened its original Darlington campus in the former Eastbourne Secondary School in the Eastbourne area of Darlington. A new £13 million Darlington campus opened in 2011 at Central Park. Today the Darlington campus is known as the Centre for Professional and Executive Development (CPED).
9. Liverpool Hope University
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: From Undergraduate degree: GBP 9,250 per year Per Year
- Postgraduate taught courses: From GBP 5,200 Per Year
- International MBA: GBP 10,500
Liverpool Hope University is a vibrant community of scholars, students and support staff. We are proud of our past, confident in our present and ambitious for our future.
With a history extending over 175 years, Liverpool Hope has developed a distinctive ethos that brings together scholarship, research and teaching.
Just one in five UK Higher Education providers achieved the gold standard, which measures excellence in teaching quality, learning environment, and student outcomes – the extent to which all students achieve their educational and professional goals.
10. University of Bolton
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: From GBP 12,950 Per Year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: From GBP 14,450 Per Year
The University of Bolton (formerly Bolton Institute of Higher Education, Bolton Institute of Technology or simply Bolton Institute) is a public university in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It has approximately 6,000 students and 700 academic and professional staff. Around 70% of its students come from Bolton and the North West region.
With one of the most ethnically diverse student populations in the UK, comprising of around 60 nationalities on campus, the University of Bolton is proud to welcome both postgraduates and undergraduates from all across the world into a friendly learning environment.
We hope that this article on the cheapest universities in the UK was helpful. Feel free to also check out the UK Scholarships Page for more information about studying in the UK!