10 Cheapest universities in the UK (2024)

The expense of tuition is the main worry for anybody thinking about pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in the UK. It’s common knowledge that British universities are among the most costly for international students in the world. Nonetheless, there are a lot of reasonably priced institutions in the UK where students may build successful futures. 

For non-UK foreign students, the cost of tuition at most UK universities is much higher than that of British or European citizens. This is the reason why potential overseas students search for the UK’s lowest or least expensive institutions.

Fortunately, there are still a few institutions that are less expensive than other prestigious ones in the UK. Additionally, keep in mind that these universities are still very competitive even if their tuition isn’t as expensive. The universities listed below are both highly regarded and offer the lowest tuition costs. 

1. Staffordshire University

Known for its scientific departments, Staffordshire University has many programs and departments that rank in the top 10 in the United Kingdom. It has consistently been in the top 100 universities in the UK and, according to the Complete University Guide, 2022, is in the top 15 for student satisfaction. 

20,000 students from over 100 different countries attend the institution. The foreign student population at Staffordshire University is mostly drawn by the institution’s strong industrial linkages and better returns. In addition, the institution has won other awards for teaching excellence, employability, and student happiness, among other things.

Average annual tuition fee: 16,000 to 19,000 EUR

2. Teesside University

The cheapest university in the United Kingdom is said to be Teesside University. Based on the Foreign Student Barometer 2008–12, Teesside University routinely ranks in the top ten UK universities for overall average satisfaction among foreign students. With more than 2,300 employees, the institution has over 80 years of outstanding teaching experience and is among the biggest employers in the region.

Teesside University International Business School; School of Arts & Creative Industries; School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law; School of Health & Life Sciences; and School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies are its five academic schools.   

At Teesside University, there are around 28,000 students enrolled overall, including 120 foreign students.

Average annual tuition fee: 15,000 EUR

3. Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett provides competent instruction and training at a reasonable cost. To guarantee that students get the greatest careers after their studies, the institution has associated with a large number of businesses and organizations.

Among British institutions, it provides one of the lowest tuition rates. Over 28,000 students attend Leeds Beckett University at the moment, with foreign students hailing from more than 100 nations worldwide.

Average annual tuition fee: 16,000 to 19,000 EUR

4. Leeds Trinity University

Renowned for its Journalism programs, Leeds Trinity University is regarded as one of the best institutions in the United Kingdom for academic quality. Recent grads are 100% satisfied with one-fifth of the undergraduate courses.

According to The Times and Sunday Times Good Institution Guide, 2023, it is ranked as the safest institution in Leeds and among the best in Yorkshire and the Humber for student happiness. Within 15 months, 95% of its graduates find work or continue their education (HESA 2023).

Average annual tuition fee: 12,000 to 14,500 EUR

5. University of Cumbria

The University of Cumbria was founded in 2007 and is centred on the concept of a dispersed learning network, which allows for instruction to occur at both the university’s campuses and at other distant institutions around Cumbria.

With a long history of interdisciplinary research, the University of Cumbria welcomes students from all around the globe. To enhance student learning, the institution established an inventive Institute for Leadership and Stability at its Ambleside campus in 2012.

For overseas students, the University of Cumbria is regarded as one of the least expensive institutions in the United Kingdom. There are five campuses of the institution, and each offers many opportunities to students from abroad.

Average annual tuition fee: 13,000 to 16,000 EUR

6. London Metropolitan University

The London Metropolitan University offers reasonably priced courses that provide chances for professional growth and practical skills for the industry.

It also boasts one of the biggest teaching laboratories in Europe, specialized art and design studios, and more. 

Average annual tuition fee: 12,000 EUR

7. University of Bolton

A few special degrees are available from the University of Bolton, including Visual Effects for Film and TV and Special Effects for Film and TV. In addition to the more conventional academic courses, it provides a large selection of vocational courses.

Across all locations and courses, there are 14,000 students, and there are 700 academic and professional staff members. With a few exceptions, like the MBA and MSc Physician Associate Studies, the majority of the courses have a fee of £12,950.

Average annual tuition fee: 12,950 EUR

8. University of Chester

Located in Chester, England, the University of Chester is a public institution. Originally intended to be a college for teacher preparation, it is now known as the University of Chester. The university is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and Universities UK, the North West Universities Association, and the Cathedrals Group.

The University of Chester is one of the UK institutions with the lowest tuition costs, providing a globally recognized education. The institution is home to almost 15,000 students overall, and according to the Whatuni Student Choice Awards, it is the second-best university for foreign students. The institution is renowned for providing a 90.4% employment rate to its alumni.

Average annual tuition fee: 13,950 EUR

9. Coventry University

With two campuses and around 27,000 students, Coventry university is the largest university in Warwick, having been founded in 1992. According to a 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, the institution conducts world-class research in several important areas, including Allied Health Professions and Studies, Computer Science and Informatics, and Electrical and Electronic Engineering. 

The institution is well-known among overseas students for being included in the list of affordable universities in London. Regarding its research outputs, Coventry University has also received recognition from several national and worldwide rankings. The institution provides foreign students a variety of scholarships, ranging from 1500 GBP to 2500 GBP per student, per year, despite being a cheap university in London.

Average annual tuition fee: 16,800 to 20,050 EUR

10. York St. John University

Students at York St. John University have access to cutting-edge facilities. Six months after graduation, 93% of graduates are either employed or enrolled in full-time courses. A new media workshop, acoustic performance spaces, and exhibition facilities have been added to the £2.5 million Arts Centre. For overseas students, the typical cost is £13,000. 

Average annual tuition fee: 11,800 EUR

Conclusion

Financially speaking, studying in the UK may be quite expensive. This is due to the UK’s general reputation as one of the most cost study-abroad locations in the world, not only the tuition costs at the institutions. The universities listed above are your greatest options if you’re seeking the least expensive in the UK for foreign students.