Universities in the United Kingdom are known for their high-quality education, but also for their expensive tuition fees compared to other European countries.
When you think of starting your degree in the UK, chances are you are looking for options located on one of the large cities. However, there is much more besides Manchester, Edinburgh and London. Investigating universities in smaller areas is the best way to achieve a more budget-friendly student experience while still getting a degree from a top UK institution.
Smaller cities and towns will have cheaper accommodation, more affordable entertainment options and a better sense of community. Ready to give them a chance?
Study in the UK: Find Bachelors & Masters
Public higher education instutitions in Great Britain charge their students two levels of fees: "Home" or "Overseas/International". In general, UK students will be charged under the first category, while EU and non-EU students fall into the second one. (Scottish universities have a third category called "RUK fees" or "Rest of UK": This applies to students from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland and is irrelevant for international students.)
Private sector institutions often have the same price for everyone.
Undergraduate home fees are currently capped by the Government at £9,250, however overseas fees can be much higher. Students can expect the following fees:
The average cost for degree in the UK can vary widely. You will find out more on the websites of the individual universities.
IJ Tip: As a student, it is essential that you consider all the costs associated with your education, including international travel, visas, and application fees. But there’s more, you must also include your living expenses besides rent, bills, transport and food. Students need to budget for having a social life and for any clubs or societies they wish to join, as well as having savings for extra essentials like clothes, haircuts, dentist appointments, etc.
There are many budget-friendly universities in the UK where you will still get world-class British education.
We’ve listed the top ten most affordable ones for international students, that still hold top positions in rankings such as . Most of these are in England, but Wales and Scotland also offer affordable options:
University | City | Tuition fees UG | Tuition fees PG |
---|---|---|---|
Leeds Trinity University | Leeds | £12,000 to £14,500 | £12,000 to £15,000 |
Liverpool Hope University | Liverpool | £13,000 | £13,000, up to £15,000 for MBAs |
Queen Margaret University | Musselburgh/Edinburgh | £9,250, up to £17,325 for Health-related degrees | £16,740, up to £21,875 for Health-related degrees |
University of Bolton | Bolton | ca. £15,950 | ca. £15,950 |
University of Chester | Chester | £13,950 | £14,750, up to £20,000 |
University of Derby | Derby | £14,900 | £14,900 |
University of Hull | Hull | £15,400 per year for Arts, £18,300 for Science courses | ca. £11,000 |
University of Kent | Canterbury, Medway | £18,600 up to £22,700 | £18,600 up to £22,700 |
University of the Highlands and Islands | Highlands and Islands | ca. £15,000 | ca. £15,000 |
Wrexham Glyndŵr University | Wrexham, Northop and St. Asaph | ca. £11,750 | £12,500 |
Study in the United Kingdom: Find more universities
You don’t have to be intimidated by the price of university. There are many ways that you can reduce costs and manage the expenses associated with gaining a top-class education.
The cost of studying abroad can be a significant barrier for international students so, to address this, numerous UK universities and external organizations offer a range of scholarships, bursaries and grants.
Here are some notable scholarships available:
Another option students can take into account are loans. Many banks offer student loans of different amounts with different interest levels. It is very important that you understand your loan before you take one out. Some loans can have very high interest rates that can sky-rocket after you graduate. So be careful and think wisely before you sign the dotted line.
There are many English-taught degrees available in many other European countries besides the United Kingdom. Many universities in Europe have lower fees as well, so don’t be afraid to look around.
Prices vary depending on the institution and country, but in general, EU students can study for free in most EU countries.
For non-EU students, Germany and other countries in the South, Central and Eastern Europe offer cheap undergraduate and postgraduate options. These are some of the most budget-friendly options at public institutions, with all amounts converted to pounds so you can more easily compare with the United Kingdom:
These countries are great alternatives for your education in the UK, even if you do not qualify for any financial help.
6928 Programmes in the United Kingdom