When considering studying in the UK, international students are attracted by the world-renowned universities, cultural fusion and amazing job opportunities. However, the cost of living at university in the UK can be prohibitively expensive.
The good news; It’s not mandatory to have £30,000+ for tuition fees. Some universities in Britain charge international students far less — between £11,750 and £15,000 a year to get a bachelor’s degree.
In this blog, we’re going to explore some of the affordable universities available in the UK, what you can expect to pay for studying and living there — and, most importantly: why they make a great choice.
Cheapest Universities in UK (Top 10 Schools and Courses) – 2026 UPDATE
1. Chester University
Fees: £12,450 to £14,450 /year
Why Choose:
- Inexpensive student living spaces
- Available scholarships
Best For: Business, Health And Social Care
2. Sunderland University
Fees: £12,500 to £13,500 /year
One of the affordable universities in UK.
Why Choose:
- Sunderland has low living costs
- Scholarship available
Best For: Business & Nursing & Engineering
3. University of Teesside
Fees: £13,000 – £14,000 /year
Best known for career-aiding programs.
Why Choose:
- Scholarships available
- Cheaper living cost
- Entirely Industry-related Degrees
Best For: IT, Engineering and Animation
4. Cumbria University
Fees: £13,250 or more (varies by course)
In a beautiful, quiet area.
Why Choose:
- Smaller cities cost less to live in
- Good faculty
Best For: Business, Nursing and Education
5. Bolton University
Fees: £12,450–£14,000 annually (estimate)
One of the most affordable colleges in UK.
Why Choose:
- Small groups of students
- The rent is cheaper than in most big cities in the UK.
Best For: Business, Engineering, Arts
6. University of Leeds Trinity
Fess: £12,000 – £14,500 per annum
A small school with happy students.
Why Choose:
- Low Tuition fee
- Job-oriented courses
Best For: Media, Business, and Psychology
7. University of the West of Scotland
Fees: £12,500 – £14,000 /year
Scotland is also a lot cheaper than it is and incredibly high quality.
Why Choose:
- Lower cost of living
- Best courses to accelerate your career
Best For: Business, Engineering & Computer Science
8. Wrexham University
Fees: £11,750 to £12,500 /year
One of the cheapest colleges in the UK.
Why Choose:
- Low tuition fees
- Affordable living cost
- Supportive campus environment
Best For: Business, Computers & Engineering
9. Bedfordshire University
Fees: £12,000 to 15,000 per year
Just about as pricey as London.
Why Choose:
- Scholarships available.
- A robust community around the world
Best For: Business, Health Sciences & Media
10. York St. John University
Fees: £13,000 to £14,000 per year
A charming old town with a low cost of living.
Why Choose:
- Less expensive tuition
- A helpful academic infrastructure
Best For: Psychology, Business, Education
Tips to Lower Costs on Studying in the UK
Apply for Scholarships Early
Many colleges and institutions provide merit-based and international scholarships. Applying early increases your financial aid chances.
Prefer Shared Housing
Sharing a home with other students is a great way to make friends and save tons of money on rent and utilities.
Study and Work Part-Time
Most international students who have a student visa for the UK can work up to 20 hours per week, which lets them supplement their income and also provides valuable experience of working in the UK.
Pay for School in Installments
Some colleges allow you to arrange this type of payment plan, and it’s a great way to keep better track of your funds.
Conclusion
You don’t have to go into debt in the U.K. to acquire a degree. International students can get a great education for a lot less money if they pick the proper city and university.
These affordable UK universities in 2026 show that studying abroad doesn’t have to be a dream for another day. If you do your research and prepare well, it may be a reality without leaving you with a lot of student loan debt.
We hope you liked the above blog. Read more similar articles on “UK Universities” given below.
- University of London: A Guide for International Students
- Imperial College London: A Complete Guide to Courses, Fees & Admissions
- University of Oxford: What Makes It the Best University in the World?
- Durham University: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Fees, Courses, and Accommodation
- Lancaster University: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Fees, and Courses
- University of Exeter: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Fees, and Courses
- University of Reading: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Fees, Courses
- University of Birmingham: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Fees, Courses, and Accommodation
- University of Liverpool: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Fees, Courses, and Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do international students in the UK usually pay for tuition?
Most UK universities that are not too expensive charge between £11,750 and £15,000 a year for undergraduate courses.
2. Where in the UK is it cheapest for students to live?
Living costs are usually lower in cities that aren’t in London, especially in Northern England, Wales, and Scotland.
3. Are international students allowed to work while they are in school in the UK?
Yes, students with a UK student visa can usually work up to 20 hours a week during the school year.
4. Do good UK universities that are cheap?
Yes. Many have modern buildings, strong career-focused programs, and degrees from well-known UK schools.
5. What is the cost of living for students in the UK?
Outside of London, living costs are usually between £8,000 and £11,000 a year.
6. Do these universities give scholarships to students from other countries?
Yes, most of the cheap UK universities offer scholarships based on merit and for students from other countries.
7. Is it more expensive to study in London?
Yes, the cost of living and going to school in London is usually much higher than in other UK cities.
8. Is it possible for me to pay my tuition in installments?
Instead of paying all at once, many UK universities let students pay their fees in installments.
9. Do cheap colleges make it harder to find work? offers 100% scholarship?
No. Employers care more about skills and experience than just how well-known a university is.