Low-Cost Universities in the UK for International Students

There are numerous low-cost universities in the UK for International students, such as Leeds Trinity University, Liverpool Hope University, University of Chester, University of Derby, and so on. These universities are perfect for students who want to get an honors or master’s degree from a UK university without breaking the bank.

Costs include tuition and living expenses, varying from city to city. Some universities also offer scholarships and financial aid, which reduces the overall cost of education. International students must consider all of these when applying for universities.

Here, we will list the top-ranking UK universities with low tuition fees, how to secure seats, and all the tips and tricks to save more so that students can efficiently study in the UK on a budget. We will also review the available scholarships and working opportunities so students can more easily bear the total educational expense.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Studying in the UK

Various factors affect the cost of studying in the UK, such as tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, scholarship opportunities, etc. All of these involve the overall cost of international students pursuing a degree from UK universities. Here, we will discuss all the factors you need to consider when finding low-cost universities in the UK for international students.

Tuition Fees

Students pay tuition fees to universities to obtain honors or master’s degrees. Different universities charge different tuition fees for different courses. Tuition fees range from £10,000 to £20,000 per year, depending on the university and the course. Some of the best UK universities with low fees include Leeds Trinity University, Liverpool Hope University, University of Bolton, University of Chester, University of Derby, University of Hull, and University of Kent. These are some of the Low-Cost Universities in the UK for International Students.

Cost of Living in Different UK Cities

Living expenses vary from city to city, as rent, transportation, and groceries cost differently in different cities. Some of the cheapest UK cities for international students include Cardiff, Cambridge, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, and Nottingham. These cities are relatively cheaper for international students when it comes to rent, transportation, living expenses, and so on.

Scholarship Opportunities and Financial Aid

Many universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These can decrease the overall cost, making it cheaper for international students to pursue higher education in UK universities. 

List of Low-Cost Universities in the UK (2025 Update)

Here, we will discuss all the low-cost universities in the UK that are perfect for international students looking to complete their honors or master’s degrees. Remember that only the tuition fees are accurate, as the universities have verified them. All other expenses, such as living costs, travel expenses, and various other costs, will vary based on different factors.

Teesside University

Teesside University is one of the cheapest universities in the UK for international students. International students at this university cost £17,000 per year to obtain an undergraduate degree. Integrated Master’s also costs £17,000 and postgraduate diploma costs £16,150. You can visit for detailed tuition fees. 

University of Cumbria

Another affordable university for international students is the University of Cumbria. Bachelor’s degree costs £14,900 per year, and postgraduate degree costs £14,900 for international students. Visit to learn more about the tuition fees of the University of Cumbria. 

Leeds Trinity University

Leeds Trinity University is one of the cheapest universities in the UK for international students. The three-year undergraduate degree starts from £12,000, and BSC courses cost £14,500 at this university. Visit to get details about the tuition fees for international students at this university.

University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland is one of the best UK universities with low tuition fees. Fees for undergraduate courses start at £16,000 per year, and postgraduate courses range from £16,500 to £18,000 per year, depending on the course. Visit to learn more about international student fees at the University of Sunderland. This is one of the universities offering a low-cost master’s degree in the UK.

University of Bolton

The University of Bolton is an excellent choice for those studying in the UK on a budget. This university will cost about £10,512 per year, depending on the courses. It is one of the cheapest, even among low-cost universities in the UK. Visit for more information regarding tuition fees.

University of Chester

Another excellent choice for students looking for cheap universities in the UK is the University of Chester. It costs about £13,950 per year for undergraduate courses, £14,750 per year for postgraduate courses, and £14,950 per year for MBA. Visit for more information about fees for international students. This is one of the cheap universities in the UK for undergraduate students

University of Bedfordshire

The University of Bedfordshire offers various affordable courses for international students. Yearly fees for undergraduate degrees start at £16,800, and postgraduate degrees start at £16,900. An MBA degree costs £18,000 per year. Visit for more information regarding fees for all courses at this university. 

Coventry University

One of the cheapest universities for international students is Coventry University, which charges approximately £16,800 – £20,050 per year for undergraduate courses. Costs will vary based on courses and related factors. For more information regarding tuition fees at this university, visit Coventry University Website.

University of Greenwich

The University of Greenwich is also quite affordable for international students looking to study in the UK on a budget. Course fees start from £17,500 per year for international students and can vary based on the type of courses and duration. Visit for more information about tuition fees for international students studying at the university.

University of Suffolk

The University of Suffolk is another excellent choice for international students looking to study at a low-cost university in the UK. Undergraduate courses cost about £15,090–£18,380, and postgraduate courses cost £15,210–£18,470 for international students at this university. Visit to learn more about tuition fees for international students.

Tuition Fees Comparison of Low-Cost Universities

University	Location	Undergraduate course fee	Postgraduate course fee
Teesside University	Middlesbrough	£17,000	£17,000
University of Cumbria	Carlisle	£14,900	£14,900
Leeds Trinity University	Horsforth, Leeds	£12,000	£14,500
University of Sunderland	Sunderland	£16,000	£16,500 to £18,000
University of Bolton	Bolton	£10,512	£10,512
University of Chester	Chester	£13,950	£14,750
University of Bedfordshire	Bedfordshire	£16,800	£16,900
Coventry University	Coventry	£16,800 – £20,050	£16,800 – £20,050
University of Greenwich	London	£17,500	£17,500
University of Suffolk	Ipswich, Suffolk	£15,090–£18,380	£15,210–£18,470

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Bangladeshi Students

Students can cut costs by securing scholarships and financial aid, which various organizations provide each year to promising students. These include the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, and university-specific scholarships. Securing part-time jobs will also help the students better support themselves.

Chevening Scholarships

The UK government provides the Chevening Scholarships, which cover travel expenses, living costs, and tuition fees, making them one of the most attractive scholarships. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must have permanent citizenship from the country of application, an honors degree, two years of work experience, reference letters, and offer letters from at least one university.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship is given to students from commonwealth countries by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. Students must be permanent citizens of a commonwealth nation, have an undergraduate degree, and cannot afford to study in the UK without a scholarship. Visit to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship.

University-Specific Scholarships

Numerous universities in the United Kingdom offer various types of scholarships in addition to the ones mentioned above. Cardiff University, Coventry University, Aston University, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, and various other universities provide scholarships to international students. 

Part-Time Job Opportunities for Students

Students can take part-time jobs to help them pay tuition fees and living expenses during their stay in the UK. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during breaks, but they should carefully review the university guidelines to learn about their work permission. Part-time jobs are helpful during a student’s stay in the UK for education.

Cost of Living in the UK for International Students

The cost of living in the UK for international students includes various things, such as rent, utility bills, groceries, essential shopping, transportation, tuition fees, etc. These will vary based on the city and universities, time, and economy. Here, we will provide a general idea about the overall living expenses in the UK.

Cheapest Cities to Live In the UK

The cost of living varies by city because different cities have different rent, transportation costs, and living expenses. Some of the cheapest cities to live in the UK for international students are Belfast, Bath, Derby, Glasgow, Ormskirk, Edinburgh, Plymouth, and Sheffield.

Average Expenses for Accommodation, Food, Transport, and Other Essentials

Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses for students living in the UK. The average accommodation cost for students can range from £500 to £1000 per month. Rent will be lower in cities like Manchester, Leeds, and others. Rent in these cities can range from £300 to £700 monthly.

Food expenses can vary based on the location and food habits. Typically, a student spends around £100 to £250 a month on food during their stay in the UK. Remember that supply, demand, and inflation can increase food prices.

Transportation is another expense that students have to bear. Transportation costs vary from city to city, but not by much. Public transportation is comparatively cheaper in the cities. It can cost students between £30 and £60 a month.

Money-Saving Tips for Students

Students can follow money-saving tips and tricks to stay financially well-off in the UK. One of the best money-saving tricks is looking for student discounts for online and in-person shopping.

The trick to saving money during grocery shopping is to buy in bulk and look for discounted items. You can also look for non-brand and generic-name products, which usually cost less than brand products. Preparing meals at home will also save the students a lot of money. Cook in large batches to save time and money. 

Another way to save money is to buy second-hand textbooks and clothes from thrift stores and online marketplaces. Second-hand products cost less and can help students save money during their stay in the UK.

Keep track of your spending because you cannot control what you cannot measure. Use expense tracking apps to note down your expenses. Make a budget beforehand and spend accordingly. To save money, be conservative with not just money but utilities such as electricity, data packages, and water.

How to Apply to Low-Cost UK Universities

Here, we will examine the entire application process for admission into a low-cost university in the UK. Take advice from your counselors and carefully review all the necessary certificates and applications to increase your chances.

Choosing the Right Course and University

Tuition fees vary based on the courses and the universities, so it is imperative to choose the right subject if you are looking to finish obtaining your undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a UK university. Go through the course fee pages of the university websites to learn about the tuition fees. Be sure to check out the living expenses and transportation costs in the city where the university is situated.

Required Documents

Students must obtain certain documents to apply to any UK university for admission. These documents include reference letters, passports, statements of purpose, personal statements, academic transcripts, previous case letters, CVs or resumes, certificates of graduation, language proficiency proof, etc. Read through the required documents list and consult with your counselor to ensure you do not miss any required documents during the application process.

Step-By-Step UCAS Application Process

Here are the step-by-step guides for the UCAS application process for international students.

Step 1: Register in the UCAS Hub and answer the registration questions. Confirm the year you want to start your studies and choose an undergraduate level. After you reach the UCAS Hub dashboard, click on the ‘Your Application’ tile and click ‘Start’ to begin your application. Make sure to enter your name according to the official documents.

Step 2: Complete your details on the form. There are mandatory questions that students cannot skip while filling out the form. Always use up-to-date information on the application.

Step 3: Add your educational background. Enter all your qualifications from secondary education onwards.

Step 4: List your employment history, including part-time and full-time jobs. Unpaid or voluntary jobs should not be included. You can list up to five of your previous work experience. Include company details, addresses, job descriptions, and joining and resignation dates.

Step 5: Select your course choices. Students can choose up to five courses without order of preference. Universities will not see where you have applied until you reply to the offers.

Step 6: Write a personal statement within 4,000 characters or 47 lines. We recommend that students use Microsoft Word to prepare and paste the essay after completion. Save regularly to avoid losing the work. 

Step 7: Apply after finishing the form with the personal statement. Make sure to double-check all the details and make any necessary edits.

Step 8: Get a reference or recommendation from your teacher, adviser, or professional who knows you academically.

Step 9: Pay the application fee and send your application to UCAS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The UK is a favorite destination for students seeking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a top-ranking university. Often, these universities charge hefty tuition fees, making it difficult for students. However, numerous low-cost universities exist, such as Teesside University, University of Cumbria, Leeds Trinity University, University of Sunderland, and University of Bolton. Students must also monitor other expenses, such as living costs, transportation, and food, to avoid financial difficulty during their stay in the UK.