Top Cheapest Universities in UK for International Students

by Hamza / Tuesday, 28 February 2023 / Published in Education Blog

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Studying in the UK is a dream for many students due to its pedagogical history and prestigious universities but considering the living expenses, every student wants to explore their options. We have compiled a list of the cheapest universities which are the best budget-friendly universities in the UK for international students to browse through and make a viable plan for their future career. If you choose a university with a lower tuition fee, it does not come at the expense of a low quality education so you can get affordability and quality education in the same package with these low cost universities.

Studying in the UK as an International Student

The UK is highly supportive towards international students because they have a very competitive higher education sector compared to the rest of the world. It welcomes international students to study at the institutes and in 2022, the number of visas issued has increased by more than 62% (according to the Home Office statistics). This gives you a green signal as your chances of getting the visa are higher.

While studying at these world renowned universities, you can reach your true potential through the innovative learning and approach towards enhancing your leadership skills. Whether you want to pursue research in your field or a job at a good firm, a good UK university can provide you the network and skills to achieve that.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a University in the UK

UK education for international students is an excellent option but when choosing a university, international students need to consider a lot of things:

The academic standards and career support offered by the university
The tuition fee of the course you are interested in (remember to choose International student tuition fees for the course)
The look and feel of the campus life
Location of the campus- should be well connected by public transport

Is Studying at a Cheap University in the UK Right for You?

There are definitely differences between UK universities’ tuition fees for international students but a cheaper university does not really translate into a low quality education. As all UK universities have the freedom to increase the tuition fee above the minimum £9,250, there are still some universities that charge less than others. In this article, you will read about reputable universities which are considerably more affordable. The pros and cons of each university will be different for each student and their needs.

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students

Comparison of the Cheapest Universities in the UK for International Students

After reading this list and visiting the official websites, you must be wondering about how to choose the right university for your budget as an international student in the UK. One parameter you can use to weigh the benefits of a university for your career is by looking at the university rankings for affordable education. This will tell you a lot about the faculty, research facilities, employability of graduates, etc. depending on the international university ranking scale you are using for your research.

Leeds Beckett University and University of Chester both have multiple campuses so you can choose the location that is more affordable. Anglia Ruskin University was awarded the Entrepreneurial University of the Year in 2014 by Times Higher Education Awards so looking at the achievements of the university in the department that you are applying to will also help you decide which university is better for you. The employability rate of University of Chester is 90.4% and this is a great measure of success to consider if you are looking for a job immediately after graduation.

Low-Cost Undergraduate Programs for International Students in the UK

Leeds Trinity University- BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism: £12,000 per year
University of Chester- BSc (Hons) Economics: £13,450 per year
Leeds Beckett University- BA (Hons) Business and Management: £14,000 per year
Teesside University- BA (Hons) Concept Art: £15,000 per year
Coventry University- BA (Hons) Advertising and Digital Marketing: £16,800 per year

Affordable Postgraduate Programs in the UK for International Students

MA in Creative Writing at the University of Hull (online learning) : £5,150 per year
MA in Higher Education at Middlesex University: £11,500 per year
MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Leeds Trinity University: £7,750 per year
MA Social Policy at Plymouth Marion University: £12,500 per year
MSc Mechanical Engineering at University of Bolton: £13,550 per year

Cost of Living for International Students in the UK

As the cost of living in the UK, especially in London, is quite high, you should study some tips for international students to save money while studying in the UK. This will help you create a realistic budget for yourself.

Student Accommodation Options for International Students in the UK

When you are looking for student accomodation options in UK, you should start by looking online for the apartments and student residences built close to the campus (purpose built student accommodation). Visit UniAcco or social media pages to book places beforehand. Try to avail the option for on-campus accommodation as it saves a lot of money.

Scholarships and Bursaries for International Students in the UK

There are many scholarships for international students in UK universities available that can help them pay for the tuition fee of the university of their choice. Here are some of the most renowned ones for Pakistani students that you can apply to:

Part-time Work Opportunities for International Students in the UK

If you do not get any scholarship or grant for your studies, you can still earn with the work-study programs for international students in UK universities. The student visa allows you to work for 20 hours per week so you can manage your daily expenses with part time work.