Damilola MariamIf you’re planning to study abroad in 2025, you may be wondering “What are the cheapest universities in UK for international students?” With rising tuition costs and living expenses, finding an affordable university that still offers quality education is a top priority for many international students.
This article will walk you through the most affordable UK universities in 2025, breaking down tuition fees, available scholarships, and cost of living. Whether you’re from Nigeria, India, Ghana, Pakistan, or anywhere else, this list can help you plan your UK education without breaking the bank.
ALSO READ: How Much is IELTS in Nigeria 2025?
Why Choose the UK for Higher Education?
The UK remains one of the top destinations for international students. Here’s why:
- Globally Recognised Degrees
- High-quality teaching and research
- Diverse student population
- 2-year post-study work visa (Graduate Route)
- English-speaking environment
But studying in the UK doesn’t have to mean sky-high tuition. Let’s explore the cheapest universities in UK for international students in 2025.
10 Cheapest Universities in UK for International Students in 2025
Below is a curated list of affordable universities with undergraduate and postgraduate fees under £13,000 per year.
| University | Average Tuition (UG/PG) | Location |
| University of the Highlands and Islands | £7,000 – £9,000 | Scotland |
| University of Suffolk | £11,000 – £12,000 | Ipswich |
| Leeds Trinity University | £11,000 – £12,500 | Leeds |
| University of Bolton | £9,000 – £12,000 | Greater Manchester |
| Teesside University | £11,000 – £13,000 | Middlesbrough |
| University of Cumbria | £10,500 – £12,000 | Carlisle |
| Wrexham University (Glyndwr) | £11,000 – £12,500 | Wales |
| University of Chester | £11,500 – £13,000 | Chester |
| London Metropolitan University | £11,500 – £13,000 | London |
| University of Sunderland | £10,750 – £12,500 | Sunderland |
Always check the official university websites for the most updated fee information.
1. University of the Highlands and Islands – From £7,000/year
Located in the scenic Scottish Highlands, UHI offers one of the lowest tuition fees in the UK for international students. Courses include business, computing, engineering, and environmental studies.
- Tuition: From £7,000/year
- Postgraduate Programmes: Around £9,000
- Cost of Living: Lower than most UK cities
- Scholarships: International student awards available
2. University of Suffolk – From £11,000/year
A modern university in Ipswich, Suffolk offers affordability combined with small class sizes and excellent support for international students.
- Tuition: £11,000 – £12,000/year
- Popular Courses: Law, Psychology, and Computing
- Scholarships: Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships
3. Leeds Trinity University – From £11,000/year
Known for its strong teaching quality and graduate employability, Leeds Trinity is an affordable choice in the vibrant student city of Leeds.
- Tuition: From £11,000/year
- Course Strengths: Journalism, Business, and Psychology
- Living Costs: Around £700/month (excluding tuition)
4. University of Bolton – From £9,000/year
This Greater Manchester-based university offers excellent value and is known for engineering and health programmes.
- Tuition Fees: £9,000 – £12,000
- Postgraduate: Similar range
- Accommodation: Very affordable
- Scholarships: Automatic tuition discounts available
5. Teesside University – From £11,000/year
Teesside has invested heavily in facilities and supports international students through its Global Excellence Scholarships.
- Tuition Fees: £11,000 – £13,000
- Course Areas: Business, Computing, Engineering, Health
- Living Costs: Lower than major cities
- Location Bonus: Near the beautiful North York Moors
6. University of Cumbria – From £10,500/year
One of the UK’s smaller universities, Cumbria offers programmes in education, health, arts, and environment.
- Tuition: £10,500 – £12,000
- Campuses: Carlisle, Lancaster, London
- Scholarships: Early payment discounts and merit-based awards
7. Wrexham University (Glyndwr) – From £11,000/year
Located in Wales, this university is budget-friendly and career-focused.
- Tuition: £11,000 – £12,500
- Courses: Engineering, Business, and Creative Industries
- Living Costs: Lower than average
- Support: Strong support services for international students
8. University of Chester – From £11,500/year
Chester offers a welcoming environment, high-quality teaching, and a historic campus setting.
- Tuition: £11,500 – £13,000
- Cost of Living: ~£800/month
- Scholarships: Academic and regional awards available
9. London Metropolitan University – From £11,500/year
London is typically expensive, but London Met provides relatively affordable tuition for international students.
- Tuition: From £11,500/year
- Popular Programmes: Law, Social Sciences, Computing
- Location Advantage: Access to UK’s largest job market
10. University of Sunderland – From £10,750/year
This northeast England university offers low tuition and a friendly campus with good career services.
- Tuition: £10,750 – £12,500
- Top Courses: Pharmacy, Engineering, Tourism
- Postgraduate Discounts: Up to £1,500 off
UK Cost of Living for International Students
While tuition matters, the cost of living is another big factor. Here’s a rough breakdown (monthly estimates):
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost |
| Rent (shared) | £350 – £700 |
| Food | £150 – £250 |
| Transport | £40 – £100 |
| Internet & Phone | £30 – £50 |
| Miscellaneous | £100 – £200 |
| Total Estimate | £700 – £1,200/month |
Cities in Scotland, Wales, and Northern England tend to be cheaper than London or the South East.
Tips to Save Money as an International Student
- Apply for scholarships early
- Share accommodation
- Use student discounts (NUS, railcards, etc.)
- Get part-time work (up to 20 hours/week allowed)
- Buy second-hand books and materials
Top Courses International Students Choose at Budget-Friendly Universities
- Business and Management
- Computer Science and IT
- Engineering and Technology
- Health and Social Care
- Environmental Studies
- Education
- Tourism and Hospitality
These subjects are often offered across affordable institutions, with flexible entry requirements and post-study work appeal.
UK Scholarships for International Students in 2025
Many universities listed offer financial aid. Here are a few to explore:
- Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- University-specific bursaries
- Global Excellence Scholarships
- Early Payment Discounts
Always check the international student scholarship section of your chosen university’s website.
Summary
If you’re looking for affordable, high-quality education in the UK, these universities provide the best combination of low tuition, strong academic support, and manageable living costs.
Top Picks by Value:
- Cheapest Overall: University of the Highlands and Islands
- Best in England: University of Bolton
- Best in London: London Metropolitan University
- Best in Wales: Wrexham (Glyndwr) University
- Best Student City: Leeds Trinity University
Conclusion
Studying in the UK is a dream for many, and you don’t have to go into debt to achieve it. By choosing one of the cheapest universities in UK for international students in 2025, you can earn a reputable degree, gain international exposure, and save money.
Remember to:
- Apply early
- Research scholarships
- Consider the full cost of living
- Contact admissions for any fee waivers or funding opportunities
Education is an investment. Make it smart and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest university in UK for international students?
The University of the Highlands and Islands and University of Bolton are among the cheapest, with tuition starting from £7,000–£9,000.
Can international students work while studying in the UK?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Are there full scholarships available?
Yes. Look into Chevening, Commonwealth, and university-specific scholarships.
Do cheaper universities mean lower quality?
Not necessarily. Many affordable universities still maintain strong teaching standards, good student support, and employable graduate outcomes.
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