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Are you dreaming of studying in the UK but worried about the high costs of education? Finding a university that aligns with your budget can seem like a challenge. Yet, affordable options do exist. In this blog post, we reveal the secrets to discovering affordable universities in the UK, ensuring you don't sacrifice quality for cost. By the end of this blog, you'll have the knowledge and tips needed to pursue your UK education dream economically. Get ready to explore the realm of budget-friendly British higher education!
The United Kingdom is renowned for its world-class education system, but studying here doesn't always have to break the bank. Here's a list of the top 10 most affordable universities in the UK, offering quality education at a fraction of the cost. This list is particularly useful for international students looking to balance budget constraints with the desire for a reputable education.
These universities represent not just affordability but also quality, diversity, and a commitment to student success. They are ideal for students who wish to experience UK education without the high financial burden often associated with it.
Leeds Beckett University, established in 1824, is nestled in the vibrant and student-friendly city of Leeds, UK. Originally Leeds Mechanics Institute, it has evolved into a modern, public university known for its innovative approach to education. The university boasts two primary campuses: City Campus, in the heart of Leeds with its urban buzz, and Headingley Campus, surrounded by picturesque greenery. Leeds Beckett stands out for its strong focus on employability, offering a wide range of courses that blend academic learning with practical skills. Its diverse student population, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to student success make it a popular choice for both domestic and international students.Leeds Beckett University has an acceptance rate of 80% and has a straightforward and simple admission process.
Category |
Details |
QS World Rankings (2024) |
1001-1200 |
Number of International Students |
1,247 |
Average Tuition Fees |
Approximately £12,000 - £15,000 per year for international students (varies by program) |
Top Courses |
Business and Management, Engineering, Art and Design, Sports Sciences, Law |
Location |
Leeds, West Yorkshire, England |
Course Level |
Annual Tuition Fees |
Pre-sessional 6 weeks |
£2,310 |
Pre-sessional 10 weeks |
£3,575 |
International Foundation Year |
£14,850 |
Undergraduate / Bachelors (most courses) |
£16,000 |
Postgraduate / Masters (most courses) |
£17,500 |
Research |
To be confirmed - visit The Graduate School website for more details. |
Accommodation |
£758 |
Food |
£120 |
Other costs (phone, clothes, socialising) |
£145 |
One Month |
£1,023 |
Using the above as an example, the estimated living costs for one academic year would be £9,207.
*Living expenses are estimated and dependent on your lifestyle
Founded in 1930 as Constantine Technical College, Teesside University is located in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England. It gained university status in 1992 and has since become known for its forward-thinking approach and strong industry links. Teesside stands out for its focus on real-world experience, offering state-of-the-art facilities like the award-winning Business School. With a commitment to fostering innovation and creativity, it provides a dynamic environment for over 18,000 students, including a vibrant international community. The university's dedication to student success and career readiness makes it a significant educational hub in the North East of England.
Category |
Details |
QS World Rankings (2024) |
1001-1200 |
Number of International Students |
1,066 |
Average Tuition Fees |
Approximately £11,000 - £14,000 per year for international students (varies by program) |
Top Courses |
Engineering, Computing, Business, Health Sciences, Creative Arts |
Location in the UK (2024) |
Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England |
Undergraduate, full-time |
£ |
Undergraduate degree - placement year |
£1,350 |
Undergraduate degree |
£17,000 |
Integrated Master's Final Year |
£17,000 |
Integrated Master's (standard four years) (MSc, MEng, MSci) |
£68,000 total |
Postgraduate, full-time |
£ |
Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) |
£16,150 |
Postgraduate taught degree (MSc/MA) one-year |
£17,000 |
Postgraduate taught degree (MSc/MA) two-years (Advanced practice/Applied courses) |
£20,000 (£10,000 per year) |
Research Degree Writing up fee |
£650 |
Expense Category |
Details |
Outstanding Tuition Fees |
Total tuition fee for the first year minus any deposit already paid to Teesside University |
Maintenance/Living Costs |
£1,023 per month for areas outside London |
Maximum Period for Living Costs |
Up to 9 months, totaling a maximum of £9,207 |
Total Maintenance for 9 Months |
£9,207 (9 months x £1,023 per month) |
Financial Requirement Duration |
Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days |
Application Submission Requirement |
Funds must be held no more than 31 days before submitting the Student Visa application to UKVI |
Staffordshire University, established in 1914 as a polytechnic, is located in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England. It gained university status in 1992, marking a significant evolution in its educational offerings. Known for its innovative approach and strong industry connections, Staffordshire University offers a diverse range of courses, with a particular emphasis on technology and the creative arts. The university prides itself on its modern facilities, including the renowned Smart Zone and the Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Education. With a vibrant campus life and a commitment to student success, Staffordshire University is a dynamic choice for students seeking a blend of traditional and contemporary education in the heart of England.
Category |
Details |
QS World Rankings (2024) |
1201-1500 |
Number of International Students |
1,500 |
Average Tuition Fees |
Approximately £10,500 - £13,000 per year for international students (varies by program) |
Top Courses |
Computer Science, Business and Marketing, Engineering, Games Design, Healthcare |
Location in the UK (2024) |
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England |
Undergraduate |
£16,750* |
Undergraduate (Nursing, Paramedic Science, Operating Department Practice and Midwifery) |
£19,000* |
Standard postgraduate taught courses |
£16,750 |
Nursing & Healthcare taught postgraduate courses |
£19,000 |
PGCE |
£16,750 |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
£16,750 |
Law LPC and LLM combined |
£16,750 |
Law LPC solely |
£14,000 |
Postgraduate Research |
£16,750* |
Placement fee for year spent in industry on a four-year sandwich course |
£1,850 |
Halls of Residence |
Weekly Cost |
Details |
Clarice Cliff Court, Stoke-on-Trent |
£132 |
En-suite rooms, 4-6 residents per flat, accessible rooms available |
College Court |
£132 |
En-suite rooms, 4-6 residents per flat |
Leek Road Halls |
£110 |
Shared bathrooms, 12-14 residents per flat, accessible rooms available |
Leek Road Halls - Coalport Premier |
£115 |
Premier offering, shared bathrooms |
Leek Road Halls - Minton |
£95 |
Most affordable, shared bathrooms, 12-14 residents per flat |
Leek Road Houses |
£125 |
Shared bathrooms, in 6/12 bedroom houses |
The University of Cumbria, established in 2007, is one of the UK's newest universities, located amidst the picturesque landscapes of North West England. It emerged from the amalgamation of St Martin's College, Cumbria Institute of the Arts, and the Cumbrian campuses of UCLan. With campuses in Carlisle, Lancaster, and Ambleside, the university offers a unique blend of urban and rural learning environments. Renowned for its excellent teacher training and healthcare courses, the University of Cumbria is also celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and outdoor education. Its intimate campus size fosters a close-knit community atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for students seeking a personalized educational experience in a tranquil setting.
Category |
Details |
QS World Rankings (2024) |
- |
Number of International Students |
900 - 1000 |
Average Tuition Fees |
Approximately £10,000 - £12,500 per year for international students (varies by program) |
Top Courses |
Education and Teacher Training, Healthcare and Nursing, Business, Arts, Outdoor Studies |
Location in the UK (2024) |
Campuses in Carlisle, Lancaster, and Ambleside, North West England |
Course Level |
2023/24 Tuition Fees |
2024/25 Tuition Fees |
Bachelors degree (BA, BSc, LLB) |
£13,575 |
£13,575 |
Bachelors degree with Integrated Foundation Year |
£13,575 |
£13,575 |
Bachelors degree in Social Work and pre-registration Health programmes (Diagnostic Radiography, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy) |
£16,400 |
£16,400 |
Bachelors degree – accelerated 2-year degrees |
£16,290 |
£16,290 |
Sandwich or Placement Year |
£1,950 |
£1,950 |
DipHE or CertHE |
£12,800 |
£13,575 |
Foundation Degree (Fda, FdSc) |
£13,575 |
£13,575 |
Course Level |
2023/24 Tuition Fees |
2024/25 Tuition Fees |
Masters degree (MA/MSc) |
£13,575 |
£13,575 |
Masters degree in Health pre-registration programmes (Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy) |
£16,400 |
£16,400 |
MBA |
£15,375 |
£15,375 |
PGCE with QTS |
£13,575 |
£13,575 |
PGC non QTS |
£3,600 |
£3,675 |
Founded in 1901 as Sunderland Technical College, the University of Sunderland has a rich heritage in education. Located in the vibrant city of Sunderland, North East England, it gained university status in 1992. Known for its friendly atmosphere and modern facilities, the university offers a diverse range of courses, with a strong emphasis on business, engineering, and media. Its two campuses, City Campus and the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's, are set against the backdrop of the scenic River Wear. The University of Sunderland is particularly noted for its commitment to providing inclusive and innovative education, making it a welcoming choice for students from all over the world.The acceptance rate of the University of Sunderland is 27%
Category |
Details |
QS World Rankings (2024) |
1201 |
Number of International Students |
Nearly 6000 |
Average Tuition Fees |
Approximately £12,000 - £14,000 per year for international students (varies by program) |
Top Courses |
Business and Management, Engineering, Media and Communications, Health and Social Care |
Location in the UK (2024) |
Sunderland, North East England |
Level of Study |
2022/23 Tuition Fees |
2023/24 Tuition Fees |
Undergraduate |
£13,000 |
£14,000 |
Postgraduate |
£13,750 - £15,000 |
£15,000 - £17,000 |
Item |
Budget |
Average |
Expensive |
Accommodation |
£300 |
£420 |
£540 |
Travel |
£0 |
£15 |
£30 |
Food |
£100 |
£150 |
£200 |
Course Materials |
£15 |
£32 |
£50 |
Clothes, Toiletries and Grooming |
£25 |
£50 |
£75 |
Social Life |
£75 |
£100 |
£150 |
Miscellaneous Expenses |
£30 |
£50 |
£70 |
Total Monthly Cost |
£545 |
£867 |
£1,115 |
Founded in 1843 as Coventry College of Design, Coventry University has a storied history that has evolved into a modern and dynamic institution. Located in the heart of Coventry, England, the university is renowned for its innovative teaching methods and strong focus on employability. It gained university status in 1992 and has since become a beacon of diversity, with a significant international student population. Coventry University is particularly noted for its engineering, business, and health courses. The campus blends historic buildings with contemporary architecture, creating an inspiring environment for learning and creativity. This blend of tradition and innovation makes Coventry University a standout choice for students seeking a vibrant and forward-thinking educational experience.
Category |
Details |
QS World Rankings (2024) |
551 - 600 |
Number of International Students |
A substantial international student community, specific numbers vary annually |
Average Tuition Fees |
Approximately £16,800 – £19,850 per year for international students (varies by program) |
Top Courses |
Engineering, Business and Management, Health and Life Sciences, Design and Media Arts |
Location in the UK (2024) |
Coventry, West Midlands, England |
Course |
Enrolment Period |
Fees |
MBA |
September 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 |
£22,550 |
MSc |
September 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 |
£15,400 |
MSc with Extended Professional Practice |
September 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 |
£21,250 |
BA |
September 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 |
£9,250 |
BA top-up |
September 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 |
£9,250 |
Course |
Enrolment Period |
Fees |
MBA |
September 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 |
£22,550 |
MSc |
September 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 |
£20,050 |
MSc with Extended Professional Practice |
September 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 |
£21,250 |
BA |
September 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 |
£16,800 |
BA top-up |
September 2023, January 2024 and May 2024 |
£16,800 |
Students should allow a minimum of £1,265 to £1,400 per month for living expenses. You may need to budget more depending on your accommodation cost.
Expense |
Per month (approx.) |
Bills for Private Accommodation, such as electric, gas and water |
£100-250 |
Food / housekeeping |
£150-250 |
TV License |
£13 |
Mobile phone and internet |
£30-50 |
Travel |
£80-150 |
Safety net |
£20-60 |
Insurance |
£10-15 |
The University of Bolton, established in 1982, is located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. Originally Bolton Institute of Higher Education, it gained university status in 2005, marking a significant milestone in its development. Known for its student-centric approach, the university offers a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and a supportive community. It stands out for its strong focus on professional and practical skills, particularly in fields like health, education, and engineering. The campus, set in a friendly and welcoming town, provides modern facilities and a nurturing environment, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a blend of academic excellence and personal growth. The University of Bolton's commitment to student success and employability makes it a unique and appealing option for higher education.
Category |
Details |
QS World Rankings (2024) |
- |
Number of International Students |
A diverse international student body, exact figures vary annually |
Average Tuition Fees |
Approximately £11,000 - £13,000 per year for international students (varies by program) |
Top Courses |
Health and Social Care, Education, Engineering, Business, Creative Technologies |
Location in the UK (2024) |
Bolton, Greater Manchester, England |
Course Category |
Tuition Fees for September 2023 |
General Courses |
£13,550 (excluding specific courses like MBAs and others) |
Exceptions (e.g., MBAs, MSc Physician Associate Studies, etc.) |
Please refer to the Fees & Funding tab on the course page in the Official website for specific fees. |
Estimated living costs 2023/24 |
47 weeks |
Accommodation Orlando Village (47 week contract) |
£5,875.00 |
Food (based on average weekly spend of £40 over 47 weeks) |
£1,880.00 |
Course related costs (books, stationary, etc) |
£300.00 |
Clothing and footwear |
£400.00 |
Mobile phone (based on £20 per month for 12 months) |
£240.00 |
General living expenses including sport/leisure/socialising (estimate) |
£1,000.00 |
TV licence (actually £154.50) |
£159.00 |
Total annual expenditure (predicted) |
£9,854.00 |
Glyndwr University, established in 2008, is located in Wrexham, North Wales, making it one of the youngest universities in the UK. Named after the Welsh prince Owain Glyndwr, the university prides itself on its strong community focus and commitment to student success. Formerly known as the North East Wales Institute for Higher Education (NEWI), the institution was granted university status in 2008 and became Glyndwr University. It then added Wrexham to the front of its name in 2016. It offers a range of vocational courses, notably in science, engineering, and the creative arts. Glyndwr's modern campus is equipped with excellent facilities, including a notable Centre for the Creative Industries. The university's intimate size fosters a supportive and personalized learning environment, ideal for students seeking a close-knit community experience. Glyndwr University stands out for its blend of traditional Welsh culture with contemporary academic pursuits, providing a unique and enriching educational experience.
Category |
Details |
QS World Rankings (2024) |
[To be updated based on latest rankings] |
Number of International Students |
A growing international student community, specific numbers vary annually |
Average Tuition Fees |
Approximately £11,000 - £13,000 per year for international students (varies by program) |
Top Courses |
Science and Engineering, Creative Arts and Design, Business, Computing, Health and Social Care |
Location in the UK (2024) |
Wrexham, North Wales, England |
Course |
2023-24 Fee |
2024-25 Fee |
Undergraduate |
£11,750 |
£11,750 |
Postgraduate |
- |
- |
MA/MSc |
£12,500 |
£12,500 |
MBA |
£13,000 |
£13,000 |
MSc with Advanced Practice |
£13,000 |
Standard programme fee + £1,000 |
MBA with Advanced Practice |
£13,500 |
Standard programme fee + £1,000 |
MSc with Pre-Masters |
£15,500 |
Standard programme fee + £2,500 |
MBA with Pre-Masters |
£16,000 |
Standard programme fee + £2,500 |
Expense Type |
Cost in Wrexham |
Comparison with London |
On-campus Accommodation |
From £440 per month |
58% cheaper than London (approx. £800 per month) |
Private Housing |
Up to £266 per month |
132% cheaper than London (approx. £1300 per month) |
Distance to University |
Within 3 miles (for most accommodations) |
- |
Distance for Outskirts Housing |
Up to 20 miles |
- |
These cheapest universities in UK offer a diverse range of courses, modern facilities, and a supportive learning environment, all at a fraction of the cost of their more expensive counterparts. For Nepalese students aspiring to study in the UK, navigating this landscape can be challenging. This is where AECC, a leading study abroad consultancy, steps in.
AECC specializes in helping Nepalese students find their ideal university match in the UK, providing expert guidance on everything from choosing the right course to managing visa applications and accommodation. With AECC's support, the dream of studying in the UK becomes an attainable reality, opening doors to a world-class education at an affordable cost.
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