Top Affordable Universities in UK 2025

If you believe that studying at a university in the UK is expensive, then think again. There are some affordable universities in the UK for Nepali students that offer quality education at affordable prices. Universities like Coventry University and Glasgow Caledonian University stand out for their inexpensive tuition and support for international students. This blog guides Nepali students on how to choose a low-cost institution in the UK. Read on as we discuss the total living costs, scholarships, and popular courses for Nepali students looking to study in UK. Let us dive straight into how Nepali students can find affordable universities in the UK. At AECC Nepal, we help you find inexpensive options that fit both your budget and your goals.

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the UK

In this section, we are going to be talking about the cheapest universities in the UK that offer quality education without sky-high fees.

Most Affordable Universities in the UK - Overview

Note: Figures provided on top are for reference. Some course fees may vary so please check the course webpage for your preferred university for details

Here are some of the most budget-friendly universities in the UK along with their popular courses, scholarships and UG/PG Tuition fee.

1. Coventry University

Coventry is a good pick if you are looking for the cheapest universities in the UK that focus on employability and industry links.

• Popular Courses: Engineering, Business, Art & Design, Health Sciences
• Tuition Fees:
  • Undergraduate: £ 13,891 –£ 19,831 / NPR 25,20,137 – NPR 35,99,337
  • Postgraduate: £ 3,994–£ 24,027 / NPR 7,24,911 – NPR 43,60,901
• Location: Coventry, England
• Living costs: Around £ 800–£ 1,000/month or NPR 1,45,200 – NPR 1,81,500/month
• Scholarships: Includes the Coventry Academic Performance Scholarship and the International Pathways Scholarship

2. Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)

GCU's focus on practical skills makes it one of the cheapest universities in the UK for Nepalese students interested in real-world applications.

• Popular Courses: Nursing, Social Sciences, Construction, Business
• Tuition Fees:
  • Undergraduate: £ 11,484–£ 15,176 / NPR 20,84,846 – NPR 27,53,424
  • Postgraduate: £ 11,981–£ 25,073 / NPR 21,74,552 – NPR 45,49,700
• Location: Glasgow, Scotland
• Living costs: £ 850–£ 1,200/month or NPR 1,54,275 – NPR 2,17,800/month
• Scholarships: Common Good Scholarship, Early Payment Discount

3. University of Cumbria

The University of Cumbria is one of the cheapest universities in the UK for Nepalese students who value smaller class sizes and extra academic support.

• Popular Courses: Teaching, Nursing, Outdoor Studies, Business Management
• Tuition Fees:
  • Undergraduate: £ 10,496–£ 13,226 / NPR 19,04,064 – NPR 24,00,039
  • Postgraduate: £ 14,876–£ 15,354 / NPR 26,99,994 – NPR 27,86,241
• Location: Carlisle and Lancaster, England
• Living costs: £700–£900/month or NPR 1,27,050 – NPR 1,63,350/month
• Scholarships: Cumbria Bursary for international students

4. University of Wolverhampton

For Nepali students looking at universities with low tuition fees and strong industry links, Wolverhampton is worth checking out.

• Popular Courses: Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Sciences
• Tuition Fees:
  • Undergraduate: £ 11,035–£ 32,466 / NPR 20,02,853 – NPR 58,92,579
  • Postgraduate: £ 12,380–£ 18,023 / NPR 22,47,970 – NPR 32,69,175
• Location: Wolverhampton, England
• Living costs: Around £ 800–£ 1,000/month or NPR 1,45,200 – NPR 1,81,500/month
• Scholarships: Lord Paul Excellence Scholarship, Women in STEM

5. University of Chester

Chester stands out as a budget-friendly university in the UK for students who want a more personalised academic experience.

• Popular Courses: Theology, Health, Humanities
• Tuition Fees:
  • Undergraduate: £ 13,950 / NPR 25,33,925
  • Postgraduate: £ 14,750 / NPR 26,78,625
• Location: Chester, England
• Living costs: Around £800/month or NPR 1,45,200/month
• Scholarships: Merit-based awards for international students

6. Anglia Ruskin University

With campuses in both Cambridge and Chelmsford, Anglia Ruskin is an affordable university in the UK for Nepalese students with a strong academic reputation.

• Popular Courses: Psychology, Nursing, Law, Education
• Tuition Fees:
  • Undergraduate: £ 14,987–£ 17,482 / NPR 27,19,131 – NPR 31,74,873
  • Postgraduate: £ 14,285–£ 20,180 / NPR 25,92,675 – NPR 36,62,670
• Location: Cambridge and Chelmsford
• Living costs: £900–£1,200/month or NPR 1,63,350 – NPR 2,17,800/month
• Scholarships: ARU Bursaries and merit-based aid

7. University of Hertfordshire

Located just outside London, Hertfordshire is one of the cheapest universities in the UK that balances cost with solid academic outcomes.

• Popular Courses: Aerospace Engineering, Business, Computer Science
• Tuition Fees:
  • Undergraduate: £ 12,982–£ 19,069 / NPR 23,56,233 – NPR 34,60,944
  • Postgraduate: £ 12,345–£ 43,727 / NPR 22,40,618 – NPR 79,36,551
• Location: Hatfield, England
• Living costs: £900–£1,200/month or NPR 1,63,350 – NPR 2,17,800/month
• Scholarships: Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, Early Bird Discount

8. Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett is lively, diverse, and based in one of the UK's top student cities. It is a great pick if you are researching low-cost universities in the UK for Nepali students.

• Popular Courses: Media, Sport Science, Hospitality, Business
• Tuition Fees:
  • Undergraduate: £ 13,979–£ 15,976 / NPR 25,39,179 – NPR 29,00,664
  • Postgraduate: £ 8,236–£ 18,479 / NPR 14,94,984 – NPR 33,53,939
• Location: Leeds, England
• Living costs: £850–£1,200/month or NPR 1,54,275 – NPR 2,17,800/month
• Scholarships: International Scholarships, Beckett Bursaries

9. University of Gloucestershire

This university is known for its commitment to sustainability and small class sizes and is one of the more affordable universities in the UK for Nepalese students.

• Popular Courses: Environmental Science, Arts, Education
• Tuition Fees:
  • Undergraduate: £ 14,680–£ 16,576 / NPR 26,65,920 – NPR 30,08,704
  • Postgraduate: £ 4,996–£ 18,671 / NPR 9,07,774 – NPR 33,89,097
• Location: Cheltenham and Gloucester, England
• Living costs: £800–£1,000/month or NPR 1,45,200 – NPR 1,81,500/month
• Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships and early payment discounts

10. University of Derby

If you are looking for the cheapest university in the UK that does not skimp on quality, Derby should be on your radar. It provides excellent student support and practical training.

• Popular Courses: Engineering, Nursing, Criminology, Business
• Tuition Fees:
  • Undergraduate: £ 14,900–£ 16,900 / NPR 27,04,350 – NPR 30,67,350
  • Postgraduate: £ 14,900–£ 16,900 / NPR 27,04,350 – NPR 30,67,350
• Location: Derby, England
• Living costs: £750–£1,000/month or NPR 1,36,125 – NPR 1,81,500/month
• Scholarships: Derby International Excellence Scholarship, subject-specific bursaries

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary by specialisation. Check the university website or contact AECC Nepal for accurate, updated details.| Exchange Rate: 1 GBP = 181.50 NPR 

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Studying in the UK

Whether Nepalese students are looking to study across the most affordable universities in the UK or the top ranked universities in the UK, scholarships to study in the UK have only helped students to achieve their study abroad dream. Scholarships in the form of university scholarships, early bird scholarships or subject specific scholarships have allowed students from Nepal and other countries to study and make the most of their time in the UK. Candidates who are not able to bag a scholarship can also look at applying for an education loan to study in the UK.

How to Apply to the Cheapest Universities in the UK?

Applying to budget-friendly universities in the UK does not have to be stressful, but just that a bit of planning goes a long way. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you through:

• Look into low-cost universities in the UK
• Compare tuition fees, scholarships, and course options on platforms like UCAS or university websites.
• Students can also get in touch with AECC counsellors to shortlist the best universities for them that fit their academic profile

• Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, Bachelor's if applying for a Master's)
• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Passport and birth certificate

• Use UCAS for undergraduate courses
• For postgrad, apply directly through university websites

• Most of the affordable universities in the UK ask Nepalese students for their language test scores. So it's better not to wait.

• Many scholarships are on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, early applications equals better chances.

• Prepare your documentation: CAS letter, financial proof, health insurance, and passport.

• Constantly check your UCAS or university portal for the latest updates

• Start early – aim to begin your preparation at least one year in advance
• Personalise your SOP & LORs – one-size-fits-all will not work
• Double-check everything – incomplete or late applications are the easiest way to miss out.

Looking for the cheapest university in the UK? At AECC Nepal, we are here to help. Our expert counsellors provide guidance to Nepali students regarding their tuition, living costs, scholarships, and part-time work options. Contact us today.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Cheapest Universities in the UK

In the UK, choosing the cheapest universities can make a big difference for Nepali students in managing their study abroad expenses. From low tuition fees to decent scholarship options, these budget-friendly universities offer solid value without compromising on quality. 

If you're planning to study in the UK without overspending, exploring the affordable universities is a smart first step. For personalised guidance and support with your application, get in touch with AECC Nepal. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Most Affordable Universities in the UK FAQs