The United Kingdom is a preferred destination for international students, mainly for its longstanding status as a hub for quality education. Its economic prowess and the quality of its institutions contributed to its effort to attract students from around the globe. Although studying in the UK can be an enriching experience, the cost of education is noticeably concerning for international students.
Fortunately, there are universities in the UK that offer quality education at a more affordable price. In this article, we will explore some of the cheap institutions in the UK for international students. We will focus on tuition fees, living costs, and the chances of you getting scholarships.
Why You Should Consider Affordable UK Schools
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Quality Education at a Fraction of the Cost:
The option of an affordable education is proof that quality education does not necessarily come at an exorbitant price tag. These institutions are committed to providing excellent academic programs, often at a significantly lower cost compared to their more expensive counterparts. As a student, you can access the same high standards of teaching, resources, and support without accumulating massive student loan debt.
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Diverse Range of Programs:
Despite being affordable, the institutions offer a diverse range of programs across various disciplines. Whether you’re interested in business, arts, sciences, engineering, or health, these institutions provide a plethora of options. Hence, you can pursue your passions and career goals without compromising on the quality of education.
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Lower Cost of Living:
Apart from the tuition fees, the cost of living is another source of concern for international students. Affordable UK schools are often located in regions with a lower cost of living, making it more budget-friendly for students. So you spend less overall on expenses that include accommodation, transportation, and other miscellaneous, contributing to a more economical student experience.
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Access to Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Many affordable UK schools actively offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid to international students. These opportunities can significantly alleviate your financial burden and make quality education more accessible. Researching and applying for these options can turn affordable educational options into an even more economical investment.
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Focus on Employability:
Considering affordable institutions does not diminish your employability as several affordable UK schools prioritize practical skills and employability. They often collaborate closely with industries, providing you with valuable real-world experiences and enhancing your career prospects. You should consider an institution with a strong emphasis on employability which ensures that your investment in education translates into tangible career opportunities.
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Cultural and Global Diversity:
Smaller and more affordable UK schools attract a diverse group of international students. This cultural richness creates a global learning environment, exposing students to different perspectives and fostering intercultural understanding. Such diversity is invaluable to your growth, both academically and personally, in preparing you for a globalized world.
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Ease of Integration:
Integrating into the fast-paced environment of the UK can be challenging for international students. Studying in a smaller and more affordable institution can ease the integration process for international students. These institutions offer smaller campuses, which often offer more opportunities to engage with the local community and participate in various extracurricular activities. This can lead you to a more seamless transition into your new academic and cultural environment.
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Opportunities for Research and Innovation:
Focus on delivering lectures is not the only focus of affordable UK schools, many are actively involved in cutting-edge research and innovation. Hence, while studying in these institutions, you will have opportunities to participate in research projects, contribute to advancements in your chosen fields, and gain hands-on experience.
15 Most Affordable Schools In The UK
Now that we have highlighted the reasons why you should consider affordable schools in the UK, here are 15 schools you should consider:
1. University of the Highlands and Islands
The University of the Highlands and Islands is situated in the stunning landscapes of Scotland. It is a unique institution with multiple campuses across the region. It is known for its focus on research and innovation.
This university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs covering Law, Agriculture, Humanities, Business Management, Medicine, and so on at relatively lower tuition fees compared to many other UK universities.
For students who are citizens of the EU/EEA, the average tuition fee is around 9,600 GBP per year, ranging from 7,400 GBP to 10,300 GBP.
For students who are citizens from outside the EU/EEA, the average tuition fees are 9,600 GBP per year, ranging from 7,400 GBP to 10,300 GBP. Apply here
2. Staffordshire University
Located in the heart of England, Staffordshire University is recognized for its commitment to student satisfaction and employability. The university offers a variety of programs in fields such as business, engineering, and computing.
With competitive tuition fees, Staffordshire University is an attractive option for international students seeking quality education on a budget.
For international students, the average tuition fees range from 10,000 GBP to 20,000 GBP per year depending on your program and degree. Apply here
3. University of Cumbria
The University of Cumbria is nestled in the picturesque Lake District. Founded as recently as 2010, the University of Cumbria is known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse student community. The institution currently enrolls over 10,000 students and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at affordable tuition rates. Its exceptional focus on research and the lower cost of living in the Cumbria region further add to its appeal for budget-conscious international students.
Tuition fees at the University of Cumbria range from £10,000 – £13,250 per year with their top courses in Social sciences and management, Business and management, engineering and technology. Apply here
4. Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Caledonian University, located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, is a popular choice for international students seeking affordable yet high-quality education. The university is known for its strong emphasis on employability and offers a range of programs in areas such as business, health, and engineering.
The tuition fee breakdown for international students is: year one fee is £14,500, year two fee is £4,500, full two-year fee total of £19,000. If you start a two-year master’s course but graduate after one year, you will only pay the year one fee.
Above all, If you’re starting a master’s degree at Glasgow Caledonian University, you could be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £11,836. Apply Here
5. University of West London
The University of West London is situated in the city of London and it provides a range of affordable programs for international students. It is known for its strong emphasis on practical skills and industry connections. If your intended program is in fields such as hospitality, business, and the creative arts, the University of West London should be up there on your list.
Tuition fees for international students and all postgraduate courses vary, and start from around 9,250 GBP.
Eligible postgraduates can also access government loans. Up to £11,836 is available for master’s degrees. PhD students can apply for doctoral loans of up to £27,892 over three years. In addition, there are scholarships and other funding options that would significantly ease the funding burden. Apply here
6. Edinburgh Napier University
The Edinburgh Napier University is located in the capital city of Scotland and it is another affordable option for international students. The university focuses on employability and practical experience, offering programs in areas such as business, engineering, and health.
The average yearly tuition fee of Edinburgh Napier University is around 12,620 GBP- 13,900 GBP. For financial assistance, students can avail of many funding and scholarship opportunities. Apply here
7. Teesside University
Teesside University, situated in the vibrant town of Middlesbrough, is known for its strong links with industry and commitment to student success. The Teesside University has an enrollment of over 28000 students with more than 120 countries represented. The university offers a range of affordable programs in areas such as engineering, computing, and health.
The average yearly tuition fee is about £13,000 per year and their top courses include the fields of Social sciences and management, Business and management, engineering and technology, and Natural sciences. Apply here
8. University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland is located in the northeast of England and is another affordable option for international students seeking quality education. The university has a strong emphasis on employability and offers a variety of programs in fields such as business, engineering, and health.
For 2023/24, Undergraduate tuition fees range from £13,000 and £14,000. Postgraduate fees are between £13,750 – £17,000 depending on the course. Apply here
9. University of Bedfordshire
The University of Bedfordshire has campuses in Luton and Bedford and provides a cost-effective education for international students. The university offers programs in diverse fields, including business, arts, and sciences, at a relatively affordable tuition fee.
The average tuition fee at the University of Bedfordshire is £12,900 – £13,275 per year. Apply here
10. Bangor University
Bangor University is situated between the mountains and the sea in Wales, it is known for its strong sense of community and picturesque surroundings. The university offers affordable programs in areas such as sciences, arts, and business, hence, making it an attractive option for international students on a budget.
Bangor University tuition fees range from 15,250 GBP to GBP 18,250 GBP depending on whether you opt for an undergraduate or graduate program. Also, there are scholarship opportunities and other funding programs. Apply here
11. University of South Wales
The University of South Wales is formed through the merger of multiple institutions. It is a comprehensive university offering affordable programs across various disciplines. The University has campuses in Pontypridd, Newport, and Cardiff, and it provides a diverse and cost-effective educational experience.
The tuition fees for the University of South Wales range from 14,000 GBP to 16,000 GBP for undergraduate through Doctoral programs. Also, you get a scholarship of between 1500 GBP to 2500 GBP depending on your program. Apply here
12. Northumbria University
This university is located in Newcastle upon Tyne and is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. Northumbria University offers a variety of programs in fields such as business, engineering, and health while providing international students with an affordable option in a vibrant city.
Tuition fees for Northumbria University range from 19,000 GBP to 21,500 GBP. However, scholarships and special funding packages are on offer for students with excellent academic achievements or financial challenges. Apply here
13. University of Central Lancashire
This University is located in Preston and promises modest living expenses. The University of Central Lancashire offers a range of affordable programs for international students. It is widely known for its focus on practical skills and strong industry connections. Also, the university provides a cost-effective education in various fields, including business, arts, and sciences.
The institution releases its tuition fees yearly and the average tuition for 2023 through 2025 sessions ranges from 14,900 GBP to 16,900 GBP. Apply here
14. Coventry University
Coventry University, located in the city of Coventry, is known for its commitment to employability and innovation. The university offers affordable programs in several fields, including engineering, business, and health. Coupled with the low cost of living in Coventry, the institution is an attractive option for international students seeking quality education at an affordable cost.
In addition to its affordability, Coventry University offers a scholarship of between 1500 GBP to 2500 GBP per student, annually. The average tuition fee for this school ranges from 9,450 GBP to 14,250 GBP depending on your course and program. Apply here
15. Robert Gordon University
The Robert Gordon University is situated in Aberdeen, Scotland. This university is known for its strong emphasis on employability and industry connections. The university offers affordable programs in several fields such as business, engineering, and health, providing international students with a cost-effective educational experience.
Tuition fees at Robert Gordon University range from 14,250 to 19,500 GBP from undergraduate through graduate programs. Also, RGU offers all direct entry, self-funding international students a discount on their fees. In addition, there are various funding opportunities for international students through scholarships and partner companies. Apply here
Conclusion
For you to achieve your dream of studying in the UK, you don’t have to break the bank. Although education can be expensive, several universities across the country offer affordable programs for international students.
The list above is not exhaustive but it gives you a start to make informed decisions. Consider the tuition fees, cost of living, and available scholarships before deciding on an institution. Good luck