Affordable Universities in UK for International Students
International students can choose from a wide variety of educational possibilities in the UK, some of which are among the most reasonably priced. Higher education is more affordable thanks to the numerous universities that offer high-quality instruction at reasonable tuition rates. Academic quality is prioritized at these institutions, which also provide for students with little financial resources. These economic options enable international students to follow their educational objectives without sacrificing quality, from the University of the Highlands and Islands to universities offering specialized programs, such as arts and humanities.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the UK
University of the Highlands and Islands: Noted for its affordability, the University of the Highlands and Islands opens doors to quality education across a diverse spectrum of disciplines. It's a hub for international students seeking access to well-rounded learning experiences while maintaining a budget-conscious approach.
University of Bolton: With a reputation for budget-friendly education, the University of Bolton excels in engineering, business, and art programs. Its commitment to providing excellent value for money makes it a standout choice for students aiming to achieve academic excellence without straining their finances.
Staffordshire University: Renowned for cost-effective programs, Staffordshire University emphasizes practical skill development through computing, business, and health courses. Students benefit from affordable education while gaining the practical expertise needed in today's competitive job market.
University of Cumbria: Highly regarded for its affordability, the University of Cumbria places a strong emphasis on practical learning in education, psychology, and arts courses. This approach equips students with hands-on skills and knowledge, enhancing their readiness for real-world challenges.
Leeds Trinity University: Leeds Trinity University is recognized for its economic offerings in journalism, education, and psychology programs. It provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for versatile career paths while keeping education accessible and affordable.
University of Sunderland: Esteemed for its reasonable courses, the University of Sunderland excels in business, health, and engineering programs. It cultivates career-oriented skills in students through a blend of practical learning and theoretical knowledge, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
University of Chester: Affordable and diverse, the University of Chester offers education, business, and psychology programs. Emphasizing real-world applications, the university equips students with the skills needed to excel in their chosen fields while keeping education within reach.
Teesside University: Renowned for its affordability, Teesside University stands out in engineering, computing, and business courses. It provides students with a valuable education that balances theoretical foundations with practical insights, offering excellent value for their investment.
University of West London: Valued for its budget-friendly education, the University of West London specializes in nursing, law, and business programs. It equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for industry success while ensuring education remains accessible.
Edinburgh Napier University: Recognized for its cost-effectiveness, Edinburgh Napier University offers business, computing, and engineering courses. It prepares students for dynamic careers by providing a practical education that aligns with industry demands, offering a promising pathway to professional success.
Here is a table of the top 10 affordable universities in the UK for international students, along with their ranking, top courses, and average tuition fees
Established in 1901, the University of Sunderland is renowned for its academic excellence in the UK. With students from over 123 nationalities, the institution offers a diverse and inclusive environment, fostering an international community of learners. The university has multiple campuses, including London and Hong Kong.
The University of Sunderland London campus is situated in the Canary Wharf financial district, a vibrant hub of business and finance. The institution provides four intakes yearly, with classes twice a week. This flexibility, coupled with the university's location, provides students ample opportunities to focus on professional development.
Moreover, the university provides extensive training for the dynamic business environment. From supply chain management to finance, you can specialise in the field of your choice and learn the fundamentals of global business management.
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is a public research university in the United Kingdom (UK). University of Cambridge, UK, is known as the fourth-oldest university that survives in the world today and is also the second-oldest university in the entire English-speaking world. The university has more than 20,000 students from varied disciplines and above 11,000 staff members along with 31 colleges, 150 departments, schools, faculties, and institutions. It has been ranked in the top 3 in the 2022 Guardian University Guide and Complete University Guide. It is one of the foremost educational and research institutions in the world offering more than 700 clubs and societies for students.
The University of Cambridge ranking is 3 in the QS World University Rankings and 5 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2022.
The University of Cambridge is a member of the Russell Group of research-led British universities, the G5, the League of European Research Universities, and the International Alliance of Research Universities.
The University of Oxford is one of the world's most notable and historical institutes. A self-governing institute, it is ranked the fourth best university in the world by QS World University Ranking 2023. On the other hand, it is ranked #1 by the Times Higher Education World Ranking list for 2022. It is a world-class university that is highly regarded for its contribution to research.
Located in the city of Oxford, the University has more than 30 colleges, all spread throughout the city. Established in the 13th century, the University, Balliol, and Merton Colleges are the oldest. Green Templeton is the University’s newest college.
The University has three societies – Kellogg College, Reuben College, and St Cross College and they are considered departments under Oxford.
Students from more than 160 countries and territories come to study at Oxford.
Imperial College is a global topmost university in London which includes a world-class reputation in various departments such as Science, Business, Engineering, and Medicine. The Imperial College was established in the year 1907 in London, out of all the Royal colleges in South Kensington. King Edward VII granted an aristocratic constitution by establishing the Imperial College of Technology and Science. Some values which play a vital role in Imperial College London are respect, excellence, innovation, collaboration, and integrity. The primary USP of Imperial College London is that it is the only UK University that focuses completely on medicine, science, business, and engineering. Imperial College London is ranked 12th among the best global universities according to US News. The Imperial Institute was constructed in the year 1887 to praise Queen Victoria’s Jubilee with the intention of itself being a scientific research foundation exploring and progressing various raw materials of the dominion countries. It was allocated by a Governing body along with thus Prince of Wales as the President. Imperial College London ranked 2nd worldwide in the QS World University Ranking in the present year 2025.
The Imperial College London in the UK has campuses at eight locations including the popular site at Charing Cross. The Imperial College London was founded in 1823 as the Charing Cross Hospital Medical School. The founding of the university was made possible by the establishment of various institutions over the years including the Royal College of Science, Royal College of Chemistry, and the St Mary’s Hospital Medical School.
The Imperial Institute was established in 1887 and it eventually became a university. The university was once under the University of London but ultimately became its own independent and autonomous teaching and research institution. The Imperial College London’s ranking is 12 in the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings while it has ranked at number 7 in the QS World University Rankings list. It is a public research university.
The University College London is a public research university and has a campus at Bloomsbury in London’s Knowledge Quarter. The University College London UK has partner organizations such as the Alan Turing Institute, Google, Wellcome Trust, and the British Museum in the zone. The University was founded in 1826 and has more than 20,000 graduate students coming from 150+ global nations, pursuing 650+ graduate degree courses. The institution was the first in England to admit students from all religions and women.
The University College London ranking is number 9th in the QS World University Rankings list for 2024. It is also ranked at 22nd position in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings tally.
The University of Aberdeen is a reputed public research university in Aberdeen, Scotland. The institution was founded by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland, in 1495.
It is the UK’s fifth oldest university and Scotland’s third oldest university that offers degrees for both part-time and full-time programs.
The official address of the University of Aberdeen UK is:
King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, United Kingdom
In terms of the University of Aberdeen’s ranking, it is comparatively higher than other universities of Scotland. It was ranked #201-250 by the World University Rankings by Times Higher Education 2024 and stands #236 according to the QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities 2024.
As per ‘The Complete University Guide 2022’ the university ranks at the first position in Drama, dance and cinematics subject. Leiden University Rankings, that measures the performance of universities worldwide, the University of Aberdeen is ranked 29th in UK for scientific impact of research and 8th for collaborative research with other world partners.
Located in the center of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 and is renowned for its intellectual brilliance. It is a public university with a stellar reputation and high academic standing around the world. On the list of top universities in the world, US News ranks it 34th. It further sets itself apart by ranking sixth in the UK and seventh in Europe among Best Global Universities.
Latest About University of Edinburgh
This year's Art Festival features a visionary exhibition at Edinburgh College of Art, created by a bright group of graduating students. During the course of a week-long exhibition, over 350 postgraduate students will showcase their remarkable work, with topics such as magical adventures, identity, sustainable designs, and nostalgic comics.
Viewers attending the August Graduate Show will have the opportunity to witness a preview of a new generation of artists and designers working in the fields of landscape architecture, design, and art. The public can view the August Graduate Show at the ECA Main Building on Lauriston Place. Admission is free. Lea Fevrier, a student of design and digital media, created an augmented reality that brings back fond memories of childhood. Through interactive stories and quizzes, users may discover the iconic comic series Tintin through an immersive 3D online experience.
Highlights of University of Edinburgh
Established
1583
Website
https://www.ed.ac.uk/
Also Known As
Athens of the North
QS Ranking
#22
US News & World Report- Global University Ranking
#38
Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking
=30th
Accepted Exams
GRE, GMAT, IELTS, PTE
Total No. of Students
49,065
Scholarships
The University offers a variety of general and subject-specific financing packages in addition to financial aid from external funding sources and UK Government agencies. Numerous subject-specific scholarships as well as cross-disciplinary awards are offered. International students are able to participate in numerous financial programs. The College manages a number of scholarship programs that are supported by organizations, corporations, and university money.
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
Contact Information
Address: Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 131 650 1000
History of University of Edinburgh
As a globally recognized institution spanning several centuries, University of Edinburgh has ample reasons to be proud of our rich history, illustrious alumni, and esteemed scholars. Since it welcomed its first students in 1583, the University of Edinburgh has influenced history through producing Nobel laureates, Olympians, space explorers, and prime leaders.
The University was at the vanguard of scholarship and critical thinking in the 18th century, following the Scottish Enlightenment. Because of the tenacity and tenacity of a group of intellectuals in Edinburgh, accepted wisdom about the world was being questioned with courage and regularity.
Mission: Through its students and alumni, the university hopes to significantly improve the education, wellbeing, and development of children, youth, and adults, especially in relation to the resolution of regional and global issues in the areas of sport and education.
Vision: Edinburgh's vision is to remain and become even more established as one of the world's preeminent hubs for sport and education research, influence, and instruction.
Core Values: Edinburgh shares a commitment to:
teaching, mentoring, and research that adheres to the values of social justice, inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility while being pertinent to society
the development of an inviting learning environment where faculty, students, former employees, and friends are pleased to be associated with our school, college, or university
Popular Courses
Some of the popular courses are listed below:
Civil Engineering
Business economics
Applied Environmental Hydrogeology
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Education
MBA
Accounting
Archaeology
Biological sciences
Biomedical Sciences
Asian studies
Law
Mathematics
Medicine
Architectural history
Art
Business analytics
University of Edinburgh Placements
Placements at the University of Edinburgh include career counseling, portfolio and CV creation, interview practice, and company connections. After completing their degrees in 15 months, university undergraduates make 44,143 GBP (46.74 lakhs INR) annually. Undergraduates start out making an average of 24,217 GBP (25.64 lakhs INR) a year.
Within five years of graduation, University of Edinburgh graduates receive 49,500 GBP (52.42 lakhs INR) on average. Several well-known companies that hire university graduates include the Indian Government, JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Accenture, Tesla, EY, Deloitte, Emperor, and EY.
University of Edinburgh Campus Life
Edinburgh's world-class facilities, flexible programs, and award-winning support services come together to provide for an amazing and one-of-a-kind educational experience. The university's clubs and societies will assist you in pursuing your interests, connecting with like-minded individuals, engaging in a hobby, or just interacting with others.
You can accomplish your goals and make a difference by volunteering. It isn't limited to students who wish to work in the nonprofit industry. Edinburgh is one of the top institutions for sports in the UK.
University of Edinburgh Alumni
The notable alumni of University of Edinburgh are Alan Jope, Andy McMillan, Charles Darwin, Arthur Conan Doyle, and many more.
The University of Manchester in the UK is located towards the southern end of the city center in Manchester, encompassing Oxford Road and Sackville Street, the earlier homes of the Victoria University and UMIST respectively. The University of Manchester is a public research university known for its checkered history. Around 25 Nobel Prize winners have studied or worked at the institution while the atom was first split here by Ernest Rutherford. Alan Turing invented artificial intelligence here while the first stored-program computer in the world was made at the university. The university is known for its Square Kilometer Array, the biggest radio telescope in the world, and also the Jodrell Bank observatory with its Lovell Telescope.
The University was founded in its current avatar in 2004 through the fusion of the UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology) and the Victoria University of Manchester. After collaborating for 100 years, the institutions merged on 22nd October 2004, creating the biggest single-site UK University.
The University of Manchester ranking is 1 in THE (Times Higher Education) University Impact Rankings and 27 (World) in the QS World University Rankings for 2021. It is ranked at 35 in the World in the Academic Rankings of World Universities (2021). THE has ranked it at 50 (World) in its 2022 rankings.
King’s College London is a public research university in London, United Kingdom. It is renowned for its academic and research excellence and commitment to sustainable societal change. It is ranked 37 (2023) and 35 (2022) in the QS and THE World University Rankings lists, respectively. The institution was founded in 1829.
The University of London came up in 1836, with the King’s College being one of its founding colleges. It has witnessed several other mergers, especially with the Chelsea and Queen Elizabeth Colleges (1985), Institute of Psychiatry (1997), and the United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals (1998). The institution has achieved prestigious accreditations, including EQUIS and AACSB. It has 33,000+ students from 150+ countries with 185,000+ global alumni. It also has 14 Nobel Laureates to its credit.
The institution offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses for aspirants. The study faculties include Business, Arts & Humanities, Life Sciences & Medicine, Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Law, and Social Science & Public Policy. There is also the King’s Business School for students.
Famous alumni at the institution include athlete Dina Asher-Smith, author-philosopher Alain de Botton, science fiction writer, author Virginia Woolf, Sir Arthur C Clarke, poet-novelist Thomas Hardy, and biophysicist Rosalind Franklin. Poet John Keats studied here, as did social reformer-nurse Florence Nightingale and politician Sarojini Naidu.
King’s CareerConnect is a platform for finding new employment opportunities and events and booking appointments. KEATS takes care of resources, career information, case studies, online workshops, and more. Students can also access the King’s Careers Blog for information, along with Academic & Professional Services Support. King’s CareerConnect helps with vacancies, placements, internships, graduate career opportunities, reminders, alerts, career goals, and career lounges. It also helps access career fairs, panels, workshops, masterclasses, presentations, and varied career pathways.
The University of Bristol is a public red brick university in Bristol, United Kingdom. It is known for its academic and research excellence, ranking 61 in the QS World University Rankings list for 2023. The University was established as the University College Bristol in 1876, the first to admit women on an equal merit basis as men.
The college continued operations till 1909 as the precursor to the current institution. The origins of the university lay in the efforts made by Clifton College headmaster John Percival to set up such an institution. It has accreditation from several bodies, including the Royal Statistical Society, AVMA, RCVS, and EAEVE. The institution had 29,356 students as of 2020-21.
The main campus of the University lies at Clifton, while it's Richmond Building is a stroll away from the same. There are several research institutions at the University, including the Bristol BioDesign Institute, Bristol Quantum Information Institute, Bristol Population Health Science Institute, Migration Mobilities Bristol, Brigstow Institute, Jean Golding Institute, Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research, and many others.
There are 200+ degree courses available for students at the institution. The institution also has 25 academic schools and six faculties in total. Some of the top academic centers are dedicated to disciplines like arts, philosophy, music, films and television, anthropology and archaeology, humanities, theatre, English, aerospace engineering, computer science, civil engineering, health and life sciences, and social sciences and law.
Famous alumni at the institution include Nobel Prize winner and physicist Paul Dirac; author-economist-journalist-administrator Will Hutton; journalist Sarah Montague; author Deborah Moggach OBE; equestrian and Olympic medal winner Laura Tomlinson; rugby player and World Cup winner Josh Lewsey MBE; and actor Will Poulter.
The institution has several industry connections, linking with numerous employers, right from smaller business entities to global companies. There are several other activities like networking events, career fairs, workshops, and mentorship programs for student entrepreneurs. Students get assistance in finding and choosing career pathways, preparing for job applications and interviews, and creating resumes. They also get help finding part-time work opportunities, volunteering programs, and internships. They can also find jobs after graduating and support for their start-up aspirations. Students also get assistance with choosing and applying for further study programs.
The University of Warwick in the UK was founded in 1965 after receiving its Royal Charter of Incorporation. The University of Warwick got approval in 1961 from the government and has four campuses: Central Campus, Lakeside & Cryfield, Westwood & Science Park, and Gibbet Hill Campus.
The City and County together worked to make a 400-acre university campus a reality. It has 29 departments and 50+ research centers and institutions across the Science, Arts, Medicine, Entertainment, and Social Sciences faculties. It is a public research institution.
The University of Warwick's ranking is #106 (globally) for 2024 as per the Times Higher Education (THE) world university rankings tally and #20 in the UK. It is also ranked at #172 in the list of global universities according to US News rankings.
The University of Leeds is located at Woodhouse, Leeds, LS2 9JT in the United Kingdom. The University of Leeds UK is a public research institution that was founded in 1874 with the name Yorkshire College of Science. It fused with the Leeds School of Medicine in 1884 and became Yorkshire College. The University was formally set up in 1904 and is one of the country’s premier educational institutions. Ranking amongst the world’s top-100 institutions, the university is also a Russell Group member. It is also one of the top-5 most-targeted institutions for recruiters of graduate students in the country as per reports.
The University of Birmingham UK has campuses at Selly Oak and Edgbaston. The University of Birmingham is synonymous with cutting-edge research and teaching for more than a hundred years. It is a part of the Russell Group and has 10 Nobel Laureates amongst alumni and staff members. The University was founded in 1900 and was the first civic university in England. It has affiliations with Universitas 21, Universities UK, EUA, ACU, and Sutton 13 Russell Group
Durham University is a public university in the United Kingdom. The university was established through an Act of Parliament in 1832. Further, in 1837, this public research university was incorporated by the Royal Charter.
Since then, the University and its 17 colleges have strived to put out world-leading research and ensure the highest degree of academic excellence. As such, it offers its students the means and measures to build up incredible skills for their careers like communication, team-working, leadership, and problem-solving.
The university is situated in North-east England, in the picturesque city of Durham. The exact location is:
The Palatine Centre, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE
QS World University Rankings 2022 ranked Durham University at the 82nd spot. Additionally, 9 of its subjects are ranked in the top 50 QS World University Ranking.
Sheffield is a research university located in Southern Yorkshire, England. It has around 50 academic research departments that are categorized into five different faculties. It is one of the top 10 best universities in the UK when research grant funding is considered.
The University of Sheffield UK is not a campus university, even though most of its 430 buildings are within walking distance. Some of the buildings located in the area are in the following places:
1. 9 Mappin street
2. 38 Mappin street
3. 45 Victoria Street
4. 301 Glossop Road, Student Skills and Development Centre
5. 34 Endscliffe crescent, Accommodation, and Commercial Services
6. 12 Bolsover St, Arts Tower, Admissions Service
7. 241 Glossop Rd, Edgar Allen House, Careers Service
8. Clarkson St, Octagon, Convocation Hall
9. 36 Wilkinson St, Counselling Service
10. 44 Leavygreave Rd, Information Commons (IC)
Rankings:
The University of Sheffield is ranked #160 in the world's best universities, #59 in Europe's best universities, and #19 in the United Kingdom's best universities, by USnews.com. The University of Sheffield is ranked #105 by QS World University Rankings.
The University of Chester, located at Parkgate Road, Chester CH1 4BJ, United Kingdom, was established in 1839 as a training college. As a public university, it began expanding its educational programs, which now include a combination of 420 courses.
Today, the university consists of more than 1,700 faculty members and 20,000 students exploring different programs. This feature makes it an ideal destination for international students across the globe, ranking second amongst UK universities at the ‘WhatUni? Student Choice Awards 2022.’
In addition, the University of Chester ranking according to SI-UK is an impressive 68. The university is ranked at #1201 in World University Rankings 2022, as per Times Higher Education (THE).
The University of Glasgow in the UK has three campuses: Garscube, Gilmorehill, and Dumfries. The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451 and is the fourth-oldest university in the country. It is known for its association with seven Nobel Laureates, the first Prime Minister of Scotland, and two Prime Ministers. Albert Einstein lectured here in the past while the first cohort of female medical students graduated here in 1894. It was also the UK’s first university to appoint an Engineering Professor while Adam Smith entered the institution for his studies in 1737.
The University of Glasgow’s ranking is 86 in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and 76 in the QS World University Rankings list.
Kingston University London UK is home to several campuses including the Kingston Hill, Kingston School of Art (Knights Park), Penrhyn Road, and Roehampton Vale sites. The Kingston University London was founded as the Kingston Technical Institute in 1899 and celebrated its centenary year in 1999. It became the Kingston Polytechnic before eventually turning into the Kingston University in 1992.
The Kingston University ranking is 801st-1000th in the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and 101 in the SI-UK rankings.
The Buckinghamshire New University is a public university in Buckinghamshire and its three campuses are located in High Wycombe, Uxbridge, and Aylesbury in the United Kingdom (UK). The Buckinghamshire New University was founded in 1891 in the form of a School of Science and Art. The university offers high-quality education to everyone irrespective of their background and emphasizes employment-oriented and skill-based curricula. The institution acquired university status in the year 1999. The address of Buckinghamshire New University is Queen Alexandra Rd, High Wycombe HP11 2JZ, United Kingdom
Wrexham Glyndwr University in the UK is a higher education corporation in Wales and was founded in 1887. It was earlier known as Glyndwr University, and in 2016 it was renamed to its current name. The institution is named after Owain Glyndwr, a medieval Welsh prince who proposed the formation of universities across Wales in the early 15th century. Being a member of the University of Wales since 2004, it was given full university status in 2008.
Wrexham Glyndwr University offers both postgraduate and undergraduate degrees and also professional courses. In addition, it has international ties in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Address of The University
Mold Road, Wrexham, Wales LL11 2AW
Wrexham Glyndwr University Ranking
Wrexham Glyndwr University was placed 141st in the UK and 4,310 globally in the World 2021 Rankings by EduRank. Other rankings include –
The Guardian-University Rankings – #107 (2021) and #66 (2022)
The Complete University Guide – University Ranking(UK) – #126 (2021) and #128 (2022)
Affordable Universities in UK for International Students
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All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. The Universities involved in this Program are accredited/recognized in the countries where they are established. Relevant terms and conditions apply.Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.
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