An international qualification is most sought after degree by students. With an International qualification, the student can get their degree recognized around the globe. With an international qualification, you can broaden your prospects and enhance your capabilities.
Studying in the UK comes at a very high price. Some students may dream to get a British degree, but still, seek to get the very best deal in terms of money. In the UK there’s a countless number of Universities each with different tuition fees and other expenses, and to a certain degree, everyone seeking an affordable option will likely find one. And what’s even better, this is not done at the cost of your degree.
Following a governmental decision that came into power in 2017, British universities are allowed to charge home students with tuition fees up to £9,250. At the same time, universities independently set their tuition policy for international scholars.
Fairly, this is a high amount of money and for many may not be affordable. Knowing that the UK is one of the most expensive countries to live, imagine taking into consideration other expenses that come into play in your life as an international student. For most of us, this would turn the studying in the UK on an impossible mission.
There are various colleges in the UK, which offers low-cost degree programs to International students. Each of the university enlisted here has an amazing campus, offers high-quality infrastructure and facilities for the students.
There are universities in the UK, which charge the same minimum £9,250 for international students as for the home students.
Note: Universities are enlisted according to their undergraduate’s course tuition fees
List of the Cheapest Universities in UK for International Students:
University of Stirling, Stirling – £13,650
Founded in 1967 the University of Stirling has built its reputation upon excellence and innovation. For its prospective students, it offers a high-quality education and a wide spectrum of study programs. Despite being a highly reputed, the University of Stirling is definitely one of the cheapest universities in the UK. Undergraduate students at this university will be charged £12,140 in a Classroom-based course and £14,460 for a Laboratory-based course. Tuition fees at the postgraduate level are divided into bands (A, B, C*, D) and vary between £13,650 and £18,970.
Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian – £13,000
The campus of the Queen Margaret University is located just six minutes by train far from the wonderful city of Edinburgh, in the seaside town of Musselburgh. For those who love the sun, this city is a place to be, because it is the sunniest area in Scotland. At this university, you’ll find a wide range of study programs. The tuition it carries is fairly low in comparison to the British standard. For the upcoming academic year, 2018/19 international students at the undergraduate level will be charged with tuition fees between £12,500 and £13,500, while those at the postgraduate level will be charged much less.
Southampton Solent University – £12,500
The Southampton Solent University study programs are sought after by numerous international scholars. Its student population consists of students coming from almost 100 nationalities. The followings are tuition fees for international students in the 2018/19 academic year
Full-time undergraduate fees:
- Bachelor’s degree £12,500
- Foundation Year/Certificate £11,000
- Higher National Diplomas/Certificates (HND/HNC) £11,000 (additional registration fee may apply)
Full-time postgraduate fees:
- MA: £12,500
- MSc: £13,500
- MBA: £15,000
- Full-time postgraduate research: £12,500
University of West London – £12,000
The University of West London enjoys a worldwide reputation as an excellent university. As such qualitative university, in this year’s Guardian University Guide 2019 it is ranked 50th. Its outstanding education and research are carried out on its modern campus that consists of brilliant facilities where everyone can improve. However, with its fairly low tuition fees, the University of West London is one of the cheapest Universities in the UK. In most cases, the tuition fee for the 2018/19 academic year at this university is £12,000.
Leeds Becket University – £12,000
Based on the biggest financial district aside from London, and the vibrant city of Leeds, this university defines itself as a university with clear educational ambitions. Their goal is to equip scholars with an exceptional level of education and skills that will guide their way toward the future. The University runs a number of partnerships with different organizations and companies around to ensure its students get the best opportunities to find a good job after completing their studies. Currently, the university boasts over 28,000 students coming from almost 100 countries of the world. In addition, the Leeds Becket University has some of the lowest tuition fees among all British universities. At this university, you’ll have to pay as follows
- Undergraduate (most courses) – £12,000
- Postgraduate (most courses) – £11,500 – £12,500
- Research – £12,000 (may change in 2019/20)
Teeside University – £11,825
The reputation of the Teeside University is both nationally and internationally recognized. Through its rich scheme of study programs and high-quality teaching and research, the university guarantees to offers its student an exceptional education. Its reasonable tuition fees make this university still more attractive to international students. The 2018/19 academic year for an international foundation program will cost £9,750. For a full-time undergraduate course, you will have to pay £11,825 per an academic year. At the postgraduate level, there is much diverse tuition fee scheme. It starts at £5,875 in a part-time distance learning research degree and it ranges up to £17,000 in the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Wrexham Glyndwr University – £11,750
Established in 2008, the Wrexham Glyndwr University is one of the youngest universities in the whole UK. But, regardless of its very short history, this university is highly valued for its quality of education. Besides, it is a university easily affordable because it carries considerably low tuition fees for international students. The tuition fees for the 2018/19 academic year at the University of Glyndwr will be as follows:
- Undergraduate – £11,750
- Postgraduate – £12,500
University of Bedfordshire – £11,500
The University of Bedfordshire established in 2006, as a blending of the University of Luton and De Montfort’s University, two Bedford’s University campuses. The institution enjoys a global appealing, hosting more than 20,000 students coming from over 120 countries. Besides being this highly reputed and valued university, it carries affordable tuition fees for the international students. According to their actual tuition fee policy, international undergraduate students will have to pay £11,500 for a BA or BSc degree program, £12,000 for an MA/MSc degree program and £12,500 for an MBA degree program.
University of Cumbria – £10,500
The University of Cumbria opened its doors just ten years ago and today it counts 10,000 students. Their clear long-term aim is to prepare its students to be able to give their fullest potential and seek a successful career. Although it’s such a qualitative university, the Cumbria University is one of the cheapest in the UK. The tuition fees it charges for international students, changes depending on the type and the academic level of your course. At the undergraduate level, an international student will have to pay between £1,554 for a Presessional English (6 weeks) to £15,500 for BA (Hons) Social Work and Health Pre-registration Program. At the postgraduate level, the tuition fees may range from £3,500 (Young people Community and Society) up to £15,500 (Nuclear Security Management, Ecosystem Services Evaluation).
University of Chester – £9,250
The University of Chester opened its doors in the far year 1839. Throughout this long history, the university has created a unique identity of a quality higher education institution. Their aim is to prepare students to gain the necessary skills which later will help them build their academic career and help their local communities. A degree at this university comes at a very affordable price. Depending on the type and the level of the course of your choice, these are the tuition fees you’d expect at the University of Chester as an international student
- International Foundation Program – £9,250
- Bachelor’s degree including Foundation – £9,250 Year 1 – £11,950 Years 2-4
- Undergraduate – £11,950
- UG Pre-Reg Nursing Pathways – £9,250 + £3,000 placement
- Postgraduate – £12,000
- MBA – £12,250
- Research Degrees – MRes/MPhil/PhD (Lab-based) – £16,228
- Research Degrees – MRes/MPhil/PhD (Classroom-based) – £16,635
Other Universities in UK for International Students
University of Chester – £9,250
The University of Chester opened its doors in the far year 1839. Throughout this long history, the university has created a unique identity of a quality higher education institution. Their aim is to prepare students to gain the necessary skills which later will help them build their academic career and help their local communities. A degree at this university comes at a very affordable price. Depending on the type and the level of the course of your choice, these are the tuition fees you’d expect at the University of Chester as an international student
Coventry University
Annual international tuition fees: £9,000-12,600 (~US$11,900-16,650)
Concluding our look at the cheapest universities in the UK is a new entrant, Coventry University, which has fees as low as £9,000 for international undergraduates (in contrast, at the UK’s highest-ranked university, the University of Oxford, international undergraduate fees start at £24,750 per year). Ranked 571-580 in the QS World University Rankings® 2019, Coventry is one of the fastest growing UK universities, with around 31,700 students. It also achieved a ‘Gold’ rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework in 2017, and 97 percent of students are in employment or further study six months after graduating.
University of Cumbria – £10,500
The University of Cumbria opened its doors just ten years ago and today it counts 10,000 students. Their clear long-term aim is to prepare its students to be able to give their fullest potential and seek a successful career. Although it’s such a qualitative university, the Cumbria University is one of the cheapest in the UK. The tuition fees it charges for international students, changes depending on the type and the academic level of your course. At the undergraduate level, an international student will have to pay between £1,554 for a Presessional English (6 weeks) to £15,500 for BA (Hons) Social Work and Health Pre-registration Program. At the postgraduate level, the tuition fees may range from £3,500 (Young people Community and Society) up to £15,500 (Nuclear Security Management, Ecosystem Services Evaluation).
Royal Agricultural University
Annual international tuition fees: £10,000 (~US$13,200)
Placed second for the lowest tuition fees is the specialized Royal Agricultural University, the oldest agricultural college in the English-speaking world (founded in 1845). It’s located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, a market town with fascinating Roman origins.
University of Bedfordshire – £11,500
The University of Bedfordshire established in 2006, as a blending of the University of Luton and De Montfort’s University, two Bedford’s University campuses. The institution enjoys a global appealing, hosting more than 20,000 students coming from over 120 countries. Besides being this highly reputed and valued university, it carries affordable tuition fees for the international students. According to their actual tuition fee policy, international undergraduate students will have to pay £11,500 for a BA or BSc degree program, £12,000 for an MA/MSc degree program and £12,500 for an MBA degree program.
University of Suffolk
Annual international tuition fees: £10,080 (~US$12,900)
The next of these cheapest universities for international students in the UK is also one of the youngest, with the University of Suffolk only 12 years old (having been founded in 2007). The university has just over 5,000 students, again with a large proportion of female students. It has five sites, with its main campus in Ipswich.
Wrexham Glyndwr University – £11,750
Established in 2008, the Wrexham Glyndwr University is one of the youngest universities in the whole UK. But, regardless of its very short history, this university is highly valued for its quality of education. Besides, it is a university easily affordable because it carries considerably low tuition fees for international students. The tuition fees for the 2018/19 academic year at the University of Glyndwr will be as follows:
- Undergraduate – £11,750
- Postgraduate – £12,500
University of the West of Scotland
Annual international tuition fees: £10,600 (~US$14,000)
The University of the West of Scotland is the most affordable university in Scotland for international students, and is the largest modern university in Scotland, with around 16,000 students spread out across five campuses: with one each in the Scottish towns of Paisley, Hamilton, Dumfries and Ayr, as well as a campus in London.
Teeside University – £11,825
The reputation of the Teeside University is both nationally and internationally recognized. Through its rich scheme of study programs and high-quality teaching and research, the university guarantees to offers its student an exceptional education. Its reasonable tuition fees make this university still more attractive to international students. The 2018/19 academic year for an international foundation program will cost £9,750. For a full-time undergraduate course, you will have to pay £11,825 per an academic year. At the postgraduate level, there is much diverse tuition fee scheme. It starts at £5,875 in a part-time distance learning research degree and it ranges up to £17,000 in the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
University of Sunderland
Annual international tuition fees: £10,500 (~US$13,440)
Another of the cheapest universities for international students is the University of Sunderland, which has its roots in the Sunderland Technical College (founded 1901) and gained university status in 1992. As well as its two campuses in Sunderland, the university has a site in London, and recently opened a Hong Kong campus.
The University of Sunderland has also been awarded an overall rating of 4 Stars in the QS Stars rating system, which provides a detailed look at which universities rate highest in areas such as facilities, graduate employability, social responsibility, inclusiveness, and more. A full breakdown of its QS Stars rating by category can be found on the university profile.
Cheapest UK Universities in England for International Students
Harper Adams University College:
Average annual tuition fee: £11,000
The University was recently ranked in the top 10, for its graduate employment in the UK. The university also offers undergraduate courses a 12-month commercial placement, to gain experience before they gain graduate.
Leeds Trinity University:
Average annual tuition fee: £11,000
The University was founded in 1960’s in the form of two Catholic teacher-training colleges. The institution was granted the title of University in December 2012. The University has invested millions, to introduce specialist subject facilities in the department of Sport, Nutrition and Psychology.
University of Bolton:
Average annual tuition fee: £11,000
The University of Bolton offers degrees in subjects like Special Effects for Film, TV and Visual Effects for Film and TV. It offers a mixed range of vocational courses and traditional academic courses
Buckinghamshire New University:
Average annual tuition fee: £9,500
The University is based on two campuses: in High Wycombe and Uxbridge. Both campuses are located within easy access to attractions of central London.
York St John University:
Average annual tuition fee: £11,000
The University is located in Lord Mayor’s Walk, which faces York Minister. The students studying at York St John have an easy access to the traditional pubs, bars, and shops of York’s city centre. The University has recently developed 2.5 million Arts Centre.
University College Birmingham
Average annual tuition fees: £10,000
The University offers on-campus accommodation to the students along with the restaurants, cake and bake shops and spa and sports therapy. The University aims to enhance the student experience and make it a memorable one.
Undertaking a degree course in the UK involves careful financial planning. UK is renowned around the globe for its prestigious universities and high academic standards. With an International degree on your CV, you can impress your potential employers and widen your future prospects.
UK STUDENT VISA
You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:
- have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
- have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
- can speak, read, write and understand English
- have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 – you’ll need evidence of this when you apply
If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.
This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.
When to apply
When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
Applying from outside the UK
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.
You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Applying from inside the UK
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
How long you can stay
How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK.
If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
Staying longer in the UK
You may be able to:
- extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK
- switch to a Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK
- switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course
When you can travel to the UK
You can arrive in the UK before your course starts. This can be either:
- up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
- up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months
Fees
It costs:
- £348 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK
- £475 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK
You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.
Healthcare surcharge
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
How much you pay depends on how long your visa lasts. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.
Your partner and children
You may be able to bring your partner and children (‘dependants’).
What you can and cannot do
You can:
- study
- work as a student union sabbatical officer
You may be able to work – how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term-time.
You cannot:
- claim public funds (benefits) and pensions
- work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- be self-employed
- study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)
If your application is successful, you’ll be told what you can and cannot do on a Student visa.
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