Getting the cheapest universities in the United Kingdom for international students is the first step toward achieving your dream of studying in one of the world’s most prestigious academic destinations, without draining your finances.
The UK offers globally respected degrees, vibrant campus life, and strong career pathways, but rising tuition fees can feel out of reach for many aspiring scholars.
Fortunately, a growing number of UK universities now provide affordable tuition and generous scholarships, making it possible for students with limited budgets or modest academic profiles, including HND holders and those with second-class lower degrees, to access transformative education.
10 Cheapest Universities in United Kingdom for International Students
1. University of Roehampton – Next up: London-based value with strong arts & HND pathways
Tuition Fees: £13,125–£18,250/year for undergrad and postgrad programs
Scholarships:
International Undergraduate Excellence: £1,000–£4,000/year for high-achieving international students
International Women’s Global Scholarship: £10,000 for up to 10 exceptional female applicants entering in September 2025
HNC/HND Bursary: Automatic £2,000/year for Higher National Certificate/Diploma students
How to Apply:
UG: Apply via UCAS by January 15; include transcripts, personal statement, two references, and English scores.
PG: Direct application through the Roehampton portal; supporting docs include degree transcripts, SOP, references, CV.
Scholarship applications are integrated with admission; some (e.g., Women’s Global) require a dedicated form.
Deadlines:
UCAS UG: 15 January 2026
Scholarships: e.g., Women’s Global by 1 July 2025; UG excellence awards likely coincide with offer acceptance.
Requirements:
Entry from HND or 2:2 degree accepted.
English proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 (or equivalent).
Key Information:
Graduate Route eligible—up to 2 years post-study work.
Urban London campus with strong Arts, Education, Psychology, and Music programs.
Offers foundation and HND-to-UG top-up pathways.
2. Teesside University – Another standout option in North East England
Tuition Fees: £11,000–£13,000/year across UG and PG; PGDip/MSc: ~£17,000
Scholarships:
Vice‑Chancellor’s: £7,000 fee waiver for September 2025 UG or PG entrants—requires personal statement & deposit
Global Excellence: £2,000 automatic award for academically strong applicants
GREAT Scholarships: £10,000 for eligible countries (e.g., Egypt, Pakistan, Mexico) on taught Master’s – deadline 25 April 2025
Additional regional awards (Africa, ASEAN, China) £1,000–£3,000
How to Apply:
UG: Use UCAS by 15 January 2026, select HND top-up route if eligible.
PG: Apply directly, including transcripts, SOP, references, CV.
Scholarships automatically considered; some require deposit and acceptance before award.
Deadlines:
UG UCAS: 15 January
VC Scholarship: applications open shortly after offer; deadline when deposit paid.
GREAT Scholarships: 25 April 2025
Others: Africa/Asia scholarships mainly January–March 2025.
Requirements:
HND holders can enter top-up UG or PG courses.
IELTS 6.0 (6.5 for some programs); pre-sessional English available.
Key Information:
Graduate Route eligible—2 years post-study work visa.
Campus in Middlesbrough with strong links to industry—especially in Digital Tech, Health, and Humanities.
Gold-rated teaching and strong student employability.
Tuition Fees: £12,000–£14,000/year (UG & PG)
Scholarships: £3,000 Merit Awards automatic for strong applicants
How to Apply:
UG via UCAS (15 Jan); PG directly
- Deadlines:
UG by 15 January 2026; PG rolling
- Requirements:
HND/2:2 accepted for PG progressions; IELTS 6.5
Key Info:
Graduate Route eligible
West Ealing campus; known for Hospitality, Business, Music Technology.
3. University of Sunderland – Coastal scholarship-centered education
Tuition Fees:
UG: ~£16,500/year
PG (e.g., MSc/PGDip): £17,000–£21,000/year.
Scholarships:
Global Leaders Scholarship: £5,000 for UG; £4,500 for PG—automatically applied to offer
International Scholarship: £1,400 (UG) / £900 (PG) fee discounts
Tuk-Tam (Bulgarian students): Up to £9,000
How to Apply:
UG via UCAS by Jan 15, 2026; PG direct via university portal—include transcripts, SOP, references, deposit.
Scholarships are automatically applied upon acceptance.
Deadlines:
UCAS UG: 15 January 2026
PG applications: rolling; scholarship offers confirmed with enrolment
Tuk-Tam scholarships: Apply by end of April 2025
Requirements:
HND or 2:2 acceptable for PG diplomas/MSc
IELTS 6.0 minimum digital.ucas.com
Key Info:
Eligible for Graduate Route visa (2 years post-study)
Coastal city campus with strengths in Health, Computing, Arts
Supportive environment with small class sizes and student community focus.
4. Leeds Beckett University – Urban professional development hub
Tuition Fees: £11,000–£13,000/year for both UG and PG
Scholarships:
Global Scholarships: £2,500 per year for international students
Dean’s Scholarship: £1,000 for UG Accounting & Finance students
How to Apply:
UG via UCAS by Jan 15 (or later for pathway routes); PG direct via Leeds Beckett portal—submit transcripts, SOP, references.
Scholarships are automatically considered with admission.
Deadlines:
UCAS UG: 15 January 2026 (or 27 June 2025 for pathway)
PG: rolling entry with scholarship offers on acceptance
Requirements:
HND for UG top-up or relevant PG courses
IELTS 6.0 minimum
Key Info:
Graduate Route eligible
Central Leeds campus with strong employability services and links to industry
Popular for Business, Education, Health courses.
5. University of Cumbria – Scenic, student-focused education
Tuition Fees: £11,000–£13,000/year for all levels
Scholarships:
Automatic £2,000 off tuition for international students
How to Apply:
UG via UCAS by Jan 15; PG direct including academic transcripts, SOP, and references.
Deadlines:
UG: 15 January 2026; PG: rolling
Requirements:
HND for top-ups or PG certificates
IELTS 6.0 minimum
Key Info:
Graduate Route eligible
Campuses near Lake District—ideal for small classes and outdoor-focused programs.
6. University of Wolverhampton – Industry-aligned programs in the Midlands
Tuition Fees: £11,500–£13,500/year for UG and PG
Scholarships:
£3,000 Academic International Scholarships
How to Apply:
UG via UCAS (15 Jan); PG direct via university site—submit transcripts, SOP, references
Deadlines:
UG: 15 January 2026; PG: rolling admission
Requirements:
HND qualifies for PG diploma/MSc
IELTS 6.0 minimum
Key Info:
Graduate Route eligible
Strong links with regional industries—Engineering, Business, Sport Science.
7. London Metropolitan University – Affordable study in the heart of London
Tuition Fees: £12,000–£14,000/year across UG and PG
Scholarships:
£2,000 Global Undergraduate Award
How to Apply:
UG via UCAS (15 Jan); PG direct—include transcripts, SOP, references
Deadlines:
UG: 15 January 2026; PG: rolling admissions
Requirements:
HND for top-up UG or PG diplomas
IELTS 6.0 minimum
Key Info:
Graduate Route eligible
Central London campuses with strong programs in Creative Arts, Business, Computing.
READ ALSO: 10 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
8. University of Brighton – Coastal creativity and healthcare excellence
Tuition Fees: £12,500–£14,500/year
Scholarships:
£2,000 International Excellence Scholarships
How to Apply:
UG via UCAS; PG direct with transcripts, SOP, references
Deadlines:
UG: 15 January 2026; PG: January & September intake
Requirements:
HND accepted for top-up or PG diplomas
IELTS 6.0 minimum
Key Info:
Graduate Route eligible
Coastal campus known for Health, Creative Arts, and Social Sciences.
9. University of West London (UWL) – Hospitality and business hub in West London
Tuition Fees: £12,000–£14,000/year (UG & PG)
Scholarships:
£3,000 Merit Awards for strong international applicants
How to Apply:
UG via UCAS (15 Jan); PG direct—include transcripts, SOP, references
Deadlines:
UG: 15 January 2026; PG: Rolling admissions with scholarships
Requirements:
HND or 2:2 degree acceptable for PG progressions
IELTS 6.5 minimum
Key Info:
Graduate Route eligible
Campus located near London Heathrow; known for Hospitality, Business, Music Tech.
10. Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) – Urban innovation with rich student support
Tuition Fees: £12,500–£14,500/year
Scholarships:
£2,000/year UG scholarships (automatically awarded)
£3,000 PG scholarships for January intake
Chancellor’s & Vice‑Chancellor’s awards up to £6,000–£8,000—requires separate form/excellent record
How to Apply:
UG via UCAS (Jan 15); PG direct—attach transcripts, SOP, references
Scholarships applied at offer stage; some awards require essay submission
Deadlines:
UG: 15 January 2026; PG (Jan/Sep) rolling but scholarship forms often due by June
Requirements:
HND qualifies for top-up UG or PG diplomas
IELTS 6.5 (min 5.5 per band)
Key Info:
Graduate Route eligible
Manchester city centre campus with strong industry links, modern facilities, and diverse international community
Offers payment flexibility and strong student support
How to Successfully Apply to the Cheapest Universities in United Kingdom
Applying to the Cheapest Universities in United Kingdom for International Students requires more than just filling out forms, it’s about crafting a winning strategy that showcases your strengths, meets entry requirements, and maximizes your chances of receiving both admission and scholarships.
Whether you’re applying with an HND, a second-class lower degree, or simply on a tight budget, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.
1. Shortlist the Right Universities for You
Firstly, begin by identifying the low-cost UK universities that align with your goals, budget, and qualifications. Focus on universities that:
Offer your desired course or a relevant pathway (e.g., top-up degrees or PG certificates)
Accept students with HND certificates or second-class lower degrees
Are eligible for the Graduate Route visa, allowing up to 2 years of post-study work
Use trusted platforms like UCAS, British Council, or official university websites to compare tuition fees, entry requirements, and scholarship options.
2. Craft a Standout Personal Statement
Next, your personal statement (or Statement of Purpose) is your chance to tell your story. This should:
Explain why you chose the course and university
Highlight your academic journey, especially how you’ve overcome challenges
Demonstrate your career goals, leadership, and community involvement
Make it clear, focused, and personal—avoid generic statements. Admissions officers want to know you, not just your grades.
✅ Pro Tip: If your academic record is modest, emphasize your practical experience, volunteer work, or personal growth.
3. Secure Powerful References
Additionally, strong reference letters can elevate your application—especially if you’re applying to the Cheapest Universities in United Kingdom for International Students that offer competitive scholarships. Secure 2–3 references from:
A lecturer, course supervisor, or academic advisor
A professional mentor or employer (especially for mature students or PG applicants)
Give your referees enough time and share your CV and personal statement with them. This ensures their letters align with your goals and highlight your strengths.
4. Prepare for English Language Requirements
Moreover, most UK universities require proof of English proficiency. Here’s what you need:
IELTS (generally 6.0–7.0 overall, with no band below 5.5)
Alternatives: TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test (accepted by many affordable UK institutions)
If your score is slightly below the requirement, some universities offer pre-sessional English courses that help you meet the condition and secure your place.
5. Apply for Scholarships Early and Strategically
Subsequently, begin researching scholarships offered by the universities you’ve shortlisted. Many Cheapest Universities in United Kingdom for International Students offer:
Merit-based awards (e.g., GPA of 2.5+, second-class lower accepted)
Leadership or country-specific bursaries
Automatically awarded discounts (e.g., £1,000–£5,000 tuition fee reductions)
Check deadlines, some scholarships close months before admission deadlines. Others may require essays or interviews.
🔍 Explore platforms like:
6. Complete the Application Process Thoroughly
Ultimately, gather all required documents and apply through the correct channels:
Undergraduate programs: via UCAS (Deadline: 15 January 2026)
Postgraduate programs: directly through university websites
You’ll typically need:
Academic transcripts and certificates
Personal statement (SOP)
Reference letters
Proof of English proficiency
Passport copy
Financial documents (bank statements, sponsor letters)
Ensure all documents are certified, translated into English (if applicable), and submitted before the deadline.
🌟 Success Story: Real Inspiration from a Budget-Conscious Student
James, a student from Ghana with an HND in Business and a second-class lower degree, applied to Teesside University’s MSc program in International Marketing. With a compelling personal statement and excellent reference letters, he was awarded the £7,000 Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship—without needing a perfect GPA. Today, James is working in the UK under the Graduate Route visa, gaining experience in digital marketing while applying for permanent residency.
His story proves that international students with modest academic records can secure opportunities at the Cheapest Universities in United Kingdom for International Students—with the right preparation.
⚠️ How To Avoid Scholarship Scams
Sadly, many international students fall victim to fake agents or scam websites. To protect yourself:
Only apply through official university portals
Use trusted platforms like UCAS, British Council, or Chevening
Avoid paying large fees upfront for “guaranteed” scholarships
If in doubt, contact the university directly via their international office.
