Studying in the UK is a dream for many students, but the high costs of tuition and living expenses can be a big barrier. The good news? There are still affordable options for higher education without breaking the bank. Whether you’re aiming to study in a bustling city or a quieter town, there are a range of universities that offer excellent education at budget-friendly prices.

Here’s a look at some of the cheapest universities in the UK, offering great value without compromising on quality.

The Cheapest Universities in the UK 2025

1. University of Cumbria

Located in the northwest of England, the University of Cumbria is known for its low tuition fees, especially for undergraduate courses. The university offers a range of programs in areas like education, health, and business. For international students, the fees are quite affordable compared to many other UK universities. With a strong focus on employability and practical learning, this university offers an exceptional return on investment.

• Average Tuition Fees: £12,000–£14,000 per year
• Key Areas of Study: Education, Health, Business, and Sports

2. Teesside University

Teesside, based in Middlesbrough, is another affordable option. The university offers high-quality courses in fields like business, engineering, and digital technology, all while keeping tuition fees low. Students can also enjoy the lower cost of living in Middlesbrough, which is significantly cheaper than larger cities like London or Manchester.

• Average Tuition Fees: £12,000–£15,000 per year
• Key Areas of Study: Digital Media, Engineering, Business, and Health

3. University of Bolton

The University of Bolton is located in Greater Manchester and is well-known for its reasonable tuition fees and excellent support services. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Bolton also benefits from being close to Manchester, where students can enjoy a dynamic city life without paying the high costs associated with living in the city center.

• Average Tuition Fees: £10,000–£13,500 per year
• Key Areas of Study: Business, Engineering, Law, and Arts

4. University of Suffolk

The University of Suffolk is an up-and-coming university in East Anglia that’s quickly gaining a reputation for its affordable tuition and supportive learning environment. The university offers flexible courses in a range of subjects, and with the cost of living in Ipswich being relatively low, students can enjoy an affordable university experience.

• Average Tuition Fees: £12,000–£14,000 per year
• Key Areas of Study: Creative Industries, Health, Social Sciences, and Business

5. University of Worcester

Located in the charming city of Worcester, this university offers competitive tuition fees and a strong emphasis on teaching and student satisfaction. Worcester is a small but vibrant city with a relatively low cost of living compared to larger urban centers. The university has a solid reputation for programs in education, sports, and healthcare.

• Average Tuition Fees: £11,000–£14,500 per year
• Key Areas of Study: Education, Sport, Health, and Humanities

6. University of South Wales

The University of South Wales, based in Cardiff, offers a fantastic blend of affordable education and a vibrant student life. The university provides a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. With its location in Cardiff, students enjoy a relatively low cost of living, especially compared to cities like London or Edinburgh.

• Average Tuition Fees: £12,000–£15,000 per year
• Key Areas of Study: Business, Engineering, Media, and Health

7. London Metropolitan University

While studying in London can often be expensive, London Metropolitan University offers some of the most affordable tuition rates in the city. The university offers a wide variety of courses, and with the many scholarships available, it’s possible to make studying in the capital more affordable than you might expect.

• Average Tuition Fees: £13,000–£15,000 per year
• Key Areas of Study: Business, Media, Law, and Computing

8. University of Chester

The University of Chester provides affordable tuition fees and is known for offering a high standard of education, particularly in fields like health, education, and business. With its beautiful campus and relatively low cost of living in Chester, it’s a great option for students seeking an affordable and quality university experience.

• Average Tuition Fees: £12,000–£14,500 per year
• Key Areas of Study: Education, Health, Business, and Arts

9. Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett is a university that combines great academic programs with an affordable price tag. Located in the vibrant city of Leeds, the university offers courses in everything from business to design, all at competitive prices. While Leeds is a major city, the cost of living here is more affordable than in places like London or Manchester.

• Average Tuition Fees: £12,000–£14,000 per year
• Key Areas of Study: Business, Arts, Design, and Health

10. University of Derby

Known for its practical and career-focused approach, the University of Derby offers affordable tuition fees while providing quality education in a range of disciplines. The city of Derby offers students a lower cost of living while still being close to major cities like Nottingham and Birmingham.

• Average Tuition Fees: £12,000–£14,000 per year
• Key Areas of Study: Business, Engineering, Arts, and Health

FAQs

Which country is cheaper to study Canada or UK?

When comparing the cost of studying in Canada versus the UK, it’s essential to consider both tuition fees and living expenses. Here’s a general overview:

Canada:

• Tuition Fees:
  • Generally, tuition fees in Canada tend to be lower than in the UK, although they vary depending on the province and institution.
• Cost of Living:
  • The cost of living in Canada can be more affordable, especially in smaller cities. However, major cities like Toronto and Vancouver can be quite expensive.
  • Factors like healthcare can also influence the overall cost, and some provinces offer healthcare coverage for international students.
• Canada is often seen as providing better opportunities for post graduate work, and pathways to permanent residency.

UK:

• Tuition Fees:
  • Tuition fees in the UK,
  • The cost of living in the UK varies significantly depending on the location. London, in particular, is known for its high living expenses.
• The UK offers many prestigious and long standing Universities.
• Shorter study programs in the UK can make the overall costs less.

In summary:

• While there are variations, Canada is often perceived as the more affordable option, particularly when considering the overall cost of living.
• It is very important to consider the location of any university that you are interested in, as the cost of living can greatly change between large cities, and small towns, in both the UK, and Canada.

To get a more precise estimate, it’s recommended to:

• Research the specific tuition fees of the universities you are interested in.
• Investigate the cost of living in the cities where those universities are located.
• Consider any available scholarships or financial aid.

Which country pays the highest salary per hour for international students?

It’s important to understand that “highest salary per hour” can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Minimum wage: This sets a baseline, but actual earnings can vary.
• Job type: Skilled labor will always command higher pay.
• Location: Major cities tend to have higher wages but also higher living costs.
• Experience: As with any job, experience matters.

That being said, here’s a breakdown of countries known for relatively high minimum wages and good opportunities for international students:

• Australia:
  • Australia consistently ranks high in terms of minimum wage. This makes it a popular destination for international students seeking part-time work. 
  • They also have fairly generous rules regarding how many hours that international students can work.
• Luxembourg:
  • Luxembourg often has one of the highest minimum wages in Europe.
  • It is a small country, so job opportunities may be more limited.
• New Zealand:
  • New Zealand also offers a relatively high minimum wage and a good work-life balance.
• Countries in Northern Europe:
  • Countries like Denmark, Norway, and Iceland tend to have high wages, but the cost of living can also be significant.
• Switzerland:
  • Switzerland is known for very high wages, but also very high cost of living.

Key Considerations:

• Work regulations: Always check the specific work regulations for international students in your chosen country.
• Cost of living: A high hourly wage doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have more disposable income.
• Job availability: Some countries may have higher wages but fewer part-time job opportunities for students.

I recommend researching the specific regulations and job market conditions in the countries you are considering.

Conclusion:

Studying in the UK doesn’t have to be financially overwhelming. These universities provide affordable tuition fees without sacrificing quality education. Whether you’re interested in studying business, health, or the arts, there’s an option for you. Remember, tuition fees are just one aspect of your university expenses—be sure to consider accommodation, food, and transportation costs when planning your budget. With careful planning, you can enjoy a world-class education while keeping your finances in check.