Funding is a significant challenge for many people dreaming of studying in the UK. If this is you, then you’re not alone. It is true that UK degrees come with prestige. It is also true that the hefty price tag could be discouraging. However, some UK universities offer quality education at a fraction of the usual cost.

Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, here are some of the most affordable UK universities that combine strong academics with low tuition. And the best part? With Grey, you can pay your fees in GBP directly without outrageous conversion fees or delays.

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Best cheap universities in the UK for international students

Here is a list of affordable UK universities with the lowest tuition fees for international students. We have also included some details about these schools to help you make an informed decision. Please note that there can be changes in tuition and other costs were not factored into this list. Some programmes, especially professional courses, might also require a higher tuition.

1. Wrexham University (formerly Glyndŵr University)

• Tuition fees: From £11,750 per year.
• QS ranking: Ranked #161 in Europe University Rankings - Northern Europe 2024.
• THE ranking: Not listed in THE global rankings.
• Highlights: Wrexham University offers a variety of courses, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. It has a focus on employability and career development. The university provides strong student support, including careers planning, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for work placements. International students are also well supported with dedicated services and resources.
• Funding options: Offers scholarships for international students. The details are available on the university’s website.

2. Leeds Trinity University

• Tuition fees: Around £12,000 per year.
• QS/THE rankings: Not ranked in QS or THE global rankings.
• Highlights: The university was initially founded for the training of Catholic School teachers. It only became a full-fledged university in 2012. It has gained popularity because of its affordability, small classes and wide range of courses. The university is located in Leeds which makes it relatively affordable to live in.
• Funding options: Provides scholarships for international students including merit-based scholarships and tuition fee reductions. The details are available on the university’s website.

3. University of Cumbria

• Tuition fees: Starting from £14,900 per year.
• QS ranking: [Ranked 601st in Europe in 2024](https://unischolars.com/universities/uk/university-of-cumbria/ranking?).
• THE ranking: Ranked 123rd in the UK and 2422nd globally in 2025.
• Highlights: The University of Cumbria offers a variety of programs and a supportive environment for international students. The campuses are located in Carlisle, Lancaster, and London. International students may need to pay a tuition fee deposit, which could be £4,000 or 50% of the first year’s tuition fees, depending on their country of origin, as outlined in their offer letter.
• Funding options: Offers various scholarships and bursaries. The tuition fees can be paid in up to five installments. Prospective students should consult the university’s official site for specifics.

4. Teesside University

• Tuition fees: From £10,000 per year.).
• QS ranking: Ranked 499th in Europe and 143rd in Northern Europe in 2024.
• THE ranking: Ranked 801–1000 globally in 2025.
• Highlights: The university is located in Middlesbrough, which is known for its low cost of living. It offers a variety of programs for international students, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, pathway programs, and research opportunities.
• Funding options: The school offers a range of scholarships, including the Vice Chancellor’s scholarship. Check here to find more scholarships.

5. University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

• Tuition fees: Starting from £7,000–£9,000 per year (depending on the course).
• QS/THE rankings: Not listed in QS or THE global rankings.
• Highlights: This is a network of small campuses across the Scottish Highlands that offers a variety of study options, including on-campus and online learning. UHI emphasises personalised support and small class sizes, contributing to high student satisfaction.
• Funding options: Provides various scholarships and bursaries; prospective students should consult the university’s official website for details.

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6. Leeds Beckett University

• Tuition fees: From £7,750 per year.
• QS ranking: Ranked #801–1000 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• THE ranking: Ranked 1001–1200 in THE World University Rankings 2025.
• Highlights: It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including foundation and pre-sessional English programs. The university emphasises work-related learning, with nearly half of its students participating in sandwich courses, and aims to produce graduates who are enterprising, digitally literate, and globally minded.
• Funding options: Provides international scholarships of up to £3,000; details are available on the university’s website.

7. University of Sunderland

• Tuition fees: From £16,500 per year.
• QS ranking: [Ranked #143 in Europe University Rankings](https://collegedunia.com/uk/university/2308-university-of-sunderland-sunderland/ranking?) - Northern Europe 2025.
• THE ranking: Ranked 1201–1500 globally in 2025.
• Highlights: Offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at reasonable rates. The university is located in North East England, which has a relatively low cost of living.
• Funding options: Offers international scholarships and bursaries; check the university’s official website for current opportunities.

Funding tips for international students

Studying abroad isn’t just about tuition — you also need to factor in visa fees, accommodation, and daily expenses. Here’s how to make it work:

• Apply for scholarships: Many of these universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students.
• Use reliable banking solutions for tuition payments: Avoid high exchange rates by using a solution like Grey’s GBP, USD, and EUR accounts to pay directly to your school.
• Budget ahead: Create a monthly budget for your living expenses using your Grey account for easy tracking and transfers.
• Plan for additional living costs**:** Consider other fees apart from the tuition. Opting for schools in affordable cities can help you maximise your funds.

Getting started with Grey

Most international students struggle with expensive bank transfers, high FX rates, or delays when paying tuition abroad. With Grey, you can:

• Get a UK bank account instantly
• Pay tuition and rent directly in GBP
• Receive money from home without conversion stress

Final thoughts

Getting a UK degree doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With smart school choices and seamless international finance tools like Grey, your dream of studying abroad is more affordable than ever.

Ready to get started? Create your free Grey account today and explore the smarter way to finance your global education.

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