This article contains information on the Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the UK to Enroll in for this year, 2024.
The joy of every student is to attend a world-class institution in places like the UK, as that will enhance their educational, career, and personal development in all ramifications of life, but sadly, the United Kingdom is considered to be the most expensive study-abroad destination in the world. However, a critical fee study of the universities in the UK reveals some universities are way cheaper compared to others. Though the cost of university differs among subjects and is somewhat dependent on whether the course is classroom, lab, or clinically based, nonetheless, these are the average annual international tuitions for the top 10 cheapest universities in the UK.
We have therefore taken time out to conduct some research and come up with 10 of the best but cheap universities in the UK. We also took into consideration the living conditions, learning infrastructure, facilities, and accreditation. The cost of schooling is very expensive in the UK. This cost may be reduced, especially for students on government or international scholarships. However, there are several other expenses that have to be made, so you have to weigh your options.
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Cheapest Universities in the UK
1. STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, £16,000-19000
Staffordshire University [2] is a public university in Staffordshire, England. It has one main campus based in the city of Stoke-on-Trent and three other campuses in Stafford, Lichfield, and Shrewsbury.
There are six academic departments at the university, including computing and digital technologies; creative arts and engineering; health and social care; law, policing, and forensics; life sciences and education; and the Staffordshire business school.
On the campuses in Stafford and Shrewsbury, there are two Centers of Excellence in Healthcare Education, which provide an innovative learning environment for health and social care students.
There are many student societies at the university, including a Pokemon club, a vegan and vegetarian club, a Harry Potter club, a swimming club, a table tennis club, and a theme park society. There is also a selection of sports teams that students can join, including American football, hockey, lacrosse, trampolining, snow sports, tennis, volleyball, and many more.
There are libraries across all three campuses, as well as a dedicated library for the children of mature students, with colorful seating, tables, and a story chair.
The university has several partnerships with universities across the world. These include ESERP Business School in Barcelona, Riinvest College in Kosovo, Gulf College in Oman, the Chengdu University of Technology in China, APIIT SD in India, British University in Vietnam, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the USA. It was rated gold for teaching excellence by TEF Gold, the top 40 UK universities, at 37 out of 121 in the 2020 university league table.
2. UNIVERSITY OF SULLFOLK, £11,873
Sullfolk is a public university in Suffolk, England. The institution was established in 2007 as University Campus Suffolk (UCS); the current name was adopted in 2016 when it was awarded university status. It has five campuses:
University of Suffolk, Ipswich College
The University is based on the Ipswich waterfront, A range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses are offered at Ipswich, including art and Design, Business management, computing, education, film, health, Nursing and Midwifery, Humanities, Social Sciences and Initial Teacher training
The University of Suffolk at Suffolk New College
Suffolk New College is located next to the Ipswich campus and was developed from the Further Education Center of Suffolk College. It is a center for civil engineering degrees, initial teacher training, and FDA/BA (Hons) Fashion Communication and Promotion.
The University of Suffolk at West Suffolk College
The Bury St. Edmunds Center is located on the site of West Suffolk College. A range of foundation degrees in subjects including Art, engineering, logistics, transport, and management are taught at the site, as are degrees in Business Management, Education, English, and History, CIOB-accredited Construction management, and initial teacher training. The site was renovated in 2011 and currently has an industry-standard recording studio.
The University of Suffolk at East Coast College (Great Yarmouth Campus)
The Great Yarmouth center is located at the Southtown site of East Coast College in neighboring Norfolk. Subjects such as Computing, counseling, Engineering, Fashion, Music, and Photography are available at the center, which has a modern recording studio.
The University of Suffolk at East Coast College (Lowestoft Campus)
The Lowestoft Center is located on the site of East Coast College. Lowestoft offers degrees in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, Design, Inclusive Practice and Integrated Working, Operations Engineering, Supporting Inclusive Learning and Practice, and Social Science.
3. ROYAL AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY: £12,151
Established in 1845, they are recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the delivery of education, research, and consultancy in and relating to agriculture and the rural environment. The Royal Agricultural College (RAC), now the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), is the oldest agricultural college in the English-speaking world and has been at the forefront of agricultural education since 1845.
They offer courses at the foundational, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels to over 1,200 students from all around the world. Subjects include business and management, sustainable agriculture, food supply, agribusiness, equine research, real estate, and rural estate management. Royal Agricultural University students also have the opportunity to be part of a team running one of the three student-led businesses, which provide excellent skills development opportunities while running a real business:
Muddy Wellies, launched in 2007, is a craft ale and cider company whose 10p from every bottle sold goes into the RAU’s First Steps fund to help students start their businesses.
Cotswold Hills Wine, launched in 2017, is produced from the grapes grown on our vineyard just outside Cirencester. Students have the opportunity to get involved in almost all aspects of the process, from vine to retail. As with Muddy Wellies, proceeds support students in developing their concepts.
Cotswold Hills Honey, launched in 2018,
All students have access to the Growth Hub, Farm491, and Rural Innovation Centre to further develop their business ideas, both as students and after graduation.
The university has been recognized many times, most recently being shortlisted for the Guardian University Award 2018 in the Enterprise and Employability category.
4. UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA: £12,372-£15,375
The University of Cumbria was established on August 1, 2007. It is widely recognized for its quality instruction and aid services. Also, it provides several scholarships and grants to international students interested in studying at the university. Cumbria maintains campuses in Carlisle and Lancaster. Besides, it has campuses in Ambleside, Penrith, and Workington. Some financial aid is accessible under various schemes at the institution. There is the Bright Futures Fund, the Hadfield Trust Creative Travel Award, and the Professor Strike Prize for STEM. Such scholarships can be availed of by all eligible candidates, irrespective of their nationality. Academic excellence is the prime factor in qualifying for these aids
New developments have included the creation of the University of Cumbria Business School on the university’s Lancaster Campus and the launch of a Rural Growth Hub to support businesses in the National Park.
It was conferred a bronze medal in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award and ranked in the top ten of universities worldwide according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, the only global performance tables that assess universities’ impact against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was ranked 8th out of a total of 676 participating institutions worldwide and first in the UK for the Quality Education SDG, which measures universities’ contribution to early years and lifelong learning, their pedagogy, research, and commitment to inclusive education.
5. TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY: £14,250-£15,000
Teesside University[1] is consistently in the UK’s top ten for overall average international student satisfaction-International Student Barometer 2008-12. It is the first and only modern university to be named Times Higher Education University of the Year.
It has obtained the rank #1001-1200 in World University Rankings 2024, awarded by the reputable Times Higher Education (THE). Teesside University is a diverse community with being home to more than 1,800 international students.
To get admitted into the school, international students must meet the English proficiency requirements as well as the entry requirements. Teesside University acceptance rate stands at 31%, which shows that securing admission in this university is challenging.
It has five academic schools, including School of Health & Life Sciences; School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law; School of Arts & Creative Industries; Teesside University International Business School; School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies.
6. UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER: £13,450-£14,250
This is one of the cheapest universities in the United Kingdom. It was established as a teacher-training college which later became the University of Chester, a public university situated in Chester, England. It was ranked as the second-best university for international students by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards.
8. PLYMOUTH MARJON UNIVERSITY: £14540
Plymouth Marjon University, commonly referred to as Marjon, is the trading name of the University of St Mark and St John, a university based primarily on a single campus on the northern edge of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom. Formerly named University College Plymouth St. Mark and St. John, the institution was awarded full university status in 2013.
The university campus is several miles north of Plymouth city center, next to Derriford Hospital. Residential accommodation is provided, with all first-year students guaranteed a place. In 2013, a major investment program in campus facilities was completed, including new sport and exercise science laboratories, extensive indoor and outdoor sports provision, a theater, a media center, and a music studio.
9. UNIVERSITY OF WALES TRINITY SAINT DAVID: £13,386
Founded in 2010, the University Of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. Set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
UWTSD has three main campuses across south-west Wales (Lampeter, Carmarthen, and Swansea).
The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level programs in humanities, architecture, engineering, business, tourism and hospitality, media, performing arts, and education. It extends a range of online, distance, and part-time courses that facilitate flexible learning around personal and professional life while maintaining academic rigor. The school has partnerships with various UK-based and overseas organizations and institutions that offer valuable research and development opportunities to the students, along with global learning experiences. The university has two learning centers in Cardiff: the Wales International Academy of Voice and the Canolfan Berfformio Cymru (Wales Centre for Performance).
10. COVENTRY UNIVERSITY: £16,800-£18,250
Coventry University is internationally recognized for its expertise in peacebuilding, serious games, and disaster management, as well as the world-leadingcaliber of its engineering and design graduates, particularly in the automotive field. It is the UK’s fastest-growing university and the country’s sixth-largest overall. It has two principal campuses: one in the center of Coventry, where the bulk of its operations are located, and one in Central London, which concentrates on business and management courses.
Despite its affordability, the university also provides scholarships to international students.
Coventry University as per the ‘QS World Ranking 2024’, secured a position among the top 500 universities globally. Additionally, this institution boasts over 20 buildings that serve various functions.
References
[1] (N.d.-a). Shiksha.com from https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/uk/universities/teesside-university
[2] (N.d.-b). Shiksha.com from https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/uk/universities/staffordshire-university