Gigantic picturesque campuses, world-renowned faculties, extraordinary research opportunities, and flexible post-study work visas are prime reasons why international students choose to study in Britain. However, the UK is also one of the most expensive international locations, making studying in Britain a difficult dream for students abroad.
However, don’t give up hope quite yet – we have compiled a list of affordable universities with outstanding academic records and rankings to assist you in realizing your dream to study in the UK.
York St John University
Located in North Yorkshire, York St John University recently earned the University of the Year for Social Inclusion award by The Sunday Times Good University Guide and The Times 2025. York is known for its widespread research prospects and high graduate employability rates. The university offers excellent mental health and well-being support to its students.
QS World University Rankings 2024: 91
Qualification criteria: The IELTS exam is mandatory to secure admission here. A score >6 with an individual score >5.5 for each section is the general requirement.
Stand-out courses: The university offers a variety of courses in subjects like creative arts, acting, social science, animation, biomedical sciences, design, criminology, tourism, and management. Students at York may also participate in degree apprenticeships.
Annual education fees: York St John offers education at reasonable rates starting from £13,000 to £15,000 per year. Fees might vary depending on the degree curriculum and its duration. Scholarships are open for international students to assist in reducing education costs.
University of West London
The University of West London is the Best University for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK, according to The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. Its reputation precedes it for its student-friendly campuses for international students. It is also a member of the UK’s University Alliance; therefore, it guarantees better exposure to research collaboration and job opportunities.
QS World University Rankings 2024: 115
Qualification criteria: English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are compulsory. GRE and GMAT are not necessary for their management courses.
Stand-out courses: UWL is most famous for STEM courses such as nursing, midwifery, psychology, business analytics, film and TV production, brand marketing, and other entrepreneurship-focused studies.
Annual education fees: Fees at UWL are comparatively lower, starting with £13,000 to £16,000. The university also provides accommodations, part-time work flexibility, and scholarships to help students live a smooth life on campus. It is completely worth the investment at UWL because the university has an employability rate of 98%.
Leeds Trinity University
Ranking #105 in the Guardian University Guide 2025, LTU is known for its industry-expert faculties and career-focused education system. It is situated in Leeds, England, a place flourishing from immense growth through the previous decades. The university’s active student unions and community-based campuses, centric to the employability and personal growth of a student, make it the top choice of students aspiring to study in Britain.
QS World University Rankings 2024: 122
Qualification criteria: LTU admits students with A-level qualifications and above. Along with subject-wise academic exams, English proficiency exams are compulsory for admission as well.
Stand-out courses: It is widely famous for its journalism, media, and communication courses. Some other notable courses are sports physiotherapy and science, public policy, animation, and film studies.
Annual education fees: LTU’s annual tuition fees range from £12,500 to £14,500. Living in Leeds is economical for students while enjoying significant industry exposure comparable to London and other big cities.
University of Greater Manchester
Formerly the University of Bolton, the University of Greater Manchester ranks highly in student satisfaction rates and teaching quality and is an excellent option to study in Britain. Apart from its affordability, it is a top choice among students for its robust internship and career guidance support.
QS World University Rankings 2024: 124
Qualification criteria: The general rules are the same as other universities; a strong personal statement and work experience for a social cause elevate your chances of getting into this university.
Stand-out courses: Its dental science, education teachers training, and digital arts courses are worthy of the spotlight. Other than these, it also offers pre-university classes for students who do not meet direct admission criteria.
Annual education fees: Education at the University of Greater Manchester falls within the reasonable cost range of £12,000-£14,500. STEM courses are a bit expensive, but living in the city is economical.
Coventry University
With campuses in London, Scarborough, and Coventry, CU is a tradition-driven university with a motto to flourish with governance and technology. It recently received the honors of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, the highest award for a university in the UK.
QS World University Rankings 2024: 551
Qualification criteria: CU has different entry requirements for different countries. Mostly, a score >6 in English proficiency exams is the standard, with more than 55%-60% in subjects concerning the target courses.
Stand-out courses: The university offers all kinds of diverse programs, starting from STEM to mass communication.
Annual education fees: Education at CU starts from annual tuition fees of £16,800–£19,850 per year and may increase for more complex and technical programs, such as medical and engineering courses.
Concluding Remarks
Extensive research, self-awareness of your finances, and a clear goal are the fundamentals of selecting an international university to study in Britain. Take your time to understand life at your dream campus. We advise you to look deeply into the prospects of scholarships and part-time work policies to help your finances on foreign grounds. Education in the UK can be expensive. But if you manage smartly and choose a well-reputed university, your chances of having a better future will increase significantly.
