Though there are affordable institutions in UK for foreign students 2025 that provide good postgraduate education without going over budget, studying in the UK may be costly. This resource emphasises reasonably priced postgraduate courses UK at campus-based institutions in England that is, you may study in England on a budget yet still benefit from an on-campus student experience. Below is a breakdown of handpicked selection of institutions recognised for cheaper tuition rates and living costs, including projected costs for 2025, official links, and scholarships for prospective overseas (International) postgraduate students.
York St John University (York, North Yorkshire)
Why It’s Affordable: With postgraduate tuition rates beginning at under £11,300 for a variety of MA and some MSc programs, York St John University leads several lists of cheap colleges. Especially for overseas students, it even provides one of the most affordable MBAs in the UK at around £11,300 for a one-year course. Apart from tuition, the ancient city of York is quite priced compared to London. The university’s Global Campus initiative also offers cultural events all throughout the UK.
• Estimated Annual Tuition (2025): ~£11,300 for many full-time taught Master’s programs . (York St John keeps its international postgraduate fees low and consistent across many courses.)
• Cost of Living: Approximately £800–£900 per month in York for a single student, depending on lifestyle (around £9,000–£10,800 per year). This is in line with UKVI’s required living cost of £1,136 per month outside London , and many students manage on a bit less given York’s relatively affordable housing and amenities.
• Scholarships: Offers competitive scholarships up to £1,000 for all fee-paying international postgraduates . This automatic discount makes the effective tuition even more affordable. Additionally, York St John participates in external scholarship schemes like Chevening.
• Official Link: Visit the York St John University – International Fees & Funding page for detailed information on tuition and scholarships .
Leeds Trinity University (Leeds, West Yorkshire)
Why It’s Affordable: Leeds Trinity University, located in the student-friendly city of Leeds, offers postgraduate programs starting around £12,000 per year . Several of its MA programs (e.g. MA Childhood and Education, MA Creative Writing) are available at this low fee . Leeds Trinity is a smaller institution known for excellent teaching quality and a focus on employability – it pioneered work placements for every degree, leading to a high graduate employment rate of 97% . Leeds is also notably cheaper to live in than London, making it easier to study on a budget.
• Estimated Annual Tuition (2025): £12,000–£12,500 for most international MA/MSc programs . (The lowest postgraduate fees at Leeds Trinity are around £12k for certain courses.)
• Cost of Living: Roughly £800–£1,000 per month in Leeds. According to student surveys, you’ll want a budget of around £950/month in Leeds , which is considerably lower than living costs in London. Students can find affordable accommodations in the Horsforth area near campus.
• Scholarships: Leeds Trinity University offers some merit-based and subject-specific scholarships. While there isn’t a blanket automatic reduction for all international students, you can apply for postgraduate scholarships or alumni discounts. External scholarships (Commonwealth, Chevening) are also an option for eligible students.
University of Hull (Hull, East Yorkshire)
Why It’s Affordable: The University of Hull keeps many of its arts and humanities postgraduate courses at a low tuition of around £12,000 for international students . For example, a number of one-year MA programs are priced at £12k, which is very competitive for a UK university. (Do note that MSc programs in lab-based fields at Hull may have higher fees.) Hull’s campus is in a smaller city with a cost of living significantly lower than southern England, further boosting its affordability.
• Estimated Annual Tuition (2025): £12,000 for many taught Master’s (MA) programs . (More specialized MSc programs may cost more.) Hull’s fees are transparent, and £12k is among the lowest fees for postgraduate study in the UK.
• Cost of Living: About £700–£900 per month in Hull for living expenses. Hull consistently ranks as one of the more affordable student cities in England, with inexpensive housing and entertainment. You might spend ~£8,000–£10,000 per year on living costs, which is below the UK average.
• Scholarships: Hull offers a range of scholarships. Notably, it participates in the GREAT Scholarships program (in partnership with the British Council) offering up to £10,000 for students from select countries to pursue a one-year Master’s . Hull also has its own schemes like the Fairer Future Global Scholarship (50% fee reduction for undergraduate students) and various country-specific awards. International students should also consider UK-wide scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth) which Hull accepts.
• Official Link: See Hull’s International Postgraduate Fees & Scholarships page for the latest fees and a list of available scholarships and more.
University of Cumbria (Cumbria – Carlisle, Lancaster, etc.)
Why It’s Affordable: The University of Cumbria has a unique pricing policy – it charges the same tuition fee for all its MA/MSc programs, and that fee is relatively low for international students. For 2024/25, the international fee for a one-year Master’s at Cumbria is about £13,575, regardless of subject . Cumbria also automatically knocks off £1,000 via its Global Scholarship for eligible international students . This effectively brings many course fees closer to ~£12,500. With campuses in smaller cities (like Carlisle and Lancaster) and even one in London, students have flexibility in choosing a location that suits their budget. Northern campuses especially benefit from lower living costs.
• Estimated Annual Tuition (2025): £13,575 for most full-time international postgraduate (MA/MSc) courses . After the £1,000 Global Scholarship, the effective fee can be ~£12,575. (This flat fee model makes it easier to predict costs, and Cumbria’s fees are among the lowest uniform rates in England.)
• Cost of Living: Approximately £600–£800 per month in Cumbria’s cities like Carlisle. These smaller cities have a low cost of living – for instance, university estimates for a student budget outside London are around £1,136 per month , but many Cumbria students spend less due to cheaper housing. Living costs around the Lancaster campus (North West England) are also relatively low compared to major urban centers .
• Scholarships: Global Scholarship (£1,000) – automatically applied to international student fees, as noted. Cumbria may also offer other scholarships or early payment discounts, and it supports applications for external scholarships. Be sure to check their international scholarships page for any country-specific bursaries.
University of Chester (Chester, Cheshire)
Why It’s Affordable: The University of Chester is frequently cited as one of the most affordable universities in UK for international students, thanks to relatively low tuition and generous scholarships . Annual tuition for international postgraduates at Chester is around £14,000 (depending on the course) before scholarships . Chester automatically offers an International Scholarship Award to all overseas (non-UK) students, which reduces the fees for each year of study . This means you might pay closer to ~£13,000 per year for a Master’s after the scholarship is applied. Chester is a historic city in North West England with moderate living costs, especially compared to large cities.
• Estimated Annual Tuition (2025): Is around ~£13,750 – £14,250 for most international Master’s programs (12-month duration) before any scholarship. For example, recent guidance showed postgraduate degrees for international students at Chester around £14,250 per year . After the typical scholarship discount, effective fees can be near £13k.
• Cost of Living: About £700–£900 per month in Chester. Being a smaller city, Chester offers affordable housing (many students stay in private flats or university accommodation that cost less than in bigger cities). An annual budget of £8,000–£10,000 can suffice for comfortable student living here.
• Scholarships: International Scholarship Award – Chester provides an automatic scholarship (tuition fee discount) to all international postgraduate students each year . While the exact amount can vary, it significantly lowers your fee. The university also has merit-based scholarships; for instance, high-achieving students might get additional bursaries. Don’t forget to explore external scholarships (Chevening, etc.) for which Chester students are eligible.
• Official Link: See the University of Chester – Fees, Scholarships, Entry Requirements and Finance page for international students . It details current tuition fees and the range of scholarships and discounts available for 2025 entrants.
Teesside University (Middlesbrough, Teesside)
Why It’s Affordable: Teesside University is known for offering budget-friendly postgraduate programs and actively attracting international students with scholarships. Standard international Master’s fees at Teesside are in the range of £14,000 – £17,000 per year (most courses cluster around the lower end of that range, especially non-lab-based subjects). On top of that, Teesside automatically grants a Global Excellence Scholarship of £2,000 to new international students in their first year , effectively bringing first-year tuition down to ~£12,000–£15,000. Middlesbrough’s living costs are among the lowest in England, making Teesside an excellent choice for cost-conscious postgraduates.
• Estimated Annual Tuition (2025): £14,000 – £15,000 for most one-year MSc/MA programs (some specialized courses may be up to £17k) . After the £2,000 scholarship in Year 1, many students pay roughly £12,000 – £13,000 for their Master’s year.
• Cost of Living: Approximately £600–£800 per month in Middlesbrough, which is significantly lower than the national student average . In fact, the average cost of living in Middlesbrough is around £700/month for students (excluding fees) . This means you might only need about £7,000–£8,500 per year for living expenses a big advantage of studying at Teesside.
• Scholarships: Teesside Global Excellence Scholarship – £2,000 automatic discount in the first year for all full-time international postgraduates . Teesside also offers other scholarships, such as alumni loyalty discounts and country-specific awards. Additionally, it has a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship (competitive) for international students and participates in schemes like Commonwealth Scholarships. Make sure to check Teesside’s international scholarships page for the latest opportunities .
• Official Link: Visit Teesside University – International Fees & Funding for up-to-date tuition figures and details on scholarships/discounts. This official resource outlines the fee structure (including any two-year master’s options with lower annual fees) and scholarship eligibility.
University of Bedfordshire (Luton/Bedford, Bedfordshire)
Why It’s Affordable: The University of Bedfordshire is a popular choice for international students seeking low-cost postgraduate options near London. Its international postgraduate tuition fees start at about £14,500 per year (depending on the course) , which is already on the lower end for England. Moreover, Bedfordshire offers generous scholarships to reduce costs: for instance, the Postgraduate Global Merit Scholarship provides £3,000 off the tuition for eligible international Master’s students . The university has multiple campuses (Luton and Bedford are the main ones), all with living costs well below London’s. Students benefit from a mix of affordability and proximity to London (quick train links) without paying London prices for rent.
• Estimated Annual Tuition (2025): £14,500 – £16,000 for most international Master’s programs . Many 1-year MSc/MA courses are around £15k or below. With the common £3,000 scholarship, net fees can come down to roughly £12,000 – £13,500 for the year. Some specialized or longer courses might be up to £18k (as an upper range).
• Cost of Living: Roughly £800–£1,000 per month in Luton or Bedford. These towns have significantly cheaper living expenses than central London – for example, student accommodations and apartments are much more affordable (you might find rooms for £400-£500/month). A yearly student living budget of £9,000–£11,000 is usually sufficient in Bedfordshire. If you choose the Bedford campus, costs can be even lower, as Bedford is a smaller town.
• Scholarships: Global Merit Scholarship (£3,000) – Bedfordshire awards this to international students who meet certain academic criteria, automatically reducing the Master’s tuition fee . They also offer other scholarships like the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship (£1,000 for the first year), and various country-specific or achievement-based bursaries . Combined, these scholarships can substantially cut costs. Always check the university’s scholarships page for the latest offerings; new scholarships for 2025 intakes may be available.
• Official Link: See the University of Bedfordshire – Fees & Scholarships for International Students page . The official site details current tuition fees by course and outlines the scholarship programs (including how to apply for them).
Other Budget-Friendly Universities to Consider
The universities above are among the top picks for affordability in England, but they aren’t the only options. Other affordable UK universities for international students include:
• University of Bolton (Greater Manchester): is known for low fees and a low cost of living; most courses start around £15,950 (with some scholarships) . Bolton estimates student living expenses at about £9,000 per year, which is quite economical .
• University of Sunderland (Tyne and Wear): Offers postgraduate tuition in the mid-£14,000s and benefits from the cheap living costs of North East England. Sunderland also provides scholarship opportunities and has a London campus for those who want a foot in the capital (though living costs in London are higher) .
• University of West London (London): Surprisingly affordable tuition (around £13,000/year) for a London-based university. Campuses in Ealing and Brentford mean slightly lower rents than central London, and the university has won awards for teaching quality. Keep in mind London’s living cost (UKVI requires ~£1,483/month in maintenance funds for London-based study ).
• London Metropolitan University (London): Another London institution with comparatively low international fees (~£13,200 – £14,500 range) . It’s a good choice for budget-conscious students who want to experience London; plus, it boasts a 96.7% graduate employment rate for its students .
• Buckinghamshire New University (High Wycombe): Offers some postgraduate courses with tuition around £10,500 (one of the lowest in England) according to recent data . This university is a bit further out from London, resulting in lower living expenses, and has been recognized in student satisfaction awards. (Be sure to verify the latest fees, as they may vary by course.)
Each of these universities provides affordable postgraduate courses in the UK and a chance to study in England on a budget. However, when considering your options, always check the latest fees on the official university website and look for any scholarships or early-payment discounts. In 2025, many UK universities are increasing support for international students through bursaries and payment plans to help manage costs.
Final Tips for Budget-Conscious Postgraduates
• Plan Your Finances: Apart from tuition, ensure you budget for living costs (rent, food, transport, etc.). Generally, outside London you should budget around £9,000–£12,000 per year for living expenses, and in London about £1,300+ per month . Choosing a university in a smaller city can significantly cut these costs.
• Use Scholarships: Every university listed offers some form of scholarship or tuition discount to international students. Apply early and take advantage of these, they can save you thousands of pounds. For example, several of the above universities automatically reduce fees for international postgraduates by £1,000–£3,000 through scholarships or bursaries (like Teesside’s £2k scholarship or Bedfordshire’s £3k award ). External scholarships (e.g. Chevening, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships , or GREAT Scholarships) are also worth exploring to further fund your studies.
• Consider Course Length and Location: Most UK Master’s programs are one year, which helps keep costs down compared to two-year programs elsewhere . Some universities (like Teesside or Sunderland) offer 2-year master’s with internships these may have a lower annual fee but cover two years, so check the total cost using their official website links provided. Also, think about campus location which is very important, for instance, a campus outside a major city often means cheaper accommodation and maybe part-time work opportunities with lower competition.
• Verify Latest Information: Universities update their fees and financial support annually. All figures here are based on the latest available data (2024/2025 intake) and may change slightly for 2025/2026 entry. Always double-check the official university pages for the most current tuition fees and funding options before applying.
By choosing one of these affordable UK universities, as a prospective international undergraduateor postgraduate student, you can achieve a high-quality degree in England without overspending. Likewise, with careful planning and use of scholarships options, studying in the UK on a budget is definitely achievable.
I hope this information helps guide your decision, and I wish you all the best with your applications. Cheers.
Some Useful Requirements & Links:
- UCAS – Postgraduate UK: International Students (how to apply and benefits)
- UK Government – Student Visa Requirements and Overview
- British Council Study UK – Scholarships for International Students (Chevening, Commonwealth, etc.)
- Affordable Amber Student Accommodation
- Opening a UK Bank Account with Revolut
- Consider a Cost-effective Train Commute with TrainPal
Feel free to reach out, if you need further assistance. Ask your questions for more clarity, I’ll be more than happy to help. BOOK A CONSULTATION International Student Ambassador (University of Wolverhampton)
