| Updated On - May 15, 2025
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students, with over 160 higher education institutions offering globally recognized degrees. However, it can also be expensive with annual tuition fees ranging between with annual tuition fees ranging between £10,000 to £26,000 (₹11.36 – ₹29.55 lakhs) for Indian students. For postgraduate courses, tuition fees for most courses fall between £10,000 and £20,000 (₹11.36 – ₹22.73) lakhs.
Several UK universities offer quality education at more affordable tuition rates, making them attractive options for Indian students. Some of the cheapest university in UK for Indian students include:
- University of Chester
- University of Cumbria
- University of Derby
- Teesside University
- Staffordshire University
These institutions provide a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs with tuition fees generally below £20,000 (INR 22,78,138) per year.
However, tuition fee is not the only expenditure a student should expect when considering studying in the UK. By selecting universities in cities with lower living costs, Indian students can pursue their academic goals in the UK without incurring excessive expenses.
For instance, London alone stands as the most expensive UK city to live in as an international student. Here is the difference:
- Cost of Living in London: International students can expect to spend approximately £1,300–£1,400 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation.
- Other UK Cities: Outside London, monthly living costs typically range from £900 to £1,300, depending on the city and lifestyle choices.
Also Read: Cheapest MBA University in the UK
Table of Contents
Cheapest University in UK for Undergraduate Programs
If you're an Indian student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the UK but are worried about costs, there are several universities offering high-quality education at comparatively low tuition fees. These institutions provide globally recognized degrees at prices far lower than the average UK tuition of £15,000 (INR 17,08,092) – £26,000 (INR 29,60,692) per year.
| University | Estimated UG Tuition Fee (per year) | Tuition Fee in INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Suffolk | £12,996 | ₹13.8 lakhs |
| University of Chester | £13,950 | ₹14.8 lakhs |
| University of Cumbria | £13,250 – £15,500 | ₹14 – ₹17 lakhs |
| Leeds Trinity University | £12,000 – £13,500 | ₹12.8 – ₹14.5 lakhs |
| Teesside University | £13,000 – £14,000 | ₹13.9 – ₹15 lakhs |
| University of Bolton | £12,450 – £14,450 | ₹12.9 – ₹15.4 lakhs |
| York St. John University | £13,000 – £14,000 | ₹13.9 – ₹15 lakhs |
| University of West London | £13,250 | ₹14.1 lakhs |
| University of Greenwich | £15,100 – £17,500 | ₹16.1 – ₹18.7 lakhs |
Cheapest University in UK for Undergraduate Programs
Here is a list of affordable UK universities for postgraduate (PG) courses, along with their approximate annual tuition fees for international students:
| University | Estimated PG Tuition Fee (per year) | Tuition Fee in INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Chester | £13,450 – £14,250 | ₹14.2 – ₹15.1 lakhs |
| University of Suffolk | £13,998 | ₹14.9 lakhs |
| University of Cumbria | £13,250 – £14,500 | ₹14.1 – ₹15.5 lakhs |
| University of Bolton | £12,950 – £14,450 | ₹13.8 – ₹15.4 lakhs |
| Teesside University | £13,000 – £14,500 | ₹13.9 – ₹15.5 lakhs |
| Leeds Trinity University | £12,000 – £13,500 | ₹12.8 – ₹14.5 lakhs |
| York St John University | £13,000 – £13,750 | ₹13.9 – ₹14.7 lakhs |
| University of West London | £13,250 – £14,500 | ₹14.1 – ₹15.5 lakhs |
| Wrexham University | £11,750 – £13,500 | ₹12.5 – ₹14.5 lakhs |
Cheapest Cities in the UK for International Students
While tuition fees are a major component of studying abroad, living costs can significantly impact your total expenses. The average monthly living cost in the UK ranges between £800–£1,500 (₹85,500 – ₹1.6 lakhs) depending on the city, lifestyle, and accommodation type. Here’s a list of some of the most affordable student cities in the UK, ranked by average monthly cost of living:
| City | Estimated Monthly Living Cost | Popular Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff | £800 – £1,000 | Cardiff University, University of South Wales |
| Sheffield | £850 – £1,050 | University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University |
| Newcastle | £850 – £1,100 | Newcastle University, Northumbria University |
| Leicester | £800 – £1,000 | University of Leicester, De Montfort University |
| Coventry | £850 – £1,100 | Coventry University, University of Warwick (nearby) |
| Nottingham | £850 – £1,100 | University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University |
| Liverpool | £800 – £1,000 | University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University |
| Bradford | £750 – £950 | University of Bradford |
| Glasgow | £850 – £1,100 | University of Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian University |
| Sunderland | £700 – £900 | University of Sunderland |
Several universities like the University of Chester, University of Suffolk, and York St John University offer quality education at tuition fees below £15,000 per year (₹16–₹17 lakhs). Coupled with cities like Sunderland, Bradford, and Cardiff where monthly living costs are as low as £700 (₹75,000). Indian students can significantly reduce their overall study abroad expenses. Whether pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, selecting cost-effective universities and affordable student cities can bring the total annual expense to nearly half the cost of studying in London. With smart planning, the UK remains an accessible destination for Indian students seeking a balance between academic excellence and financial feasibility.
FAQs
Ques. What is the average tuition fee for Indian students at the cheapest UK universities?
Ans. The average tuition fee for Indian students at the most affordable UK universities ranges from £9,250 to £18,500 (₹9.9 to ₹19.8 lakhs) per year for undergraduate programs. Postgraduate tuition fees typically range between £7,430 and £20,750 (₹7.9 to ₹22.3 lakhs) annually. These figures are based on official university data and exclude high-cost institutions in cities like London.
Ques. Which are the cheapest UK universities for Indian students in 2025?
Ans. Some of the cheapest university in UK for Indian students include:
- York St John University: UG from £11,000/year
- Teesside University: PG from £7,500/year
- University of Bolton: PG from £12,950/year
Ques. What are the monthly living expenses for Indian students in cheap UK cities?
Ans. In affordable UK cities like Sheffield, Leicester, and Newcastle, Indian students can expect monthly living expenses between £700 and £950 (₹75,000 to ₹1.02 lakhs). This includes rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. These cities offer significant cost savings compared to London, where monthly expenses can exceed £1,200 (₹1.3 lakhs).
Ques. Are there part-time work options to help cover costs while studying in the UK?
Ans. Yes, Indian students on a Tier 4 (student) visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On average, students earn £10–£12/hour, allowing them to cover up to 40–60% of their monthly expenses depending on location and hours worked.
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