Being an international student, studying in the UK can be an expensive affair. However, students will be glad to know that there are a number of free universities in the UK that charge very low tuition fees.
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International students who wish to study in the UK must know about the free universities in UK. Most of these universities have low tuition rates and may not entirely be free. Moreover, several colleges in the UK provide scholarships to academically excellent and high-achieving students, including those with financial difficulties.
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (2018/2019), there are currently 485,645 international students in the UK. Many international students desire to study in the country, but money is the primary barrier that prevents them from achieving their dream. Students can learn more about the free universities in UK through this article.
Tuition-Free Universities in UK for International Students
Among the cheapest universities in the UK in which international students can study with less financial pressure are these universities, which provide free tuition/ low tuition fee programs to international students:
1. University Of Plymouth
It is the first university to establish a private medical and dental school. The University of Plymouth promotes more than just academic excellence; they believe that they are catalysts for social change, drivers of economic innovation, and champions for cultural advancement. The annual tuition fees charged by the university is £11,000. In addition to tuition waivers, the university provides a number of full scholarships to students.
2. University of Cambridge
The University Of Cambridge has enrolled international students from more than 150 different countries and is one of the free universities in UK. The acceptance rate of the university is 16%, demonstrating its selective admission policy. The university charges a low tuition fees of £10,500/ year. In addition, Cambridge offers numerous merit-based scholarships for international students.
3. Bucking Hamshire New University
The university was founded in 1891 and is a top-ranking institution in the UK. A three-year course at Buckinghamshire University can be completed in two years, saving both money and time. Besides the usual courses, you can also take some exceptional courses like air transport and commercial pilot training. This training qualifies students for a professional pilot's license. You can also enroll in innovative courses like music management and film and television production. Students are expected to pay around £11,000 per year as tuition fees.
4. The University Of West Of Scotland
The University of West of Scotland (UWS) was formed by combining Paisley and Bell Colleges in 2007. Times Higher Education ranked UWS among the top 600 universities and the top 150 universities in its 2019 ranking of Young Universities. Students should note that the application deadlines for UG and PG courses for this university is 15th January, 2022.
5. University Of Suffolk
Founded in 2007, Suffolk University is one of the free universities in the UK. Being the youngest public university in England, it has been ranked fairly well in both the Times University Guide and in the Guardian University Guide. One of the noteworthy facts about the university is that its MBA and GCA programs can be completed entirely online. The annual tuition fees of the University of Suffolk comes up to be £10,000 per year.
6. Ravensbourne University
Ravensbourne University is located in the heart of London, an institution that fosters creativity and has a high graduate employment rate. Ravensbourne is the top specialist university in the UK, and in the top 10 of all English universities, in terms of creative graduate salaries. The international student body of Ravensbourne University consists of 25% international students. Ravensbourne University charges a tuition rate of £10,800 per year.
7. Coventry University
As its name implies, Coventry University is a public research university based in Coventry, England. As of 2020, the Guardian University Guide ranked Coventry 13th, and Times/Sunday Times University Guide ranked it 44th. The top programs of Coventry University are offered in various subject areas including data science, international business, ethical hacking, business analytics, and cyber security. The tuition cost of Coventry University is £11,900 per year.
8. University Of Cumbria
With less than 13,000 students spread across six campuses, the University of Cumbria prides itself on its 'small and friendly' image. The inclusion of an international school as a free tuition UK university indicates that international students pay low tuition fees compared to what is charged on average. The university has been ranked 117th in the UK according to the rankings of the Complete University Guide 2021. To study at the University of Cumbria, students need to pay an annual tuition fee of £10,500.
9. Staffordshire University
Several science programs and departments of Staffordshire University are ranked among the top 10 in the United Kingdom. Throughout its plans, the university aspires to be ethical and value-driven, as well as a socially and environmentally responsible one. It has consistently been ranked among the top 100 universities in the UK. Moreover, the tuition fee charged by Staffordshire University is £14,000 annually.
10. Teesside University
Teesside University consistently ranks in the UK's top ten for overall international student satisfaction. This is the only modern university to have been deemed a Times Higher Education University of the Year. Their teaching excellence dates back over 80 years. To study at Teeside Univerity, students are expected to pay around £13,000 per year as tuition fee. Scholarships to international students are worth $1,500 annually.
11. Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University is considered among the free universities in UK as it offers a quality education at a reasonable cost. It charges a tuition fee of £12,000 annually. To make sure that students find good jobs after completing their studies, the university has partnered with a variety of companies and organizations.
12. London Metropolitan University
Students at the London Metropolitan University get an opportunity to learn practical work skills and have the chance for professional development. The university offers a variety of courses at an affordable cost, including one of the largest teaching labs in the country; specialist art and design studios, among other facilities. Recent renovations worth £1 million have taken place at the university's Business School in Moorgate. When it comes to study cost, the university charges a tuition fee of 13,200 per year.
13. York St John University
Students at York St. John University are provided with modern infrastructural facilities. It is found that 93% of graduates of this institution are employed within six months of graduation. A new £2.5 million arts center has been built at the university that includes sound performance and exhibition facilities, along with a new media workshop. Students need to pay an annual tuition fee of £11,500 to study at York St John University.
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Best Scholarships for International Students to Study in the UK
Now that you are aware of the cheapest universities in the UK, you can also benefit from a number of scholarships offered by the country. Take a look at the best scholarships available in the UK for international students:
1. British Chevening Scholarships
These scholarships are granted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Every year, over 1500 students from 140 countries are awarded Chevening Scholarships. Students applying for full time taught PG courses are eligible to apply for this scholarship. It covers course tuition, monthly living costs, airfare of return tickets to the UK (economy class), as well as other grants and allowances.
In order to apply for this award, candidates must belong to one of the 162 Chevening countries. In addition to this, the student must return to his or her home country for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends. Furthermore, students need to have proof of English language proficiency and work experience of two years.
2. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
It is another highly prestigious scholarship by the University of Cambridge in the UK. This scholarhsip is awarded to international students who are promising and possess excellent academic records. Students who are planning to pursue 1-year PG courses in the UK can apply for this scholarship. The tuition fee, travelling expenses, maintenance costs, and family allowance costs, etc. are covered by the Gates Cambridge Scholarships.
3. Clarendon Fund Scholarships
Although it is not as well-known as Chevening Scholarships, Clarendon fund scholarships are known for offering a number of awards. A total of 140 scholarships are awarded to deserving students every year from all over the world who have strong academic backgrounds and have demonstrated their potential.
Students can apply for this scholarship if they want to pursue full-time PG programs. However, it is not valid for diploma and certificate courses. A total of £14,777 is allocated annually to cover the living expenses of students during their studies, and all tuition and university fees are covered.
4. Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Warwick Chancellor's International Scholarships are awarded by postgraduate research competitions through University of Warwick. It is open to all international students accepted for PhD in any discipline at the University of Warwick. Students are fully compensated for their tuition costs up to £22,860 and their maintenance stipends up to £15,044 for a period of 3.5 years. Only international students are eligible to apply for this scholarship, and there are no country-specific requirements.
5. Westminster International Scholarships
Westminster International Scholarships are available to students from developing countries who have been accepted into a full-time Master's program at Westminster. Students who wish to pursue a full-time master’s program, excluding MBA, can apply for this scholarship. It covers tuition fees, accommodation costs, and flight fares, etc. Students must have an acceptance letter from the University of Westminster in order to apply for it.
Also Read: Post-Study Abroad Opportunities: Strategies for Leveraging Your Experience and Building Your Career
Cost of Living in the UK
Apart from the tuition fees, international students also need to bear living expenses to study in the UK. Some of these expenses include house rent, transportation charges, food costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. Students can expect to spend around 11,880 GBP annually for living expenses in the UK. However, the cost of living varies from one student to another based on their lifestyle, spending habits, etc. The table below shows a breakdown of different living expenses in the UK:
| Particulars | Average Monthly Cost (in GBP) |
| House rent | 550 |
| Food expenses | 200 |
| Transportation costs | 90 |
| Clothing expenses | 75 |
| Mobile phone charges | 30 |
| Gas, electricity, and utilities | 60 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | 25 |
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