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Article Summary
- London offers affordable study options despite its high living costs, with several cheap universities in London providing quality degrees and international exposure while allowing students to manage expenses through scholarships, part-time work, and smart budgeting.
- Cheapest universities in London for international students include Middlesex University London, University of Greenwich, University of East London, University of West London, and London Metropolitan University, with average annual tuition fees typically ranging from GBP 7,000 to GBP 16,000, depending on the course.
- Choosing a budget-friendly university in London does not compromise education quality, as these institutions offer career-oriented programs, strong industry links, multicultural campuses, and access to one of the UK’s strongest job markets across finance, technology, media, and healthcare.
London is one of the most exciting cities in the world to study. From world-class culture and career opportunities to vibrant student life, the city has a lot to offer. For international students, in particular, understanding and managing study costs is a major factor when choosing a university. While London is known for its premium education ecosystem, several universities offer high-quality degrees at comparatively affordable tuition fees for students. In this article, we explore some of the cheapest universities in London, including the tuition ranges, key highlights, and tips to help you make the most cost-effective choice for your education.
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Benefits of Studying in London
London is more than just the capital of the UK; it is one of the world’s leading destinations for education and innovation. Studying in London gives students exposure to a truly global environment that can shape both academic and professional growth. Here is why thousands of students choose London every year:
- Preferred student destination: London is one of the top-ranked student cities in the world in the QC Best Student Cities list 2026. It is ranks high for employer activity and scores well for the diversity of its student population.
- Global education hub: London is home to some of the world’s most respected universities and colleges, offering internationally recognised degrees across diverse fields of study.
- Diverse student community: With students from over 200 countries, London provides a multicultural learning experience that builds global perspectives and cross-cultural skills.
- Excellent career opportunities: London offers one of the strongest job markets in the UK, with opportunities in finance, technology, healthcare, media, and creative industries.
- Rich cultural experience: From museums and libraries to theatres, sports, and historic landmarks, students enjoy a vibrant lifestyle alongside their studies.
Although the cost of living in London is higher compared to other UK cities, choosing a budget-friendly university, applying for scholarships, and managing expenses smartly can make studying in London both affordable and rewarding without compromising on the quality of education.
Also Read: Best Part-Time Jobs in London to Work After College Hours
List of Cheapest Universities in London
Here are some of the affordable universities in London based on current tuition trends and international student pricing. All figures are approximate and can vary by course of an intake year. Always check the university’s own website for exact fees.
Here is the list of some of the cheapest universities in London, along with their QS World Ranking 2026:
| University | QS WUR 2026 |
| Middlesex University London | 801 – 850 |
| University of Greenwich | 801 – 850 |
| University of East London | 1001 – 1200 |
| University of West London | – |
| University of Westminster | 801 – 850 |
| Coventry University | 558 |
| University of Plymouth | 613 |
| London Metropolitan University | 1001 – 1200 |
| University of Cumbria | – |
Middlesex University London
Middlesex University London consistently appears as one of the most affordable options in the capital city. It offers a wide range of programs in arts, business, computing, and health sciences, with a strong emphasis on employability and practical learning.
| QS World Ranking 2026 | 801-850 |
| Average Tuition Fee Per Year | GBP 9,500 |
University of Greenwich
The Uiversity of Greenwich combines an attractive riverside location with a broad portfolio of degrees in business, science, humanities, and design. It is considered an affordable university due to its comparatively lower tuition fees than many central London institutions and the availability of scholarships for international students.
| QS World Ranking 2026 | 801-850 |
| Average Tuition Fee Per Year | GBP 14,000-GBP 16,000 |
University of East London (UEL)
The University of East London is located in Stratford, and it offers diverse programs including business, engineering, social science, and creative industries. UEL also provided modern campus facilities, strong industry links, and practical learning opportunities, ensuring students gain valuable skills while keeping study costs manageable.
| QS World Ranking 2026 | 1001-1200 |
| Average Tuition Fee Per Year | GBP 12,000-GBP 15,500 |
University of West London (UWL)
UWL is known for its vocational degrees and industry-linked programs, especially in music performance, hospitality business, and law. UWL also emphasises practical, strong employer connections and career-ready skills, helping students gain real-world experience.
| QS World Ranking 2026 | – |
| Average Tuition Fee Per Year | GBP 12,000- GBP 13,250 |
University of Coventry
Coventry University offers affordable tuition fees along with career-focused programs designed to improve employability. It is known for strong industry links, modern teaching methods, and good support for international students.
| QS World Ranking 2026 | 558 |
| Average Tuition Fee Per Year | GBP 9,000-12,600 |
University of Westminster
The University of Westminster offers strong programs in media arts, business, and law, and has one of the most diverse student communities in London. Its central London location provides excellent industry exposure, networking opportunities, and access to internships.
| QS World Ranking 2026 | 801-850 |
| Average Tuition Fee Per Year | GBP 13,000+ |
London Metropolitan University
London Metropolitan University is also known for its affordable education. It delivers a range of degrees and is another relatively affordable choice for students who want to study in the heart of the city. This university focuses strongly on practical learning, employability, and industry exposure, making it ideal for students seeking career-oriented programs.
| QS World Ranking 2026 | 1001-1200 |
| Average Tuition Fee Per Year | GBP 7,000-GBP 19,500 |
University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is a well-established public research university in the UK known for its wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering. This university also offers various scholarships and financial support to help international students manage tuition fees and make their studies more affordable.
| QS World Ranking 2026 | =613 |
| Average Tuition Fee Per Year | GBP 11,000 |
University of Cumbria
The University of Cumbria offers a range of affordable undergraduate and postgraduate programs with a focus on practical, career-oriented learning. Known for its supportive environment and smaller class sizes, the university helps students gain real-world skills while keeping tuition and living costs manageable.
| QS World Ranking 2026 | – |
| Average Tuition Fee Per Year | GBP 15,000 |
Note: The average tuition fees listed for the universities are based on data compiled from ukscholasrhip.uk, and they represent approximate annual costs that international students typically pay, depending on the program and level of study.
Tips to Make Studying in London More Affordable
Studying in London can be budget-friendly with the right planning. Choosing a low-cost university helps reduce tuition fees. Applying for scholarships can lower the overall financial burden. Smart budgeting makes studying in London more manageable. Below are some practical tips to make studying in London more affordable for students. Below are some practical tips to make studying in London more affordable for students:
- Apply for Scholarships and Grants: Most universities offer merit-based, regional, or need-based scholarships that can significantly lower your tuition costs.
- Consider Part-Time Work: As a student in the UK, you can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. This can help cover living costs.
- Choose Affordable Accommodation: Student halls, shared housing, or student residences outside Central London and cut living costs dramatically.
- Budget Carefully: Remember to plan for living costs, transport, food, and utilities, which are significant in London, so budgeting wisely is essential.
Also Read: 7+ Best Jobs in the UK for Indian Freshers: Salaries & Sites.
Studying in London does not have to be expensive. By choosing one of the more affordable universities and planning your budget carefully, it is possible to get a great education without overspending. Whether you are an international student or a UK resident, these universities offer strong academic programs at fees that won’t break the bank, making London a realistic destination for your higher education goals.
FAQs
Yes, London is generally considered expensive for Indian students, especially in terms of accommodation and daily living costs. However, by choosing affordable universities, living in shared or student housing, utilising student discounts, and working part-time, Indian students can effectively manage their expenses and make studying in London more affordable.
Yes, many universities in London, including budget-friendly options, provide scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or a student’s country of origin. These scholarships can greatly reduce tuition fees and help both international and domestic students manage their overall study costs more effectively.
Some of the most affordable universities in London include Middlesex University London, London Metropolitan University, the University of East London, the University of West London, and the University of Greenwich. Tuition fees are generally lower compared to other London universities, making them ideal for budget-conscious students.
Related Read
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