For many Pakistani students, studying in the UK is an exciting opportunity. The thought of gaining a degree from a foreign university, getting international exposure, and opening new doors for the future is fantastic, but we know it doesn't come cheap.

The good news is that not all universities in the UK cost a fortune. There are actually many affordable ones, especially if you plan carefully and apply for scholarships. After reading this guide, you’ll walk away with a clear plan. You’ll know which UK universities, inside and outside London, are the most affordable, how much they cost, what scholarships you can apply for, and where to live without spending too much. Let's break it down, step by step.

Table of Content 

---

Cheapest Universities in London for International Students

Low-Fee Universities in the UK (Outside London)

Scholarships in the UK for Pakistani Students

The Most Affordable Cities to Live In the UK

Conclusion

FAQs

---

Cheapest Universities in London for International Students

London is a dream city for many, but most of its universities are expensive. Don’t worry! I have found a few affordable options for you so that you can fulfill your dreams.

• University of East London

UEL is one of the cheapest universities in the city of London. You pay approximately £15,960 per annum, but with the aid of scholarships (a maximum of £3,000), you can bring that down to about £12,960. Not a bad value for a London university.

• London Metropolitan University

International students highly regard London Metropolitan University. Fees are in the neighborhood of £13,200, which is lower than many universities in the city. Scholarship details vary by program, but the cost of the base fee is reasonable.

• University of Greenwich

The tuition costs approximately £18,850 per annum. However, if you apply for scholarships of as much as £3,000, this cost can decrease to approximately £15,850. The university is well located and has good academic programs.

• St Mary's University, Twickenham

It's a serene campus only a short distance from central London. The cost of fees is approximately £16,700, and with a scholarship of £2,000, the total is £14,700. It's an attractive combination of a serene atmosphere and urban proximity.

---

Low-Fee Universities in the UK (Outside London)

Many universities outside the capital offer excellent academic programs at considerably more affordable tuition rates. These institutions provide the same high standards of education found in major cities, which makes them an attractive option for students seeking quality education on a budget. 

• University of Chester

The University of Chester is one of the best bargains you can ever have. Fees stand at £14,500, but with a master’s student scholarship of £3,000 and a yearly scholarship of £1,000 for undergraduates, your payment can go as low as £11,500.

• University of Sunderland

If you're looking for a good-value education at an affordable cost, this is an excellent option. Fees are only £13,500 before scholarships are even factored in.

• Teesside University

The cost is approximately £14,000. If you receive a £2,000 scholarship, your total would be £12,000. It is a no-frills but functional option that emphasizes student support.

• Birmingham City University

A sound choice in a significant urban area. Tuition is £17,710, but you might pay closer to £15,710 with a scholarship of £2,000.

• University of Salford

Located near Manchester, Salford charges £16,500. Scholarships up to £2,500 are available, so your payable amount gets down to £14,000.

• Anglia Ruskin University

Based in the cities of Cambridge and Chelmsford. Fees are £16,700, but they might fall to £13,700 with the use of scholarships.

• University of Lincoln

The city of Lincoln is quite student-oriented. Fees are only £17,600, while with a scholarship, that would decrease to £13,600.

• Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett costs £17,000, but this can be lowered to approximately £14,000 through scholarships. Leeds is also one of the cheaper big cities in the United Kingdom.

• Cardiff Metropolitan University

This university in the Welsh capital costs £17,000. With a scholarship of £2,000, this is reduced to £15,000. Studentville is also pretty affordable in Cardiff.

• University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

Fees here are £16,900. Paying with a £3,000 scholarship would leave you with £13,900.

• University of Dundee

It was expensive initially (£21,900), but scholarships of £6,000–£7,000 reduced the cost to £15,900.

• University of Law

A good option for the study of law. The cost is £16,000, and adding a £3,000 scholarship, you would pay only £13,000.

---

Scholarships in the UK for Pakistani Students

Nearly every university in the UK provides scholarships. They are automatic for some based on grades, but others require application. And don’t forget also to look for:

• Chevening Scholarship
• Commonwealth Scholarship
• Scotland's Saltire Scholarship

These may contribute towards both fees and living expenses.

 

---

The Most Affordable Cities to Live In the UK

Selecting the proper city can save a lot of money. Based on the 2024 Student Living Index, the following are the most affordable to least affordable for students to live in if you're a student:

 

• Bournemouth
• Cardiff
• Lincoln
• Portsmouth
• Newcastle
• Manchester
• Leeds
• Birmingham
• Oxford
• Leicester

Factoring in the city and studying in a smaller or medium-sized city can help you save money on rent, transportation, and meals.

 

Do Rankings Matter?

Some of these universities are not in the highest rankings. Don’t stress too much about that. These schools are often more concerned with offering you a good job and vocational training, which is a good idea if you're looking to create a career once you've finished your degree. They also provide personalized courses and support, which can make a big difference in helping you to adapt as an international student.

 

Conslusion

Attending university in the UK doesn’t have to remain a pipe dream. With some research and preparation, you can secure admission in an affordable university in the UK, apply for scholarships, and reside in a city where living is affordable. Whether you want the lowest-cost universities in London or the low-ranking universities in the UK with good education, we have options that suit your ambitions and your wallet.

Want more options beyond budget-focused Institutions? Explore our guide to UK universities for international students.

FAQs

---

• Which is the cheapest university in London for Pakistani students?

The University of East London (UEL) is one of the most affordable options in London, with tuition fees starting from £12,000 per year.

• Which UK university has the lowest tuition fees overall?

Staffordshire University and Teesside University are among the cheapest, with fees starting from around £10,500–£11,000 per year.

• Can Pakistani students get scholarships in cheap UK universities?

Yes. Options include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, and university-specific awards.

• Is studying outside London cheaper for Pakistani students?

Absolutely. Living costs outside London are typically 30–40% lower, and universities like Cumbria, Teesside, and Staffordshire offer affordable tuition plus lower housing expenses.