Top 8 Low-Cost Universities in UK 2026 for Students

Studying in the UK doesn’t mean that you have to pay high tuition & living expenses. In fact, there are many budget-friendly universities that offer quality education without stretching your finances. For Indian students who are planning to study in 2026, choosing the right university & city can help manage both fees & everyday expenses.   

This is the list of the top 8 low-cost Universities in the UK 2026 for Indian Students. Plus, finding suitable UK student accommodation near these campuses for Indians is usually much easier. So let’s get straight into it!  

What are the best Universities in the UK for Indian students?  

Some of the cheapest universities in the UK for Indian Students include Teesside University, University of Cumbria, University of Bolton, University of Chester, Leeds Beckett University, Coventry University, University of Sunderland, & the University of Bedfordshire. These unis are known for affordable tuition fees, low living costs & strong academic support. Most of them are located in budget-friendly cities, making it easier for students to manage rent & day-to-day expenses without compromising their education.   

Teesside University  

Teesside University attracts thousands of Indian students every year. The university has over 21,000 students from 100+ countries. Its strong focus on practical learning makes it stand out among cheap universities in the UK.   

• The university is in Middlesbrough & that area is consistently ranking on the list of the top cheapest places to live in the UK.

• The average monthly costs here are 25–35% lower than in London. This makes it easier for people to balance tuition fees, groceries, & rent of UK student accommodation. 

Below are the quick facts of Teesside University: 

University of Cumbria 

The University of Cumbria is ideal for students who like quiet & affordable cities. Carlisle & Lancaster are the cities where its campuses are located.

• The university is known for having practical learning, especially in subjects like health, arts, & education courses.  

• With smaller class sizes & supportive teaching, students find it easy to settle into the UK lifestyle.  

Below are the key facts of the University of Cumbria: 

University of Bolton 

Bolton is close to Manchester, but the cost of living here is noticeably lower. Students here spend £350–£500/-month on student accommodation. This makes it a practical choice for people.

• The University of Bolton is known for giving strong vocational training in subjects like engineering, business, health, & computing.

• It also offers excellent student support services & one-on-one teaching to help Indian students adjust to UK study style.  

Following are the key details of the University of Bolton:  

University of Chester 

Chester mixes the historic atmosphere with a student-friendly lifestyle. The city is known for being safe & moderately priced. Most of the students spend £450–£650/-month on the rent. The university offers various courses in business, psychology, & life science.  

• It has also got a good student satisfaction score. Its supportive environment makes it a great choice for international students arriving in 2026.  

• Through Chester one can easily travel to Liverpool & Manchester for internships & work opportunities.  

Following are the quick facts about the University of Chester: 

Leeds Beckett University 

Leeds is one of the biggest student hubs in the country. There are over 70,000 students across the city. Compared to London, living costs here are almost 40% cheaper.

• Leeds Beckett University is known for courses like business, media, sports science, & engineering. As there are many students living here, finding great student accommodation in the UK has also become easier.

• It’s also a lively city with great part-time job opportunities & a young, vibrant culture. 

Following are the key facts of the Leeds Beckett University:

Coventry University 

Coventry is one of the UK’s top 15 cities in terms of student affordability. This makes it favorite among Indian students. Coventry University offers modern facilities, practical learning environments, & impressive employability.

• Living in Coventry costs 30-35% lower than London. And the city has got excellent transport links.

• It has a large international student population, making it easy for people to find cultural communities & support networks.

 Below is the Coventry University key facts: 

University of Sunderland 

Sunderland is known for its low cost of living & seaside location. Rent prices here range between £350–£500/-month. This makes it one of the most affordable student cities in the North East.

• The University of Sunderland has got strong courses in media, health, computing & business. Students also benefit from easy access to Newcastle for part-time work & travel.

• For Indian students that are trying to balance tuition with lifestyle expenses, Sunderland is a small budget friendly pick.

Below are the key facts about the University of Sunderland: 

University of Bedfordshire 

Having campuses in Luton & Bedford, this university helps you keep costs manageable. Students choose this place because accommodation costs are very cheap.

• Some of the popular courses include business, healthcare, media, & computing.

• Plus, the city has got diverse international community that makes it very easy for Indian students settle quickly.

Below is the University of Bedfordshire quick facts: 

Conclusion 

The right university can make your UK study journey both affordable & stress free. The universities listed above offer a good balance of low tuition fees, reasonable living costs, & accessible UK student accommodation.

By choosing budget-friendly cities & planning early, Indian students can manage expenses better while still getting quality education in the UK. Smart choices now can save you a lot later. 

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