Thinking about studying in the UK but worried about the costs? You’re definitely not alone. With so many figures floating around online—some outdated, some misleading—trying to figure out tuition fees and deposits can feel like navigating a maze. But don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you.
In this guide, we’ll break down five of the most affordable universities in the UK for international students in 2025/26. You’ll get a clear picture of their tuition fees, initial deposit requirements, scholarship opportunities, and even the hidden nuances that could affect your visa process.
The universities we’ll cover are:
- Wrexham Glyndŵr University
- University of Chester
- University of Bolton
- University of Cumbria
- Leeds Trinity University
Grab a cup of tea (or coffee ), and let’s dive into the money side of your UK study journey!
Wrexham Glyndŵr University – Affordable but Unpredictable
Located in Wales, Wrexham Glyndŵr University often makes headlines for its budget-friendly tuition.
- Undergraduate fee (2025/26): £11,750
- Postgraduate fees: £12,500 (MA/MSc), £13,000 (MBA)
Sounds straightforward, right? Here’s the catch: when it comes to the initial deposit, the university doesn’t publish a fixed figure. Instead, it “reserves the right to request full first-year tuition before issuing a CAS” (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
Translation? While some students may only pay part upfront, others might be asked for the entire £11,750–£13,000 in advance. That’s a big financial leap and something you’ll want to budget for carefully.
Takeaway: Wrexham Glyndŵr offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the UK, but the lack of deposit clarity makes it a bit of a gamble.
Official Fees – Wrexham University
University of Chester – Clear Tuition, Tricky Deposits
The University of Chester, based in England, is known for its supportive international community.
- Undergraduate fee: £14,450 (frozen for the entire degree—huge plus for long-term planning!)
- Postgraduate fees: £15,000 (standard), £15,200 (MBA)
When it comes to deposits, things get a bit confusing. Third-party sites often mention a £5,000 CAS deposit. But Chester’s official enrolment page says you must pay £8,000 before traveling to the UK.
That means you’ll likely need to cover both payments:
- £5,000 → CAS deposit (visa requirement)
- £3,000 more → To meet enrolment before arrival
Takeaway: Tuition is predictable and locked, but deposits can surprise you if you don’t read the fine print.
University of Chester Fees & Finance
University of Bolton – Pricier but Generous with Scholarships
Located in Greater Manchester, the University of Bolton has a strong industry-focused reputation.
- Tuition (UG/PG): £15,950 – £22,800
- Postgraduate average: ~£17,500
At first glance, that looks steep compared to other universities on this list. But here’s the kicker: Bolton offers scholarships of up to £6,000 for international students. That can bring the effective cost down to around £11,500 for some courses—putting it back in the affordable range.
The deposit? Usually £5,000. But, like Wrexham Glyndŵr, Bolton reserves the right to request the full first-year tuition upfront.
Takeaway: If you land a scholarship, Bolton can be surprisingly affordable. But be prepared for the possibility of paying more upfront.
University of Bolton – Fees Policy
University of Cumbria – Transparent & Scholarship-Friendly
Nestled in England’s Lake District, the University of Cumbria is refreshingly clear about its costs.
- Tuition fees (UG/PG): £14,900
- MBA & health programs: £16,900
Here’s the good news: Cumbria automatically applies an international scholarship of £1,500–£2,500 per year. That means your effective tuition could drop to as low as £12,400.
For deposits, the rules are structured and predictable:
- £6,500 deposit (most nationalities)
- £5,000 deposit (US, Canada, France, and a few others)
In some cases, students can even choose a 50% upfront payment option for CAS release.
Takeaway: One of the most transparent and student-friendly financial setups you’ll find.
University of Cumbria International College
Leeds Trinity University – Affordable Fees but Heavy Deposit
Leeds Trinity University, based in West Yorkshire, has a strong teaching and employability record.
- Undergraduate fee: £12,000 (except nursing, which is £14,500)
- Postgraduate fee: £15,000 (MBA slightly higher at £15,250)
The tricky part? Leeds Trinity requires 50% of the tuition fee upfront before registration. That means:
- UG students → £6,000 deposit
- PG students → £7,500 deposit
The rest is payable in two instalments after arrival.
Takeaway: Low tuition fees overall, but that 50% deposit is quite a financial stretch for many students.
Leeds Trinity University Fees & Funding
Comparing Tuition Fees & Deposits
Here’s a quick side-by-side snapshot for 2025/26:
| University | UG Fees | PG Fees | Effective Cost (with scholarship) | Initial Deposit | Deposit Type |
| Wrexham Glyndŵr | £11,750 | £12,500–£13,000 | £11,750–£13,000 | Discretionary (could be full fee) | Flexible/Unpredictable |
| Chester | £14,450 | £15,000–£15,200 | Fixed | £8,000 (enrolment) | Fixed Amount |
| Bolton | £15,950–£22,800 | ~£17,500 | £11,500+ (with scholarship) | £5,000 (normally) but could be full fee | Flexible/Unpredictable |
| Cumbria | £14,900 | £14,900–£16,900 | £12,400–£13,400 (with scholarship) | £6,500 / £5,000 (by nationality) | Fixed/Tiered |
| Leeds Trinity | £12,000 | £15,000–£15,250 | £12,000–£15,250 | 50% of tuition | Percentage-Based |
Key Takeaways
- Cheapest Tuition: Wrexham Glyndŵr (£11,750) and Leeds Trinity (£12,000)
- Most Predictable Policy: University of Cumbria (fixed fees + automatic scholarships)
- Most Financial Flexibility Post-Arrival: Leeds Trinity (big deposit upfront, smaller later payments)
- Biggest Wildcard: Wrexham Glyndŵr & Bolton (may demand full tuition as deposit)
FAQs
1. Which UK university has the lowest tuition fee for international students in 2025/26?
Wrexham Glyndŵr University offers the lowest standard tuition at £11,750 for undergraduates.
2. Do UK universities allow international students to pay tuition in instalments?
Yes. For example, Leeds Trinity requires 50% upfront, then lets you pay the rest in two instalments. The University of Chester and Cumbria also have staged payments.
3. What’s the lowest deposit required by UK universities?
The University of Cumbria offers deposits as low as £5,000 for students from countries like the US, Canada, and France.
4. Why do some universities ask for the full year’s tuition before issuing a CAS?
It’s usually a risk-control measure. Universities like Wrexham Glyndŵr and Bolton may request the full amount upfront for students they deem higher visa risks.
5. Should I trust third-party websites for fee information?
Not entirely. They can give a rough idea, but always double-check official university sites (.ac.uk) to avoid surprises.
Wrapping It Up
Studying in the UK can be more affordable than many students think—but only if you dig into the details. The “cheapest” option isn’t always the best once you factor in deposit requirements, scholarships, and hidden conditions.
- If you want low tuition with predictability, the University of Cumbria is your safest bet.
- Chasing the absolute lowest tuition? Wrexham Glyndŵr takes the lead—but deposits can be unpredictable.
- If you’re after a balance of scholarships and flexibility, Bolton is worth a serious look.
At the end of the day, the smartest move is to verify every figure directly with the university and plan your budget with a little cushion for surprises. That way, your study abroad dream won’t get derailed by unexpected financial hurdles.
