affordable phd programs in uk

We value your privacy

We use cookies to allow this site to work for you, improve your user experience, and to serve you advertising tailored to your interests. Let us know if you agree to all cookies. You can manage your preferences at any time

Your Privacy

We use cookies, which are small text files placed on your computer, to allow the site to work for you, improve your user experience, to provide us with information about how our site is used, and to deliver personalised ads which help fund our work and deliver our service to you for free.

The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience.

You can accept all, or else manage cookies individually. However, blocking some types of cookies may affect your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

You can change your cookies preference at any time by visiting our Cookies Notice page. Please remember to clear your browsing data and cookies when you change your cookies preferences. This will remove all cookies previously placed on your browser.

For more detailed information about the cookies we use, or how to clear your browser cookies data see our Cookies Notice

Manage consent preferences

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems.

They are essential for you to browse the website and use its features.

You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. We can’t identify you from these cookies.

These help us personalise our sites for you by remembering your preferences and settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers, whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, then these services may not function properly.

These cookies allow us to count visits and see where our traffic comes from, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are popular and see how visitors move around the site. The cookies cannot directly identify any individual users.

If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site and will not be able to improve its performance for you.

These cookies may be set through our site by social media services or our advertising partners. Social media cookies enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They can track your browser across other sites and build up a profile of your interests. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to see or use the content sharing tools.

Advertising cookies may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but work by uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will still see ads, but they won’t be tailored to your interests.

The shortcut to your shortlist

Make your university search faster and less stressful. Get a personalised shortlist by selecting what matters to you.

• CHOOSE ONE OR MORE

Popular universities

• University of Kent
• University of East Anglia UEA
• University of Chester
• Coventry University
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Portmouth
• Nottingham Trent University
• University of Sunderland
• London Metropolitan University
• London South Bank University
• University of East London
• BROWSE ALL UNIVERSITIES

Course search

Popular undergraduate courses.

• Computer Science
• LLB Bachelor of Laws
• Biomedical Sciences
• Physiotherapy
• Sports Science

Open days search

Upcoming open days.

• University of Essex
• BIMM University
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David
• Arts University Bournemouth

Article search

Popular articles.

• What is UCAS Extra?
• Replying to offers
• What's a university open day
• Student finance and funding
• Types of degree in the UK
• BROWSE ALL ARTICLES

Popular topics

• Choosing what to study
• Choosing where to study
• Applying to university
• League tables
• Student life - after you start

Top ten most affordable universities for international postgraduates

Which universities offer the cheapest postgraduate courses for international students see the top ten universities that offer the most affordable courses in the uk..

Postgraduate education in the UK is already generally expensive if you're a domestic student, and it's even more so for internationals. It doesn't have to be though. If you're an overseas student looking for an affordable postgraduate course, see our top ten below. Fees are per academic year for overseas students starting a full-time postgraduate taught master’s degree in 2023/24. 

10. University of Bolton

Current cost: £12,450.

In 2023/24, international students at the University of Bolton pay the same annual fee for postgraduate courses as they do for undergraduate courses, with tuition starting from £12,450. Supportive and personalised teaching plus a multicultural location helps international students to settle in and make the most of their studies.

Search through postgraduate courses at the University of Bolton .

9. University of the Highlands and Islands

Current cost: from £12,420.

On top of affordable and diverse postgraduate study options, international students at the University of the Highlands and Islands also gain easy access to the spectacular Scottish Highlands if studying on campus. Courses range from those rooted in the landscape (Coastal and Maritime Societies and Cultures, History of the Highlands and Islands) to those seeking a sustainable future (Net Zero Communities).

Search through postgraduate courses at the University of the Highlands and Islands .

8. University of Suffolk

Current cost: from £12,150.

Set on the stunning Ipswich waterfront, the University of Suffolk is one of the UK’s newest universities, established in 2007 and awarding its own degrees since 2016. With a modern and entrepreneurial focus, it seeks to equip students with the skills and attributes to succeed in a changing world. International postgraduates are charged the same fee as undergraduates in 2023/24, depending on course type.

Search through postgraduate courses at the University of Suffolk .

7. Plymouth Marjon University

Current cost: £12,000.

Master’s specialisms at Plymouth Marjon University include Education and Teaching, plus Sport and healthcare related courses. A small uni, it provides good access to supervisors, and the campus provides all that students require.

Search through postgraduate courses at Plymouth Marjon University .

6. Leeds Trinity University

Current cost: from £11,500.

Leeds Trinity University has a strong focus on employability, running a year-round programme of workshops and employer events for students. The uni’s networks include over 3,000 employers across the UK and overseas, which could boost employment opportunities for international students on graduation.

Search through postgraduate courses at Leeds Trinity University .

5. Liverpool Hope University

Current cost: from £11,400.

Alongside affordable tuition fees for international students, Liverpool Hope University offers a range of enticing postgraduate courses to help boost your career prospects. As a student of the university, you'll be able to enjoy a peaceful campus life while living near to the thriving city of Liverpool.

Search through postgraduate courses at Liverpool Hope University .

4. Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

Current cost: from £10,600.

The MA in Professional Practice: Theatre and Drama Facilitation is a work-based learning course seeking to refresh your facilitation techniques with management tools and techniques. As well as online and interactive learning, intensive weekend workshops are held on campus in the UK.

Search through postgraduate courses at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts .

3. Royal Veterinary College

Current cost: from £10,240.

The fees for the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) are just £10,240 for the year. RVC has both a central London campus and a more rural setting in Hertfordshire, meaning you can get the best of both worlds. You'll also have the chance to work with a fascinating selection of animals during your time there.

Search through postgraduate degrees at Royal Veterinary College .

2. Middlesex University

Current cost: from £8,000.

With one of the lowest fees in the UK for international postgraduate students, Middlesex University aims to equip you with the skills you need to fast-track your career after studying. Fees can be as low as £8,000, so as an international student, you can focus on your studies without worrying too much about breaking the bank.

Search through postgraduate degrees at Middlesex University .

1. University of Hull

Current cost: from £7,850.

In 2023/24 international students at the University of Hull will pay the same fees as UK/Home students for most full-time taught master’s degrees. This includes courses offered by the Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education, and the Law School and Department of Politics. International students from over 100 countries attend the uni, and as a former UK city of culture, Hull has plenty to offer for those who come to the city to live and study.

Search through postgraduate degrees at the University of Hull .

Related articles

What are university rankings?

University rankings, or league tables, rank universities overall and by a number of...

How to use the league tables

Use our university rankings to narrow down your choice of unis. Compare UK universities...

Why use our university league tables?

Our university league tables, or rankings, provide you with information about each UK...

Is this page useful?

Sorry about that..., how can we improve it, thanks for your feedback.