Cheapest Universities in London for International Students (2026 Guide)

London hides its bargains well. Behind the glass towers and famous campuses, there are quieter universities where fees don’t shout—and opportunity slips through side doors few students notice.

These options rarely make headlines, but they exist, waiting for the right questions. This guide pulls back the curtain and shows where affordable study in London actually begins.

But here’s the part no one tells you early enough: London has globally recognised universities where international tuition starts from around £12,000–£15,000 per year in 2026. The catch isn’t money alone. It’s knowing where to look, what to compare, and how the system actually works.

This is not a dream list. This is a practical, up‑to‑date 2026 guide for international students who want a London degree without burning through their life savings.

Why London Still Makes Sense in 2026

London is expensive. That part is true.

What’s usually missed is this: your degree cost is locked in for years, but your career access starts on day one.

1. London isn’t a city — it’s an advantage

Over 40 universities, thousands of employers, and the UK’s largest concentration of internships and graduate roles sit inside one transport zone. For international students, that density matters more than rankings.

2. Student life doesn’t have to be expensive

London buses are capped at £2 per journey (nationwide cap extended into 2026). Major museums like the British Museum and Tate Modern are free. With a student Oyster card, weekly travel can be kept under £30–£35 depending on zones.

3. London degrees travel well

Many of the universities below are not elite by ranking — but their degrees are recognised by employers worldwide. That’s the trade most international students should make.

Top Cheapest Universities in London for International Students (2026)

University of Westminster

Founded in 1838, the University of Westminster blends central London campuses with practical, career‑oriented courses. It’s particularly strong in Architecture, Media, Film, Fashion, and Business.

2026 International Tuition (Typical):
£12,500 – £22,500 per year depending on course.

How to apply:
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Postgraduate applicants apply directly via the university website. A tuition deposit (around £5,500) is usually required before CAS issuance.

University of West London

Often called “the career university”, UWL focuses heavily on employability. Nursing, Hospitality, Business, Computing, and Engineering are among its strongest areas.

2026 International Tuition (Typical):
£9,800 – £22,500 per year depending on programme.

How to apply:
Apply via UCAS for undergraduate courses. Postgraduate students apply directly. Minimum 50% of fees are usually payable before enrolment.

Ulster University (London Campus)

Located in Zone 1, Ulster’s London campus specialises in Business, Finance, Marketing, and MBA programmes. It’s a popular choice for postgraduate international students.

2026 International Tuition:
Approximately £14,900 per year.

University of Greenwich

Known for its historic riverside campus, Greenwich offers strong programmes in Business, Economics, Computing, and Engineering.

2026 International Tuition (Typical):
£17,000 – £18,000 per year.

London Metropolitan University

London Met is one of the most accessible universities in the capital, with strong links to local employers and flexible entry routes.

2026 International Tuition (Typical):
£19,500 per year.

The Cost Most Students Forget to Calculate

Tuition is only half the equation.

For a UK student visa in 2026, you must show living costs of £1,334 per month for up to 9 months for London — a total of £12,006, plus first‑year tuition.

This is why choosing a cheaper London university doesn’t just reduce fees — it reduces visa pressure.

Final Reality Check

London isn’t cheap.

But the idea that it’s unaffordable for international students is outdated — and costly if you believe it.

The real difference between students who make London work and those who don’t isn’t money.

It’s information — found early enough to change the outcome.