The UK is among the biggest global educational hubs providing the best career options in addition to vast options in terms of courses and disciplines in various universities in the UK.
The United Kingdom harbours some of the best-ranked universities in the world. Nonetheless, studying in a developed country such as the UK is costly considering tuition fees, accommodation, and travel costs among others.
However, what is very relieving is that many universities in the UK have waived the application fee for international students. Yes, you read that right. Certain high-profile institutions in the UK that do not charge application fees advocate for accessibility by taking away the burden of application fees.
When starting your academic journey abroad It is very important to save every penny that counts. This article will give you a list of free application fee UK universities that currently welcome applications without any charge.
Thus, without further delay, let us know universities in the UK that do not have application fees which can help you save some money.
Top Universities in the UK without Application Fee
The UK has been a pacesetter in higher education. Amongst the very sought-after institutions, the mission of finding fee-free universities in the UK becomes tough.
This compiled list will be useful for your university selection. Each of these universities has become a leader in the academic education realm, striving to offer superior training. Let’s have a look.
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is ranked #81 according to the QS World University Rankings 2023. The university is committed to promoting research and innovation in various fields, and its academic staff are leading experts in their respective fields.
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is Scotland’s fourth-oldest public research university. The university is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, a group of leading UK research-intensive universities in the UK.
| Deadline for Jan intake (2025) | June 30 |
| Tuition Fee | £16,000 – £45,000 |
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham, established in 1825, is a renowned public research institute in Edgbaston. The university welcomes more than 30,000 students from about 150 countries across the globe. The University of Birmingham is ranked #91 in the world according to the QS World Ranking 2023.
| Deadline for Jan intake (2025) | July 1 |
| Tuition Fee | £19,000 – £25,000 |
University of Leeds
The University of Leeds was established in 1904. Along with quality education, the university provides work placements, live projects, and fieldwork opportunities to boost your employability.
It is among the top public universities, ranked #86 in the world according to the QS World Ranking 2023. Leeds is also the 2nd largest business centre in the UK after London.
| Deadline for Jan intake (2025) | June 30 |
| Tuition Fee | £17,500 – £24,500 |
University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool is ranked #190 in the world according to the QS World Ranking 2023.
Founded in 1881, the University of Liverpool is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive higher education institutions, consistently ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide for the past 5 years
| Deadline for Jan intake (2025) | July 14 |
| Tuition Fee | £17,400- £24,400 |
Queen Mary University of London
The university is one of the top public universities in London, United Kingdom. It is ranked #125 in the world according to the QS World Ranking 2023.
The Queen Mary University of London is an established university in London’s East End committed to high-quality education and research.
| Deadline for Jan intake (2025) | September 1 |
| Tuition Fee | £14,000 – £20,000 |
Newcastle University
The university was established in 1834 and provides excellent facilities to students worldwide. It is ranked #122 in the world according to the QS World Ranking 2023.
The University of Newcastle is a world-class university focusing on students’ academic experience and research.
| Deadline for Jan intake (2025) | June 30 |
| Tuition Fee | £15,400 – £25,000 |
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is a premium higher education institution in Scotland. Established in 1881, it is known for its significant contributions to life sciences, medicine, dentistry, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
The University of Dundee offers a rich and diverse student life. It is ranked #354 in the world according to the QS World Ranking 2023.
| Deadline for Jan intake (2025) | March 13 |
| Tuition Fee | £12,800- £33,700 |
Coventry University
Coventry University is ranked #651 in the world according to the QS World Ranking 2023.
Coventry University is known for its commitment to providing students with high-quality education and a supportive learning environment.
| Deadline for Jan intake (2025) | June 30 |
| Tuition Fee | £16,800 – £19,850 |
University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is a public research university with a global reputation for excellence.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the university is ranked #96. The university also offers preparation programs for international students and various scholarships to support meritorious international students.
| Deadline for Jan intake (2025) | May 29 |
| Tuition Fee | £21,000 – £26,950 |
Lancaster University
Lancaster University is a public research institution offering students a rewarding and well-rounded educational experience.
The university is home to various research centres and institutes, covering areas such as data science, health, and the environment. Lancaster University is ranked #146 in the world according to the QS World Ranking 2023.
| Deadline for Jan intake (2025) | July 31 |
| Tuition Fee | £18,000 – £23,000 |
What is the Cost of Living in the UK?
The United Kingdom is one of the most highly pursued and sought-after countries in the world by international students. When choosing a country to study abroad, the first big question is the cost of studying in that country.
The cost of studying in the UK comprises the cost of living in the UK and the tuition fee in the UK. The average cost of living in the UK is around 12,000 GBP (12.12 Lakh INR) per annum. The average tuition fees of UK universities range from 10,000 GBP to 40,000 GBP (10.10 to 40.42 Lakh INR) depending on the course as well as the institute.
Many factors determine the cost of living in the UK – from choice of housing to the frequency of transport, from choice of food to choice of lifestyle in the UK, but calculating the potential costs beforehand can turn out to be very beneficial in the long run.
The first step would be to decide where student accommodation in the UK is, whether it is on-campus housing or off-campus housing. More information on the cost of living in the UK as an international student is provided below.
Tuition Fees for International Students in the UK
Tuition fees consist of the majority of the cost of living in the UK for an international student. The tuition fees for undergraduate courses in the UK are less compared to advanced or professional courses like medicine, MBA, engineering, etc.
| Type of program | Average fee in GBP | Average fee in INR |
| Undergraduate bachelor program | 11,400 – 38,000 | 11.43 to 38.11 Lakh |
| Postgraduate or master’s program | 9,000 – 15,000 | 9.02 to 15.04 Lakh |
| MBA programs | 30,000 – 50,000 | 30.09 to 50.15 Lakh |
| Doctoral degrees | 18,000 – 35,000 | 18.05 to 35.10 Lakh |
The tuition fees depend highly on the course demand, reputation, location, etc. There are many affordable universities in the UK for students who want to study in the UK but do not want to spend a huge amount. The type of programs and the average fees in GBP are provided in the table below.
Advantages of Studying in Universities in the UK without Application Cost
Universities that do not charge application fees in the UK are numerous but the process for application is the same as any other university in the UK. There are many advantages to applying to universities in the UK without the application fee. Here are a few advantages:
Cost savings
You can save a lot of money if you apply to UK universities that do not have application fees. Application fee usually ranges between £20 and £100 per university. The amount may vary depending on the institution. By saving the application fee, you can put the amount toward other parts of your education, such as tickets or miscellaneous expenses.
A wider range of options
The UK universities that do not charge an application fee are usually more favoured by applicants. This implies that you can research and submit an application to several universities without worrying about the financial cost of application fees.
Enhanced competitiveness
The universities in the UK that do not charge an application fee generally have a more competitive candidate pool. By taking admission to such institutions, you get a chance to compete with high-achieving students and challenge yourself which makes your overall academic experience rich.
More accessible
Applying to UK universities without application fees certainly makes your application process more affordable. It removes the financial barriers and guarantees that all students irrespective of the financial situation they are in, are given an equal chance to follow their dreams in the UK.
When choosing universities in UK universities without application fees, do thorough research to find universities that match your academic and personal goals.
How to Apply to Universities in the UK Without Application Fee?
Universities in the UK without application fees follow the same application process as other top universities in the UK.
Here are the simple steps to consider when applying to universities in the UK without an application fee:
- Research for universities: UK research universities that provide application fee waivers. Go to the official websites of the universities and find their programs and admission requirements.
- Check eligibility criteria: Go over the admissions requirements for the universities in the UK which do not have an application fee. Some universities provide application fee waivers considering factors like academic accomplishments, financial needs, nationality, and particular scholarships. Make sure you meet the requirements stipulated by the university.
- University shortlisting: Pick the universities that fit your career plans. Compile a list of different tiers of universities. Make sure you have other universities if you fail to get the one you want.
- Gather all essential documents: Gather all the documents required for the application process. It comprises academic transcripts, scores in English language proficiency tests (like IELTS or TOEFL), letters of recommendation, personal statements, and all other documents the university indicates.
IELTS is compulsory for getting admission to most of the best universities in the UK. For IELTS, you need to take a computer-based test and submit your score to all the universities in the UK to which you wish to apply.
Application Process to Apply for Universities in the UK Without Application Fees
Getting admitted into universities without an application fee in the UK requires the same application process as applying to all other top universities in the UK. Let us highlight some of the key steps when applying to universities in the UK with no application fee:
- Choose the university or program that you wish to apply for.
- Fill in the required application form, starting with your details.
- Some universities might also ask you to register referees for letters of recommendation beforehand.
- Submit your bachelor’s degree (when applying for PG courses).
- Submit all the documents asked for, like LORs, Academic transcripts, writer’s work, research papers, English proficiency test score certificates, SOPs, etc.
- If applicable, submit your application, and look for an application fee waiver.
- Also, you may want to apply for scholarships to study in the UK.
FAQs
Q1. What is the application fee for UK universities?
Most universities in the UK require an application fee ranging from 50 GBP to 150 GBP.
Q2. What are some popular degree programs offered in UK universities with no application fee?
Some popular degree programs offered in UK universities with no application fee are:
- MBA
- MSc in Cyber Security
- MSc in Data Science
- Financial Management
- MSc in Mathematics
- MSc in Physics
- MEngg in Civil Engineering
