If you are planning to study abroad and if the UK is your dream destination, you should definitely worry about the costs involved. Studying in a developed country like the UK can be very expensive in terms of tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, etc. But a relief is the fact that many universities in the UK do not charge application fees to international students. Application fees for UK universities range from £50 to £150 (INR 5,000-15,000), but if you apply to select universities, you can save the entire amount. So, here is a list of UK universities that have no application fees.
List of UK Universities without Entry Fee
Here is a list of the top 20 universities in the UK with no entry fee:
Sl. No. | University | QS World University Rankings 2024 | Popular programs offered |
1. | University of Southampton | 81 | RS |
MIME | |||
MBA | |||
2. | University of Glasgow | 76 | Bachelor of Accounting and Statistics |
MA Celtic Studies | |||
BDS Dentistry | |||
3. | University of Leeds | 75 | Bachelor of Art and Design |
MBA | |||
Master of Economics | |||
4. | University of Birmingham | 84 | Master of Economics |
Aerospace engineering | |||
Master in Geology | |||
Bachelor of Business Management | |||
5. | Durham University | 78 | Bachelor of Biochemistry |
MA Philosophy | |||
Master in Electronic Engineering | |||
6. | University of Sheffield | 104 | Bachelor of Biology |
Architecture, Bachelor of Architecture | |||
Master of Advanced Computer Science | |||
7. | Newcastle University | 110 | BA Honors Ancient History |
Dietetics | |||
BSc Honors in Computer Science | |||
8. | Queen Mary University of London | 145 | BA Honors in Biology |
BA Honors in Accounting | |||
Master in Advanced Robotics | |||
9. | Lancaster University | 122 | Doctor of Architecture |
MA Criminology and Criminal Justice | |||
Design Management, MA | |||
10. | University of Liverpool | 176 | BA Honors in Archeology |
MA architecture | |||
Master of English | |||
11. | University of Strathclyde | 276 | BSc Honors Accounting |
Bachelor of Accounting and Commercial Law | |||
Master of Advanced Chemical Engineering | |||
12. | University of East Anglia | 295 | MIME |
MBBS | |||
MBA | |||
13. | Birkbeck, University of London | 374 | BSc Honors in Data Science and Computing |
Master in Human Resource Management | |||
Master of Finance | |||
14. | University of Dundee | 441 | Dentistry BDS |
Bachelor of Child Studies | |||
Master of Nursing and Health Sciences | |||
15. | University of Kent | 336 | Bachelor of Journalism with Honors |
Bachelor of Religious Studies with Honors | |||
Kent MBA | |||
16. | Brunel University London | 343 | Master of Digital Service Design |
Bachelor of Business Computing | |||
Master in Financial Mathematics | |||
17. | Oxford Brookes University | 413 | Bachelor of English Literature |
Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences | |||
Bachelor of Japanese Studies | |||
18. | University of Essex | 459 | Bachelor of Arts in Acting |
Online MBA | |||
MRES Accounting | |||
19. | Kingston University London | 601-610 | Beng Honors in Aerospace Engineering |
BSc Honors Chemistry | |||
MA Computer Animation | |||
20. | Coventry University | 571 | BSc Hons Criminology |
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology | |||
Master of Advanced Mechanical Engineering |
University College London
University College London is the first on our list of UK universities that don’t charge an application fee. Here, both international and national students can apply for certain graduate programs without having to pay an application fee. The programs without entry fees at University College London are listed below.
- Master of Brain and Mind Sciences
- PG Cert Clinical Ophthalmic Practice
- PG Certificate in Child and Youth Psychology WP
- PG Cert Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Intervention
- PG Dip Therapy IAPT for Children and Adolescents
- Master in Data Analytics for Government
- Health Data Analysis MSc/PG Dip/PG Certification
- Master of Conservation in Archeology and Museums
- Int MA Economics of State and Society
- PG General/Cert/Dip General Pharmacy Practice
- Master of Advanced Pharmaceutical Practice
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy PG Cert
Read also: UK Universities Accepting Direct Applications | Bachelor’s degree
Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an important addition to this list of universities that don’t charge an application fee. The reason for this is that it is one of the few universities that does not charge course application fees to international or domestic students. You can apply to undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Lancaster University without having to pay an additional application fee.
Cambridge University
We all know that Cambridge University is one of the best universities in the world. But did you know that it is on the list of universities in the UK that don’t charge any application fees? The University of Cambridge offers fee waivers to certain categories of students, regardless of the course they are applying for. The categories of students who can benefit from tuition fee waivers if they have the required documents are listed below.
- Applicants with refugee status
- Applicants with asylum status
- UK candidates from low income backgrounds
University of Sheffield
To promote higher education at postgraduate level, the University of Sheffield has waived application fees for some programmes. Thus, this is another top UK university that does not charge any application fees. You can apply to any postgraduate Master’s program at the University of Sheffield without paying an application fee. If you would like to view all master’s programs in this category, click the link here .
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is another big mention on our list of UK universities that don’t charge an application fee. The college charges a flat fee of £135 for applying to MSc and MSc courses, but if you can provide all the required documentation when completing the application form to demonstrate that you are financially unable to pay the fees, you may be able to benefit from a waiver. . In addition, Imperial College London does not charge admission fees for other postgraduate courses and doctoral programs.
Check: UK Study Costs for Indian Students
Oxford University
The University of Oxford is not actually a fee-free university as it charges its applicants a standard application processing fee. But we included Oxford University in this list because it offers students an application waiver in certain circumstances. You may benefit from a waiver if you belong to any of these categories.
- From a low income country. (Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia (G), Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Korea (DPR), Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Uganda and Yemen)
- Students in the UK who belong to a low income group.
- If you are applying for readmission.
- If you are applying for relevant research courses.
If you would like to learn more about the registration fee waiver, you can follow the link here .
University of Warwick
For postgraduate courses, the University of Warwick has set a flat application processing fee of £60. But when it comes to applying for postgraduate research or Postgraduate Research Awards (PGA), the university does not charge any application fees.
Also read – UK public universities for international students
University of Glasgow
With a rich history dating back to 1451, the University of Glasgow is Scotland’s fourth oldest public research university. As a member of the respected Russell Group, it is renowned for its commitment to research and innovation across a wide range of areas. University faculty are leading experts who contribute to the creation of a dynamic academic environment.
The courses offered by the university are as follows:
- Master of Clinical Pharmacy
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Specialization in Cancer Biology
- MSc in Data Analytics
- Master in Astrophysics
- Master of Geographic Information Science
- Master of International Relations
- Master of Marketing
- Master of Social Work
- MA in Scottish Literature
- Master of Museum Studies
- MLitt in philosophy
Application process to UK universities without application fees
To apply to UK universities without paying an application fee, follow these steps:
- Select the university or program you want.
- Fill out the application form with your personal details.
- Some universities may require you to provide recommendations for letters of recommendation.
- If you are applying for PG courses, please indicate your Bachelor’s degree.
- Provide all required documents such as LOR , academic transcripts, writing samples, research papers, English test results and SOPs .
- If possible, apply for a fee waiver.
- Consider applying for a scholarship to fund your studies in the UK.
Also Read – Best UK Universities for International Students
Benefits of applying without application fee to UK universities
Here are some benefits of applying without an application fee to UK universities:
- Cost savings: You can save a lot by not paying registration fees, which can range from £20 to £100 per university. This money can be used for other educational expenses.
- More options: These universities attract more applicants, allowing you to apply to several without worrying about the cost.
- The best competition. Applicants are usually more competitive, which can motivate you to challenge yourself and improve your academic experience.
- Affordable: Not having to pay an application fee makes the process more accessible, ensuring everyone has a fair chance to study in the UK.
When searching for UK universities with no application fees, be sure to do your research thoroughly to find the best one for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Which UK university does not charge an application fee?
Answer. Some UK universities that do not typically charge entry fees for undergraduate courses include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and Durham University. However, it is important to check each university’s official website for the most up-to-date information.
Question 2: Does the UK university pay international application fees?
Answer. Although many UK universities do not charge entry fees for undergraduate courses, there may be exceptions or special conditions for specific programs or international applicants. It is critical to review each university’s and program’s admissions policies.
Question 3: Are there specific deadlines for applying to these universities?
Answer. Application deadlines for UK universities vary depending on the institution and programme. It is advisable to check the official website of each university to know the specific deadlines. It is recommended that you begin the application process early as some universities have competitive application deadlines set in advance.
So, this was a list of UK universities that have no application fees. If you are planning to study in the UK on a budget, then these universities may be your best choice. Needless to say, choosing the right university for your chosen programs can be a daunting task. Our Leverage Edu experts are always ready to help you choose the best university according to the program you are interested in and will also guide you through the application process to ensure that you are successfully shortlisted! Sign up for a session with us right now! (meta-calculator).