20 Cheapest Nursing Schools in UK for International Students 2026

Are you an international student dreaming of studying in the UK in 2026? If your answer is yes, read this. Nursing is one of the most reputable courses you can study in the UK. Nurses are essentially the backbone of the NHS, therefore have one of the most stable careers in the UK. A nursing degree obtained from a UK university is recognized and accepted globally; however, international students face one major problem, which is the high tuition cost for nursing degrees. In this article, we’ve done our research and brought together the top 20 affordable nursing schools in the UK for international students in 2026. We’ve also included additional information like nursing specializations and the levels of nursing education and qualifications you can apply to.

Nursing Educational Levels in the UK

• CNA certificate or Diploma in Nursing

The CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant/Diploma in Nursing is an entry-level nursing qualification for nurses. A nurse who earns a diploma or CNA certificate can work as a healthcare assistant or nursing associate. 

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Nursing

A Bsc in Nursing is the most popular Nursing qualification in the UK. It is a 3-year program that qualifies students to become registered nurses. Entry requirements for the BSN vary depending on the country you’re from. With a BSN degree, you can work in Adult nursing, Mental health nursing, Pediatric nursing, A&E nursing, Critical Care Nursing and many more.

• Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Nursing

An MSc in Nursing is a 1-2 years advanced nursing program that builds on a bachelor's degree program. It prepares registered nurses for higher leadership positions and advanced specializations. A prerequisite for an MSc in Nursing is a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

• Professional Doctorate or PhD in Nursing

A PhD in Nursing is the highest nursing qualification in the UK. In most cases, registered nurses must have at least 3 years full-time or 5–6 years part-time work experience to qualify for a PhD.

10 Types of Nursing Specialisations

1. Adult Nursing

Adult nursing is a nursing specialization that focuses on providing care to adult patients. In adult nursing, your role might range from providing acute care to managing patients with chronic diseases or in end-of-life care.

2. Pediatric Nursing

Pediatric Nursing specializes in providing care for infants, children, and adolescents that are between the ages of 0-18 years.  If you enjoy working with children and are interested in children’s development at different stages, you should consider specializing in pediatric nursing.

3. Mental Health Nursing

Mental Health Nursing specializes in providing care to patients with mental illnesses across all ages. They work with a team of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and even the patient’s family to provide care for the patient.

4. Nursing Associate

A nursing associate focuses on assisting registered nurses to provide care for patients. Their roles may include administering medication in the UK, taking clinical observations, performing procedures like ECGs, and assisting with patient and family support.

5. Neonatal Nursing

Neonatal nursing is a field of nursing focused on providing care for newborn babies, especially those born prematurely or with health conditions.

6. Travel Nursing

Travel Nursing is a nursing specialty that involves short-term contract jobs usually across the country. A travel nurse typically spends around 6-12 weeks at a job before moving to fill another position somewhere else.

7. Oncology Nursing

Oncology Nursing specializes in providing care for cancer patients. An oncology nurse is usually a part of the medical team and they assist with diagnosis, education and treatment to recovery and survivorship of patients.

8. Critical Care Nursing

Critical care nursing is a nursing specialization that involves providing care for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries, usually in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

9. ER Nursing

ER nursing is a nursing specialization that focuses on providing immediate medical care to patients with life-threatening illnesses and injuries. ER nurses usually work in fast-paced environments and are required to know how to work under pressure.

10. Nursing Informatics

Nursing informatics is a specialty that integrates computer science with nursing. These nurses use data and information to enhance the quality of patient care and improve health outcomes.

 

Top 20 Cheapest Nursing Schools in UK for International Students 2026

 

1. Wrexham University

Wrexham University offers nursing programs with strong student support, practical hospital placements, and innovative teaching methods, praised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Tuition Fee: £12,500

Admission Requirements

• West African Senior School Certificate (WAEC) Successful completion of 5 modules with grades of C6 or better (including Mathematics and English).

• National Diploma with a GPA of 2.8 out of 4 or 3.5 out of 5 or higher.

• To meet the English Language Entry Requirements at Wrexham University, International students are expected to have achieved one of the qualifications listed below. All certificates/qualifications accepted are assessed based on their equivalence to 6.0 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in each component of the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test. Selected programmes require grades equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each skill score.

Apply to Wrexham University Nursing Program

 

2. Teesside University

Gain specialisation in adult nursing. Explore the changing and challenging nature of providing healthcare in the 21st-century, and the evolving, diverse role of the adult nurse. Leadership is embedded throughout the course, recognising the crucial role nurses play in moving practice forward. Benefit from shared learning across all four fields of practice (adult, child, mental health and learning disabilities nursing).

Tuition Fee:  £17,000

Admission Requirements

• For entry onto an undergraduate degree programme with an integrated foundation year, you would normally need a pass in at least one A level, or equivalent level 3 qualifications. 

• The new level 3 T levels, offered from September 2020, will be considered for entry onto our courses. There may be some course-specific requirements. 

• You may also need GCSE passes at grade 4 (or C) or above, or other level 2 qualifications. These may be required in specific subjects, depending on your university course but please visit the relevant course page for more details, including any additional course requirements such as an interview, portfolio or audition. 

• Other level 2 qualifications may be accepted as alternatives. Some courses ask for additional entry requirements because of the requirements of the associated profession.

Apply to Teesside University

 

3. Glasgow Caledonian University

Whether focusing on children, adults, mental health, learning disabilities or professional studies, our nursing degrees offer students the opportunity to develop caring careers that can transform the lives of patients, families and communities.

We have a number of collaborative partnerships with several NHS Health Boards, third-sector organisations (such as the Scottish Association for Mental Health and the British Heart Foundation), hospices, and European institutes and networks.

Tuition Fee:

Admission Requirements

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

• UCAS Tariff: 102
• Scottish Higher: BBBC or equivalent including Higher in essay-based subject plus Nat 5 Maths or Application of Maths and one science
• A Level: BCC or equivalent plus GCSE Maths, English and one science.

Minimum entry requirement

• UCAS Tariff: 90
• Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent including Higher in essay-based subject plus Nat 5 Maths or Application of Maths and one other science
• A Level: CCC or equivalent including GCSE Maths, English and one science
• Please note: All offers for pre-registration nursing are subject to satisfactory Occupational Health and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) screenings.
• Minimum age restrictions
• A student shall not normally be admitted unless he or she will have attained the age of 17 years by the first January after their course begins.
• Assessed study
• Applicants are expected to have evidence of assessed study within the last five years. Selected applicants will be invited to attend one of our Applicant Days as part of the admissions process.

Apply to Glasgow Caledonian University

 

4. Middlesex University

Students on Middlesex University nursing courses benefit from state-of-the-art facilities. In the West Stand at StoneX Stadium, you will have access to a £24 million centre of excellence for simulation-based learning in healthcare. 

Here, you'll find one of the most advanced simulation wards in the country, with leading learning facilities, including virtual reality/augmented reality and industry-leading simulation equipment. 

You’ll also gain real hands-on experience with opportunities to work in London’s NHS Trusts.

As a pre-registration trainee, you’ll spend half your time on placements. You’ll have dedicated support and guidance from expert mentors to help kickstart your nursing career.

Tuition Fee:  £17,200

Admission Requirements

112 UCAS Tariff Points

We accept a wide range of international qualifications such as A level and International Baccalaureate. You can find out more on your country's support page. If you need help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office.

English language

You'll need good English language skills to study with us. That's usually an IELTS 7.0 qualification (with a minimum of 7 in all sections). And, if you need help, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

Visas

To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa.

Apply to Middlesex University

 

5. University of Southampton

With the University of Southampton Nursing program, you can make a positive impact on people’s lives as a registered nurse on one of the UK’s top nursing programmes (ranked third in the UK: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).

This degree equips you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to provide compassionate care to adults. After graduating, you can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as an adult nurse.

Tuition Fee: £22,300

Admission Requirements

• A-levels: BBC

• A-levels additional information: Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Preferably including a science or social science subject

• If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass with 28 points overall with 14 points at Higher Level

• International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information: Preferably a Science or Social Science subject

• RQF BTEC: DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma DM in BTEC National Diploma plus B in A-Level subject or D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BC in two A-level subjects.

Apply to University of Southampton

 

6. Cardiff University

As a School, we are based at the University Hospital of Wales campus (the 3rd largest University Hospital in the UK). Our placement partners include both Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Aneurin Bevan Health Board; which means you’ll experience placements across different settings and locations in South East Wales.

We provide courses recognised by both the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This contributes to a vibrant interdisciplinary environment, offering opportunities for shared learning, formative assessments with other health professionals, and interprofessional education (IPE) that is not available at many institutions.

Tuition Fee: 9535

Admission Requirements

• A level

• BBB-BBC

• Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject-specific requirements must still be met.

• You must have or be working towards:

- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). English Language GCSE C/4 will be accepted where you are taking qualifications at a higher level, which are taught through the medium of English, such as A-levels.

- four GCSEs at grade C/4 including Maths, and one science (from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), or equivalent qualifications (subject and grade).

• You must also supply a personal statement that is relevant to the profession.

Apply to Cardiff University

 

7. Anglia Ruskin University

We've been educating nurses for over 25 years, and our goal is to produce competent and caring healthcare professionals who will ultimately enhance the patient experience.

The possibilities of a career in care are endless and exciting and we’d love to take the first step of your journey with you with one of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

Tuition Fee: £20,200

Admission Requirements

• 120-104 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, OCR, Access to HE and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff.

• 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths.

• Applicants for whom English is not their first language and who are unable to provide evidence of being taught and examined through the medium of English are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This can be via an Occupational English Test with a grade of C+ in writing and B in the reading, listening and speaking sections or an English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall score of 7 and at least a 6.5 in the writing section and 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections.

• To receive an offer of a place on this course you must be successful at interview.

• An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will also be required.

• A satisfactory Occupational Health clearance will also be required.

• UCAS Tariff points from Access to HE Diplomas are accepted.

• UCAS Tariff points from Access to HE Diplomas are accepted.

• UCAS Tariff points acquired from the International Baccalaureate Certificate are accepted.

• UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Advanced Highers are accepted.

• UCAS Tariff points from Higher Level Irish Leaving Certificate are accepted.

• All applicants to Nursing programmes holding the Access to Higher Education qualification will also require Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy unless you already hold GCSE grade C in Maths and English.

Apply to Anglia Ruskin University

8. Ulster University

This three-year course is designed to produce nursing graduates who will have the skills to respond to patients who require nursing care within a variety of healthcare environments.

Successful students will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the National and Midwifery Board Ireland. This will permit successful students to practice as a Registered Nurse in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

Tuition Fee: £17,810

Admission Requirements

• A Levels: Grades BBC

• RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma - Award profile DMM

• 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English, Maths and Science at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

• English language requirements for international applicants
  The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS overall score of 7.0 with minimum 6.5 in writing and 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking section

• OR

• OET Certificate confirming minimum grade C+ in writing and minimum grade B in reading, listening and speaking sections.

• Satisfactory Health and AccessNI checks are required. These are arranged by the Admissions team and you will receive the relevant information if you gain a place on the course.

Apply to Ulster University

 

9. University of Hertfordshire

Blend theory with hands-on adult nursing experience in our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Centre, hospitals and communities at the University of Hertfordshire. Develop the skills and confidence to bring comfort, promote health, and save lives. Be proud of becoming an adult nurse.

Tuition Fee: £18280

Admission Requirements

• The normal entry requirements for undergraduate degrees are completion of 12 years of school education and successful completion of a school leaving certificate equivalent to UK 'A' Levels.

• All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in each band.

• To speed up the application process, please supply your completed application form plus your supporting documents. Applying without all the required documents will delay your application and any potential offers. Once you have submitted your application, any additional files/evidence can be uploaded via our document upload form.

Apply to University of Hertfordshire

 

10. Anglia Ruskin University

By studying nursing at ARU you’ll learn all about person-centred care and hone your skills out on placement. You now have the opportunity of deciding whether to focus most of your placements in the vibrant and community-centred world of primary care or the fast-paced environment of acute (hospital) settings.

Our 3-year course is accredited by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) so, when you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration and start your career as a nurse.

Tuition Fee: £17,500-£18,400 

Admission Requirements

• IELTS (Academic)

  • Overall 6.0 with 5.5 in each of the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) 

• TOEFL iBT

  • 80 overall with 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking

• Pearson PTE Academic

  • 60 overall with 59 in each of the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing)

Apply to Anglia Ruskin University

 

11. Coventry University

This degree combines theoretical and practice-based learning to lead you to professional registration and a rewarding career as an adult nurse. Gain the skills and experience to transform lives, communities and the future of healthcare delivery. We aim to empower you to become a stand-out healthcare professional, capable, competent and confident in your field and role within the wider healthcare team.

Tuition Fee: £9,535 per year

Admission Requirements

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC. Excludes General Studies.
GCSE	GCSE maths, English and one science at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DMM in a health, sport or science-based subject.
IB Diploma	27 points to include 14 points at Higher level.
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma in a health or science subject to include 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction in health units. Plus GCSE English and mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Apply to Coventry University

 

12. University of Liverpool

Studying Nursing at Liverpool will provide you with lifelong learning and working opportunities, as well as a strong focus on nursing leadership. You’ll gain valuable theoretical knowledge alongside extensive clinical experience in a variety of different settings.

Tuition Fee: £32,000

Admission Requirements

• An academic reference must be included within the UCAS application. If the applicant is a graduate and has been working since graduating (within three years), an employer reference is acceptable.

• As well as a strong academic background, we also look for frontline caring experience in accordance with the values and behaviours of the NHS constitution.

• You will understand that as an allied health professions and nursing student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police.

• If selected for an interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete.

• The University and the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing has an obligation to undertake health screening on all prospective healthcare students.

• The IELTS requirement is an overall score of 7 with at least 6.5 in writing and no less than 7 in the reading, listening and speaking elements. This is a professional regulatory requirement.

• A Levels: BBC with a science subject, e.g. biology or a social science. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

Apply to University of Liverpool

 

13. University of Chester

This course provide a high-quality educational experience in a friendly and supportive environment, helping you to develop into a healthcare professional who can make a real difference.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery has three specialist, regional sites. Each site has fully-equipped skills laboratories that simulate working in a variety of clinical settings, virtual reality equipment and technology for practicing clinical skills, as well as classrooms and meeting spaces for group work.

Tuition Fee: £14,450

Admission Requirements

• Get into Nursing aims to attract individuals who may not have normally considered higher education due to a lack of confidence or the right qualifications. 

• All prospective learners would need a reasonable level of English and entitlement to study in the UK to apply for the Get Into Nursing course.

• The University of Chester would kindly like to ask all prospective learners to write the location name for their preferred university campus in their online application (preferably in the Personal Statement section)as a drop-down option for ‘site name’ for the Birkenhead campus, CH41 5AL, and/or Warrington campus WA1 2NT, is currently not available. 

• The Get into Nursing short course will be delivered at either the Chester, Birkenhead, or Warrington campus to best suit the course attendees.

Apply to the University of Chester

 

14. University of Wolverhampton

Nursing opens up a world of rewarding opportunities. Becoming a nurse allows you to impact lives, driven by the desire to make a positive change in people's lives.

Our adult nursing degree is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to deliver comprehensive care to patients across various healthcare settings. You will have the privilege of being there for people in their time of need, and helping them live happier, more comfortable lives.

Tuition Fee: £15995

Admission Requirements

• A Levels - grades BCC

• Applicants will also be required to provide satisfactory personal statements and reference (academic or employer).

• Those meeting the entry requirements may be shortlisted for a values-based selection process and will be subsequently required to meet Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check and Occupational Health requirements.

Apply to University of Wolverhampton

 

15. University of Roehampton

This nursing course prepares you to deliver safe, high quality care in both community settings and hospitals, helping people to maintain health and manage illness across adult life.

You will build strong professional foundations from the start, supported by clinicians and academics with extensive experience across the sector. Ranked in the top ten in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2024, this degree develops your understanding of:

• How the body functions
• How to promote physical and mental wellbeing
• How to support people with both acute and long term conditions

Tuition Fee: £19500

Admission Requirements

• A levels/BTEC (or equivalent qualification): at least one science or health-related subject.

• GCSE (or equivalent) grades 4/C in Maths and English (at least one science subject desirable).

• Applicants will also undertake an interview. Successful applicants will need to complete an Occupational Health (OH) Check and an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check.

• Academic qualifications (certificate and transcript)

• Valid English language qualification

• Personal statement

• Two references

• All applicants that require a student route visa must also meet the minimum English language requirements before we can issue a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) that is needed to apply for a student route visa. 

Apply to University of Roehampton

 

16. University of Greenwich

University of Greenwich Nursing program will provide you with the skills to meet the varying needs of patients and their families. This will include experience in the hospital, independent sector and the home. Our adult nursing course combines a thorough understanding of theory and practical application, preparing you for work in a variety of environments. You will acquire accountability for the important role you will play in a patient's life.

Tuition Fee:  £18,700

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate (year 1): Entry to year 1 requires completion of A-levels or IB. For details of required A-level/IB scores, please refer to the individual course webpages.

• Undergraduate (year 2/3): Although there are no agreed progression routes, however, if you have a 3 or 4 year University certificate or diploma, you may be considered for advanced entry to one of our Bachelor's degree programmes. 

• An Occupational Health appointment will be arranged for you by the university once you have enrolled. This appointment is a mandatory part of your healthcare programme.

• English language requirements

Apply to University of Greenwich

 

17. Staffordshire University

On our Nursing Practice degrees, you will develop the essential skills needed to deliver safe clinical care and become a caring, compassionate healthcare professional. You can choose to specialise as an Adult, Child or Mental Health Nurse and will spend around half your study time on a wide range of practice learning placements. Our degrees are recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), making you eligible to register as a qualified nurse on graduation.

Tuition Fee: £16,750 per year

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate (bachelors) degrees

• To apply for an undergraduate (bachelors) degree you need one of the following qualifications:

• A Diploma from Federal University with a minimum of lower credit or an Ordinary National Diploma (OND).

• COHSC (Cambridge High School Cert.) with minimum grades BBC

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with 28 points overall

• Successful completion of a relevant International Foundation Year from a recognised UK Institution

• For A-Level requirements, please see the ‘entry requirements’ section on the relevant course page

• Integrated masters and two-year accelerated degrees

• To apply for an integrated masters or two-year accelerated degree you need one of the following qualifications:

• COHSC (Cambridge High School Cert.) with minimum grades BBB

• (Ordinary) National Diploma with an Upper Credit or above

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with 30 points overall

• Successful completion of a relevant International Foundation Year from a recognised UK Institution

• For A-Level requirements, please see the ‘entry requirements’ section on the relevant course page

Apply to Staffordshire University

 

18. Buckinghamshire New University

If you are a compassionate and empathetic person seeking a profession where your actions can profoundly impact individuals during their most vulnerable moments, then our BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing is for you. Upon successful completion of the degree, you’ll be eligible to register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).

Tuition Fee: £15,150

Admission Requirements

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 112 - 136 (Full-time) or 48 - 88 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

The requirements for this course are equivalent to:

• A level grades at BBC or above

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at DMM

• International Baccalaureate at 30 points

• FETAC / QQI 5 Distinctions in health care-related subjects

• Access to HE Diploma in Nursing qualification (Minimum 60 credits overall with 12 Merits and 30 Distinctions at Level 3 and 15 Credits at Level 2 at Pass)

• T levels: Minimum Merit overall in Health pathway subject (Health, Healthcare Science, Midwifery and Science)

Apply to Buckinghamshire New University

 

19. University of Essex

Adult nurses work with adults of all ages with diverse health conditions. Communication skills are essential to set patients at ease under pressurised and sometimes difficult situations, as is the ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care offered to each patient.

You must be willing to take responsibility for someone else's health and well-being, and show the compassion needed to ensure a good nurse-patient relationship.

Tuition Fee: £24,360 per year

Admission Requirements

• C6 in WAEC West African Senior School Certificate Examination Mathematics, in addition to one of the below:
• Bridge House Foundation: 60%.
• Global Education Counselling International Degree Foundation Programme: 60%.
• To meet our English language requirements, we can accept C6 in the WAEC West African Senior School Certificate Examination English.
• Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of the Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.
• If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Apply to University of Essex

 

20. University of Suffolk

The University of Suffolk is recognised for its high-quality teaching, strong student satisfaction, and growing reputation for graduate success. Adult Nursing ranks above the national average for Teaching, Learning Opportunities, Assessment and Feedback, Academic Support, Organisation and Management, Student Voice and Mental Wellbeing Services (NSS 2025).

Tuition Fee: £18380

Admission Requirements

For entry onto an undergraduate course, applicants are required to have one of the following qualifications:

• International Foundation Programme

• International Baccalaureate Diploma with 28 points

• A-Levels (see course page for requirements)

Apply to University of Suffolk