A new study has found that the UK’s top ten universities, despite ranking among the best globally, are also some of the least affordable for students. The report, conducted by tutoring platform Edumentors, highlights the financial challenges faced by students at prestigious institutions like the University of Oxford and several London-based universities.
The University of Oxford, ranked as the number one university in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, is among the least affordable regions for students, with Oxford itself coming ninth in terms of affordability. The analysis considered various cost-of-living factors, including accommodation, food, transport, and leisure costs, revealing that all ten of the UK’s top universities are located in expensive areas.
Out of the ten, four universities are based in London, which ranks as the fourth least affordable location for students. The capital’s universities fare particularly poorly, with the average student accommodation costing as much as £425 per week, more than double the rates in other regions of the country. London’s affordability score was just 7.36 out of 100, a sharp contrast to the national average score of 48.09.
The research reviewed data from 80 university towns and cities across the UK, analysing 24 cost-of-living factors from sources like Numbeo and Student Crowd. These included weekly rent for student accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment. Housing costs were found to be the most significant factor affecting affordability.
Oxford’s affordability score stood at 27.43 out of 100, placing it ninth on the list of the least affordable regions for students. The University of Cambridge, ranked fifth in the world, scored only marginally better with an affordability score of 29.5.
The University of Glasgow, ranked eighth globally, emerged as the most affordable institution in the top ten, though it still placed 52nd out of the 80 locations surveyed. Edinburgh, the other Scottish university in the top ten, ranked 65th for affordability, with a score of 36.95 out of 100. Despite free tuition in Scotland, many students still struggle with the cost of living, including high rents and everyday expenses.
Top 10 UK universities and their affordability
| Rank (/80) | University | Times Higher Education global ranking | Afforability (/100) | Location |
| 77 | Imperial College London | 9 | 7.36 | Central London |
| 77= | University College London | 22 | 7.36 | Central London |
| 77= | King’s College London | 36 | 7.36 | Central London |
| 77= | London School of Economics and Political Science | 50 | 7.36 | Central London |
| 72 | University of Oxford | 1 | 27.43 | Oxford |
| 69 | Univeristy of Cambridge | 5 | 29.5 | Cambridge |
| 68 | University of Bristol | 78 | 31.19 | Bristol |
| 65 | University of Edinburgh | 29 | 36.95 | Edinburgh |
| 63 | University of Manchester | 53 | 37.21 | Manchester |
| 52 | University of Glasgow | 87 | 45.91 | Glasgow |
Speaking on the findings, Tornike Asatiani, CEO of Edumentors, said: “While UK universities continue to be recognised as some of the finest institutions in the world, they are becoming increasingly unaffordable for many students. This creates barriers for low-income students and puts additional pressure on those already enrolled, who may have to work part-time to support themselves.”
Asatiani added that rising rent costs are particularly concerning, with students in London paying exceptionally high rates for accommodation. He called for universities to explore further support options, such as offering more grants and bursaries, to help ease the financial burden on students.
The study emphasises that while the UK’s top universities maintain a stellar academic reputation, the escalating cost of living threatens to alienate prospective students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, potentially impacting the diversity and accessibility of higher education in the country.