Top 6 Most Affordable UK Physiotherapy BSc Programs for International Students (2026 Entry)
Are you an international student aspiring to study Physiotherapy in the UK? This guide highlights some of the most budget-friendly UK universities offering BSc (3-year) Physiotherapy degrees for the 2026 entry.
Are you an international student aspiring to study Physiotherapy in the UK? With rising tuition fees and varying living costs, finding an affordable yet high-quality program can be challenging. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve researched and compiled the top 10 most affordable UK universities offering BSc (3-year) Physiotherapy degrees for 2026 entry.
Each university listed here offers programs accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), ensuring eligibility for professional registration in the UK.
Below is a summary of the most budget-friendly Physiotherapy courses, including tuition fees and typical accommodation costs.
University of Bradford – BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (3 years)
Course Highlights:
Bradford’s physiotherapy program is one of the top-ranked in the UK. It is 11th in the UK (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026). This reflects excellent outcomes – Bradford achieved a perfect 100% score for Graduate Prospects – Outcomes in the CUG 2026. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated Physiotherapy and Sport Rehabilitation Clinic on campus. The program emphasizes inter-professional learning (you’ll study alongside Occupational Therapy and Nursing students on some modules) and strong industry links – for example, Bradford students often secure placements with Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, private sports injury clinics, and community rehab teams.
Tuition Fees (2026/27):
£16,890 per year for international students.
Entry Requirements:
ABB at A-level (128 UCAS Points).
Uniquely, Bradford does not require a specific subject – taking a science or social science (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, PE or Psychology) is recommended but not mandatory.
IB 32 (128 UCAS points) with 3 Higher Levels
All applicants must undergo an interview and provide evidence of insight into physiotherapy (e.g. work shadowing, caring experience and understanding of NHS values).
English Requirements:
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no sub-test below 6.0.
About the City:
Bradford is a medium-sized city in West Yorkshire celebrated for its cultural diversity and affordability. In fact, Bradford is officially the UK’s most affordable student city for living costs, with average student rent around £100 per week. The city is home to a large South Asian community, which means amazing food (Bradford has won UK “Curry Capital” multiple times). For international students, Bradford offers a friendly, multicultural environment with plenty of festivals and community events. It’s a smaller city, so it feels less overwhelming than London while still having everything you need (shops, restaurants, theatres, and the National Science and Media Museum).
Travel & Access:
Bradford is well situated in northern England. Leeds, a major city, is only 14 km away – 20 minutes by train. Manchester is about 1 hour by direct train. London is ~2h 45m by train (with a change in Leeds). For international travel, the closest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), about 10 miles away (30–40 minutes drive; or a direct bus). LBA has flights to Europe and some Middle East routes. Bigger hubs are Manchester Airport (MAN) – 1.5 hours by train via Leeds – which has global connectivity, and London Heathrow (3 hours by train). Locally, public transport is affordable; Bradford’s free city bus connects campus with the city centre and train stations.
Accommodation & Living Costs:
The University of Bradford’s recommended accommodation, The Green, offers eco-friendly on-campus housing. En-suite rooms there cost around £132 per week, and townhouse rooms around £105/week (2025/26 prices). Many students choose private houses which can be even cheaper – the average rent in Bradford is ~£100/week (only ~£4,000 per year), the lowest of any UK university city. Total living costs in Bradford are about 20–30% lower than the UK average – you might budget ~£700–£800 per month including rent.
Graduate Outcomes:
Bradford produces excellent outcomes – 90% of physiotherapy graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months. Many enter NHS roles (Yorkshire hospitals, community health trusts) as well as positions in private clinics. The average salary for Bradford physio grads 15 months after graduation is about £28,500, slightly above the UK average, and rises to ~£30k+ after a few years. Graduates have progressed into roles such as physiotherapists for professional sports teams, research assistants, and physiotherapy lecturers.
University of Cumbria – BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (3 years)
Course Highlights:
Cumbria’s physiotherapy course is praised for its immersive practical training and student support. The university invested in a new interdisciplinary health simulation center where physio students train alongside other healthcare students using high-fidelity mannequins and real scenarios. The program’s NSS (National Student Survey) scores have been strong – it had 100% overall student satisfaction in 2020 (and 96% in 2021). In terms of reputation, University of Cumbria was ranked 17th in the UK for Physiotherapy by the Guardian 2024 league table.
Tuition Fees (2026/27):
£16,900 per year for international students. The university also offers some international scholarships– check the “International Fees and Finance” page.
Entry Requirements:
BBB to ABB at A-Level (120 - 128 UCAS Points) with Biology or Physical Education at grade B
IB 30–32 points with a Higher Level in Biology (or sport science) at grade 5.
All applicants must undergo an interview and provide evidence of insight into physiotherapy (e.g. work shadowing, caring experience and understanding of NHS values).
English Requirements:
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5.
About Carlisle and Cumbria:
Carlisle is a historic city located in northwest England, known as the “Gateway to the Lake District.” For students, Carlisle offers the best of both worlds: a small, safe city (population ~75,000) and access to stunning nature (the campus is about 30 minutes from Lake District National Park). The cost of living is very low – in fact, Carlisle consistently ranks in the top 5 cheapest student cities for rent. The city is compact; you can walk from campus to the city center in 15-20 minutes. Culturally, Carlisle has a mix of modern amenities and history – there’s a 900-year-old castle, a beautiful cathedral, and museums, alongside shopping centers, restaurants, and a decent nightlife catering to students. Safety is a strong point: Carlisle has one of the lowest crime rates among university cities. The surrounding Cumbria region is renowned for its natural beauty (mountains and lakes), providing an amazing backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts – hiking, cycling, and water sports are popular weekend activities.
Travel & Access:
Carlisle is somewhat off the beaten path but still well connected. It lies on the West Coast Main Line railway: trains to Glasgow take ~1 hour 15 min, and to Edinburgh ~1 hour 20 min, making weekend trips to Scotland easy. Newcastle is about 1 hour 20 min by train (or 90 min by car) to the east. Manchester can be reached in about 2 hours by train (direct or via Preston). The nearest major airports are Manchester Airport (approximately 2.5 hours by train – a direct service runs via Preston) and Newcastle International (about 1.5 hours drive). Carlisle also has a small regional airport with limited flights. Locally, students often walk or bike; Carlisle is a small city and University halls are within 1-2 miles of most things. The university offers a free campus bus between its Carlisle sites and cheap student bus passes for getting around town.
Accommodation & Living Costs:
The University of Cumbria provides some of the cheapest student accommodation in England. On-campus halls in Carlisle (e.g. at Fusehill Street and nearby residences) range from about £95 per week for a basic single up to ~£146 per week for en-suite. That’s ~£3,800–£6,100 for the year, including bills – extremely affordable. Many first-year internationals stay in these halls for convenience. In private housing, you might find rooms even as low as £80–£100/week in shared houses. Beyond rent, everyday expenses are also low: a monthly student bus pass is ~£30, and you can often find discounts in local shops and cafes with a student card. Overall, many international students manage on a budget of £600–£700 per month in Carlisle (excluding tuition) – meaning your money goes further here than almost anywhere else in Britain.
Graduate Outcomes:
The University of Cumbria proudly states that 100% of its physiotherapy graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating. This excellent result is reflective of both the demand for physios and Cumbria’s training – employers often note Cumbria graduates’ strong practical skills and adaptability (likely due to the varied placements in both rural and urban healthcare). Many graduates secure NHS roles across North West England or return to their home regions with ease of finding jobs. The average starting salary is around £25K–£30K (NHS Band 5).
University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) – BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (3 years)
Course Highlights:
UWE Bristol is ranked 14th in the UK for Physiotherapy (Complete University Guide 2026). Students benefit from purpose-built clinical simulation spaces, inter-professional learning, and real patient contact from year one. The program is supported by an experienced teaching team and close NHS partnerships, offering diverse placement settings. UWE also emphasizes research-informed teaching and service user involvement in its curriculum.
Tuition Fees (2026/27):
£17,000 per year for international students
Entry Requirements:
ABB at A-Level, including Biology or PE.
IB 32 points with a Higher Level in Biology.
All applicants must undergo an interview and provide evidence of insight into physiotherapy (e.g. work shadowing, caring experience and understanding of NHS values).
English Language Requirements:
IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each component
About Bristol:
Bristol is a vibrant, multicultural city in southwest England, regularly voted as one of the best cities for students in the UK. It offers a dynamic arts and music scene, diverse food options, and historic architecture. The city is considered safe, student-friendly, and environmentally conscious, with plenty of green spaces and a welcoming international community.
Travel & Access:
Bristol is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from London by train. The city is served by Bristol Airport, offering flights across Europe. The UWE campus is well connected by public transport and cycling routes. Buses run frequently between Glenside and the city centre.
Accommodation & Living Costs:
UWE Bristol's University accommodation starts from around £118 per week, which is considered to be very affordable given Bristol's great location.
Graduate Outcomes:
95% of UWE’s physiotherapy graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months (Discover Uni). Graduates typically begin careers in NHS hospitals, private clinics, sports rehabilitation, or pursue postgraduate study.
Canterbury Christ Church University – BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (3 years)
Course Highlights:
The program emphasizes practical learning in the new Verena Holmes Building with dedicated simulation suites. It is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and HCPC, ensuring graduates are eligible for UK registration. While not top-ranked nationally, CCCU’s physiotherapy course is well-regarded for student support. The Complete University Guide 2026 reports a 95.5% continuation rate and 100% graduate outcomes for similar allied health programs at CCCU.
Tuition Fees (2026/27):
£17,000 per year for international students.
Entry Requirements:
ABB at A-Level, including Biology / PE or a science subject at grade B.
IB 32 points (128 UCAS points) with a science at Higher Level.
All applicants must undergo an interview and provide evidence of insight into physiotherapy (e.g. work shadowing, caring experience and understanding of NHS values).
English Requirements:
IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each component
About the City:
Canterbury is a historic, compact city in Kent known for its stunning cathedral and safe, student-friendly atmosphere. Living costs are moderate – cheaper than London – and campus housing is affordable. The city is culturally rich yet easy to navigate, with a diverse student population thanks to two universities.
Travel & Access:
Canterbury lies about 90 km southeast of London. High-speed trains reach London St Pancras in as little as 56 minutes, making day trips easy. The nearest major airport is London Gatwick (about 1 hour 30 minutes by train via Ashford or ~1 hour 45 by direct coach). Heathrow is ~2 hours by coach. Locally, Canterbury is well-served by buses and is a gateway to exploring Kent’s towns and coastline.
Accommodation & Living Costs:
University-managed accommodation ranges from standard rooms at £128/week to en-suites up to ~£176/week, inclusive of bills. This works out to roughly £5,000–£7,000 for the academic year. Off-campus rentals in Canterbury are also reasonably priced compared to larger UK cities. Students should budget about £800–£1,000/month in living expenses (including housing) depending on lifestyle.
Graduate Outcomes:
93% of CCCU physiotherapy graduates were employed 15 months after graduation. Graduates typically start as Band 5 physiotherapists in hospitals or clinics, with a positive outlook for career growth given UK shortages in the field.
University of Worcester – BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (3 years)
Course Highlights:
The physiotherapy course at Worcester has achieved exceptional student satisfaction – in the 2020 National Student Survey it scored 100% satisfaction, and it continues to receive very high praise from students. Teaching is delivered by experienced clinicians; the department is small and friendly, allowing lots of personal contact with lecturers. Worcester has invested in excellent facilities, including a new skills and simulation centre with hospital ward setups and rehabilitation suites. Students routinely practice with nursing and OT students in simulated scenarios, which builds teamwork skills. Another highlight is the variety of placement opportunities – Worcester’s network spans acute hospitals (e.g. in Worcester and Birmingham), community rehab teams in rural Herefordshire, and even opportunities for elective placements abroad (students have done final placements in Vietnam through a partnership).
Tuition Fees (2026/27):
£17,200 per year for international students.
Entry Requirements:
BBB at A-Level (120 UCAS points) including a grade B in Biology, Human Biology or Physical Education.
IB requirement is around 30 points, with a Higher Level science at level 5.
All applicants must undergo an interview and provide evidence of insight into physiotherapy (e.g. work shadowing, caring experience and understanding of NHS values).
English Requirements:
IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each component
About Worcester:
Worcester is a beautiful cathedral city in the West Midlands of England. It’s a medium-sized city (population ~100,000) that offers a safe, welcoming environment for students. International students often appreciate that Worcester is “not too big, not too small” – you have plenty to do, but it’s easy to get around and feels personal. The city center is historic (with a famous 12th-century cathedral and Tudor architecture) and sits on the River Severn, providing scenic walks. Worcester is known for being one of the more affordable cities in England. StudentCrowd data puts average rent around £142/week, and overall living costs are significantly lower than nearby Birmingham or London. The community is diverse enough to have international restaurants, markets, and cultural associations (the university itself has students from 60+ countries). Crime rates are low, and campus itself is very secure. Leisure-wise, Worcester has a bit of everything: riverside cafes, shopping streets, theatres, sports venues (cricket is big here), and it’s close to the Malvern Hills for outdoor excursions.
Travel & Access:
Worcester’s location is convenient. It’s about 40 km south of Birmingham. By train, Birmingham (England’s 2nd largest city) is only ~45 minutes away. London is ~2 hours 20 minutes by direct train. The nearest major airport is Birmingham Airport (BHX), roughly an hour’s journey (a 50-minute direct train or 1 hour by car). BHX has many international flights and is very handy for students. Heathrow Airport is about 2.5 hours by train (via London) or by a direct coach service. Locally, Worcester itself has two train stations and good bus networks – but many students walk or bike, given the main St John’s Campus and the City Campus are within 20 minutes’ walk of the center. The university runs a shuttle bus between campuses and the city. Being in central England, Worcester is also a great base for exploring: Wales is an hour west, the Cotswolds an hour south, and Manchester ~2 hours north.
Accommodation & Living Costs:
The University of Worcester offers a range of halls, from budget-friendly to deluxe. For 2026/27, on-campus hall rates starting from £136/week. A big cost saver is that Worcester is a compact city – you won’t spend much on transport (many students spend £0 on daily transport). In terms of total budget, the university suggests around £800 per month for living expenses in Worcester, but savvy students often manage on less.
Graduate Outcomes:
Worcester’s physiotherapy graduates have done exceedingly well. 90% of graduates were in work or further study within 15 months. Graduates typically secure positions in NHS trusts across the Midlands and Southwest – many had job offers before finishing the course, thanks to impressing during placements. The average starting salary aligns with NHS Band 5 (~£25,000), and Worcester graduates have progressed to Band 6 roles within 2–3 year
University of Sunderland – BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (3 years)
Course Highlights:
Despite being new, Sunderland’s physiotherapy program has already been recognized for excellence. In the 2026 Complete University Guide, Sunderland was ranked 10th in the UK for Physiotherapy. This success is attributed to its modern curriculum and high student satisfaction. Sunderland’s facilities are top-notch: a brand new Human Performance Lab, gait analysis systems, simulation hospital wards, and a state-of-the-art Anatomy Centre with AR technology for anatomy teaching. Students also benefit from the university’s strong ties to local healthcare providers – Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside NHS Trust are key partners for placements.
Tuition Fees (2026/27):
£17,500 per year for international students.
Entry Requirements:
BBC - BBB at A-Level (112 - 128 UCAS points) with at least one of Biology, Human Biology, PE, or a health-related subject at grade B.
IB 30 points, including one HL science (Bio or Sports Sci) at 5
All applicants must undergo an interview and provide evidence of insight into physiotherapy (e.g. work shadowing, caring experience and understanding of NHS values).
English Requirements:
IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each component
About Sunderland:
Sunderland is a coastal city in North East England with a rich shipbuilding heritage. For students, Sunderland offers an extremely affordable and student-centric environment. It was named the most affordable UK city for students in 2022, and average weekly rents are among the lowest in the country. The city has a population of around 175,000 and is known for its friendly locals. Being on the coast, it boasts lovely beaches (Roker and Seaburn Beach are popular student hangouts in summer) and a scenic pier. The city center has undergone regeneration – there’s a new cultural quarter with theaters, galleries, cafes, and the National Glass Centre (part of University of Sunderland). Sunderland is also a short metro ride from Newcastle, giving you access to a bigger city’s nightlife and shopping while living in a quieter locale.
Travel & Access:
Sunderland is well connected within the North East. The Tyne and Wear Metro links Sunderland directly to Newcastle city centre (about 30 minutes) and to Newcastle International Airport (about 1 hour). This metro makes it super easy for students to enjoy the broader region. London is roughly 3.5 hours by direct train from Sunderland, but many students will instead travel 20 minutes to Durham and catch a 2h 45m fast train from there, or go via Newcastle. For air travel, Newcastle Airport (NCL) is the nearest international gateway – reachable via Metro for around £4-5 (student fare). NCL has flights all over Europe and some to the Middle East and US. Manchester Airport is another option (~3 hours by train).
Accommodation & Living Costs:
Sunderland’s student accommodation is extremely affordable. The university’s own residences have rooms starting at just £88 per week. In terms of living expenses, a realistic budget in Sunderland might be around £600–£700 per month.
Graduate Outcomes:
The University of Sunderland’s physiotherapy graduates have done exceptionally well, contributing to the program’s high rankings. According to university data, Sunderland physiotherapy graduates earn an average of £29,000 after 15 months of graduation.
Disclaimer: FindU is an independent social enterprise promoting UK education and equal opportunities. We have no financial affiliations, sponsorships, or commercial arrangements with any university featured. All information is for general guidance and may change without notice—please verify details directly with the universities.