The cheapest DBA in UK for international students depends on more than the first-year tuition fee. For confirmed 2027 entry, Sheffield Hallam University lists DBA fees from £8,490 per year, the University of Roehampton lists £8,499 for the first year of part-time study, and the University of Portsmouth charges £9,300 per year for its distance-learning DBA starting in January 2027.
For comparison, some universities still publish only the latest available academic year figures. Tuition fees can vary depending on programme duration, study mode, and future annual fee updates. Always check the official university page before making a final decision.
The short answer is simple. Compare total tuition, duration, delivery mode, future fee increases, academic support, and available funding & scholarship opportunities, not just the lowest annual fee.
Last checked: 4 October 2026. Fees and course information in this guide were reviewed against official university sources.
Cheapest DBA in the UK: 2027 Fee Comparison
|
University
|
Study mode
|
Published international fee
|
Approximate base tuition
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Status
|
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Sheffield Hallam University
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Part-time, 7 years
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£8,490 Years 1 and 2, £5,520 Years 3 and 4, £2,780 Years 5 and 6
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About £33,830 including £250 writing-up fee
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September 2027 confirmed
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University of Roehampton
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Part-time, 4 years
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£8,499 first year
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Future-year total not fixed
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January 2027 confirmed
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University of Portsmouth
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Part-time distance, 4 to 7 years
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£9,300 per year
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Depends on duration and future fee increases
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January and May 2027 confirmed
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University of Gloucestershire
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Full-time, 4 years
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£9,550 per year
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Around £38,200 before later changes or continuation fees
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February 2027 confirmed
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Teesside University
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Full-time, 39 months
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£15,000 Years 1 and 2, £8,000 Year 3
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£38,000
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January and May 2027 confirmed
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University of Bedfordshire
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Part-time DBA
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£8,000 Years 1 and 2, £4,500 Years 3 and 4
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£25,000
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2026/27 latest
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University of Hertfordshire
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Fully online, part-time
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£7,350 per year
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Depends on future annual increases
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2026/27 latest
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University of Northampton
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Full-time or part-time blended
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£11,535 full-time; £7,725 listed as distance-learning fee
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Varies by route
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2026/27 latest, 2027 pending
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Middlesex University
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Part-time, 4 years
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£10,000 per year
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Future total may vary
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2026/27 latest
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Sheffield Hallam publishes one of the clearest 2027 fee schedules. Two years at £8,490, two at £5,520, two at £2,780 and a £250 writing-up fee produce a scheduled base amount of approximately £33,830. The university notes that additional time or other circumstances can change the final amount.
Roehampton starts almost identically at £8,499 for the first year of part-time study in January 2027. However, the university explicitly describes this as the first-year fee, so it would be misleading to multiply £8,499 by four and present that as a guaranteed total.
Teesside is easier to calculate. International students starting in January or May 2027 pay £15,000 in each of the first two years and £8,000 in the third, giving a published total of £38,000.
This is why the phrase cheapest DBA in UK needs context. One university may have the lowest annual fee, another the lowest published total, and another may save far more because you do not need to relocate.
If affordability is your main priority, it is also useful to compare lower-cost universities across the UK before deciding where and how you want to study.
Which Is the Cheapest DBA Course in UK for 2027?
Among the 2027 prices already confirmed, Sheffield Hallam currently has the lowest starting annual fee in this comparison at £8,490. Roehampton follows closely at £8,499 for the first year of part-time study. Portsmouth charges £9,300 per year for January or May 2027 distance learning, while Gloucestershire charges £9,550 per year for its February 2027 full-time DBA.
If total published tuition matters more than the intake year, Bedfordshire becomes interesting. Its official 2026/27 standard tuition fee schedule lists:
- Year 1: £8,000
- Year 2: £8,000
- Year 3: £4,500
- Year 4: £4,500
That gives a base tuition total of £25,000.
There is a catch. Bedfordshire's DBA includes intensive teaching in Luton during the first semester of Years 1 and 2, so an overseas student may also need to budget for travel and accommodation. The current course page says the DBA is part-time and uses a mixture of campus and online delivery.
That is a useful reminder: a programme with the lowest tuition can still cost more once compulsory travel enters the calculation.
Cheapest Online DBA in the UK
For professionals who want to continue working from their home country, an online DBA can help reduce the additional costs associated with relocating, accommodation, and everyday living expenses in the UK.
The University of Hertfordshire currently lists one of the most affordable fully online DBA options. Its 100% online DBA is designed as a part-time five-year programme, and the 2026/27 fee information lists £7,350 per year, subject to annual increases.
This makes Hertfordshire one of the lowest-cost fully online DBA options based on currently published annual fees.
University of Northampton also offers a DBA route with international distance learning fees listed at £7,725 for 2026/27, plus a £500 writing-up fee. Applicants should review the latest course delivery information and programme structure directly with the university before making a decision.
For a confirmed 2027 distance-learning option, University of Portsmouth provides a clear alternative. Its part-time distance DBA runs for four to seven years, with international and EU fees listed at £9,300 per year for January 2027 entry. Fees are subject to annual increases, and the university provides information on available funding and scholarship support.
So, when comparing the cheapest online DBA in UK:
Lowest current published fully online DBA fee: Hertfordshire at £7,350 per year for 2026/27.
Confirmed 2027 distance-learning DBA fee: Portsmouth at £9,300 per year for January 2027 entry.
This provides a more accurate comparison than simply ranking DBA programmes by one fee figure, as delivery mode, programme structure, duration, and available funding opportunities should also be considered.
DBA in UK: Study Options and Choosing the Right Programme
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in the UK is a professional doctoral qualification designed for experienced professionals who want to develop advanced business knowledge, leadership expertise, and applied research skills.
When comparing the cheapest DBA in UK for international students, tuition fees are an important factor, but they should not be the only consideration. Students should also evaluate programme duration, study format, research supervision, university reputation, and long-term career value.
UK universities offer DBA programmes through different study formats, including full-time, part-time, and online options. The structure, duration, and overall cost can vary depending on the university and delivery model.
| Study pattern |
General information |
Key considerations |
| Full-time DBA |
A structured doctoral programme with dedicated academic support |
Suitable for students seeking an intensive research experience |
| Part-time DBA |
Designed for experienced professionals balancing career and study |
Provides flexibility with a longer completion timeline |
| Online DBA |
Flexible study option delivered through online learning platforms |
Can reduce additional costs related to relocation and accommodation |
A DBA is different from traditional research degrees because it focuses on applying advanced research to real business challenges. Students exploring professional doctorate options can also compare DBA and other research degree pathways before selecting the right qualification.
For a broader understanding of business-focused doctoral study options, explore our guide on DBA and MRes degree options in the UK.
Choosing the cheapest DBA in the UK is not only about finding the lowest tuition fee. A better decision comes from comparing academic quality, research support, programme flexibility, university reputation, and the overall value offered by each institution.
DBA Course Fees in UK: What Is the Real Cost?
When students compare DBA course fees in UK, tuition is only the first part of the calculation.
A practical way to estimate the real cost is:
Real DBA cost = tuition + writing-up or continuation fees + compulsory travel + visa costs + healthcare costs + additional living expenses created by the study mode
Consider Bedfordshire. Its published 2026/27 schedule totals £25,000, but the course includes intensive UK attendance during the first two years. An overseas candidate therefore needs to add travel and accommodation to the tuition figure.
Now compare Sheffield Hallam. Its full published 2027 schedule allows a much firmer estimate of roughly £33,830 before any additional study time.
Portsmouth works differently. Its distance-learning DBA costs £9,300 per year for January or May 2027, but it can take four to seven years and fees may rise annually. Multiplying £9,300 by four and calling the result the guaranteed total would therefore be inaccurate.
Students planning to live in the UK should also budget for health and NHS-related study costs.
So, how much does a DBA cost in the UK? Among the lower-cost programmes reviewed here, a published base schedule can be as low as £25,000 at Bedfordshire for 2026/27, while confirmed 2027 examples include approximately £33,830 at Sheffield Hallam and £38,000 at Teesside.
University of Northampton DBA Fees
The University of Northampton DBA fees attract a lot of interest because the current international figures sit in the lower end of the market.
For 2026/27, Northampton lists:
- International full-time DBA: £11,535
- International distance-learning fee: £7,725
- Writing-up fee: £500
The university states that these figures apply only to 2026/27. Future international fees may rise with CPI, capped at a maximum increase of 5% over the previous year's tuition fee.
There is also an important delivery detail. Northampton's current course page says the DBA is mainly blended and that it does not currently offer a fully online or distance-learning provision, despite the separate distance-learning fee shown in its fee section. Confirm the exact 2027 delivery route before using the £7,725 figure in your final budget.
This is exactly why comparing official course details matters as much as comparing price tables.
Entry Requirements for a DBA in UK for International Students
A DBA in UK for international students is a doctoral qualification aimed mainly at experienced professionals, so low tuition does not mean low entry standards.
Requirements vary by university, but applicants commonly need a master's-level qualification or equivalent academic background, senior professional or managerial experience, a research proposal and evidence of English proficiency.
Portsmouth requires an appropriate postgraduate qualification and at least three years of relevant business and management experience for its 2027 DBA.
Northampton generally expects Level 7 learning, significant leadership experience and a current leadership or managerial role. Its current doctoral English requirement is IELTS 7.0 with no category below 6.5.
Bedfordshire asks applicants to demonstrate senior management experience and a relevant academic background. Its current DBA page also requires English-language evidence for applicable international applicants.
If you are still deciding whether a professional doctorate fits your career, compare management-focused doctoral study with research master's pathways.
Applicants concerned about language tests can also review alternative English-language routes used by UK universities, but always check the DBA's own doctoral entry requirements before applying.
DBA Scholarships and Fee Discounts
Fully funded DBA programmes in the UK are less common than university discounts, employer sponsorship and targeted awards for professional doctorate students.
Portsmouth provides one concrete example. Its DBA page states that University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount. At the current £9,300 annual fee, 20% represents £1,860 for a year where the full discount applies, subject to eligibility.
Middlesex currently lists several possible funding routes on its DBA page, including a Regional or International Merit Award of up to £2,000 towards course fees, subject to eligibility.
The University of Gloucestershire also offers a 15% alumni discount on entry-year fees when an eligible graduate progresses from a master's degree to a doctoral degree or professional doctorate. Its general Global Scholarship, however, specifically excludes professional doctorates such as the DBA.
Employer sponsorship is another route worth exploring. DBA research often addresses a real organisational problem, so experienced managers may be able to demonstrate a direct business benefit to their employer.
For wider possibilities, review current UK scholarship options, then confirm that the award covers a professional doctorate before including it in your budget.
How to Choose a Low-Cost DBA Without Choosing the Wrong Programme
Start with the fee, but do not stop there.
If you want a confirmed 2027 low annual fee, Sheffield Hallam starts at £8,490 and Roehampton at £8,499 for part-time study.
If you want a confirmed 2027 distance-learning route, Portsmouth currently provides the clearest option at £9,300 per year for January or May entry.
If you want the lowest current fully online annual fee in this comparison, Hertfordshire lists £7,350 per year for 2026/27.
If you want a clearly published low base total, Bedfordshire's 2026/27 schedule adds to £25,000, although compulsory UK attendance creates additional travel costs for overseas students.
Then compare supervision, research fit, delivery requirements, fee increases and immigration conditions.
A £1,000 tuition saving is not a bargain if the programme requires travel you did not budget for or does not support the research you want to conduct.
If institutional profile matters alongside affordability, compare UK business schools and their strengths before making your shortlist.
How We Verified the Fees
We used current official university course pages, university fee schedules and GOV.UK sources rather than relying on third-party "cheapest DBA" lists.
Three labels are important:
2027 confirmed means the university currently publishes a fee for a 2027 start.
2026/27 latest means that the newest fee available is still for the 2026/27 academic year.
Approximate base total is used only when an official fee schedule gives enough information to calculate it. It does not include future increases, additional study time, living costs or other charges that have not been fixed.
That is why Bedfordshire's £25,000 is clearly labelled 2026/27, and why Roehampton's £8,499 first-year fee is not multiplied by four and presented as a guaranteed total.
A cautious number is more useful than false precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest DBA in UK for international students?
For confirmed 2027 entry, Sheffield Hallam currently has one of the lowest starting annual fees in this comparison at £8,490, followed closely by Roehampton at £8,499 for the first year of part-time study. If you compare the latest published total regardless of intake year, Bedfordshire's 2026/27 standard fee schedule totals £25,000.
What is the cheapest DBA in UK for 2027?
Among the confirmed 2027 figures checked here, Sheffield Hallam starts at £8,490 per year, Roehampton lists £8,499 for the first year of part-time study, Portsmouth lists £9,300 per year for January or May distance learning, and Gloucestershire lists £9,550 per year for February 2027.
What is the cheapest online DBA in the UK?
The University of Hertfordshire lists its fully online DBA at £7,350 per year for 2026/27, subject to annual increases. For a confirmed 2027 distance-learning fee, Portsmouth lists £9,300 per year for January or May entry.
What does DBA in UK mean?
A DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) in the UK is a professional doctoral qualification focused on advanced business knowledge, leadership development, and applied research for experienced professionals.
How much does a DBA cost in the UK?
The cost of a DBA in the UK depends on the university, duration, and study format. Current examples include Bedfordshire at around £25,000, Sheffield Hallam at approximately £33,830, and Teesside at £38,000 based on published fee schedules.
What are the University of Northampton DBA fees?
For 2026/27, Northampton lists £11,535 for international full-time study, £7,725 under its distance-learning fee category, and a £500 writing-up fee. The university says future international fees may increase by up to 5% over the previous year's tuition fee.
Are there fully funded DBA programmes in the UK?
Full DBA funding is not available uniformly across UK universities. Employer sponsorship, alumni discounts and university-specific awards are often more realistic. Portsmouth lists a potential 20% alumni tuition discount, while Middlesex lists an international merit award of up to £2,000, subject to eligibility.
Final Take
The cheapest DBA in UK for international students is not always the programme with the lowest first-year tuition fee.
For confirmed 2027 entry, Sheffield Hallam starts at £8,490 per year, Roehampton lists £8,499 for the first year of part-time study, Portsmouth's distance DBA costs £9,300 per year, and Teesside publishes a £38,000 total for January or May 2027.
For current 2026/27 comparisons, Bedfordshire publishes a £25,000 four-year fee schedule, while Hertfordshire lists its fully online DBA at £7,350 per year.
Before choosing a DBA programme, compare key factors including tuition fees, study format, programme duration, research support, university reputation, and any available funding opportunities.
The cheapest-looking DBA is not always the best-value option. The right choice is the programme that offers the best balance of affordability, academic quality, flexibility, and long-term career value.