Study at Loughborough University
Study at one of the UK's highest-ranked universities, internationally recognised for engineering, business, computer science, sports science, design, artificial intelligence, innovation, and exceptional graduate employability.
World-Class Sport, Engineering & Innovation
Loughborough University, founded in 1909 and granted university status in 1966, is one of the UK's leading universities for teaching, research, enterprise, and sport. Located on one of the largest and most beautiful single-site campuses in the UK (440 acres), Loughborough combines academic excellence with world-renowned sporting achievement and outstanding graduate employability.
With over 18,000 students from more than 100 countries, Loughborough offers an exceptional campus experience with state-of-the-art facilities. The university is internationally recognised for engineering, business, design, sport, computer science, and communication β consistently ranked among the UK's best for student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.
Loughborough's sporting reputation is unmatched in UK higher education β ranked #1 in the world for sports-related subjects (QS) for seven consecutive years and home to elite athlete training facilities. Beyond sport, the university's research addresses major challenges in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, sustainability, health, and creative industries.
Academic Programmes
4 academic groupings with world-leading Sport, Engineering & Design
School of Science
Main Campus
School of Engineering (Wolfson School / School of Architecture, Building & Civil Engineering)
Main Campus
School of Business & Economics
Main Campus / London Campus
School of Social Sciences & Humanities / School of Design & Creative Arts / School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences
Main Campus
Investment in Your Future
Indicative fees for international students (2024-2025)
Undergraduate
- science engineering: GBP 27,250β30,500/year
- computer science: GBP 27,250/year
- architecture design: GBP 24,650β27,250/year
- business economics: GBP 22,350β24,650/year
- sport science: GBP 24,650β27,250/year
- arts social sciences: GBP 20,750β22,350/year
Postgraduate
- taught masters science engineering: GBP 27,250β30,500/year
- taught masters business: GBP 27,250β32,000/year
- taught masters design: GBP 24,650β27,250/year
- taught masters social sciences: GBP 20,750β24,650/year
- mba: GBP 35,500 total (12 months)
- research phd: GBP 20,750β27,250/year
Living in Loughborough
- accommodation: GBP 100β175/week (university halls on campus)
- meals: GBP 35β55/week
- health surcharge ihs: GBP 1,035/year (Immigration Health Surcharge)
- transport: GBP 5β15/week (campus is self-contained; town is walkable)
- books supplies: GBP 300β500/year
- personal expenses: GBP 35β60/week
- total living estimate: GBP 9,000β12,000/year (Loughborough is affordable compared to major cities)
Tuition fees are indicative for international students (2024β2025 academic year) and are subject to annual review. Loughborough University operates on a two-semester system (SeptemberβJanuary, JanuaryβJune). Many programmes offer a professional placement year (fees reduced). Loughborough is an affordable student town in the East Midlands. Always verify current fees on the official Loughborough University website.
Funding Your Loughborough Education
From Global Impact Scholarships to Sport & PhD studentships
Global Impact Scholarship
GBP 5,000β7,500 tuition fee reduction per year
Eligibility: Outstanding international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate taught programmes demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and potential to make a positive global impact
Competitive. Separate application required. Renewable annually for undergraduate students subject to academic performance. Available across most schools.
International Scholarship
GBP 2,000β5,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International students with strong academic records receiving an offer for eligible undergraduate or postgraduate taught programmes
Merit-based. Automatic consideration for some awards upon receiving an offer. Higher awards for exceptional qualifications. Check school-specific pages.
Sport Scholarships
GBP 5,000β10,000 + tailored support packages (coaching, facilities, physiotherapy, strength & conditioning)
Eligibility: Elite athletes competing at national/international level in priority sports who are applying to study at Loughborough
Separate application through Performance Sport. Assessed on sporting achievement, potential, and commitment. Loughborough is the UK's leading university for sport.
GREAT Scholarships (Study UK)
GBP 10,000 tuition fee reduction for one-year Master's programmes
Eligibility: Students from eligible countries (check British Council list) applying to specific postgraduate programmes at Loughborough
Funded jointly by UK Government GREAT Britain Campaign and Loughborough University. Separate application required. Limited places annually.
Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
Full tuition fees + living costs + flights + additional allowances for one-year Master's programmes
Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from Chevening-eligible countries with 2+ years work experience and demonstrated leadership
UK Government's global scholarship programme. Applications open AugustβNovember annually. Loughborough is a recognised Chevening partner.
PhD Scholarships & EPSRC DTP
Full tuition fees + maintenance stipend (approx. GBP 18,622/year) for 3.5β4 years
Eligibility: Outstanding international PhD applicants. Loughborough participates in EPSRC DTP (engineering/physical sciences), Midlands4Cities (arts/humanities), and other UKRI partnerships.
Funded by UKRI research councils, Doctoral Training Partnerships, and university. Apply to specific advertised projects. Contact potential supervisors first.
How to Get In
Deadlines: UCAS deadline: 31 January (equal consideration). Some programmes accept late applications if places remain.
- Apply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- A-Level equivalents: typically ABBβAAA depending on programme
- International Baccalaureate: typically 34β37 points with specific Higher Level requirements
- Meet programme-specific subject prerequisites (e.g., Mathematics for Engineering, sciences for Sport Science)
- English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0β7.0 overall depending on programme
- Personal statement demonstrating motivation, academic interest, and relevant experience
- Academic reference from school/college
- Portfolio required for Design, Architecture, and creative programmes
- Interview for some programmes (Design, Architecture)
- Passport copy and evidence of English language qualification
Loughborough is a highly-ranked university with competitive admissions. The Loughborough College pathway provides foundation programmes for students not meeting direct entry requirements. The university accepts a wide range of international qualifications and provides country-specific guidance. Always check the Loughborough admissions pages.
Life at Loughborough
440 acres of world-class facilities on one stunning campus
440-Acre Campus
One of the UK's largest and most beautiful single-site campuses β 440 acres of green parkland with modern buildings, mature trees, a lake, and extensive sports facilities. Everything is on one site, creating a true campus community.
SportsPark
World-class sports facilities including a 50m swimming pool, indoor athletics, fitness centre, multi-sport arenas, outdoor pitches, tennis courts, and the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine. Home to elite athlete training.
Pilkington Library
A major academic library with extensive study spaces, digital resources, specialist collections, group rooms, and 24/7 access. Recently expanded with modern learning environments and creative spaces.
Students' Union (LSU)
Voted the UK's best students' union multiple times β with over 100 societies, 60+ sports clubs, live events, volunteering, student media, enterprise support, and vibrant social spaces.
Engineering & Innovation
State-of-the-art engineering laboratories, the STEMLab, Advanced Technology Innovation Centre, and strong industry partnerships with companies like Rolls-Royce, Caterpillar, and Airbus.
Design School
One of the UK's leading design schools β studios, workshops, 3D printing, digital fabrication, and exhibition spaces for product design, graphic communication, textiles, fine art, and animation.
Accommodation
University halls guaranteed for first-year students β all on campus. Over 5,800 rooms in halls of residence with a range of options from standard to en-suite. A true campus living experience.
Loughborough Town
A friendly, affordable market town in the East Midlands with independent shops, cafΓ©s, green spaces, and good transport links. Nottingham and Leicester are nearby; London is 1.5 hours by train.
Career Outcomes
Research Strengths
Sports Science & Technology
Loughborough is the world leader in sports-related research β from biomechanics and performance technology to sports psychology, coaching science, and exercise medicine. Home to the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine.
Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering
Research in intelligent automation, additive manufacturing, composite materials, automotive engineering, and Industry 4.0 β supported by major EPSRC centres and partnerships with Rolls-Royce, Caterpillar, and Airbus.
Artificial Intelligence & Digital Technologies
Research in AI, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, and digital twin technology β with applications across manufacturing, health, and transport.
Design & Creative Industries
World-leading research in product design, user experience, inclusive design, digital fabrication, and creative technology β driving innovation in how we design and manufacture products.
Sustainability & Clean Energy
Research in renewable energy, sustainable construction, circular economy, transport decarbonisation, and climate adaptation β supporting the UK's net-zero transition through innovation.
Health & Wellbeing
Research spanning physical activity and health, musculoskeletal science, mental health, ageing, and population health β integrating sport science with clinical and public health impact.
International Student Support
Over 3,500 international students from 100+ countries
- International Student Advisory team with dedicated country support
- Pre-departure webinars, country-specific events, and online orientation
- Airport meet-and-greet service (East Midlands Airport, London Heathrow)
- Welcome Week orientation programme for international students
- Foundation and pre-sessional English language programmes
- Academic skills support, personal tutoring, and study skills workshops
- Student Wellbeing & Inclusivity β counselling, disability, mental health
- Careers Network with dedicated international careers guidance and placement support
- Student visa (Student Route) compliance and renewal support
- Study abroad and exchange at global partner universities
- International Student Ambassador programme and peer mentoring
- Multi-faith chaplaincy, prayer rooms, and cultural societies
Your Path to Loughborough
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate Loughborough's schools including Engineering, CS/AI, Business School, Sport Science, Design, and Architecture β identifying the best programme for your background and career goals.
UCAS Strategy
Expert guidance on UCAS applications β personal statement writing, meeting deadlines, portfolio preparation for Design/Architecture, and crafting a compelling application tailored to Loughborough's strengths.
Scholarship Guidance
Support with Global Impact Scholarships, Sport Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, EPSRC PhD studentships, and external funding like Chevening and Commonwealth.
Research & Supervisor Matching
For PhD applicants, we help identify potential supervisors at Loughborough, craft research proposals aligned with strengths in sports technology, manufacturing, AI, design, and sustainability.
Visa & Accommodation
UK Student Route visa guidance, CAS support, Immigration Health Surcharge, on-campus halls applications, and advice on the foundation pathway for students not meeting direct entry.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing, East Midlands Airport and London Heathrow meet-and-greet coordination, bank account setup, GP registration, and ongoing support throughout your time at Loughborough.
Apply to Loughborough
Free expert guidance β no hidden fees
Hear From Loughborough Students
βLoughborough's Computer Science is excellent β strong AI research, fantastic facilities, and the placement opportunities are outstanding. The campus is incredible β everything you need in one place, and the sports facilities are world-class even if you're not an elite athlete.β
βThere's nowhere better in the world to study sport β Loughborough is #1 globally for a reason. The connections to the sports industry, Olympic training facilities, and the campus community are unmatched. It changed my career.β
βThe engineering facilities are outstanding and the placement year with a major manufacturer was transformative. Loughborough's campus life is brilliant β the Students' Union is the UK's best, and the community feeling is unlike any other university.β
Frequently Asked Questions
Loughborough is ranked #212 globally (QS 2025) and consistently in the UK's top 10 (CUG #7, Guardian #10). It's #1 in the world for sports-related subjects for seven consecutive years. Beyond sport, it excels in engineering, business, design, and computer science β with 96% graduate employment and one of the UK's most beautiful campus experiences.
Undergraduate fees range from GBP 20,750β30,500/year (engineering ~GBP 27,250; business ~GBP 22,350β24,650; arts ~GBP 20,750β22,350). Postgraduate taught fees range from GBP 20,750β32,000/year. MBA is GBP 35,500 total. Fees are reduced during placement year. Always verify on the official Loughborough website.
Loughborough offers Global Impact Scholarships (GBP 5,000β7,500/year), International Scholarships (GBP 2,000β5,000), Sport Scholarships (GBP 5,000β10,000 + support), GREAT Scholarships (GBP 10,000), and PhD studentships through EPSRC and other DTPs. Sport Scholarships are unique to Loughborough's elite sport programme.
Requirements vary by programme. Typical: IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each component. Some programmes accept 6.0 overall. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English are also accepted. Pre-sessional courses available for those close to meeting requirements.
Loughborough is #1 in the world for sports-related subjects (QS, 7 consecutive years). It's home to the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, has trained multiple Olympic/Paralympic athletes, and has world-class facilities including a 50m pool, indoor athletics, and elite training programmes.
Loughborough has one of the UK's largest single-site campuses β 440 acres of green parkland with everything on one site: teaching buildings, accommodation, sports facilities, Students' Union, shops, and social spaces. It creates a true community experience that's hard to find at other universities.
Loughborough is a friendly, affordable market town in the East Midlands. It has independent shops, cafΓ©s, green spaces (Queen's Park, Charnwood Forest), and a strong student community. Nottingham and Leicester are nearby for bigger city experiences. London is 1.5 hours by train.
Educational Hub provides free expert guidance including programme selection, UCAS application strategy, personal statement writing, scholarship applications (including sport scholarships), visa guidance, accommodation support, and comprehensive pre-departure briefing. We support you from initial enquiry through to arrival on campus.