Study at the University of Bristol
Join one of the UK's leading research universities, recognised worldwide for academic excellence, innovation, engineering, medicine, business, artificial intelligence, and global impact.
Academic Excellence, Global Impact
The University of Bristol, founded in 1876 and granted its Royal Charter in 1909, is one of the United Kingdom's most prestigious research-intensive universities. A founding member of the Russell Group and consistently ranked among the world's top 60 universities, Bristol is celebrated for its academic rigour, research excellence, and outstanding graduate outcomes.
With over 30,000 students including a vibrant international community from 150+ countries, Bristol offers an exceptional learning environment across six faculties spanning arts, engineering, health sciences, life sciences, science, and social sciences & law. The university is particularly renowned for its strengths in engineering, computer science, veterinary science, and earth sciences.
Set in the historic and culturally rich city of Bristol — named the UK's best city to live in multiple times — the university combines a stunning heritage campus centred around the iconic Wills Memorial Building with cutting-edge facilities including the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. Bristol's thriving creative, tech, and aerospace industries provide students with exceptional career opportunities.
Academic Programmes
6 faculties offering world-class programmes across engineering, science, health & more
Faculty of Engineering
Clifton/Temple Quarter
Faculty of Science
Clifton
Faculty of Health Sciences
Clifton/Southmead
Faculty of Life Sciences
Clifton/Langford
Faculty of Arts
Clifton
Faculty of Social Sciences & Law
Clifton
Investment in Your Future
Indicative fees for international students (2024–2025)
Undergraduate
- engineering computer science: GBP 29,300–32,000/year
- science mathematics: GBP 28,300–30,500/year
- medicine dentistry: GBP 43,000–46,300/year
- veterinary science: GBP 32,000–35,000/year
- arts humanities: GBP 24,700–26,500/year
- social sciences law: GBP 24,700–28,300/year
- business economics: GBP 26,500–28,300/year
Postgraduate
- taught masters arts: GBP 24,700–27,500/year
- taught masters science engineering: GBP 28,300–32,000/year
- mba: GBP 38,000–42,000 total
- research phd arts: GBP 22,200–25,000/year
- research phd science engineering: GBP 26,500–30,500/year
- clinical doctorate: GBP 43,000–46,300/year
Living in Bristol
- accommodation: GBP 140–250/week (university halls or private housing)
- meals: GBP 50–80/week
- health surcharge ihs: GBP 1,035/year (Immigration Health Surcharge for visa holders)
- transport: GBP 20–40/week (First Bus passes, cycling is popular)
- books supplies: GBP 400–600/year
- personal expenses: GBP 50–100/week
- total living estimate: GBP 12,000–15,000/year
Tuition fees are indicative for international students (2024–2025 academic year) and are subject to annual review. Additional programme-specific costs (lab coats, equipment, field trips) may apply. Bristol operates on a two-semester system. Always verify current fees on the University of Bristol website.
Funding Your Bristol Education
From Think Big Scholarships to fully funded PhD positions
Think Big Scholarships
GBP 6,500–26,000 tuition fee reduction (undergraduate) or GBP 6,500–13,000 (postgraduate taught)
Eligibility: International students receiving an offer for an undergraduate or postgraduate taught programme at Bristol who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and ambition
Bristol's flagship international scholarship. Highly competitive. Requires a separate application with personal statement and video. Multiple tiers available. Deadline typically in March.
Bristol International Scholarships (Postgraduate Research)
Full tuition fee waiver + living stipend for PhD students
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants for PhD programmes across all faculties with exceptional academic and research records
University-funded. Extremely competitive. Applicants must hold an offer and be nominated by their department. Covers 3–4 years of study.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship
GBP 15,000 tuition fee reduction per year (undergraduate)
Eligibility: Exceptional international students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular accomplishment
One of Bristol's most prestigious scholarships. Very limited places. Requires strong application demonstrating impact beyond academics.
Faculty-Specific Scholarships
GBP 5,000–15,000 tuition fee reduction (varies by faculty and programme)
Eligibility: International students admitted to specific faculties — Engineering, Science, Arts, and Social Sciences all offer targeted awards
Various faculty-level awards. Some require separate application; others are automatic based on academic performance at offer stage.
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 leadership potential, 2+ years work experience, and an unconditional offer from Bristol
UK Government's global scholarship programme. Bristol is a popular Chevening destination. Highly competitive. Applications open August–November.
Commonwealth Scholarships (CSC)
Full tuition fees + living allowance + flights for Master's and PhD programmes
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries with strong academic records applying to eligible programmes at Bristol
Funded by the UK Government via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Separate application through home country nominating body.
How to Get In
Deadlines: UCAS deadline: 31 January (equal consideration). Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary: 15 October. Some programmes accept late applications if places remain. International Foundation: rolling admissions.
- Apply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- A-Level equivalents: typically AAA–A*A*A depending on programme (Bristol sets high entry requirements)
- International Baccalaureate: typically 36–40 points with specific Higher Level requirements
- Meet programme-specific subject prerequisites (e.g., Mathematics, Sciences for STEM)
- English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5–7.5 depending on programme (Profile B–E system)
- Personal statement demonstrating motivation, relevant experience, and academic interest
- Academic reference from school/college
- UCAT (Medicine, Dentistry), interview for clinical programmes
- Portfolio (some Art/Design programmes)
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for programmes with clinical/school placements
Bristol is highly selective with typical offer rates around 70% for international applicants. The university uses a contextual admissions approach. Foundation programmes (through Bristol partnerships) are available for students not meeting direct entry. Requirements vary significantly by programme. Always check the Bristol admissions website for specific requirements.
Life at Bristol
Historic campus in one of the UK's most vibrant cities
Wills Memorial Building
Bristol's iconic neo-Gothic tower — the university's most recognisable landmark, housing the Faculty of Law and hosting graduation ceremonies in the magnificent Great Hall.
Clifton Campus
The main campus spread across the beautiful Clifton area — elegant Georgian architecture, leafy streets, independent cafés, and stunning views over the Avon Gorge.
Libraries & Study Spaces
The Arts & Social Sciences Library, Wills Memorial Library, and multiple faculty libraries offer extensive 24/7 study spaces, special collections, and digital resources.
Student Clubs & Societies
Over 400 student-led clubs and societies through the Students' Union — from academic and cultural groups to sports, volunteering, media, and performing arts.
Sports & Fitness
Indoor Sports Centre, outdoor pitches, the Richmond Building gym, climbing wall, swimming pool, and 70+ competitive sports clubs. BUCS championship successes.
Accommodation
Guaranteed first-year accommodation in university halls across Stoke Bishop and city centre locations. Options range from traditional catered halls to modern self-catered flats.
City of Bristol
A UNESCO City of Film, famed for street art (Banksy), independent culture, historic harbour, thriving music scene, aerospace industry, and consistently ranked the UK's best city to live.
Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus
Bristol's transformative new campus (opening in phases) — a cutting-edge innovation district near Temple Meads station featuring digital, business, and enterprise facilities.
Career Outcomes
Research Strengths
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
Bristol's AI and Robotics Laboratory is world-leading. Research spans machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, swarm robotics, and soft robotics with strong industry partnerships.
Aerospace & Advanced Engineering
Leveraging Bristol's position as the UK's aerospace capital (Airbus, Rolls-Royce), the university leads research in composites, autonomous systems, and next-generation aircraft design.
Quantum Technologies
Bristol's Quantum Engineering Technology Labs (QETLabs) are at the forefront of quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing — one of the UK's quantum technology hubs.
Climate & Environmental Science
The Cabot Institute for the Environment drives world-class research in climate modelling, sustainable cities, food security, and natural hazards, influencing global policy.
Biomedical & Health Sciences
Leading research in infectious disease, cancer, cardiovascular health, mental health, and population health through partnerships with NHS trusts and the Bristol Biomedical Research Centre.
Veterinary Science
Ranked #14 globally (QS), Bristol's veterinary research covers animal welfare, One Health, comparative medicine, and livestock science at the Langford campus.
International Student Support
Over 7,000 international students from 150+ countries
- International Office dedicated support team
- Pre-departure webinars and comprehensive welcome guide
- Airport meet-and-greet service (Bristol and London Heathrow)
- International Welcome Week orientation programme
- English language development (pre-sessional and in-sessional courses)
- Academic skills support and peer mentoring
- Student counselling, wellbeing, and disability services
- Bristol Careers Service — dedicated international student support
- Student visa (Tier 4/Student Route) compliance and renewal guidance
- Bristol Global Lounge — dedicated international student social space
- Global Opportunities — study abroad and exchange with 300+ partner universities
- International Student Advisory Service (ISAS) for immigration and practical matters
Your Path to Bristol
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate Bristol's 6 faculties and extensive programme offerings, identify the best fit for your qualifications, and advise on entry requirements including A-Level equivalents.
UCAS & Application Strategy
Expert guidance on UCAS applications — personal statement writing, reference advice, predicted grades, and meeting the January (or October for Medicine) deadline with a compelling application.
Scholarship Guidance
Support with Think Big Scholarship applications (video and personal statement), Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, faculty-specific awards, and external funding like Chevening and Commonwealth.
Research & Supervisor Matching
For PhD applicants, we help identify potential supervisors at Bristol, craft research proposals aligned with strengths in AI, quantum, aerospace, and biomedical science.
Visa & Accommodation
UK Student Route visa guidance, CAS support, Immigration Health Surcharge, university halls applications, and advice on private housing in Clifton, Redland, and Stoke Bishop.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing, airport meet-and-greet coordination, bank account guidance, GP registration, and ongoing support throughout your time at Bristol.
Apply to Bristol
Free expert guidance — no hidden fees
Hear From Bristol Students
“Bristol's CS department is incredible — the teaching is rigorous, the research opportunities are world-class, and the city itself is vibrant and welcoming. The Think Big Scholarship made my dream possible.”
“Studying aerospace in Bristol — the UK's aerospace capital — gives you direct access to Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and cutting-edge research. The industry connections are unmatched anywhere else.”
“Bristol's QETLabs is one of the world's top quantum research centres. My fully funded PhD here has given me access to facilities and collaborators I couldn't find anywhere else in Europe.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Bristol is ranked #54 globally (QS 2025) and is a Russell Group member with particular strengths in engineering, computer science, veterinary science (#14 globally), earth sciences, and health sciences. Its location in one of the UK's most liveable cities, strong industry connections (aerospace, tech, creative), and excellent graduate outcomes make it a top choice.
Undergraduate fees range from GBP 24,700–46,300/year depending on programme (engineering: ~GBP 29,300–32,000; arts: ~GBP 24,700–26,500; medicine: ~GBP 43,000–46,300). Postgraduate taught fees range from GBP 24,700–32,000/year. PhD fees are GBP 22,200–30,500/year. Fees are reviewed annually.
Bristol offers Think Big Scholarships (GBP 6,500–26,000 UG or GBP 6,500–13,000 PGT), Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship (GBP 15,000/year UG), Faculty scholarships, and fully funded PhD positions. External scholarships include Chevening and Commonwealth. Most require a separate application.
Bristol uses a Profile system (B–E). Standard Profile B requires IELTS 7.0 overall (6.5 in each). Profile C: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each). Profiles D and E apply to specific programmes. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English are also accepted. Pre-sessional courses available.
First-year international students are guaranteed university accommodation if they apply by the deadline. Options include catered halls in Stoke Bishop (traditional, social) and self-catered flats/studios across the city. Costs range from GBP 140–250/week. Private housing is also available in areas like Clifton, Redland, and Cotham.
Bristol is regularly voted the UK's best city to live. Known for street art (Banksy's hometown), independent culture, historic harbour, thriving music and food scenes, aerospace and tech industries, and excellent transport links. It's a mid-sized, walkable city with lower living costs than London and a strong sense of community.
Educational Hub provides free expert guidance including programme selection, UCAS application support, personal statement writing, Think Big Scholarship application assistance, interview preparation, visa guidance, accommodation support, and pre-departure briefing. We support you from initial enquiry to arrival in Bristol.
94% of Bristol graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months. Bristol's careers service is one of the UK's best, with strong employer connections across aerospace (Airbus, Rolls-Royce), tech (HP, Oracle, many startups), finance, law, and the creative industries. The city's thriving economy provides exceptional local opportunities.