International Students Thriving At Bristol University

The University of Bristol is a diverse and inclusive place to study, with over 28% of its 30,000 students being international, representing more than 150 countries. The University welcomes applications from international students and offers a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study. The University also offers scholarships and support services specifically for international students, including the International Foundation Programme, which prepares international students for degree programmes through tailored English language and academic subject units.

International student application process

The University of Bristol is a diverse and welcoming place to study, with over 28% of its 30,000 students coming from outside the UK, representing more than 150 countries. The university offers more than 600 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as foundation programmes, short-term study options, and summer schools.

The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study. The application process for international students varies depending on the student's country of origin and the course they are applying for. Here is a general overview of the application process for international students:

• Entry Requirements: Entry requirements vary for each course and country. Prospective students should refer to the undergraduate or postgraduate course listings for specific requirements. Some countries' degrees or awarding universities must be accredited for postgraduate study applications.
• Application Platform: International students can apply to study at the University of Bristol through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The UCAS code for the University of Bristol is BRISL B78. The application deadline for undergraduate courses is typically 31 January, with a final deadline of 30 June. Medicine, dentistry, and veterinary courses have an earlier deadline of 16 October.
• Foundation Programmes: For the International Foundation Programme, students apply directly to the University of Bristol, not through UCAS.
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS): International students who require a visa and will be studying specific undergraduate science and engineering courses at the master's level (MEng or MSci) may need an ATAS certificate before applying for their visa. Early applications are recommended, as processing times can vary.
• Visa and Accommodation: The University of Bristol provides support and guidance for international students regarding student visas and university accommodation.
• Scholarships: The University of Bristol offers various scholarship opportunities for international students, including the Think Big programme.
• Country-Specific Information: The university provides country-specific information on its website, covering typical entry requirements, scholarships, and education representatives. If a student's country or qualification is not listed, they can contact the university for advice.
• Support for Students with Disabilities: The University of Bristol encourages students with disabilities to contact Disability Services early in the application process to receive confidential advice and support.

International student scholarships

The University of Bristol is a diverse and inclusive institution, welcoming students from all over the world. With over 28% of its students coming from international communities, the university offers a plethora of scholarship opportunities to support and encourage students in their academic pursuits.

Think Big Scholarship Programme

The Think Big Scholarship Programme is the University of Bristol's flagship scholarship scheme. For students joining in 2025, the university has invested up to £6 million in scholarships to aid international students in funding their UK studies. Undergraduate scholarships range from £6,500 to £13,000 per year, while postgraduate scholarships are valued at £6,500, £13,000, and £26,000 per year of study. The Think Big Career Accelerator is a new addition for postgraduate students, offering a £3,000 scholarship and an employability programme to enhance career prospects.

Global Transfer Bursary

The Global Transfer Bursary is a funding opportunity exclusive to students from partner universities who apply through the Global Transfer Programme. This bursary is intended to support living costs while studying at the University of Bristol, with £3,000 bursaries available.

Subject-specific scholarships

The University of Bristol also offers subject-specific international scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships vary by level of study and are subject to annual changes.

Additional scholarships

In collaboration with prestigious external scholarship partners, the university provides a range of scholarships for students from specific regions, including the GREAT Scholarship for Vietnam and Indonesia.

The University of Bristol is committed to supporting international students and offers a comprehensive range of scholarships to make its diverse and inclusive community accessible to students worldwide.

Student accommodation

The University of Bristol guarantees accommodation for new undergraduate students who have firmly accepted a place to study at the university and apply for accommodation in the first round of applications. The university has a wide range of accommodation options available, including catered and self-catered rooms, adapted and accessible rooms, and various residential villages.

Residential Villages

The University of Bristol has several residential villages, including the North Residential Village, East Residential Village, and West Residential Village. These villages offer a unique student experience and provide pastoral support and 24-hour security. Students can get involved in various activities, such as green initiatives, drama and music productions, and sporting activities, and enjoy a rich social calendar.

Catered and Self-Catered Options

The university offers both catered and self-catered accommodation options. Catered accommodation provides the convenience of meals being provided, while self-catered accommodation allows students to prepare their own meals.

Adapted and Accessible Rooms

The University of Bristol prioritises inclusivity and accessibility by offering adapted and accessible rooms to suit individual needs. Students with disabilities, medical conditions, or additional living requirements are asked to declare them in their accommodation application to ensure they are allocated an appropriate room.

Private Accommodation

In addition to university-managed accommodation, students can also explore private accommodation options in Bristol. The university provides information and resources to assist students in finding suitable private rentals in the city. This option may be preferable for students who wish to live independently or those who were unable to secure university accommodation.

Applying for Accommodation

The University of Bristol has an accommodation application process, with specific deadlines and requirements. Students are encouraged to refer to the university's website for detailed information on how to apply for accommodation, important dates, and any guarantees or offers related to accommodation.

Student visas

The University of Bristol is a diverse place to study, with over 28% of its 30,000 students coming from more than 150 countries worldwide. The university offers support for prospective and current international students through its Student Visa Advisers. The advisers help students understand and meet the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements and rules.

International students coming to the UK to study full-time must apply for a student visa. The University of Bristol's Student Visas team provides information about Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) numbers and student visas. The admissions team will generate a student's CAS number when they have:

• Accepted their offer online
• Submitted documentation that proves they have met the conditions of their offer in the 'Evidence for Conditions' section of their online application
• Uploaded a colour scan of their passport in the 'Post submission uploads' section of their online application
• Paid a deposit (unless their studies are fully funded by sponsorship)

Once all the above requirements have been met, the admissions team aims to generate a CAS for the student within a week. With this, the student can apply for their visa.

Students should be aware of fraudsters pretending to be from legitimate organisations, such as UKVI, who may telephone students to demand money. UKVI will never contact students by telephone to ask for money.

Students applying for a visa from within the UK should be aware that they need to apply for a student visa if they wish to study on a full-time course of more than six months. Student visas are granted for specific courses at specific institutions, and any change may require a fresh visa application.

Student life and support

The University of Bristol is a diverse and friendly place to study, with over 28% of its 30,000 undergraduates and postgraduates being international students, representing more than 150 countries. The university is located in the heart of Bristol, a city known for its excitement and creativity, with people from 187 nationalities speaking 91 different languages. The Global Lounge at the university is a multicultural hub that organises social events and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

The Students' Union (Bristol SU) is at the heart of student life, supporting over 350 student-run clubs and societies, including more than 50 country-specific and religious societies. The university also prioritises the health and wellbeing of its students, offering free mental health and wellbeing services, including counselling and support for students with disabilities.

Bristol SU provides a range of support services to ensure students can make the most of their time at the university. This includes helping students stay healthy and safe, with support for international students facing the challenges of studying abroad. The university's central location means students can easily access everything the city has to offer, from outstanding facilities to cultural experiences.

The university offers a comprehensive choice of over 600 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as foundation programmes, short-term study options, and summer schools. The content of these courses is built around world-leading research, with Bristol ranked 5th in the UK for research. This focus on research ensures that students are exposed to innovative ideas and learn from expert academics at the forefront of their fields.

The Careers Service at the University of Bristol is dedicated to supporting students during their studies and for up to three years after graduation. The university is committed to helping students secure employment, with Bristol graduates highly sought after by employers in the UK and overseas.

Frequently asked questions