International Students Thriving At City, University Of London

City, University of London is a public research university in London, United Kingdom. It has a total of around 21,000 students, out of which 7,500 (35%) are international students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, foundation, postgraduate, short, and professional development courses. The acceptance rate for the university is 12%, making the admissions process quite competitive. The university has a strong alumni network of 140,000 students, including notable figures such as Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Jay Shetty.

Undergraduate admissions requirements

To be considered for an undergraduate degree at City, University of London, applicants must meet the entry requirements for their chosen course. These vary between programmes, with specific requirements for each course, but all entry requirements are based on similar principles.

For undergraduate degrees, applicants must satisfy City's general minimum requirement of passes in two subjects at GCE A-level or equivalent. The university accepts a wide range of equivalent qualifications to A-levels. Applicants must also be accepted by the course admissions tutor.

International students must provide proof of English language proficiency, with minimum requirements including:

• IELTS: 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL iBT: 59 in each component
• Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency: 162 in total, with at least 162 in Writing, 169 in Reading, and 176 in Listening
• Language Cert Academic ESOL: 65% overall, with at least 6.5 in each component
• Language Cert International ESOL: 62% overall, with at least 6.5 in each component
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English: Pass at CEFR Level B2, with at least 18 out of 30 in Writing, 17 out of 23 in Reading, and 16 out of 25 in Listening
• Oxford ELLT – Global and Digital: 162 in total, with at least 162 in Writing, 169 in Reading, and 176 in Listening
• Oxford Test of English: 162 in total, with at least 162 in Writing, 169 in Reading, and 176 in Listening

In addition, international students must meet the following country-specific requirements:

India: Minimum aggregate of 70-80% in high school

It is important to note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as many of City's courses are very competitive.

Postgraduate admissions requirements

City, University of London has a total of 21,000 students, 7,500 of whom are international students.

To be admitted to a postgraduate master's course at City, University of London, applicants should typically hold a university honours degree or an equivalent qualification in an appropriate subject. If you don't hold an honours degree or equivalent but have suitable experience and/or professional qualifications, you may still be accepted for a master's degree or postgraduate diploma at the discretion of the relevant department.

Before registration, you will need to submit original certificates or certified copies of your relevant degrees and other qualifications.

English Language Requirements

If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or have previously completed a university degree (or equivalent) in one, you will not need to prove your knowledge of English to apply for a course at City. The government provides a list of recognised majority English-speaking countries.

Otherwise, City accepts the following as minimum English requirements for entry:

• IELTS UKVI, Academic and Online. Results from the One Skill Retake exam are also accepted, but IELTS General results are not. A minimum of 59 is required in all four subtests if you require Student Visa sponsorship.
• TOEFL iBT in-person and Home Edition tests. MyBest scores are not accepted.
• Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency
• Language Cert Academic ESOL
• Language Cert International ESOL
• Trinity College London
• Oxford ELLT – Global and Digital
• Oxford Test of English (OTE)
• Skills for English SELT

The test needs to have been taken no longer than two years from the date that the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is generated.

International Qualification Equivalences

City, University of London accepts a range of international qualifications for entry. The following are City's equivalences to UK honours degrees for postgraduate entry requirements:

• Australia: Bachelor degree with honours from an Australian university or a four-year bachelor degree from an Australian university.
• Canada: Four-year bachelor degree from a recognised university.
• India: Four-year bachelor degree or a percentage of 55% or higher in a three-year bachelor degree from a recognised university.
• Nigeria: Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised university.
• United States: Bachelor degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.

These are just a few examples of the international qualification equivalences recognised by City, University of London. For a full list, please refer to the university's website.

English language proficiency requirements

City, University of London is a diverse institution, with 35% of its student population (approximately 7,500 students) coming from international locations. The university has a range of English language proficiency requirements for non-native speakers, depending on the course and level of study.

Undergraduate Courses

For undergraduate courses, City, University of London requires applicants to meet the minimum English language requirements. If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or have previously completed a university degree in one, you are exempt from proving your English proficiency. The university recognises the list of majority English-speaking countries provided by the government.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you must provide evidence of your English language proficiency by achieving a minimum standard in a recognised English language test. The tests recognised by the university include:

• IELTS UKVI, Academic and Online (excluding IELTS General results)
• TOEFL iBT in-person and Home Edition tests (excluding MyBest scores)
• Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency
• Language Cert Academic ESOL and International ESOL
• Trinity College London
• Oxford ELLT – Global and Digital
• Oxford Test of English (OTE)
• Skills for English SELT

The test must have been taken within two years from the date the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is generated. The required minimum scores vary depending on the course, so it is essential to check the specific course requirements.

Postgraduate Courses

For postgraduate courses, the English language requirements may differ depending on the programme. It is essential to refer to the Entry Requirements section on the course page for detailed information.

MBA Admissions

For admissions to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, international students are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency through accepted tests. The university recognises the following tests and scores:

• IELTS: 6.5 and above
• TOEFL: 69 and above

MS Admissions

Similarly, for admissions to the Master of Science (MS) programme, international students need to demonstrate English language proficiency. The university accepts the following tests and scores:

IELTS: 6.5 and above

Additional Notes

It is important to note that the English language requirements provided are minimum standards, and some courses may have higher English language requirements for entry. Therefore, it is crucial to refer to the specific course pages for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Additionally, City, University of London offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and loans to international students, including those specific to undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Application process

The application process for international students at City, University of London can be broken down into the following steps:

Step 1: Choose your course

Firstly, you will need to decide on the course you want to apply for. City, University of London offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as short courses and professional development opportunities. The university has six schools, around 40 academic departments, and centres, including the Bayes Business School and the City Law School.

Step 2: Check entry requirements

Once you have chosen your course, you will need to check the specific entry requirements. These vary between programmes, but all are based on similar principles. For undergraduate degrees, you will usually need passes in two subjects at GCE A-level or equivalent. Postgraduate master's courses typically require a university honours degree or equivalent qualification in an appropriate subject.

International students will also need to meet English language requirements. If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or have previously completed a degree in one, you may not need to prove your English proficiency. Otherwise, the university accepts a range of English language tests, including IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency, and Language Cert Academic ESOL.

Step 3: Submit your application

Undergraduate applications are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). You will need to register on the UCAS website, fill in your personal, education, and employment details, provide a reference, and write a personal statement. The UCAS fee for a single course choice is GBP 22.50, and for multiple choices, it is GBP 27.

For postgraduate programmes, you will need to apply directly through the course page on the university's website. Here, you will find all the details of the course, including entry requirements, fees, and funding options. You can then visit the 'Apply' section to upload your documents and submit your application.

Step 4: Await the outcome

After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation. The admissions team will then review your application, and you will be notified of the outcome within a few weeks.

Step 5: Accept your offer

If you receive an offer, you will need to log in to your UCAS Track account (for undergraduate courses) or your online application account (for postgraduate courses) and accept the offer within the specified deadline. You will also need to pay a deposit of GBP 2,000 to secure your place.

Step 6: Apply for your student visa

As an international student, you will typically need to apply for a student visa to study in the UK. You will require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from the university, which will be issued after you accept your offer and pay the deposit. You will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency, show that you can support yourself financially, and provide your academic qualifications.

Step 7: Prepare for your arrival

Before travelling to the UK, there are a few more things to organise. You will need to book your accommodation, arrange travel insurance, pack, and register for orientation and induction events.

Scholarships for international students

City, University of London, which was formed by the merger of City University and St George's, University of London, has a large international student population. Out of its total population of 21,000 students, 7562 are international students. The university offers a range of scholarships for international students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

President's International Scholarship

The President's International Scholarship is available for international students starting an undergraduate course at City, University of London, in September 2024. This scholarship is worth 50% of the course fee for the first year only and is designed to recognise and reward exceptional academic performance. To be eligible, students must be self-funded, either through their own finances or with financial help from family or friends. Additionally, students must be expecting to pay overseas fees and be in their first year of undergraduate study. The application process involves three stages, including demonstrating academic merit and providing a written statement on how they plan to contribute to the wider City community.

School of Health & Psychological Sciences International Excellence Scholarship (IES)

The School of Health & Psychological Sciences at City, University of London, offers International Excellence Scholarships ranging from £1,000 to £5,000. These scholarships are available for outstanding international students applying for selected post-registration MSc programmes within the school. To be eligible, applicants must have an offer of a full-time place on one of the MSc programmes and be self-funded, without receiving any other scholarships. The scholarships are awarded based on academic or clinical/professional excellence.

Computer Science and Engineering Scholarship (International Applicants)

The Computer Science and Engineering Scholarship is available for outstanding international postgraduate students applying for a course in Computer Science or Engineering at City, University of London. The scholarship is worth £2,000 and is intended to assist with tuition fees. Applicants must hold or be expected to achieve a degree classification higher than the minimum entry requirement for the programme. Assessments will be based on the applicant's motivation for applying for the Master's programme and their professional vision, as demonstrated in the personal statement and supporting documents.

In addition to the scholarships mentioned above, City, University of London, also offers other scholarships for international students, such as the Alex McVitty Memorial Award, Andrew Lloyd Webber International Scholarship, Aziz Foundation Scholarships for PG Journalism, Bayes Business School International Scholarship, and British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM. These scholarships provide financial support and recognition for exceptional international students, making City, University of London, a competitive choice for higher education.

Frequently asked questions