Bristol University's Student Population: How Many Are There?

The University of Bristol is one of the most popular and successful universities in the UK, with more than 25,000 students and a ranking of 54th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The university has an international reputation for high-quality education and research, with 90% of its research assessed as either 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the REF 2021. It combines academic excellence with an independent, forward-thinking spirit and encourages independent thinking in its students, with many courses including optional units, project work and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The University of Bristol has over 32,000 students

The University of Bristol is a highly reputable academic institution, currently hosting over 32,000 students from various cultural backgrounds. With a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1876, the university has established itself as a leading research-intensive institution. Ranked 54th in the world by the QS World University Rankings in 2025, the university boasts a diverse and inclusive community, with approximately 32% of its students coming from international backgrounds.

The university's commitment to academic excellence is evident through its encouragement of independent thinking. This is fostered by the inclusion of optional units, project work, and interdisciplinary collaboration within its curriculum. Bristol's academic prowess is further enhanced by its world-class facilities, ranging from ultra-modern laboratories to historic libraries, all located in the heart of the vibrant city of Bristol.

The University of Bristol offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, providing students with a multitude of course combinations to choose from. This includes over 600 undergraduate and postgraduate options, ensuring that students can pursue their academic interests and passions. The university also recognises the importance of employability and life skills, offering courses that include placement or internship opportunities, as well as overseas programmes.

In addition to its academic focus, the University of Bristol prioritises the well-being and support of its diverse student body. It provides a range of services, such as medical care at the Students' Health Service, the Student Counselling Service, and the Multifaith Chaplaincy. The university also invests in scholarships, having allocated £3.5 million for international students in 2025. Bristol's accommodation options are designed to foster a sense of community, with residences grouped into four areas of the city: Stoke Bishop in the north, Clifton in the west, Bedminster in the south, and the city centre.

The University of Bristol's reputation, academic offerings, and commitment to student support have attracted students from over 140 countries, making it a truly global institution. With its combination of academic excellence and a welcoming environment, the university continues to be a top choice for those seeking a world-class education.

32% of students at the University of Bristol are international

The University of Bristol is a red brick Russell Group research university in Bristol, England. It is one of the largest independent employers in Bristol, although it enrols fewer students than the nearby University of the West of England. The university is organised into six academic faculties, offering over 200 undergraduate courses, largely in the Tyndalls Park area of the city.

In the 2016-17 academic year, the University of Bristol had a domicile breakdown of 78:5:17 of UK:EU:non-EU students, respectively. This means that 32% of students are international, with 17% coming from outside the EU. The university also holds an Erasmus Charter, sending more than 500 students per year to partner institutions in Europe.

The University of Bristol is committed to providing for the local community. A new admissions policy specifically caters to the "BS" postcode area of Bristol. The university also has plans to build a £300 million Temple Quarter Campus for approximately 5,000 students, next to Bristol Temple Meads railway station within the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone.

The University of Bristol is ranked 54th in the world

The University of Bristol is a member of the Russell Group, a group of research-intensive British universities. It was founded in 1876 and was the first higher education institution in England to admit women on an equal basis to men. The university has a global reputation for world-leading research and academic excellence and is known for its pioneering, independent spirit. With over 30,000 undergraduates and postgraduates, Bristol is one of the largest independent employers in the city of Bristol.

The QS World University Rankings analysed over 5,600 universities and included the top 1,503 institutions in their rankings. Bristol was found to be in the top 3.6% of universities worldwide. The ranking is based on nine criteria, including the impact of academic research and reputation among peers. This year, Bristol made significant improvements in the 'Sustainability' and 'International Research Network' categories.

The University of Bristol is organised into six academic faculties, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The faculties include Engineering, Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Law, and Arts and Humanities. The university attracts students from around the world, with approximately 28% of its students being international, representing over 150 countries.

In addition to its academic reputation, Bristol has a rich history and is known for its beautiful and vibrant city location. The university is integrated into the city of Bristol, offering a unique blend of historic and modern architecture. The Wills Memorial Building, for example, is a Grade II* listed building that houses parts of the academic provision for earth sciences and law.

The University of Bristol is part of the Russell Group

The University of Bristol is one of the 24 members of the Russell Group, an association of public research universities in the UK. The group was established in 1994 by 17 British research universities, with the University of Bristol being one of the founding members. The group is named after the location of the first informal meetings, which took place at the Hotel Russell in Russell Square, London.

The Russell Group universities are often regarded as the UK's best universities, although this perception has been disputed. The group's members are known for their focus on research and influence in policy. They are also known for their academic selectivity, with Bristol having the 8th highest average entry qualification for undergraduates in the UK in 2015. The University of Bristol is internationally renowned for its outstanding teaching and research, superb facilities, and talented students and staff.

As a research-intensive university, the University of Bristol supports both individual and interdisciplinary research. In the UK-wide assessment of research quality in universities (REF 2014), 36% of its research was rated as world-leading, and 47% was rated internationally excellent. The university works with partners in over 40 countries on research that covers a wide range of topics, including health, poverty alleviation, natural hazard preparation, and technological innovation.

The University of Bristol offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and has a diverse student body, with approximately 20% of staff and 25% of students from outside the UK. It has over 20,000 undergraduate students and more than 7,000 postgraduate students, making it one of the largest employers in the local area.

The University of Bristol has a reputation for academic excellence

Bristol's academic excellence is reflected in its consistent ranking within the top 100 universities globally and the UK top ten for both research and teaching excellence. The university's research-led approach ensures that degree content and delivery are influenced by its world-leading research. This approach has led to innovations in areas such as cot death prevention and nanotechnology. The university also boasts an impressive alumni network, including Nobel Prize winners and renowned experts in their fields.

The University of Bristol is a member of the Russell Group, a group of research-intensive UK universities, reinforcing its reputation for academic excellence. Bristol's six academic faculties offer a comprehensive range of courses, encouraging independent thinking through optional units, project work, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university's world-class facilities, including ultra-modern laboratories and historic libraries, provide an exceptional learning environment.

Located in the heart of Bristol, a vibrant and creative city, the university offers a welcoming and diverse community for its students. With a commitment to sustainability and equality, the University of Bristol continues to build on its reputation for academic excellence, creating valuable opportunities for its students and contributing to positive real-world advances.

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