Overview

The University of Bristol is ranked 55th globally and 9th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024), contributing to its international reputation for world-class education. With over 30,000 students, around 28 percent of its students are from outside the UK, making international students an integral part of Bristol's global community.

　　Ranked joint 7th in the UK for graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022) Bristol's graduates are highly regarded by employers in the UK and overseas. The university's dedicated support means students graduate with the confidence, skills and experience they need to succeed in their future career.

　　As a member of the Russell Group and the Worldwide Universities Network, the University of Bristol takes great pride in its research, working to provide innovative solutions to some of the toughest issues facing society, from climate change to human rights. The university was ranked in the top five in the UK for research in the Times Higher Education analysis of the Research Excellence Framework 2021, and has 26 subjects highly ranked in the world's top 100 (QS World Subject Rankings 2022).

　　There is plenty to do away from lectures, too, with an active students' union running over 350 clubs and societies. The city of Bristol is regularly named one of the UK's best cities to live in. With a diverse population, vibrant culture and friendly neighbourhoods – home to people from more than 187 countries, speaking 91 languages – Bristol is a great place to be a student.

　　

Graduate outcomes

A University of Bristol degree is well regarded worldwide, and graduates are highly employable. Bristol ranks 7th in the UK for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022).

　　The careers service at Bristol offers students advice and guidance to help them to get to where they want to be after graduating. The university provides support with CVs, applications and interviews, as well as employer presentations, internship schemes and careers fairs. This support continues for three years after graduation. Students can also work towards the industry-recognised Bristol PLUS Award.

　　Bristol students can also access MyOpportunities, a portal that empowers students to explore opportunities outside of their formal curriculum. From volunteering to internships abroad to hackathons, this resource offers students a wide range of activities to enhance their university experience.

　　To help students gain valuable employability skills, many undergraduate courses offer students the option of undertaking a period in industry or studying abroad as part of their degree.

　　

What's new

Bristol was recently named one of the world's most international institutions. The 2023 THE rankings placed the university as the 45th most international in the world.

　　The university invests significant amounts into ongoing campus development. Around GBP 700 million has been committed to ambitious projects that will transform Bristol's campuses, buildings and facilities. Work has begun on the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. The project will provide teaching, research and innovation space for staff, students and external partners, as well as on-site student accommodation.

　　Other recent developments include opening the Global Lounge at the heart of campus – a place for all students to connect, learn about other cultures and find out about global opportunities. Regular Global Lounge events allow UK and international students to share experiences, integrate and be inspired to become global citizens.

　　

Finances

Scholarships & funding

The University of Bristol is committed to helping talented international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level to finance their studies. In 2024, the university will invest GBP 3 million to help the brightest and best international students come to Bristol.

　　Bristol's Think Big Scholarships are available to undergraduate and postgraduate students and are valued at up to GBP 26,000 per year.

　　The university offers additional awards and scholarships in partnership with national governments, alumni associations and industry partners. In addition to these awards, international students may be eligible for funding from their home country or for studying specific subjects.

　　There are no restrictions on nationality or course for PhD funding, provided the university can offer supervision for the topic being researched. A limited number of studentships are available for each area of study.

　　

Eligibility

Academic requirements

The University of Bristol invites applications from the brightest of international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications. Entry requirements vary by course.

　　The university's country-specific guidance gives further information on qualification equivalences, scholarships and education representatives in different regions.

　　Students should apply through UCAS for undergraduate courses, or through the university's online application system for postgraduate programmes.

　　

English language requirements

International applicants must have a good standard of English to study at Bristol. Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. Requirements vary, depending on students' country of origin and chosen course. Applicants are advised to check their course listing for details of specific requirements.

　　

Campus and facilities

The University of Bristol is designed with students in mind, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and continual investments into the institution, giving students access to the very best buildings, technology and resources. Purpose-built study centres, including 24-hour libraries, expansive laboratories and specialist equipment, are available to help students thrive.

　　The university is home to an extensive range of sports facilities on campus, including a swimming pool, large multipurpose sports hall and well-equipped gym. Near the campus students can also access grass and artificial pitches, an indoor tennis centre and Olympic-level weightlifting facilities.

　　Students at Bristol can be a part of over 70 different sports clubs at the university, as well as competing in leagues against other institutions. The Performance Sport programme can help student athletes balance success across both sports and academia.

　　There are undergraduate and postgraduate accommodation places available for students across Bristol's three university residential villages. Living options for all tastes and lifestyles are available, ranging from modern city-centre residences to Georgian townhouses.

　　

Student support

The university provides a range of support services to help international students feel part of the community from the moment they arrive in Bristol.

　　The Global Lounge is a great place to meet other students, and staff can offer support with finding accommodation and opening bank accounts.

　　The university's visa team is always on hand to offer support with visa applications and queries, before and after arriving in Bristol.

　　There is a range of academic support available to international students, including regular additional language development and study skills sessions. Peer support schemes aid learning, with older years facilitating sessions with first years. Most students are allocated an academic personal tutor or supervisor who meets with them regularly to monitor their progress.

　　At Bristol, there is always someone to talk to. A range of support services, such as student wellbeing advisers, student counselling and the residential life service, are available to help students look after their health and wellbeing.

　　With hundreds of societies and sports clubs, the university's students' union provides countless opportunities for students to connect with others from their own countries and around the world. There are activities to suit all interests, as well as cultural societies where students can meet like-minded friends.