Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University (BU) occupies a specific space in the UK higher education landscape that doesn't get enough attention. It's not a Russell Group institution. It doesn't have a London postcode. But it sits among the top 41 universities in the UK according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, and it runs one of the most recognized animation schools in the world. For international students who care about employability, practical teaching, and living costs that don't require a second mortgage, BU makes a compelling case.
Located on England's south coast in Poole, with two main campuses (Talbot for most programs, Lansdowne for health and social sciences), BU serves over 16,000 students from more than 120 countries. Here's everything you need to know for the September 2026 and January 2027 intakes.
Bournemouth University Ranking in 2026
BU's ranking performance is strong and consistent across multiple tables:
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, BU is placed in the 801-850 band globally. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 places it 41st in the UK and in the 401-500 global range. THE Impact Rankings consistently put it in the global top 100 for performance against the UN Sustainable Development Goals - a measure of sustainability and social responsibility that increasingly matters to employers and students alike. The QS Sustainability Ranking for 2026 places BU at 821-840 globally.
In THE's Young University Rankings (for universities under 50 years old), BU has ranked in the top 3 in the UK - a strong reflection of how quickly it's built academic credibility since gaining university status in 1992.
Subject-wise, BU's NCCA (National Centre for Computer Animation) is internationally recognized as one of the best animation and VFX schools globally. BU graduates have contributed to productions that won Oscars, BAFTAs, and Emmys. The Business School holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. Graduate employability sits around 88-90%, with placements across Deloitte, IBM, HSBC, BBC, Disney, and Sky.
Bournemouth University Tuition Fees 2026-2027
BU has published the official fee schedule for September 2026 and January 2027 entry directly on its website.
Undergraduate (BA/BSc/BEng) - International students: £19,635 to £24,150 per year, depending on the program and faculty. This range includes Foundation Year programs and degrees delivered at BU's campuses or partner colleges. It's a meaningful increase from previous years, so don't rely on older figures from third-party websites.
Placement year fee (2026-2027): £1,900 for students completing their placement year during the 2026-2027 academic year. This applies to both domestic and international students - one of the more affordable placement year fees in the UK sector, and an important practical advantage given how strongly BU integrates industry placements.
Postgraduate taught (MA/MSc/LLM) - International students: £18,900 to £23,000 per year for September 2026 and January 2027 entry. The range varies by subject area, with specialist programs toward the higher end.
MBA: approximately £19,000.
PhD/MPhil (Research degrees): fees vary by faculty and project. The BU postgraduate research fees page is the most accurate source for specific PhD costings.
Always confirm your program's exact fee on the official BU course page before applying, since fees vary within these ranges.
Deposits and Visa Requirements for September 2026
This is a section many students overlook until it's too late, so it's worth understanding properly.
BU requires all international students to pay a tuition fee deposit before receiving their CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for the UK student visa:
Standard deposit: £5,000 for students from most countries.
Higher deposit: £8,000 for students from the Haryana and Punjab regions of India and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan. This reflects additional UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) processing requirements for these regions.
The deposit is non-refundable except in specific circumstances outlined in BU's fees policy. After paying the deposit, your tuition payment schedule is: 50% of the full annual fee due before enrolment, with the remaining balance payable within 3 months of your course start date. Government-sponsored and company-sponsored students may be exempt from the deposit requirement.
For the UK student visa itself, you'll also need to show maintenance funds: £1,023 per month for up to 9 months outside London (totaling £9,207) and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which covers NHS access during your studies. Factor these into your full financial planning.
Scholarships for September 2026 and January 2027
BU has confirmed the following scholarship structure for September 2026 entry:
Academic Excellence Scholarship (International) - Undergraduate: automatically awarded to international applicants who achieve equivalent to ABB or above at A-level (or equivalent in their home country qualification). Check the 2026-2027 equivalences table on BU's scholarship pages for your specific country qualification. This scholarship provides a tuition reduction for the first year.
Academic Achievement Scholarship - International: awarded to applicants meeting a lower academic threshold, providing a smaller tuition reduction.
Academic Excellence Scholarship (International) - Postgraduate: value of £4,500 for eligible international postgraduate applicants for September 2026 and January 2027 entry. Automatically assessed - you don't apply separately.
Academic Achievement Scholarship (International) - Postgraduate: £2,000 for postgraduate applicants meeting the relevant criteria.
Music Scholarships: available to students with exceptional musical talent.
Sports Scholarships: up to £5,000 for students demonstrating high-level sporting performance.
GREAT Scholarships: up to £10,000 in tuition fee reductions for eligible postgraduate students, offered in partnership with the British Council. Country eligibility varies.
Scholarships can't be combined - you receive the highest-value award you qualify for. Most are applied automatically at enrolment rather than requiring a separate application.
Programs and Academic Structure
BU organizes its degrees across four main faculties:
Bournemouth University Business School (AACSB-accredited) - Business management, marketing, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, and the MBA. AACSB accreditation is the gold standard for business school recognition worldwide. Students get direct industry exposure through the Center for Business Transformation and active placement networks.
Faculty of Media and Communication (FMC) - This is where BU's most distinctive reputation sits. Journalism, media production, television, film production, advertising, public relations, and the internationally recognized NCCA (National Centre for Computer Animation) programs. The NCCA trains students in computer animation, VFX, and immersive technologies. Its graduates have worked on Star Wars, Gladiator, Lord of the Rings, and Gravity. If your goal is animation, VFX, or digital media production in the UK, the NCCA's graduate outcomes are difficult to match at this fee level.
Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) - Computer science, software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, forensic science, engineering, product design, civil engineering, and design technology. Computing and cybersecurity programs feed directly into BU's Centre for Digital Entertainment (CDE), a collaboration between BU and the Arts University Bournemouth, which produces industry-connected research and some of the most competitive funded PhD positions in digital and interactive technologies.
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS) - Nursing (adult, mental health, children's), midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, paramedic science, operating department practice, social work, criminology, psychology, law, and sociology. NHS partnerships give health students direct clinical placement access during their degrees. Law programs consistently rank well for UK graduate employability outcomes. Psychology and criminology are among BU's most popular programs internationally.
English Language Requirements
For September 2026 entry, standard requirements are:
Undergraduate programs: IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5. Nursing, journalism, and law require higher overall scores.
Postgraduate programs: IELTS 6.5 or above. Health sciences and some specialist programs require higher minimums per band.
TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE Academic, and Cambridge English are all accepted as equivalents. Students who are slightly below the threshold can join BU's pre-sessional English courses before starting their main program.
Why Bournemouth Over London?
It's a question worth answering directly. London has prestige, but it has costs to match. Bournemouth gives you a coastal city with a real student community, lower monthly living expenses (typically £1,000 to £1,200 vs London's £1,400 to £1,800 per month), and a university that places in the UK's top 41 by THE standards. For animation, media, business, and health programs specifically, BU's subject-level reputation and graduate outcomes hold up well against institutions that charge significantly more.
The coastal setting genuinely affects the experience too. Surf sessions, outdoor culture, and a more relaxed city atmosphere create a different kind of student life than a central London campus, and for many international students that balance suits them better than the pace and cost of London.
For September 2026 or January 2027, BU's combination of confirmed fee transparency, scholarship availability, AACSB business accreditation, NCCA creative programs, and strong NHS-linked health degrees makes it one of the more well-rounded affordable UK university options for international students who want real graduate outcomes without paying London prices.
Choosing to study in the UK as an international student comes with both academic opportunities and financial planning responsibilities. If you are considering Bournemouth University (BU) in 2026, here is the most updated guide to tuition fees, deposits, scholarships, and living costs for overseas students. This information is designed to help applicants from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East, Africa, and other regions make informed decisions about studying at BU.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees (International Students 2026)
Fee range: Most full-time BA, BSc, and BEng degrees at Bournemouth University for 2026 entry are priced at £18,700 to £19,700 per academic year for international students.
Variations: The exact cost depends on the subject area, whether your course is lab-based or classroom-based, and other academic resources required.
Duration: Most undergraduate degrees are 3 years, with some professional programmes or placements extending to 4 years.
Undergraduate Scholarships & Support
BU provides International Academic Excellence Scholarships for top-performing overseas students.
Scholarships may be automatic (based on grades) or competitive (requiring application).
Students can also access country-specific scholarships, such as those for Indian, Nigerian, and Pakistani applicants.
External funding opportunities may also apply, depending on your home country.
Postgraduate Taught Fees (International Students 2026)
Taught Master’s (MA, MSc, LLM): International tuition fees for postgraduate taught courses in 2026 typically fall between £17,000 to £22,000 per year.
Master of Business Administration (MBA): The MBA is set at £19,000 for 2026 entry.
Additional costs: Certain courses may involve field trips, professional accreditation fees, specialist equipment, or lab costs, which should be factored into your budget.
Postgraduate Scholarships & Discounts
BU Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarships (open to all overseas applicants).
GREAT Scholarships for selected countries in partnership with the British Council.
Fee-discount schemes may apply for students starting in September 2026 or January 2027.
Some postgraduate awards offer up to £3,500–£5,000 in tuition reduction, depending on eligibility.
Postgraduate Research (Doctoral) Fees (International Students 2026)
PhD/MPhil (library-based research): £20,000 per year for international students in 2026.
PhD/MPhil (lab-based research): £23,000 per year for 2026 intakes.
Start dates: BU offers multiple intakes—September 2026, January 2027, and April 2027.
Additional charges may apply if research extends beyond the expected timeframe.
Deposits, CAS, and Payment Rules (International Students 2026)
From 30 January 2025 onwards (applies to 2026 entry), all international students must pay a deposit to secure their place and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for visa purposes.
Deposit amounts:
£5,000 for most international applicants.
£8,000 for applicants from Afghanistan, Iran, and Punjab/Haryana (India) due to additional UKVI requirements.
Payment schedule:
Deposit due after accepting the offer.
50% of remaining tuition fees must be paid before enrolment (course start date).
Final balance must be cleared within three months of starting the course.
Exceptions: Students with official government or corporate sponsorship may be exempt from paying deposits.
Living Costs & Budgeting for International Students in Bournemouth
When planning your study abroad journey, you must budget not only for tuition but also for living expenses:
Accommodation: BU offers a range of housing in Bournemouth and Poole, but students can also rent privately. Average costs are £500–£800 per month, depending on room type and location.
Food and utilities: Estimated at £250–£350 per month.
Transport: Around £40–£70 per month, with student discounts available on local buses and trains.
Study materials and personal expenses: Average £50–£100 per month.
UKVI visa requirement: Students must demonstrate funds to cover tuition fees plus at least £1,023 per month for up to 9 months (around £9,207 total), in line with 2026 UKVI student visa rules.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): An annual fee payable to access NHS healthcare during your studies (around £776 per year in 2026).
Quick Reference Table (International Students Fees 2026)
Study Level | International Fees (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate (BA/BSc/BEng) | £18,700 to £19,700 per year | 3–4 years depending on placement |
Postgraduate Taught (MA/MSc/LLM) | £17,000 to £22,000 per year | Course-specific; additional costs possible |
MBA | £19,000 | 1 year full-time |
PhD/MPhil (Library-based) | £20,000 per year | Sept/Jan/Apr intakes |
PhD/MPhil (Lab-based) | £23,000 per year | Higher cost due to lab facilities |
Deposit | £5,000 – £8,000 | Required for CAS release |
Why This Matters for International Students
For many applicants searching “study in UK for international students” or “cost of studying in the UK 2026,” Bournemouth University stands out because:
Fees are competitive compared to London universities.
BU has strong scholarship options.
Bournemouth offers a lower cost of living compared to larger UK cities.
BU is well-ranked for media, business, tourism, and health programmes, making it a value-for-money choice for overseas students.
International Rankings (Global), what overseas applicants should know
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: 401–500 globally for Bournemouth University. This is THE’s most recent full global table ahead of the 2026 cycle and places BU in the world top 500 cohort for teaching, research quality, and international outlook.
QS World University Rankings 2026: #801–850. QS confirms BU’s current band in the 2026 edition, the list most international students and agents consult when comparing UK universities worldwide.
THE Young University Rankings 2024 (universities under 50 years old): 95th in the world and, as BU reports in its public materials, among the top young universities in the UK. For students searching “THE Young University UK ranking” and “best young universities in UK for international students,” this signals a strong trajectory for a modern university.
THE Impact Rankings (UN SDGs):
2024: BU reported joint 39th globally overall, useful for applicants prioritizing sustainability and SDG-aligned study in the UK.
2025 (latest): BU appears inside the global top 100, listed around =59 on THE’s student summary of the 2025 Impact Ranking. This keeps BU highly placed for SDG performance compared with many UK and international peers.
What this means for international students comparing UK universities
For 2026 entry, Bournemouth University combines:
Top-500 status in THE WUR, indicating a robust performance profile across teaching, research quality and international outlook;
A QS 2026 band of #801–850, ensuring visibility on the world’s most-used rankings platform for international applicants;
Elite “young” university recognition (THE Young 2024: 95th globally), which often correlates with industry-focused curricula, modern facilities, and employability;
Strong SDG credentials in THE Impact (top-100 in 2025; joint-39th in 2024), aligning with student interest in sustainability-led study and careers.
Subject strengths international students search for: BU is repeatedly highlighted for computer animation / VFX and media (NCCA), tourism & events, business & marketing, law, forensic science, computing / cybersecurity / data, and nursing & health—areas that frequently appear in “best UK courses for international students” queries. (See BU’s subject pages and league-table summaries for current subject placements.)
UK League Table Context (Guardian, Times/Sunday Times, Complete University Guide)
Bournemouth University maintains an official “Rankings & awards” hub summarising recent national-table performance across the Guardian University Guide, The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide, and the Complete University Guide (CUG). These pages also spotlight BU’s media/animation accolades, strong law outcomes, and value-added teaching indicators—useful for parents, agents and students searching “best UK universities for employability,” “top UK universities for media/animation,” “law ranking UK,” and “tourism and hospitality ranking UK.” Because UK league-table positions change annually, always reference the latest edition before you apply.
University Structure, Faculties and Departments
Bournemouth University (BU) organises its academic teaching and research into four major faculties, each delivering courses that attract thousands of international students seeking to study in the UK in 2026.
1. The Bournemouth University Business School (AACSB-accredited)
Recognised as one of the AACSB Business Schools in the UK south coast (an accreditation held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide).
Offers degrees in accounting, finance, economics, business management, human resource management (HRM), marketing, digital strategy, and international tourism, events & hospitality management.
Home to BU’s flagship Global MBA programme, highly sought after by international students in business, leadership, and management.
Courses embed industry projects, live case studies, and professional accreditations, preparing students for global employability.
2. Faculty of Media & Communication (FMC)
BU is globally recognised as a top UK university for animation, visual effects, and media studies.
Houses the prestigious National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA UK), consistently ranked among the world’s best animation schools.
Offers degrees in media production, journalism, communication & media, marketing communications, history, humanities, and law with media/creative industries.
The NCCA has won a Queen’s Anniversary Award and its graduates have received Oscars, Emmys, and VES Awards, making BU a global leader for international students in animation, media, and film production.
3. Faculty of Science & Technology (FST)
Covers a wide range of STEM subjects highly in demand by international students.
Includes computing, data science & artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, software engineering, design & engineering, forensic science, archaeology, geography, and ecology/environmental sciences.
Popular for those searching “study computing in UK for international students” or “data science UK universities 2026”.
Offers MSc Data Science & AI and BSc Computing / Cyber Security, preparing students for high-demand careers.
4. Faculty of Health & Social Sciences (FHSS)
Focuses on health and wellbeing disciplines where the UK has global recognition.
Includes nursing, midwifery, public health, physiotherapy, paramedic science, social work, and psychology.
BU has extensive NHS and clinical partnerships, making it one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking to study nursing or healthcare in the UK.
Degrees like BSc Nursing (Adult/Child/Mental Health), MSc Public Health, and BSc Psychology are popular among students from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Middle East.
Signature Areas & Global Recognitions
NCCA (National Centre for Computer Animation):
Awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for higher education excellence.
Ranked among the top animation schools in the world.
International graduates have gone on to win Oscars, Emmys, and VES awards, working with global studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, Disney, and Industrial Light & Magic.
A global hub for students searching “best UK university for animation and VFX 2026”.
AACSB-Accredited Business School:
Less than 6% of business schools worldwide hold AACSB accreditation, making BU’s Business School stand out on the UK south coast.
Strong subject rankings in tourism, events & hospitality management, marketing, finance and accounting, and HRM.
A leading choice for “international students looking for an affordable UK business degree with accreditation.”
Examples of Popular Bournemouth University Courses for International Students
Media & Communication Courses
BA (Hons) Media Productio: popular among students searching “study media in UK for international students”.
BA (Hons) Communication & Media: covers global media, journalism, and PR.
MA Media & Communication: attracts graduates seeking advanced training in the UK’s thriving creative industries.
Animation & VFX Courses (NCCA)
BA (Hons) Computer Animation & Visualisation: a flagship degree ranked among the best animation courses in the UK.
MSc/MA 3D Computer Animation: advanced pathway for animators and VFX professionals.
MSc Computer Animation & Visual Effects: high demand from international students targeting UK film and games industries.
Business & Management Courses
BA (Hons) Business & Management: entry point for “study business in UK international students 2026.”
Global MBA: designed for international managers and leaders, with global case studies and industry integration.
MSc Marketing and MSc Tourism Management: strong international reputations, especially in hospitality and events management.
Law Courses
LLB (Hons) Law (and Law with Media & Creative Industries): preparing graduates for global legal careers.
BU has strong graduate outcomes in law, making it attractive for “international students studying law in UK universities.”
Science & Technology Courses
BSc (Hons) Design Engineering: combines creativity with technical expertise.
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science: a unique degree for those searching “forensic science UK universities.”
BSc (Hons) Computing / Cyber Security: trains graduates for in-demand digital careers.
MSc Data Science & AI: a popular master’s among international applicants seeking “AI universities UK.”
Health & Social Sciences Courses
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health): leading choice for students wanting “study nursing in UK international students 2026.”
MSc Public Health: aligns with global health priorities, attracting students from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
BSc (Hons) Psychology: well-established course appealing to those searching “UK psychology courses international students.”
Social Work (BSc/MA): offered with strong links to UK practice.
Applying to Bournemouth University (BU) as an international student in 2026 requires a clear understanding of entry requirements, English language qualifications, deposit rules, and visa documentation. This section outlines everything you need to know to secure admission, meet UKVI visa conditions, and successfully enrol at BU.
Entry Routes & Application Methods
Undergraduate (full-time degrees – BA/BSc/BEng):
Applications must be made via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
International students can apply from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, USA, and other countries through UCAS.
BU provides a step-by-step UCAS application guide for overseas students.
Once an offer is made and accepted, BU will issue guidance on CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) and the UK student visa process.
Postgraduate (taught and research programmes – MA/MSc/MBA/PhD):
Apply directly to Bournemouth University through the official course page.
Once you receive and accept an offer, you will proceed with the deposit payment, CAS Shield process, and visa documentation.
International postgraduate students often apply for January 2026 and September 2026 intakes.
Academic & Country-Specific Requirements
BU publishes international entry requirements by country for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Examples:
India: BU may require CBSE/ISC with specified percentages or a recognised Bachelor’s degree for PG.
Nigeria: WAEC/NECO with minimum grades, or a Bachelor’s degree (second class) for PG entry.
Pakistan: Higher Secondary School Certificate + recognised foundation year or a Bachelor’s degree for PG.
USA: High School Diploma with GPA requirements for UG, Bachelor’s for PG.
Applicants must always check the official BU country-specific pages plus the course page for subject-specific prerequisites.
Typical requirements include minimum GPA, subject prerequisites, portfolio (if required), and English language qualifications.
English Language Requirements
All international students must meet the BU English language requirement for 2026.
Accepted tests include: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, Cambridge English, Duolingo English Test (where accepted).
General requirement: Equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, with a minimum in each band (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
Course-specific variations:
Health, Law, Journalism, and Education programmes may require IELTS 7.0 or higher.
Some media/animation courses may have creative portfolio alternatives but still require language proof.
BU requires proof of all four components. Conditional offers may include a pre-sessional English programme for students slightly below the required score.
Deposits, CAS & Visa Process
Deposit requirement (BU 2026 international students):
From January 2025 onwards, all overseas-fee students must pay a deposit to secure admission and release the CAS.
Standard deposit: £5,000.
Higher deposit (£8,000): Required for applicants from Afghanistan, Iran, and Punjab/Haryana (India) due to additional UKVI checks.
Sponsored students (e.g., government scholarships) may be exempt.
Payment deadlines:
Deposit deadline = specified in your offer letter.
After deposit, 50% of tuition fees (minus scholarships) is due before course start.
Remaining balance is due within 3 months of starting.
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies):
CAS cannot be issued until deposit and conditions are cleared.
Managed through CAS Shield, where BU verifies financial evidence, English scores, and ATAS (if required).
CAS is essential for applying for a UK student visa.
UK Student Visa:
Students must show funds covering first-year tuition fees + living expenses (£1,023 per month up to 9 months = £9,207).
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (~£776 per year in 2026) for NHS access.
Visa processing time: ~3 weeks outside the UK (standard), but varies by country.
Required Documents Checklist (International Applicants 2026)
When applying to Bournemouth University as an overseas student, prepare the following documents:
Valid passport (must cover your full study period).
Academic transcripts & certificates (official, with certified English translations if needed).
English language test certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo or equivalent).
Personal Statement (UG) / Statement of Purpose (SOP) (PG).
Curriculum Vitae (CV): for postgraduate courses.
Academic or professional references (required for PG, sometimes UG).
Portfolio/showreel: for creative subjects like media, animation, VFX, design, architecture.
Financial evidence: bank statements showing maintenance funds + tuition fee receipts/deposit proof.
CAS statement: issued by BU after deposit payment and verification.
ATAS certificate: required for certain sensitive/technical science and engineering programmes.
Country-specific documents: e.g., WAEC scratch card (Nigeria), CBSE transcripts (India), NECO/PEC certificates (Pakistan).
Why This Matters for International Students
If you’re searching “study in UK for international students 2026”, Bournemouth University offers a transparent application process, competitive fees, and clear entry requirements for Indian, Nigerian, Pakistani, and global students.
The BU deposit rules 2026 and CAS issuance process are aligned with UKVI visa standards, ensuring smooth transition for international students.
BU provides step-by-step guides on how to apply, pay deposits, prove English language ability, and secure a CAS making it one of the most accessible UK universities for overseas students.
Is Bournemouth University public and where is it located? Yes, BU is a public university in Bournemouth/Poole, on England’s south coast, with Talbot and Lansdowne campuses.
What are the international undergraduate fees for 2025/26? Between £18,700 and £19,700 per year, depending on the course.
How much are taught Master’s fees? Typically £17,000–£22,000 per year for MA/MSc/LLM; MBA is £19,000.
What are the PhD/MPhil fees? £20,000 per year (library-based) or £23,000 (lab-based) for 2025/26 intakes.
Do I have to pay a deposit to secure my place? Yes. From 30 Jan 2025 all international applicants must pay a deposit to secure their place and receive a CAS; amount and deadlines are in your offer letter.
How much is the deposit? BU policies indicate £5,000 for most applicants and £8,000 for applicants from Afghanistan, Iran, and Punjab/Haryana (India). See your offer for the exact requirement.
When do the rest of my fees need to be paid? Typically, 50% (after deposit/scholarships) by course start, with the balance within three months.
What scholarships are available for international students? BU advertises Academic Excellence (UG/PG), GREAT Scholarships 2025 (selected countries), and additional fee discounts for PG starters in Sept 2025/Jan 2026.
What English test scores do I need? Requirements vary by course. BU lists accepted tests and minimum scores and requires proof across all four skills.
How is BU ranked internationally? THE World 2025: 401–500; THE Young 2024: 95th globally, 3rd in UK; QS 2026: #801–850
What is BU famous for academically? Media/communication and animation/VFX (NCCA), business/tourism, law, forensic science, computing and health sciences.
Is the Business School accredited? Yes, BU Business School is AACSB-accredited (a hallmark held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide).
Does BU have strong law outcomes? BU highlights strong graduate outcomes in national law league tables (see course/department pages for specifics).
Can I study fully online? Most BU degrees are campus-based; however, some postgraduate or CPD options may include flexible or blended delivery. Check the course page for current modes.
What’s special about the NCCA? A multi-award-winning centre with Queen’s Anniversary Award recognition; graduates have collected Oscars, Emmys, VES awards and lead in global studios.
How do I budget for living costs? See BU’s living-expenses guidance for 2025/26; you’ll also need to satisfy UKVI maintenance requirements for a Student visa.
How do I pay my deposit and fees? Follow BU’s How to pay your deposit page; international bank transfers can take time pay early to avoid CAS delays.
What is CAS Shield? A step-by-step process BU uses to manage CAS issuance (verifying documents, finances, ATAS where required) for international offer-holders.
Can scholarships reduce the fee that appears on my CAS? Yes, BU states that your CAS will show the balance after any scholarship is applied.
Where can I meet BU staff or ask questions before applying? BU runs international events/meet-ups (online and in-person) for prospective students; see the “Meet us” page.
