Bournemouth University

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)

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:

1. Valid passport (must cover your full study period).

2. Academic transcripts & certificates (official, with certified English translations if needed).

3. English language test certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo or equivalent).

4. Personal Statement (UG) / Statement of Purpose (SOP) (PG).

5. Curriculum Vitae (CV): for postgraduate courses.

6. Academic or professional references (required for PG, sometimes UG).

7. Portfolio/showreel: for creative subjects like media, animation, VFX, design, architecture.

8. Financial evidence: bank statements showing maintenance funds + tuition fee receipts/deposit proof.

9. CAS statement: issued by BU after deposit payment and verification.

10. ATAS certificate: required for certain sensitive/technical science and engineering programmes.

11. 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.

1. 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.

2. What are the international undergraduate fees for 2025/26? Between £18,700 and £19,700 per year, depending on the course.

3. How much are taught Master’s fees? Typically £17,000–£22,000 per year for MA/MSc/LLM; MBA is £19,000.

4. What are the PhD/MPhil fees? £20,000 per year (library-based) or £23,000 (lab-based) for 2025/26 intakes.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. How is BU ranked internationally? THE World 2025: 401–500; THE Young 2024: 95th globally, 3rd in UK; QS 2026: #801–850

11. What is BU famous for academically? Media/communication and animation/VFX (NCCA), business/tourism, law, forensic science, computing and health sciences.

12. Is the Business School accredited? Yes, BU Business School is AACSB-accredited (a hallmark held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide).

13. Does BU have strong law outcomes? BU highlights strong graduate outcomes in national law league tables (see course/department pages for specifics).

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.