University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham publishes fee information for international students by course and entry year on its official site. For 2026 entry, you’ll find (1) course-level tuition on each programme page, (2) a headline international cost comparison (tuition + living) to help with budgeting, and (3) separate details on deposits, bonds, payment methods, scholarships, and accommodation. Always confirm the figure on your specific course page before you apply.

Snapshot for 2026 applicants (verify per course)

• Taught Master’s (Law): LLM International & Commercial Law listed at £16,480 (international, full-time) with 2026 entry selectable on the course page.

• Undergraduate (2-year accelerated examples):

  • LLB (Hons) Law (2-year or 2 years + 1 term): £22,200 per year (Jan 2026 start; total £44,400 for 2 years). Other intakes show the same total; check your month/year.

  • BSc (Hons) Computing (2-year): £22,200 per year (Jan 2026 start; total £44,400).

  • BA (Hons) International Relations (2-year): from £22,200 per year (2026 entry shown on the page).

• Medicine (MB ChB, 4.5-year degree): from £45,000 per year for international students (fee notes on the page).

Budgeting aid (official illustration): The university’s Fee breakdown – International shows a composite total cost of £70,272 for an example international student including tuition and living on campus (medicine excluded). It also cites the living-cost basis used for the estimate. Treat this as guidance; your actual cost depends on your course and lifestyle.

Undergraduate / Foundation / Accelerated Degrees (international)

Buckingham is well known for accelerated 2-year honours degrees (and some 2 years + 1 term formats). By compressing teaching into year-round trimesters, you pay two years of tuition (rather than three) and save a year of living costs, often reducing the total cost to graduate and getting you into work sooner. The university explains the cost advantage directly, noting that when living costs are included, total spend can be ~20% lower than a typical 3-year route.

For 2026, course pages display international fees clearly (first-year and total). Examples include LLB Law, Computing, International Relations, and Accounting & Finance each shows the Jan/Sep 2026 intakes, the international 1st-year fee, and a 2-year total (or 2 years + 1 term). If you’re comparing foundation / integrated foundation routes (3-year variants), you’ll also find fee tables on the relevant pages.

Tip for visa and budgeting searches (study in UK for international students; cost of studying in UK; cheapest UK universities for international students; 2-year degree UK international): use Buckingham’s accelerated fees + the living-cost guidance below to build a full proof-of-funds plan for your Student visa.

Postgraduate (Taught / Master’s) Fees (international)

• LLM International & Commercial Law (full-time): £16,480 for international students (2026 entry shown on page). Other LLM variants (e.g., LLM Law with SQE1 Preparation) list £17,000 for international students. Check your chosen specialism’s page for 2026.

• Department pages also link to fees & finance and scholarships specific to law postgraduates.

• Because Buckingham publishes fees course-by-course, always rely on the programme page for the exact 2026 figure rather than third-party directories. The central Fees & Finance hub links out to international, undergraduate, postgraduate, and payment pages if you need a single starting point.

Postgraduate Research (PhD / MPhil) Fees (international)

Research tuition is also listed on course pages. For example, LLM Law by Research shows the current international fee on its page and highlights postgraduate scholarships that can significantly reduce costs for outstanding applicants. If you’re pursuing PhD/MPhil in other disciplines, check the specific research programme listing for 2026 entry.

Deposits, Bonds, Payment Methods, and CAS timing

• Accommodation bond: If you’re moving into University accommodation, you’ll pay a £700 security bond and your first term’s accommodation in advance (bond refundable if your account is clear when you leave).

• Tuition fee payment methods: Debit/credit card or bank transfer—payment is due before or on registration (the university lists accepted methods; note they do not accept American Express). Check your offer letter for any course-specific deposit requirement prior to CAS issuance.

Living costs, accommodation, and visa budgeting (international)

• Official illustration (total cost): The university’s international cost comparison uses a living-cost estimate to produce a £70,272 example total (tuition + living on campus). This is a planning tool; your own costs vary by course and lifestyle.

• Accommodation pricing: Buckingham publishes accommodation price lists and PDFs for 2025–26, helpful for students arriving in the 2026 cycle. Use these to build realistic budgets and visa proof-of-funds.

• General living-cost guidance: The International “Money Matters” page suggests average living costs of £8,000–£10,000 per year (separate from tuition). Always cross-check against your room type and current UKVI maintenance rules.

Medicine (MB ChB) fees and notes for international applicants

The MB ChB (4.5 years) lists international fees from £45,000 per year (see the page for full fee notes, intakes, and any additional charges). Medicine is excluded from the £70,272 composite illustration, so budget separately for the entire 4.5-year duration plus living costs.

Why Buckingham can reduce total cost for international undergraduates (2-year degrees)

Buckingham’s 2-year accelerated degrees cut one year of living expenses and one year of tuition compared with standard 3-year routes. The university quantifies the advantage: when living costs are included, total spend can be ~20% lower versus a typical three-year model (using a comparator tuition). If you’re searching for “affordable UK degree for international students” or “study in UK in 2 years”, this is one of the most direct ways to graduate faster and spend less overall without compromising a UK honours degree.

Scholarships and bursaries (international)

Buckingham advertises scholarships and bursaries for international students at undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and research levels. Awards can be merit-based, needs-tested, or subject-specific (e.g., Law). Some research scholarships can cover a significant portion of fees for exceptional candidates. Review your course page and the Scholarships/Bursaries links from Law or central pages to see what you may qualify for.

How to use this information for 2026 applications

1. Pick your course page and confirm the 2026 international fee (and total for 2-year formats).

2. Add accommodation (use the 2025–26 price PDFs as a guide) and living costs to build a visa proof-of-funds plan.

3. Check if your course requires a deposit before CAS, and how to pay by card or bank transfer from overseas.

4. If moving into university housing, factor in the £700 accommodation bond (refundable, conditions apply).

5. Apply via UCAS (UG) or direct (PG/Research) and keep all financial evidence ready for your Student visa.

Quick links to verify (official sources)

• Fees & Finance (international cost comparison + links): £70,272 illustration incl. living on campus

• International fees hub (points you to each course page): per-course tuition for 2026.

• LLM (International & Commercial Law): £16,480 (international, full-time; 2026 shown).

• LLM (Law with SQE1 Preparation): £17,000 (international, full-time).

• LLB (2-year) fee examples (2026 intakes): £22,200/year, total £44,400.

• Computing (2-year) 2026 fee example: £22,200/year, total £44,400.

• International Relations (2-year) 2026 fee example: from £22,200/year.

• MB ChB (4.5-year) medicine (international): from £45,000/year.

• Accommodation bond & payment methods: £700 bond; card/bank transfer for tuition.

The University of Buckingham is frequently searched by international students exploring study in UK 2026, particularly because of its accelerated 2-year honours degrees, personalised teaching model, and high levels of student satisfaction. While Buckingham is a private, non-profit university and therefore less prominent in large global research-led rankings, it consistently achieves competitive national and regional recognition in areas that matter most to international students: teaching quality, student support, and satisfaction.

International and European Rankings

• QS / TopUniversities Europe (Northern Europe): Buckingham is ranked #154 in Northern Europe in the 2024 edition of QS’s Europe University Rankings. This regional placement highlights its presence among smaller universities in Northern Europe. (Top Universities)

• Europe University Rankings (Northern Europe 2024–2025): Buckingham’s recognition in regional tables is notable because many global rankings do not list private, small-scale universities extensively. Its inclusion confirms its growing international visibility and relevance for global applicants researching study in UK universities ranking 2026. (Top Universities)

• Complete University Guide 2026: External sources list Buckingham at #116 nationally, showing stability in the UK university ranking system. (Shiksha)

• Global presence: Although not top-ranked in QS World University Rankings 2026 or THE World Rankings (due to size and research volume), Buckingham’s teaching reputation ensures it features in student-focused league tables, which international applicants often consult when comparing UK universities by satisfaction and best universities for international students UK.

National / UK Rankings & Reputation

• WhatUni Student Choice Awards: Buckingham is consistently rated among the top 10 in England for student satisfaction and top 5 for lecturers and teaching quality, confirming its strong performance in areas that international students search for when deciding where to study in the UK with high teaching quality. (University of Buckingham)

• Guardian University Guide 2025–2026: Buckingham highlights 1st place in Business & Management for teaching quality and 1st in Computing for teaching, with additional strengths in Law and Psychology within its region. This reinforces its standing for those searching best business schools UK for international students and top computing degrees in UK 2026. (University of Buckingham)

• Complete University Guide UK Rankings: Buckingham appears annually in the CUG rankings, though its position can fluctuate due to methodology changes. For international student searches like “UK university rankings 2026 for law, business, computing”, Buckingham’s subject-level performance is a key differentiator. (Complete University Guide)

• Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Buckingham holds a Silver rating, the UK government’s formal assessment of teaching, learning, and student outcomes. This rating matters for applicants comparing UK universities with TEF Gold, Silver, or Bronze when choosing where to study. (Wikipedia)

Strengths and Competitive Differentiation

• Teaching Quality and Student Satisfaction: Unlike many larger UK universities that prioritise research rankings, Buckingham focuses on personalised teaching, tutorial-style learning, and small class sizes. This explains its consistently high student satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey and WhatUni rankings.

• Accelerated 2-Year Honours Degrees: Buckingham remains the only UK university offering most undergraduate degrees in 2 years, an attractive option for international students searching fastest UK degrees for international students or cheapest way to study in UK 2026. By reducing one year of tuition and living costs, it ranks highly in value-for-money considerations.

• Private and Independent Model: As the UK’s oldest independent university with a Royal Charter, Buckingham differs from public universities in scale and funding. While this means lower research output (limiting its visibility in QS Global Rankings or THE World University Rankings), it strengthens its focus on teaching quality and international student experience, which is a decisive ranking factor for global applicants.

• Subject-Level Recognition: Beyond overall university rankings, Buckingham consistently scores well in business, computing, law, psychology, and medicine. For searches like “best UK law schools for international students” or “UK private medical school ranking 2026”, Buckingham appears as a niche but attractive choice.

The University of Buckingham is one of the UK’s most distinctive higher education institutions, particularly attractive to international students searching for courses in the UK in 2026. Its academic portfolio is organized into several faculties and schools, each offering programmes designed to combine world-class teaching, career relevance, and international recognition. Buckingham is especially known for its accelerated undergraduate degrees, its independent law school, and its private medical school the first of its kind in modern UK higher education.

Academic Structure and Schools

• Business School :Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Business, Management, Accounting, Finance, and Marketing, designed to meet global employer demand. For international students,

• School of Computing: Known for BSc Computing, Data Science, AI, and Cybersecurity, aligning with global career opportunities in IT.

• School of Education: Offers courses in teacher training, educational leadership, and higher education studies.

• School of Humanities & Social Sciences: Covers History, Politics, International Relations, English Literature, and Economics,

• School of Law: Buckingham’s Law School is one of the UK’s most respected independent schools, offering:

  • LLB Law (2-year accelerated undergraduate degree),

  • LLM International & Commercial Law, LLM International Law, and LLM Security & Diplomacy.

• School of Medicine / Postgraduate Medicine & Allied Health – The Buckingham Medical School offers a 4.5-year MB ChB degree, accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC). As the first private medical school in the UK,

• School of Psychology: Offers undergraduate and postgraduate psychology degrees, popular among students searching

• Foundation / Pre-University Department: Designed for students who need a foundation year before beginning undergraduate study.

Popular Undergraduate Programmes (Accelerated Options)

• Business and Management (BA/BSc): Offered as a 2-year accelerated degree, ideal for students searching

• LLB Law: Buckingham’s flagship accelerated 2-year law degree allows international students to qualify faster, saving both tuition and living costs.

• Computing and Cybersecurity (BSc): 2-year accelerated computing degree, designed for careers in AI, data science, and security.

• International Relations and Politics (BA): A strong option for students targeting careers in diplomacy, government, or NGOs.

• Psychology (BSc): One of the most popular undergraduate choices for international students.

Popular Postgraduate Taught Courses

• LLM International & Commercial Law: Tuition from £16,480 (international, full-time 2026).

• LLM Law with SQE1 Preparation: £17,000 for 2026 entry.

• LLM Security & Diplomacy: A unique postgraduate law course that appeals to students searching “international relations and law in UK 2026”.

• MBA and MSc Business Degrees: Designed for international applicants targeting “UK MBA fees 2026 international students”.

Postgraduate Research (MPhil and PhD)

• Law by Research (LLM / PhD): International tuition listed at £43,500 for the full 36-month programme.

• MPhil/PhD in Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, and Computing: Supervisory programmes for international researchers

Buckingham Medical School (MB ChB 4.5 Years)

Buckingham’s Medical School is unique in the UK and a top search target for international students:

• MB ChB degree: £45,000 per year for international students (2026).

• Accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC).

This programme positions Buckingham as a leader for global applicants who want to study medicine in the UK but prefer a private medical school option.

Why International Students Choose Buckingham Programmes

1. Accelerated degrees: Save a year of tuition and living costs, searched globally under

   fastest way to graduate in UK for international students.

2. Law excellence: The LLB and LLM law courses

3. Private medical school

4. Personalised teaching: Buckingham’s small class sizes boost student satisfaction, which aligns with queries like

5. Foundation routes

How to Apply

International applicants to the University of Buckingham can apply in two main ways:

• Undergraduate programmes: Applications are usually made through UCAS. Buckingham also accepts direct applications, particularly for international students and those applying to accelerated 2-year undergraduate programmes.

• Postgraduate taught programmes (e.g., LLM, MSc, MBA): Apply directly via the University of Buckingham postgraduate admissions portal.

• Postgraduate research (MPhil/PhD): Applications are submitted directly to the university with a full research proposal.

The University of Buckingham international admissions team supports students from over 100 nationalities, offering advice on finding courses, entry requirements, scholarships, and visa guidance.

Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate degrees: Applicants must hold qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels or other recognized secondary school qualifications. For accelerated programmes, students must be prepared for intensive, year-round study.

• Postgraduate taught degrees: A recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area is required. For LLM programmes, prior qualifications in law or a related discipline are strongly preferred.

• Medical School (MB ChB 4.5 years): Strong academic background in sciences (biology, chemistry, mathematics/physics) or equivalent pre-medical qualifications. Admission follows GMC standards and may require additional testing or interviews.

• Postgraduate research (MPhil/PhD): Applicants need a relevant postgraduate qualification and must submit a strong research proposal aligned with Buckingham’s academic expertise.

English Language Requirements

The University of Buckingham English language requirements vary by programme, but in general international students must demonstrate proficiency through recognized tests such as:

• IELTS Academic

• TOEFL iBT

• Pearson PTE Academic

• Other accepted equivalents as specified by each programme.

Minimum scores differ depending on the course. For example, LLM and Law programmes expect higher language proficiency because of the legal vocabulary and critical analysis required. Applicants should always check the specific course page for 2026 entry.

Required Documents for International Students

International students applying for 2026 entry must prepare and submit:

• Valid passport or national ID

• Academic transcripts and certificates from secondary school (for undergraduate) or bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate)

• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or accepted alternatives)

• Personal statement / statement of purpose explaining motivations and career goals

• Academic or professional references (letters of recommendation)

• Research proposal for MPhil/PhD or LLM by Research applicants

• Financial evidence showing ability to cover tuition fees and living expenses (required for UK Student visa and CAS issuance)

• Course-specific documents such as a CV, portfolio, or test results (e.g., for medical applicants or creative programmes)

For medical applicants (MB ChB), further supporting documents such as science qualifications, health checks, and aptitude tests may be required.

Visa and Immigration Considerations

• International students must apply for a UK Student visa before travelling.

• The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is issued by the University of Buckingham once all conditions are met, including deposit payment and proof of funds.

• Applicants must show financial evidence covering tuition fees (or remaining balance after deposit/scholarships) and living costs in line with UKVI requirements.

• Students may also need to provide ATAS clearance for certain postgraduate research programmes in sensitive subject areas.

The University of Buckingham international office provides guidance throughout the visa process, ensuring international students meet all requirements for successful entry to the UK.

Here are 20 frequently asked questions (with answers) specifically for international students considering Buckingham:

1. Q: Is the University of Buckingham legally recognized in the UK? A: Yes. It holds a Royal Charter (since 1983) and is one of only a few private non-profit universities in the UK.

2. Q: What is unique about Buckingham's undergraduate degrees? A: Many are offered as accelerated / 2-year honours degrees, with three continuous teaching terms per year.

3. Q: How many students does Buckingham serve, and from how many countries? A: Around 2,000 students, representing 100+ nationalities.

4. Q: What is the international tuition cost for undergraduate students? A: Buckingham provides illustrative cost totals (tuition + living) of £70,272 in their finance pages; specific course fees vary and must be checked on the course page.

5. Q: What is the international fee for LLM (Law) at Buckingham? A: The LLM International & Commercial Law is £16,480 for international students.

6. Q: Does Buckingham offer scholarships for international students? A: Yes, Buckingham mentions scholarships and bursaries on their international / fees pages for prospective international students.

7. Q: What is the MB ChB medical programme at Buckingham? A: Buckingham’s Medical School offers a 4.5-year MB ChB degree, accredited by the GMC, making it the UK’s first private medical school established in modern times (opened 2015)

8. Q: How do I apply from overseas? A: For undergraduate courses, apply via UCAS; for postgraduate, via Buckingham’s direct application portal. Additional guidance is available on the International section of the university website.

9. Q: What entry qualifications do I need? A: Equivalent qualifications to UK A-levels for undergraduate; bachelor’s degree for postgraduate. For medical courses, relevant science background is necessary.

10. Q: What English language score is required? A: Varies by course; LLM programmes assume proficiency in English; proof via IELTS / TOEFL / or equivalent test will be required.

11. Q: Are research-based postgraduate (PhD / MPhil) programmes offered? A: Yes. For example, LLM by Research is offered, with published international fee £43,500 for full duration.

12. Q: What is the student : academic ratio at Buckingham? A: Approximately 10.5:1, reflecting small class sizes and more personalized teaching.

13. Q: Is Buckingham well ranked internationally? A: It appears regionally: e.g. #154 in Northern Europe (2024) per QS/TopUniversities. Its strength lies more in teaching and small-scale reputation rather than large global research rankings.

14. Q: Does Buckingham have a strong reputation in law? A: Yes, subject to its LLM programmes and law school presence. LLM programmes are advertised with international tuition.

15. Q: What about computing / business programmes? A: Buckingham offers business, computing, and related subjects as part of its academic offerings. Some courses are listed in third-party listings.

16. Q: Can I complete a full degree online / distance? A: Buckingham emphasizes in-person and accelerated learning. Public materials do not emphasize full online programmes. Prospective students should check if distance or blended options exist for specific courses.

17. Q: What living costs should I expect? A: The university provides living cost estimates for its illustrative cost comparisons in the finance tables (e.g. part of the £70,272 total).

18. Q: Does Buckingham require a deposit or bond? A: Yes, Buckingham mentions deposits and bonds in its fees & finance pages for international students.

19. Q: How long are the degree programmes? A: Many undergraduate honours degrees are 2 years (accelerated), postgraduate taught 1 year, research degrees variable.

20. Q: Where can I find the latest course fee & admissions info? A: Always refer to the official University of Buckingham website (course pages, International / Fees sections). The general “International fees” page itself advises visiting the course page of your interest.