WELCOME TO BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND!
We’re a university shaped by our place. Located on the South Coast of England, Bournemouth University is situated in an area renowned for its natural beauty, in a safe and friendly town. Our coastal home is more than a stunning backdrop: it’s a place where
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE BU
1. Join a truly global community
Ranked 1st in the South West for International Student Experience (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026), and with students from over 130 countries, we’re focused on preparing you to work anywhere in the world.
2. Research that creates real change
Our research shapes industries, influences policy and improves lives. 94% of our research was found to be internationally recognised or above, with 96% delivering considerable impact or above (REF 2021).
3. Scholarships to support your ambitions
Our range of international scholarships are designed to make high-quality education more accessible.
4. Support that puts you first
From dedicated international advisers to wellbeing services and accommodation support, we’re with you from application to graduation.
5. Natural, coastal location
Bournemouth offers the best of both worlds: a vibrant town with stunning beaches and a welcoming spirit. It’s a place where you can focus, explore and feel at home.
6. Ethical and environmentally responsible
Here, sustainability isn’t an afterthought. It’s woven into everything we do, from the way we run our campuses to the way we prepare you for a career that makes a real difference.
We are in the 101-200 range globally and 17th in the UK in the Times Higher Education’s Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026
20 years as a Fairtrade University EcoCampus Platinum award holder since 2016
Ranked Top 10 in the 2025/26 People & Planet University League.
After graduating, I received an offer from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Madrid where I started my career. Currently, I work at the ASEAN Secretariat as Senior Officer with a portfolio including regional initiatives on tourism marketing, sustainable tourism, digital tourism, among others.
Aditya, from Indonesia
Studying alongside friends from 30 different countries significantly expanded my global network and opened doors to potential collaborations and partnerships in the future.
Hem, from India
Become a part of a learning community that strives to make an impact on the world around us
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
We collaborate with organisations and academic partners around the world to give our students the opportunity to:
Develop the industry-specific skills and ambitious mindset to thrive in a globalised world
Build lifelong professional networks and friendships within a culturally diverse community
Become an exchange student at one of our partner universities abroad
Gain industry experience in the UK or another country with a work placement as part of your study, through our dedicated career and placement support.
This is where your ambition meets opportunity, turning your qualification into a global launchpad, with support at every step.
BU isn’t just where I studied. It’s where I grew, refined my goals, and decided to extend my education.
Jeniffer, from Indonesia
Scan for stories about BU students’ work experience abroad
Moving to a new country is never simple. There is excitement, but also uncertainty. You leave behind what is familiar: your language, routines, food and people. Yet, from the moment I arrived at BU, I felt something I did not expect so quickly: warmth.
Cecilia Vargas, from Bolivia
(Chevening Scholar)
The experience of studying at BU was transformative. Working with classmates from around the world pushed me out of my comfort zone and strengthened my ability to collaborate across cultures. Group projects, research, and applied learning shaped the way I approach problem-solving and communication in my career.
Arda Kutsal, from Türkiye
GAIN REAL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
We design every course with your future in mind. Our curriculum and careers support for students ensure you develop the skills, mindset and confidence to be highly employable anywhere in the world.
Accreditations
Many of our degrees are accredited by professional bodies, including some of the biggest names in industry. Accredited courses count towards professional qualifications or registration with a professional body, which can really enhance your career prospects.
BU Development Programmes
Designed with employers and experts, joining the programme enables you to discover, demonstrate and pitch your skills to boost your career opportunities.
Work placements
Taking a one-year or short work placement (internship) will give you the opportunity to put your learning into practice and build your network of professional contacts.
89%
of BU graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating.
Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2022/23 published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) in July 2025. HESA open data is published under the (CC BY 4.0) licence.
The UK offers many opportunities for me. The MA Media and Communications course at Bournemouth closely aligns with what I wanted to study and the knowledge and experience I hoped to gain for my future career goals.
Helen, from Vietnam
BU is preparing me to become someone with all the qualities of a CEO of a multinational company. With the new skills and knowledge I am gaining, I will be more confident stepping into the business world without any worries.
Muhammad Sohaib, from Pakistan
Scan for more student stories about their placement experience
SUPPORTING YOU DURING YOUR STUDIES
Starting life in a new country can be both exciting and challenging. Our support is designed to help you thrive in every aspect of your experience, not just your academic studies.
We have a dedicated team to support international students, ready to answer your questions about coming to the UK and student life, alongside our award-winning Students’ Union (SUBU), which offers a wide range of support and opportunities to help you feel part of the community.
Our induction programme also includes sessions to help you settle into the practical aspects of living in the UK, and our fully trained immigration advisers for the Student visa are available to provide free advice.
English language support
Our Library and Learning Services provide regular academic English workshops to support students whose first language is not English. Regular workshops are also available for international students wishing to improve their study skills.
Academic support
Sign up any time for workshops or 1-to-1 support to help develop your academic skills in writing, giving presentations, referencing and research skills.
Peer Assisted Learning
Peer leaders and student mentors offer additional support, particularly to fellow students who may be needing extra help with the course material.
Search our wide range of free and confidential support services
1ST PLACE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SUPPORT
(Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025)
My arrival at Bournemouth University was an experience filled with warmth, support, and careful planning by the university. From pre-departure assistance to ongoing academic and emotional support, BU ensured that I felt welcomed and prepared to begin my academic journey with confidence.
Neha, from India
BU offers a lot of support for international students. If you come to campus and have any issues, there are many places you can go for help. I have personally benefited from some of these support services, so trust me–it is very rewarding to study at Bournemouth University.
Josephine, from Nigeria
YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION
Our Students’ Union, SUBU, is run by students for students, and is here to make your university experience the best it can possibly be.
Be involved
From over 80 clubs and societies, to its own radio and TV station and the UK’s largest studentrun music festival, SUBU offers something for everyone to get involved with. Whether it’s continuing a hobby, pursuing your passion, or trying something new, SUBU offers lots of opportunities.
Be represented SUBU is your student voice, holding the university to account and making changes for the benefit of everyone. You could become a Student Rep or even SUBU President, representing BU students at the highest level.
Be supported SUBU has its own advice service, which is free, independent and confidential, to help ensure your time at BU runs smoothly.
Find out more about our award winning Students Union
CAMPUSES EQUIPPED FOR SUCCESS
BU campuses
Our campuses are built to help you study, learn, and succeed, including quiet zones to collaborative tech-enabled spaces.
Lansdowne Campus tour
Talbot Campus tour
We have two main campuses: Talbot Campus and Lansdowne Campus. Lansdowne Campus is located in Bournemouth town centre, less than 1km from the beach, while Talbot Campus is just a short 3.2km bus journey away.
Getting around
Getting around on foot, by bike or bus is easy. The UNIBUS runs a frequent service between our campuses, town centre and beach and popular student areas of Charminster, Winton, Boscombe and Poole.
Bournemouth train station and Bournemouth International Airport make it easy to explore the UK and beyond.
Facilities to mirror the real world
You’ll be using industrystandard facilities. From TV studios and motion-capture labs, to clinical simulation spaces and our Cyber Competence Centre, along with modern libraries, and dedicated sports facilities.
Sustainable campuses
Creating an eco-friendly environment is central to our ethos, with energy-efficient facilities, a community garden growing food on campus, recycling programmes, green spaces, and climate action campaigns that actively involve students.
Studying at BU is about more than getting a degree. It’s about the connections you make and the doors that open when you get involved.
Tiffany, from Indonesia
ECOCAMPUS PLATINUM AWARD HOLDER SINCE 2016
Socialising and events
It’s easy to join a range of social activities through SUBU, who run various clubs, societies, and year-round events on and off-campus.
Food and dining
Students can enjoy convenient, fresh, and healthy food choices on campus and around the local area –from snacks to hot meals, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Health and wellbeing
There is an on-site medical centre on Talbot Campus. For additional wellbeing support, there are specialist teams available 24/7.
Jobs on campus
Flexible, paid opportunities to fit around your studies include becoming a Student Ambassador or working for SUBU.
Explore volunteer opportunities
Discover more about part-time jobs
Multi-faith chaplaincy
The Faith & Reflection team offer confidential and unbiased support, guidance, prayer and a listening ear, regardless of whether you have faith or not. We also have dedicated rooms for prayer and contemplation on our campuses.
Faith & Reflection
Instagram Page
I started as a Student Ambassador to cover some living costs, writing blogs or working during Open Days. After a year of working there, I was able to secure a more fixed role, gaining tons of office experience.
Odin, from Spain
Fitness and sports
SportBU offer a range of sports and recreation facilities, including an on-campus gym, group fitness classes, courts and grounds for social sports, competitive sports and performance sports.
Learn more about SportBU
RANKED
37TH
in the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) league (202425) out of 142 other UK universities.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE BOURNEMOUTH
Find your place. From cosy corners in cafés to the wide open spaces of the Jurassic Coast, Bournemouth and the surrounding area has something you’ll fall in love with, whatever it is you’re into.
Vibrant town
Bournemouth offers something for everyone - incredible beaches, a lively town centre just five minutes from the beach, a state-of-the-art leisure complex and stunning green spaces. Students are drawn to cultural and arts events taking place all year round.
Beyond the classroom, Bournemouth’s beautiful coastal environment gave me the space to think deeply and find new inspiration.
Myeongjie, from South Korea
Bournemouth is a safe, welcoming city where you can meet people from all over the world, explore new cultures, and enjoy the beach – even when preparing for exams. With great transport links and a highly ranked university, it’s the perfect place to study and live.
Yazeed, from Saudi Arabia
Places to socialise
There is a huge variety of student-friendly restaurants, coffee shops and bars within walking distance from our campuses, as well as many open spaces such as Bournemouth Gardens, local parks, and the beach. The Old Fire Station, owned by our Students’ Union (SUBU), is a popular venue for live music, entertainment and cultural events.
The famous beach
Bournemouth is renowned for its picturesque coastline, featuring 12km of golden sandy beaches that attract visitors from all over the world. Our famous beach has been ranked the 12th best beach in the world by Trip Advisor community (2025 Travellers Choice Awards).
Tour of Bournemouth Lower Gardens and Bournemouth beach
The vibrant atmosphere, beautiful beaches (because who doesn’t love a sea-view study break?), and various activities on campus and around town gave me a truly fulfilling experience.
Osher, from Israel
MORE PLACES TO PLAY
Winton and Charminster
Located between our Lansdowne and Talbot campuses, these are popular residential areas for our students, providing affordable choices for socialising and dining.
Poole
Poole Harbour is a watersports paradise, and is great for windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking.
Sandbanks
With beautiful sunset views, Sandbanks in the nearby town of Poole offers an upscale atmosphere. It’s often cited as one of the most exclusive places to live in the UK.
Day trip to Sandbanks beach
Walking and riding
Bournemouth and its surroundings offer many great walking and cycling trails, with options to rent a bike, so you can combine sightseeing with exercise.
Dorset day trips
Only two hours from central London by train
Bournemouth is a beautiful town for the adventurous. Filled with indoor and outdoor activities. It is difficult to not engage in activities across the seasons.
Ogechi, from Nigeria
A PLACE TO CALL HOME
When choosing accommodation, remember you’ll need to attend in-person teaching sessions regularly, so look for somewhere close to campus or within easy commuting distance.
A range of BU accommodation options are available – from standard single rooms to rooms with en-suite facilities, as well as studios. Prices are inclusive of all bills, so there is nothing more to pay than the advertised rent. For details of rent prices and what’s included, please view our BU Accommodation price guide.
Scan to view our BU Accommodation price guide
For information on private rental accommodation, please visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/private-rental-accommodation
For information on options for families and couples, please visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/accommodation-families-couples
Unlike BU accommodation, private rentals are not inclusive of all bills, so please consider all costs you will need to meet if you choose this option.
Living costs
The average monthly budget to cover your accommodation, bills, groceries and other living expenses during your studies is around £900-£1,300 per month.
More on living expenses, including a breakdown of expenditures
TUITION FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
BU tuition fees are payable each year of your studies.
Scan the QR codes below for indicative fulltime annual tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate international students:
Scan to view our Undergraduate fees
Scan to view our Postgraduate fees
My BU scholarship not only alleviated financial strain for me and my family but also provided opportunities for growth, empowered academic excellence and fuelled my drive to succeed.
Hem, from India
Scholarships
BU offer scholarships to reward excellence, as well as to help make university education in the UK more accessible for international students.
We offer:
Academic Excellence Scholarship to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate taught degree applicants - applied as a tuition fee reduction
BU Music Scholarship for talented musicians or vocalists with experience in ensemble activity
Sport Scholarship for high-performing sports people with the desire to continue to develop.
Scan for full details and eligibility on Undergraduate Scholarships
Scan for full details and eligibility on Postgraduage Scholarships
External funding
We collaborate with a range of external organisations to provide scholarship opportunities for international students. These include The British Council and Chevening.
Scan for more information and details on how to apply for external funding
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree)
UK A-levels or a high school leaving certificate from your country (if equivalent to UK A-levels)
International and European Baccalaureates, Cambridge Pre-U Diploma
SAT, ACT and AP exams, in conjunction with a high school diploma
BU International College Foundation Certificate and other recognised foundation.
Undergraduate (Top-up degree)
Foundation degree with 60% or above in a required subject or Higher National Diploma (HND) with Merit or above in a required subject
Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in a relevant subject area
Overseas qualifications equivalent to the first two years of a UK undergraduate course or 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits (e.g. a college diploma).
Postgraduate (Taught Master’s degree)
UK Bachelor’s degree (including Top-up degree) or overseas equivalent
Professional qualification equivalent to UK Bachelor’s degree level (e.g. Chartered Institute of Marketing)
BU International College Pre Master’s and other recognised pathway programmes
Learn more about entry requirements
Research degrees (MRes, MPhil and PhD)
A first or upper second class (2:1) honours UK Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (MRes and MPhil entry)
A UK Master’s degree or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to the proposed research (PhD entry).
To find out more, visit www.bournemouth. ac.uk/postgraduate-research or email PGRadmissions@bournemouth.ac.uk
BU International College courses
If you cannot gain direct entry to a degree, BU International College offers preparatory courses to help you. Successful completion with the required grades guarantees access to your chosen course.
Foundation Certificate
Available in Business, Law or Finance, Computing, Events, Tourism & Hospitality Management, Media & Communications, and Science. These qualifications can also be accepted for entry onto many other BU undergraduate subjects
International Year One
Offered in Business, Law or Finance, Events, Tourism & Hospitality Management, and Media & Communications, for direct entry to Year 2 of selected Bachelor’s degrees
Pre-Master’s
Available in Business, Law or Finance, Events, Tourism & Hospitality Management, and Media & Communication, leading to a wide range of BU Master’s degrees, including many other subject areas.
For more information, visit: www.kaplanpathways.com/where-to-study/ bournemouth-university-international-college
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
For entry to most Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees at BU, you will need to have achieved a minimum of IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall (with no less than 5.5 in each component) or equivalent if English is not your first language. Please check the individual course page on the BU website for specific English language requirements.
To be accepted onto a Research degree programme, you will need to have achieved an IELTS (Academic) of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent. The language requirement may be higher for some programmes, specifically those which involve a high level of communication skills.
Other acceptable English language qualifications for entry
We accept several easy-to-access online English language tests that can be taken from home, with results available quickly, including KTE (Kaplan Test of English) and Oxford ELLT, amongst others.
Successfully completing a Pre-sessional English for University Study programme with the required grade at BU International College, or with other recognised providers in the UK or overseas.
Scan for English language requirements and how to book online tests
English Language Comparison Scores
Check our website below for comparison scores between IELTS, TOEFL and other tests. We use this to decide whether you have met the level required to study at BU.
Scan for comparison scores
START YOUR APPLICATION
Entry requirements vary depending on the course you choose. Please visit the relevant course page for specific requirements of academic qualifications, English proficiency tests and any additional criteria such as interview or portfolio.
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) programmes
Applications for most undergraduate programmes in the UK are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). You will need to create an account on the UCAS website and complete the application form.
For more information, visit www.ucas.com/undergraduate
Postgraduate (Taught Master’s and Research) programmes
Applications for most of our postgraduate programmes, including Research, must be completed directly using myHub, our online application portal. www.bournemouth.ac.uk/myhub
Exceptions
MA Social Work, MSc Adult Nursing, MSc Mental Health Nursing and MSc/PG Dip Physician Associate Studies. Applications for these courses must be submitted through the UCAS website: www.ucas.com
Pre-sessional
English and pathway programmes
Pre-sessional English, International Foundation Certificate, International Year One and Pre-Master’s courses are taught at BU International College, and you should send your application directly to them. You will receive an offer with your study plan stating your pathway programme and your BU degree course upon successful completion of the pathway programme.
For more information, visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/preparatoryprogrammes
In-country assistance
We work in partnership with a number of local representatives all over the world who can help you with your application. They are familiar with our course portfolio and application process, so can help with any questions you have about studying at BU.
Find a rep:
www.bournemouth.ac.uk/country-reps
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION
Degree certificate and transcript
Official degree certificate and transcript issued by the degree-awarding institution (not affiliated colleges) – or up-to-date transcript if you are currently studying the degree course. An official translation is required in addition if the degree certificate or transcript is not in English.
English language qualification
Please check the entry requirements on our webpage: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ english-language-requirements
Personal statement
Our direct application asks three specific questions.
These questions are:
Section one: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Section two: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
Section three: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Academic and/or professional reference letter
An academic reference letter must be received from a professional email address.
If a letter is received from a nonprofessional email address or is uploaded by yourself or your agent, the letter must
be written on headed paper, signed, stamped and dated within the last two years. If you graduated some time ago and cannot provide an academic reference, we will consider a professional reference letter as an alternative.
Portfolio (if required as part of the application)
Check your chosen course webpage to see if a portfolio is required. If the portfolio file is larger than 4MB, or is in a file format which cannot be accepted on our application portal, a link to view the portfolio online should be provided instead (e.g. Dropbox, Google Drive, Behance). The portfolio must be complete, as later submission of additional work pieces will not be accepted.
A copy of valid passport
The passport image must be clear and in colour.
Any other additional documents
This may include: CV, any additional certificates
ID verification (if the applicant’s name on documents differs, for example after marriage)
any previous UK study on Student Route visa (upload previous CAS and BRP)
if you are currently studying in the UK, please provide your share code any previous visa refusals
any other documents which may help support the application.
AFTER YOU HAVE APPLIED
BU aims to make you an offer as soon as possible, provided you have submitted a fully completed application.
Undergraduate offer information
Postgraduate offer information
Courses requiring additional assessment measures, such as interviews, may take a little longer.
Your offer from BU
After we have reviewed your application, you will be issued with either:
Conditional offer - if you are still completing a qualification
Unconditional offer - if you have met all entry requirements for your course
Accepting your offer
If you applied through UCAS you should respond to your offer through UCAS Hub.
If you applied directly to Bournemouth University you should accept your offer through myHub.
Conditional offer holders will also need to upload all required documents on myHub.
Deposit payment
A deposit is required for international students to secure your place on our undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Applicants who require a Student Route visa to study in the UK will be issued a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS)once they have paid the deposit, completed all pending checks, completed their CAS application on CAS Shield, and undertaken the pre-CAS recorded interview (if required).
Scan for further details about deposit payments
Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)
CAS are issued from six months before the course start date.
Student visa
If you require a visa to study in the UK, please familiarise yourself with the visa requirements and timelines to ensure a smooth visa application process.
Scan for Student visa details
YOUR HOME BASE FOR EXPLORING THE UK AND BEYOND
Bournemouth benefits from great access and transport links to London and many major UK cities.
Cities
London
There is a direct train to London Waterloo that takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Oxford
Driving takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the direct train takes approximately 2 hours.
Cardiff
Driving takes around 3 hours, while the train journey takes a little over 3 hours.
Birmingham
The direct train takes just over 3 hours, or you can drive to the city in approximately 3 hours.
Manchester
A direct train takes just under 5 hours. You can drive there in around 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Edinburgh
It’s around an 8-hour drive, while the train journey takes just over 7 hours.
Airports
Bournemouth Airport
The airport is just a 15-minute drive outside of the town centre and there is a direct bus service that takes approximately 20 minutes.
Southampton Airport
It takes around 45 minutes to reach Southampton Airport, either by driving or by a direct train.
London Heathrow Airport
We are approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Heathrow Airport. If you want to travel by train, it takes around 2.5 hours.
Gatwick Airport
Approximately 2-hour drive from Bournemouth, National Express operates direct services multiple times a day from Bournemouth Coach Station to both the North and South Terminals which takes around 3 hours.