University of Bristol, UK - Ranking, Reviews, Courses, Tuition Fees

Overview

About University of Bristol

Established over a hundred years ago, the University of Bristol is a top-ranking university in the UK, with a well-earned reputation for high quality teaching and research. Bristol is ranked within the top 10 universities in the UK, and 54th in the world, in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Bristol offers around 600 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes covering a comprehensive range of subjects. The university also runs foundation programmes, study abroad, and summer school short-term study options. Bristol is home to more than 32,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, 32 percent of whom are international, representing more than 140 nationalities.

Bristol is a member of the elite Russell Group of research-intensive universities in the UK and is committed to tackling the world's greatest challenges. Courses and programmes offered at the university are designed with this principle, with emphasis placed on innovative research. At Bristol, students work with expert academics on real-life projects and benefit from their knowledge and experience. Graduates of the University of Bristol are highly sought after by employers, both within the UK and globally.

Bristol was ranked twelfth in the UK for employment outcomes in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The University of Bristol continues to invest in and upgrade its facilities, technology, training resources and methods. The university offers a range of support services – academic, personal, financial and practical – to ensure that students can access help whenever they need it. Bristol also provides students with numerous extracurricular activity options, including a host of clubs, sporting activities, volunteering and networking opportunities to enrich their lives.

University Ranking

Academic Ranking of World Universities

2025 98 1

2024 97 9

2023 88

QS World University Rankings

2026 51 3

2025 54 1

2024 55

Times Higher Education World University Rankings

2026 80 2

2025 78 3

2024 81

What's new

Accolades and rankings

The University of Bristol is renowned worldwide for the quality and scale of its academics and research. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (2024), it ranked as the 46th most international university globally. It also ranked in the top 100 in the THE Impact Rankings (2024).

The university was also named the AI University of the Year at the inaugural National AI Awards, in recognition of its leading research and teaching in the field of artificial intelligence.

Infrastructure

The university is committed to the continual investment into its infrastructure and resources and has committed around GBP 700 million to transformational projects on campus. These ambitious ventures aim to improve buildings and facilities, as well as the campus as a whole.

New campus

In 2026, the university will open its brand new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. This interdisciplinary learning environment will be in the heart of Bristol, and will provide teaching, research, and innovative spaces for students, researchers, and faculty alike. This state-of-the-art development will also boast its own on-site student accommodation.

Finances

How much will it cost?

Average tuition fees per year

17,15,334 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

12,48,564 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

Scholarships and funding

The University of Bristol is committed to making education more accessible to overseas students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. In 2025, it will invest GBP 3.5 million towards its financial aid schemes, to attract the best and brightest international students.

The university’s Think Big scholarships are open to undergraduate and postgraduate international students. With a value of up to GBP 26,000 per year, the Think Big scheme comprises an extensive selection of individual scholarships, funded by faculties, alumni, and external partners. Students need only apply once to the scheme as a whole and their application will then be considered against each scholarship individually.

The University of Bristol also provides a range of awards and scholarships, offered in partnership with external bodies including national governments, alumni associations, and industry partners. International students may also be eligible for funding from their home country or in relation to their chosen subject.

PhD students

PhD funding is not hindered by any restrictions relating to nationality or study programme, provided the university can offer supervision for the student’s desired research. Studentships are also available in each field of study.

Eligibility

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

Academic entry requirements at the University of Bristol vary between courses but are generally competitive to ensure the university attracts the brightest and most inquisitive minds. The university accepts a wide range of qualifications and international students can review country-specific guidance to understand which qualifications from their home country are accepted by the university.

Students should apply through UCAS for all undergraduate courses. For postgraduate courses, students are advised to apply through the university’s dedicated online application system.

English language requirements

As part of the application process, many international students will be required to submit evidence of their English language proficiency in order to study at the University of Bristol. A range of English tests are accepted.

Specific requirements vary depending on a student’s country of origin and their chosen course subject and the level of study. Students are advised to carefully check the English language criteria for their preferred study programme prior to application.

Department and Faculty

Department structure

Faculties and teaching

The University of Bristol is home to three faculties: the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. These faculties house over 30 academic schools as well as more than 30 centres for doctoral training, ensuring the effective streamlining of expert teaching staff, funding, and resources.

At undergraduate level, students can select from over 300 courses, with its postgraduate offering amounting to 240 taught and research programmes. Many courses offer both full and part-time study options, with others providing opportunities to study or work abroad, or to complete an industrial placement year.

Campuses

At the main Clifton Campus located in Bristol’s bustling city centre, students have access to eight libraries and state-of-the-art resources to complement their learning. Boasting a range of teaching and clinical facilities, the Langford campus is situated on a 105-hectare estate, a short drive from the city, and is home to Bristol Veterinary School.

The brand-new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus is set to open in 2026.

Campus and facilities

Facilities

Study and research

At the University of Bristol, students are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and resources that augment and enhance their study experience, promoting inspired learning. Continual investment into campus infrastructure provides students with the most up-to-date buildings, technology, and resources.

Students benefit from purpose-built study centres, expansive libraries open 24/7, cutting-edge laboratories, and highly technical specialist equipment.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available for undergraduate and postgraduate students across all campuses, with options in Stoke Bishop, Clifton, Bedminster, and the city centre. Rooms are available for all budgets and lifestyles, with options including modern city-centre residences and Georgian townhouses. Students may choose catered or self-catered accommodation.

Social

Students can get involved in over 350 clubs and societies at the University of Bristol, with topics including academia, politics, special interests, and more. There are also over 70 sports clubs at the university, and students have opportunities to compete against other institutions in leagues. Athletes can seek support in balancing their academic and sporting lives from the university’s dedicated Performance Sport Programme.

The University of Bristol boasts a comprehensive range of on-campus sporting facilities, including a swimming pool, multipurpose sports hall, and a well-equipped gym. Grass and artificial pitches, an indoor tennis centre, and Olympic-standard weightlifting facilities can all be found just a short distance from campus.

At the centre of the university is the Global Lounge, a popular place for students to connect, learn about other cultures, and discover global opportunities. Regular events allow domestic and overseas students to connect, form a diverse and vibrant community, and become impactful and conscientious global citizens.

Student support

The University of Bristol provides an extensive range of support services, which include:

Academic support at the university is comprehensive. All students are assigned an academic personal tutor or supervisor with whom they meet regularly to discuss their academic progress and ambitions. Students can also access peer support schemes, where sessions are facilitated by students from older years.

Physical and mental health support can be accessed through the university’s wellbeing advisers, student counsellors, and the residential life service.

The student’s union is also on hand to connect students with other like-minded individuals and provide opportunities to get involved in clubs, societies, or volunteering opportunities.

International support

The university values its international student cohort and understands the unique struggles and concerns that may come with studying overseas. International support is provided across all areas to ensure students quickly become part of the vibrant local community.

From the moment a student is accepted onto their course, the visa team is on hand to assist with visa applications and any associated paperwork both before and after their arrival in Bristol. International students may also make use of additional language development and study skills sessions.