The University of Cumbria provides a unique UK study experience for international learners, with hundreds of international students attending each year. Cumbria students go on to great success, with 97 percent of graduates finding professional employment or further studies within 15 months of graduating. This places the University of Cumbria in the top 10 universities in the UK for graduate employability (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025).
There are undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research courses on offer to international students, delivered through three specialist academic faculties
Pre-Sessional English language programmes are also available, designed to help non-native speakers improve their language abilities.
All of Cumbria’s campuses provide a unique learning experience in unique and inspiring surroundings. They are based in:
Each of these locations have excellent transport connections, as well as a range of renowned tourist attractions and easy access to the UK’s coast and countryside.
Campuses at Cumbria are self-contained, welcoming, safe and well-equipped with support services.
Student life at Cumbria is rich with social activities and events, as well as endless options for students to pursue their interests or make friends.
Residences at the University of Cumbria are great value, comfortable and conveniently located. There’s guaranteed accommodation for all first-year students who apply by the specified deadline.
The university has recently had approval from the city council on its ambitious and innovative plans for a new Carlisle Citadels campus project. These exciting plans will see two listed rotundas of the 16th century citadel located in the heart of Carlisle, using them as a new modern gateway for a brand-new campus site, including cutting-edge facilities and contemporary workspaces.
Completion of the facility is expected in 2026, significantly enhancing the accessibility and impact of the university’s academic offerings and energising the city centre.
£11,302 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
£9,906 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
The University of Cumbria offers a range of scholarships for eligible international students starting in the 2026/27 academic year.
Automatic scholarships are available for eligible self-funded undergraduate and postgraduate students, with awards of up to GBP 12,000 depending on the programme.
In addition, competitive merit scholarships are available for high-achieving students, offering enhanced tuition fee discounts for selected programmes.
This scholarship reduces fees for eligible EU/EEA students to the same as home students. This will apply for the duration of a student’s course and will take the form of a reduction to the tuition fees charged. The reduced fee will be stated on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS).
Scholarships for 2027/28 will be published here in due course.
Both current students and applicants can receive free and confidential advice from Cumbria’s Money Advice Service. Expert advisers are experienced in guiding students. They provide support with any finance-related issues such as funding, bursaries, scholarships and budgeting. One-to-one advice can be given on campus or over the phone.
Entry requirements vary by programme.
International students may need to show proof of English language proficiency.
Students generally need one of the following, or equivalent:
For BSc Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Physiotherapy students will need an IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent).
For students that do not meet the minimum entry requirements, applications are welcomed to the University of Cumbria International College.
Students generally need the following, or equivalent:
International students who can’t quite meet the English language requirements can take pre-sessional courses.
The University of Cumbria offers a pre-master’s programme in business and social sciences for students that do not meet the minimum entry requirements.
The University of Cumbria provides an exceptional education. Classes are small in size and students receive personalised teaching. Tutors get to know their students and are committed to their success.
In the Guardian University League Tables 2025 the University of Cumbria was ranked:
All students are assigned a personal tutor who mentors them throughout their studies. They meet regularly throughout the term, where tutors support academic performance. UoC ranked best in the UK for Postgraduate Research Experience (Advance HE)
Pre-sessional programmes are for international students who need to improve their skills before degree-level study. They are specially designed for non-native English speakers. Programmes have 15 hours of classes each week, plus personal tutorials and independent studies. Students can develop their English language skills for academic purposes and daily communication. There are two programmes:
All Pre-Sessional English courses are delivered online.
Cumbria is comprised of three faculties, each teaching multidisciplinary courses.
Students develop the knowledge, skills and critical awareness needed to succeed in today’s professional world, with a focus on business, leadership, industry and wider society. Students can access courses in:
The faculty also includes the University's Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing provision, which opened in 2025/26. Current undergraduate study includes:
Students can develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to make a positive difference in health and wellbeing. The Faculty of Health specialises in a range of healthcare and wellbeing areas, including:
Bringing together a diverse range of disciplines, this faculty offers students opportunities to explore science, the environment, education, the arts, media and creative subjects.
Students can access courses in:
Through education courses, students looking to work in the public or private education sector can develop careers as:
Students curious about the natural world, science and the environment can pursue courses in areas such as:
The university’s campuses are in some of the UK’s most iconic and popular locations, such as the English Lake District, Lancaster, and Carlisle. Cumbria is the only UK university based within a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. These exciting locations provide unique opportunities for students in and out of the classroom.
Students can take advantage of Cumbria’s extensive digital technologies. They can access resources and systems on campus or elsewhere. This includes electronic books, e-journals, online learning, email, support, instant messaging, file storage and video conferencing.
The university is committed to providing fair trade options. Fair trade foods are available to buy in all campus stores and are used in all restaurants, cafes and bars.
The Vallum Gallery in the Carlisle campus holds in-house and external exhibitions every year. It showcases final projects of art students. The degree show and gallery were finalists for Art of Cultural Initiative of the Year (Carlisle Living Awards).
There are many facilities at Cumbria designed to make sport accessible and inclusive. Students are members of the University of Cumbria Students’ Union Sport when they enrol at the university. They can also join membership packages or CPD courses.
A range of affordable housing options to suit everyone’s budget are available. The North West of England is considered one of the best value for money student areas in the country. Students can choose between different types of room:
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Carlisle, Cumbria, UK
