University of Bristol

The University of Bristol ranks 54^th globally, and 9^th in the UK (QS World University Rankings (QS), 2025). It is renowned internationally for its provision of world-class education and impactful research. Almost a third of its 32,000 students are from overseas, making the university a diverse community of academic minds.

The university ranks twelfth overall in the UK for employment outcomes (QS, 2025), and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers both locally and internationally. Students benefit from dedicated careers support and employability schemes designed to boost their confidence, skills and experience, propelling them towards their professional goals.

As a member of the acclaimed Russell Group of universities and the Worldwide Universities Network, the University of Bristol places a strong emphasis on the quality and impact of its research. Across its more than 30 research centres, researchers and students collaborate to provide innovative solutions to pressing global issues, from climate change to human rights.

In the Times Higher Education analysis of the Research Excellence Framework (2021), the University of Bristol ranks in the top five in the UK for research. It also appears in the top 30 globally across 29 subject areas in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025).

Outside of academia, the university boasts an abundance of activities for students to enjoy, with its active students' union running over 350 clubs and societies. Off-campus, students can explore the vibrant, historic, and diverse city of Bristol, regularly named one of the UK's best cities to live in.

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 46^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• Academic advice and support
• Careers support
• Disability support
• Financial advice and guidance
• Health and wellbeing support
• International student support
• IT support
• Residential support

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.

A University of Bristol degree is well regarded worldwide, and graduates are highly employable. The university ranks 12th in the UK for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2025), and 94 percent of its graduates find work or further study within 15 months of completing their course.

The University of Bristol's dedicated careers service provides bespoke advice and guidance to students, helping them to identify and achieve their professional goals. Throughout their studies, and for three years after graduation, students can obtain support with CVs, applications, and interviews, and benefit from employer presentations, internship schemes and careers support.

Students at the university have access to the informative MyOpportunities portal, which empowers learners to discover and take advantage of opportunities outside of their formal curriculum. The expansive range of opportunities may include the likes of volunteering, international internships, and even hackathons.

Students also have the opportunity to work towards the Bristol PLUS Award, an industry-recognised employability award which rewards students for their extracurricular undertakings and provides structured reflection on skill development.

Similarly, students can track, evidence, and build their skillset using the interactive Bristol Skills Profile. Placing emphasis on soft skills as well as those which are more specialist or technical, this digital platform has been described as a ‘game changing' initiative in boosting students' employability.