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University of Bristol

Bristol, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 20,064
  • Tuition Fee From£ 4,700
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength27,375
  • Global Diversity28%
  • Gender Ratio44:56

Overview

About

The University of Bristol is a prestigious public research university located in Bristol, UK, established in 1876. It is a member of the Russell Group and ranks among the top 5 research universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong faculties in engineering, mathematics, sciences, law, business, and humanities.
 

Things To Know About The University Of Bristol 

  • Top Global Rankings: Consistently ranked among the top 60 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings).
  • Prime Location: Situated in the city of Bristol, known for its cultural diversity, safety, and strong student community.
  • Strong Employability: Over 95% of graduates secure employment or further study within six months of graduation.
  • Industry Links: Strong partnerships with top global companies for internships, placements, and collaborative research.

 

University of Bristol Programmes

The university offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across multiple disciplines. There are over 281 undergraduate and 230 postgraduate programmes, including arts and humanities, business and social sciences, engineering, medicine and health, science and technology, and language and cultural studies. Popular programmes at the University of Bristol include: 

  • Mathematics 
  • Economics 
  • Law 
  • Political science and government 
  • Physics 
  • Chemistry

 

University of Bristol Scholarships

The university provides various scholarships for international students, including the Think Big scholarships that help fund tuition fees. Additional scholarships are available from both the university and external organisations. 

Level

Scholarship

Deadline

Undergraduate

Think Big UG

24 Feb 2025, 10 am UK time

Undergraduate

Science & Life Sciences India UG Scholarship

TBD for 2025 (last: 1 Aug 2023)

Postgraduate

Think Big PG

23 Apr 2025, 10 am UK time

Postgraduate

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

Entry cycle closed; next: Nov 2025

 

University of Bristol Admissions 2025

Admission Deadlines 2025

Level

Application Type

Deadline

Undergraduate

UCAS Main

30 June 2025

UCAS Extra

4 July 2025

Postgraduate

MSc / MA

17 September 2025

 

Admission Requirements for International Students

  • Undergraduate Courses:
     
    • Typical A-level offers: AAA to ABB, depending on the course
    • Competitive courses like Medicine: A*AA, including Chemistry and one other science/maths subject
       
  • Postgraduate Courses:
     
    • A Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours (2:1)

Documents Required

  • Academic transcripts and certificates (e.g., Class 12 marksheet, Bachelor’s degree)
  • Personal statement (SOP)
  • Letters of recommendation (usually 2)
  • CV/Resume (required for postgraduate courses)
  • Portfolio (for Art, Design, or Architecture courses)
  • Research proposal (for research-based degrees like MPhil/PhD)
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, etc.)

English Language Requirements

  • Mandatory for applicants whose first language is not English
  • Course-specific requirements vary, but generally:
     
    • IELTS: 6.0 to 7.0 overall
       
    • PTE Academic: 60 to 71 overall
    • Equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT or Cambridge English are also accepted. 

 

University of Bristol Fees

Tuition fees vary by programme and student status (UK, EU, international). Detailed fee information is available on the university’s official website and funding pages.

Undergraduate Student Fees 

Tuition fees vary by course, typically from £24,800 to £44,500 per year. For example:

  • Arts, Social Sciences, and Sciences: around £24,800–£30,400 per year
  • Medicine (MBChB): £44,500 per year
  • Other science and engineering courses: generally £30,400 per year.

Postgraduate Fees

First-year tuition for postgraduate taught courses generally ranges from £16,880 to £46,500, depending on the programme.

  • Most MSc courses: approx. £20,000–£45,000
  • MBA/PGDM: approx. £24,000–£38,000

 

University of Bristol Placements

The university offers opportunities for work placements, a year in industry, and study or work abroad programs to enhance practical experience and employability.

 

University of Bristol Rankings 2025

The University of Bristol is ranked as the 8th best university in the UK according to the QS World University Ranking 2026 and is highly regarded for research and teaching quality. It is also noted as the first university to declare a climate emergency and is located in the UK’s third-most culturally and creative city.

Ranking Body

Year

Global Rank

UK Rank

QS World University Rankings

2026

51st

8th

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

2025

78th

9th

THE World Reputation Rankings

2025

68th

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)

2024

97th

8th

Complete University Guide

2025

16th

The Guardian University Guide

2025

16th

Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide

2025

11th

 

University of Bristol Notable Alumni

The University of Bristol has a proud legacy of producing globally recognised leaders, innovators, and creatives. With a global alumni community of over 190,000 graduates and 13 Nobel Prize winners, the university’s influence stretches far beyond academia. Its alumni span industries like science, politics, journalism, entertainment, and the arts.

Some of the most prominent University of Bristol alumni include:

Name

Profession / Achievement

Paul Dirac

Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist; pioneer in quantum mechanics

Will Hutton

Political economist, journalist, and author

David Walliams

Comedian, actor, and best-selling children’s author

Matt Lucas

Comedian and actor, widely known for Little Britain

Sarah Montague

Renowned BBC journalist and radio presenter

Simon Pegg

Actor and comedian, famous for roles in Shaun of the Dead and Star Trek

James Blunt

Singer-songwriter, known for international hit You're Beautiful

 

University of Bristol Campus Life

The University of Bristol offers a dynamic campus experience in one of the UK’s most culturally rich cities. The campus blends historic buildings with modern facilities and supports a sustainable lifestyle through complimentary amenities like bike parking, showers, and water fountains. Students enjoy Bristol's vibrant atmosphere, with its green spaces, creative scene, and diverse community.

A significant highlight is the upcoming Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, designed with teaching spaces, co-working zones, winter gardens, and cafés all built around sustainability and wellbeing. The university is also investing in projects like the Fry Building, Senate House, and a new library to create a world-class learning environment.

Student life at Bristol is enriched by interdisciplinary learning, inclusive design, and a strong focus on wellbeing. With modern facilities, active student clubs, and a thriving Students’ Union, Bristol offers an engaging, supportive, and inspiring environment for personal and academic growth.

Ranking

The University of Bristol continues to hold a strong global and national reputation in 2025, consistently ranking among the top universities across major league tables. With a global ranking of 93rd by the US News & World Report, 51st by QS World University Rankings, and 78th by Times Higher Education (THE), Bristol proves its academic excellence across a wide range of disciplines. Nationally, it stands at 16th in The Guardian University Guide and 15th in the Complete University Guide, showcasing steady year-on-year improvement and subject-level strengths, particularly in Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Business.

 

University of Bristol Ranking by US News & World Report 2025

The University of Bristol is ranked 93rd globally by the US News & World Report Global Universities ranking. 

Subject Area

Rank

Arts and Humanities

103

Biology and Biochemistry

180

Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems

135

Cell Biology

199

Chemistry

248

Civil Engineering

198

Clinical Medicine

137

Computer Science

168

Ecology

68

Economics and Business

236

Mathematics

118

Mechanical Engineering

145

Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences

51

Molecular Biology and Genetics

84

Neuroscience and Behaviour

236

Oncology

310

Pharmacology and Toxicology

110

Physical Chemistry

439

 

University of Bristol Ranking by THE Guardian 2025

The University of Bristol is ranked 16th nationally in The Guardian University Guide 2025, up one place from the previous year.

Ranked by

2025

2024

2023

Accounting and Finance

18

37

29

Business and Management

12

13

15

Civil Engineering

1

2

3

Economics

27

41

40

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

13

19

28

Law

17

15

17

Mechanical Engineering

11

7

7

Medicine

9

11

12

Physics

25

30

21

Politics

20

15

11

Sociology and Social Policy

24

24

16

 

University of Bristol Ranking by THE Complete University Guide 2025

According to the Complete University Guide 2026, Bristol is ranked 15th nationally, up one place from the previous year. Nearly 30 subjects at Bristol are considered top 10 in their field in the UK according to recent Complete University Guide data.

Ranked by

2026

2025

2024

Accounting and Finance

20

15

16

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

3

2

2

Biological Sciences

10

9

10

Business and Management Studies UK

10

11

14

Civil Engineering

8

4

4

Computer Science

8

12

15

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

9

12

11

Law

7

8

8

Mechanical Engineering

4

4

4

Medicine

8

6

6

Physics and Astronomy

8

9

11

Psychology

15

14

10

Sociology

8

6

7

 

University of Bristol QS Ranking 

The University of Bristol is ranked 51st globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, a rise of one place from the previous year. 

Ranked by

2025

2024

Accounting and Finance

101

101

Biological Sciences

103

92

Communication and Media Studies

101

151

Engineering and Technology

116

117

Law and Legal Studies

65

61

Masters in Business Analytics

101

101

Masters in Supply Chain Management

45

47

Mathematics

93

85

Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

66

45

Medicine

59

68

Performing Arts

101

101

Pharmacy and Pharmacology

69

59

Physics and Astronomy

148

122

Politics

75

101

Sociology

42

44

 

University of Bristol Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) 2025

The University of Bristol is ranked 78th globally and 9th in the UK in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.

Ranked by

2025

2024

2023

University

78

81

76

Arts and Humanities

85

75

83

Clinical and Health

54

59

54

Engineering

100

96

101

Law

60

89

64

Life Sciences

81

86

90

PG Business and Economics

151

201

201

PG Computer Science

101

101

126

Psychology

65

82

64

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2025

#54

-

2023

#61

#93

2022

#62

#93

2021

#62

#92

Facilities

Over 208 buildings are used for academic, sporting, and administrative functions at the university. The Faculty of Arts and the biological sciences building are located on Clifton Campus. The site also offers 3,000 study spaces spread across three study centres. Computer labs are well-equipped on campus, and eight out of nine top-tier university libraries are located here. In the region of South West England, the university libraries have the largest collection of books and journals. Academic buildings and divisions for UG and PG students can be found on the 255-hectare Langford Campus. The Bristol Veterinary School is on the campus. Glance through the University of Bristol facilities in detail -

 

Academic Libraries:

The largest academic collection in the southwest of England is housed in the more than 1.4 million printed books and journals that are available in Bristol University’s nine libraries.

 

Collections and Archives:

Among the archives and special collections housed at the University are the Brunel Collection and the Penguin Archive. The certified museum and research facility Theatre Collection is devoted to the study of British theatre history. The University's Botanic Garden's plant collections are heavily utilised in the classroom, and the Geology Museum is home to more than 100,000 specimens, some of which are of significant global significance. Many other departments have their own particular collections and archives.

 

Studying Areas:

All across the university, there are areas designated for studying that are quiet, conducive to group work, or more sociable. Students can also utilise more than 2,000 PCs, including those in the study areas with 24-hour access.

 

IT Assistance:

Students can receive assistance and guidance from the IT Service Desk. They provide mobile and dedicated laptop clinics. IT teams on-campus assist with teaching and research activities. 

Notable Alumni

Anna Maria Anders
Anna Maria Anders
Senator and a Minister in Poland
Percy Anstey
Percy Anstey
Economist
Julie Myerson
Julie Myerson
Novelist

Courses

Admission

University of Bristol Admissions 2025 Highlights

  • Global Ranking: Top 50 in the world, #7 in the UK. 

  • Application Volume: Over 30,000 undergraduate applications in the last cycle; acceptance rate around 46%.
  • Student Body: 28% international, from more than 150 countries. 

 

University of Bristol Application Deadlines 2025

Date

Details

02 September 2025

UCAS begins accepting completed undergraduate applications.

15 October 2025

Final deadline for applications to Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science.

14 January 2026

Main UCAS application deadline for all other undergraduate courses. Applications submitted after this date may still be considered for select programmes, please contact the university to confirm.

 

University of Bristol Visa Requirements for International Students

  • Student Visa: Required for all non-UK/non-Irish students.
  • CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies): Issued by the university after you meet all offer conditions.
  • Documents Required:
    • Valid passport
    • CAS statement from Bristol
    • Proof of sufficient funds (tuition + living expenses)
    • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent)
    • Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
  • Application Timing: Apply for your visa after receiving your CAS, ideally three months before your course start date.

University of Bristol Application Process 2025

  1. Choose Your Course:

    Explore the full range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses on the University of Bristol website to select your preferred program.
     
  2. Check Entry Requirements:

    Review academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and any additional criteria specific to your chosen course and level of study.
     
  3. Submit Your Application:
     
    • Undergraduate: Apply via UCAS using institution code BRISL B78, selecting up to five course choices. Submit by the relevant deadlines (e.g., 15 October for Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary, 31 January for equal consideration, final deadline 30 June 2025 for international applicants).
       
    • Postgraduate: Apply directly through the University of Bristol’s online application portal. Deadlines vary by course, with many taught programs closing around mid-September 2025.
       
  4. Track Your Application:

    Use UCAS (undergraduate) or the university portal (postgraduate) to monitor application status and respond to any requests.
     
  5. Receive and Respond to Offers:

    Offers may be conditional or unconditional. Confirm your acceptance through the respective platform.
     
  6. Meet Conditions and Submit Documents:

    Provide all required documents such as transcripts, references, and proof of English proficiency. Fulfil any academic or language conditions.
     
  7. Accept Offer and Apply for Visa (International Students):

    After meeting all conditions, the university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you will need to apply for a UK Student Visa.

Scholarship

The University of Bristol offers a wide range of scholarships to support outstanding international students across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These scholarships are designed to recognise academic excellence, leadership potential, and unique talents, while easing the financial burden of studying abroad. Whether you are applying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, Bristol provides generous funding opportunities to help you achieve your academic goals. Below is a comprehensive guide to available scholarships, their coverage, and the step-by-step application process.

 

Undergraduate Scholarships at the University of Bristol

The University of Bristol offers a range of undergraduate scholarships designed to support high-achieving and talented students from around the world. These scholarships help cover tuition fees and are awarded based on academic merit, subject-specific eligibility, or exceptional achievements in areas like sports. Here's a quick overview of the key scholarships available and their coverage amounts.

Scholarship Name

Coverage Amount

University of Bristol Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships

INR 10.80 Lakhs

University of Bristol Science and Life Sciences India Undergraduate Scholarship

INR 3.24 Lakhs

University of Bristol Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship – Sports

INR 3.24 Lakhs

University of Bristol Alumni Academic Achievement Awards

INR 1.08 Lakhs

University of Bristol Think Big Undergraduate Scholarships (Alternate)

INR 5.40 Lakhs

 

Postgraduate Scholarships At The University Of Bristol 

The University of Bristol provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students pursuing master’s degrees. These scholarships are designed to recognise academic excellence and ease financial burdens by covering tuition fees, living costs, or both. Whether you're applying for a taught programme in data science, finance, or any other field, there are multiple funding options available. Below is a summary of key postgraduate scholarships and their coverage.

Scholarship Name

Coverage Amount

University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarships

INR 28.10 Lakhs

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (University of Bristol)

Tuition & fees, living expenses, airfare

University of Bristol Global Accounting and Finance Scholarship

INR 10.80 Lakhs

University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarships (EUR 5,000)

INR 5.40 Lakhs

University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarships (EUR 10,000)

INR 10.80 Lakhs

 

The University Of Bristol Application Process

1. Apply for a Course at the University of Bristol

You must first submit an application for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University of Bristol. For undergraduate scholarships, you need a UCAS ID, Student ID, or Kaplan ID; for postgraduate scholarships, your Student ID is required. You do not need to have received an offer before applying for a scholarship, but you must have submitted your course application.
 

2. Complete the Online Scholarship Application Form

  • Access the relevant scholarship application form (undergraduate or postgraduate) via the University of Bristol’s official scholarships page.
  • Fill out all required sections in one session, as the form cannot save progress. You will only have one opportunity to review and edit your answers before final submission.
     

3. Provide Required Information

  • Include your UCAS ID, Student ID, or Kaplan ID.
  • Answer all application questions, which assess your academic achievements, potential, and motivation.
  • Submit the form; you will receive an email confirmation of your application (check your spam/junk folder if you do not see it)
     

4. Assessment and Notification

  • Your application will be considered for all eligible scholarships and bursaries through this single process.
  • Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and the information provided in your application.
  • The university will notify you of the outcome according to the published timeline.

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the University of Bristol. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

 

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Bristol near Anglia Ruskin University that are fully equipped for your needs. Student accommodation near University Of Bristol offers a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

Bristol is home to a variety of neighbourhoods that are sure to appeal to all types of students, whether it be the lively Gloucester Road with its many bars and cafes or the quiet Bishopston and St Andrews. Additionally, it is small, which makes riding and walking a breeze. Students who plan on moving to this city need to curate a budget to get an idea of the living expenses they may incur while living there. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Bristol to make it easier for students to get an estimate of the costs on a monthly basis -

 

Item

Cost (Per Month)

Off-Campus Accommodation

£932

On-Campus Accommodation

£944

Transportation

£84

Food 

£414

Entertainment

£36

Groceries

£136

Clothes

£70

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

£1,672

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

£1,684

Annual Cost of Living

£20,064

 

FAQs