University of Bristol
About the university
The University of Bristol is a leading public research university in south‑west England, with roots in the Merchant Venturers’ school (1595) and University College Bristol (1876), and a royal charter granted in 1909. It is a member of the Russell Group and is organised into three main faculties: Arts, Law and Social Sciences; Health and Life Sciences; and Science and Engineering, with a strong Business School and Law School. Bristol is highly selective, with multiple applicants per place, and is ranked in the global top 100 and UK top 10. It is known for strengths in engineering, computer science, life sciences, medicine, law, social sciences and arts. The main campus is integrated into the city, with historic buildings and modern facilities, and the city of Bristol is a vibrant, creative hub with good transport links.
Key information
- Location: Bristol, UK
- Ranking #10
- QS #55
- THE #79
- US News #96
- National ranking #8
- Institution type: public
Popular faculties
- Faculty of Arts Law and Social Sciences (School of Arts
- School of Humanities
- School of Economics
- Business School
- Law School
- School of Sociology Politics and International Studies)
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (Bristol Medical School
- Bristol Dental School
- Bristol Veterinary School
- Schools of Biological and Psychological Sciences
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine)
- Faculty of Science and Engineering (Schools of Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Geographical Sciences)
Programs (35)
- Law
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Science
- Psychology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Architecture
- Telecommunications
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Engineering
- Finance and Accounting
- Marketing
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Philosophy
- History
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Environmental Science
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Music
Student body
- Total students: 28,000
- Undergraduate: 21,000
- Graduate: 7,000
- International students: 28%
Campus life
The University of Bristol’s main campus is woven into the city, with teaching buildings, libraries, labs, Students’ Union, sports facilities and a range of halls spread across Clifton and nearby areas. Students’ Union Bristol runs many clubs, societies and volunteering projects. University residences offer a mix of catered and self‑catered halls, from budget shared rooms to en‑suite and studio options. The city is known for its creative industries, music, festivals and independent culture, with good transport links to London and the rest of the UK. International students receive support with visas, settling in and academic skills.
Housing & accommodation
Housing cost: £650 - £1,600 / per month
Housing options
- University halls of residence (various catered and self‑catered options)
- Budget shared rooms
- Standard and en‑suite rooms
- Studios and postgraduate flats
- City centre and campus houses
- Private rented houses and flats in Bristol
Student clubs and organizations
- Students’ Union societies
- Academic and subject societies
- Cultural and international student groups
- Volunteering and campaigning groups
- Arts and performance societies
Sports
- Football
- Rugby
- Hockey
- Netball
- Basketball
- Rowing
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Athletics
- Other BUCS and intramural sports
Career & internships
Employment rate: 93%
Partner companies
- Airbus
- BAE Systems
- EDF Energy
Internships: Many Bristol degrees offer placement or year‑in‑industry options, as well as study abroad schemes, especially in engineering, sciences, business and some social sciences. The university collaborates with employers in the UK and worldwide, and Careers Service provides guidance, employer events and vacancy listings. International students can access internships and placements within visa regulations. Strong subject rankings and research reputation support graduates in finding roles in industry, research and professional sectors.
Admission requirements
Required tests
- IELTS
- TOEFL
Required documents
- UCAS or online application
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Personal statement
- Academic reference
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
- Passport copy
- CV and additional documents for some postgraduate and professional programmes
Tuition costs
- £30,000 - £50,000 / per year
- Acceptance rate: 18.00%
- Scholarships available: The University of Bristol offers a range of scholarships for international students. Undergraduate and postgraduate awards include tuition fee discounts for high‑achieving overseas students, with some country‑specific and subject‑specific schemes. Funding is competitive and often based on academic excellence, potential and personal statements. In addition, external funding, government schemes and loans may be available depending on your country. Scholarship details, values and deadlines are updated annually on the university’s international fees and funding pages.
Quick facts
- Founded: 1909
- Teaching languages: English, english
- Study formats: offline
Contact
- Website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk
- [email protected]
- +44 117 928 9000