International students
Why Loughborough?
Loughborough University won the first ever Times Higher award for ‘outstanding support for overseas students’. Our Careers Service, Students’ Union and visa advice were among the many services that international students rated highly at Loughborough.
A leading University
Loughborough has a long history of welcoming international students to the University and we currently have around 1,000 undergraduate students studying here from outside of the UK. In addition to those benefits outlined earlier we offer international students the following advantages:
- Voted England's Best Student Experience for six consecutive years, Times Higher Education league table
- Ranked in Top 20 of The Times Good University Guide for 11 years running
- Awarded 'Best International Experience', National Union of Students Internationalisation Awards 2011
- Awarded 'Outstanding Support for Overseas Students', Times Higher Awards 2007
- Extremely high ratings for research and teaching
- The largest single-site campus in the UK with outstanding facilities
- 90 minutes to London by train
- FREE airport coach service from London Heathrow to the University
- Significantly lower cost of living than in larger UK cities
Entry requirements and applying
Loughborough accepts many kinds of international qualifications. See our general entrance requirements section and how to apply section for more details.
Accommodation and living costs
International students are given priority when University accommodation is allocated, and can choose to spend up to three years in University halls of residence. Student rooms in halls are networked, making it easy to keep in touch with family and friends via the Internet and email. Independent national surveys show that Loughborough’s accommodation is good value for money by comparison with other universities.
Loughborough is a thriving market town, and living here normally costs less than it does in major UK cities. A single international student should allow around £600 to £790 per month for accommodation and most other living expenses – meaning a total maintenance budget of around £5,400 to £7,110 for nine months spent in the UK. This does not include tuition fees.
Tuition fees, scholarships and bursaries
The University invests more than £1m each year in scholarships and bursaries for international undergraduate students. Self-funded international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for a Loughborough University International Scholarship (currently 25% of tuition fees for the first year of study).
Students with exceptional school or college grades (or predicted grades) may be offered this award on the basis of their initial application and will be advised of this with their offer of a place.
In addition, a small number of schools and departments offer automatic bursaries for self-funded students on specified courses. These currently vary from 10% to 20% of tuition fees.
Work opportunities
European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals are free to work in the UK without restriction. Most other international students can now supplement their income by working:
- during term-time (up to 20 hours per week)
- during vacations (full-time)
- in a full-time work placement (as part of your course of study)
The dependant spouses of students who are in the UK for 12 months or more are also usually allowed to work full-time or part-time. Our year-long work placement (sandwich) courses, which are available in many subject areas, offer some major benefits to international students.
Once you are in the UK the Employment Exchange run by Loughborough Students’ Union can help you find suitable part-time and vacation work.
The Careers and Employability Centre has been voted amongst the best of its kind in the UK and there is a specialist careers adviser for international students who can also help if you are looking for employment, training or further study opportunities after you finish your university course.
Arriving at Loughborough
On arrival at London Heathrow airport, a free coach service to Loughborough is available on certain days during July, August and September.
The International Office arranges welcome and induction events for all new international students. The Students’ Union has a Global Development Officer to represent the interests of our international students.
The International Students’ Association (ISA) is the focus for numerous popular social events including visits to different parts of the UK and an annual International Day.
We hold a one-week residential Orientation Course for international students in September, immediately before the start of the academic year. It provides practical information about living and studying in Loughborough and the UK.
It also enables you to settle into your new environment before you start your study course and therefore helps you make the most of your time with us.