Study in Bath, The United Kingdom

About Bath

Bath is a city in the South West of England and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bath and North East Somerset, the council area that includes the city, had around 193,400 inhabitants at the 2021 census, up 9.9% since 2011, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Bath is a historic city with two universities, one with its main campus on the east side of the city and one spread over several campuses in and around Bath. It is about 1 hour 25 minutes from London by train, which makes it a common choice for students who want a quieter base than a big city.

Studying in Bath

Our directory lists two universities in Bath. Teaching is in English.

• University of Bath received its Royal Charter in 1966. Its main campus is at Claverton Down, on the east side of Bath. It has three faculties, one school, 16 departments and three institutes, and offers courses in engineering, humanities, management, science and social science.
• Bath Spa University dates back to the original Bath School of Art of 1852. It teaches and researches across art, sciences, education, social science and business, with campuses at Newton Park, Sion Hill and Locksbrook. It also runs pre-sessional English courses for international students.

International applicants apply for bachelor's degrees through UCAS, like everyone else, and must prove their level of English unless they are nationals of a majority English-speaking country.

Cost of living for students

According to the ONS, the average monthly private rent in Bath and North East Somerset was £1,885 in August 2026, 7.4% more than a year earlier, and £1,207 for a one-bedroom home. University accommodation is the usual alternative for students.

• University housing: at the University of Bath, undergraduate rooms for September 2026 to June 2027 cost from £125 a week (shared en-suite shower, Woodland Court) to £250 a week (large en-suite room, Polden Court), excluding Eat and Drink credit. Bath Spa University offers single, shared and en-suite rooms and studio flats at six locations in Bath and at Newton Park; all are self-catered.
• Tuition: fees depend on the course and on fee status. At the University of Bath, overseas students starting a bachelor's degree in 2027-28 pay £26,150 a year for humanities and social sciences, £29,500 for economics and management and £32,950 for science, engineering, health and psychology.
• Living costs for a visa: for a Student visa, courses outside London require proof of £1,171 a month (for up to nine months) for living costs.

Getting around and daily life

Bath Spa station is on the main line between Bristol and London, and Bristol Airport is about an hour away. The University of Bath recommends getting from the city centre to its campus by bus, by bike or on foot. Single bus fares in England are capped at £3 until the end of 2026 and at £2 from 1 January 2027.

Degree students from outside the UK need a Student visa, which costs £558 from outside the UK; whether and how much they may work depends on the course and on term time. After graduating, the Graduate visa allows a stay of two years for applications made by 31 December 2026 and 18 months from 1 January 2027. For short courses, visitors may study for up to six months at an accredited institution, and the Short-term study visa (£228) covers English courses of more than six and up to 11 months.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Bath?

The University of Bath, with its main campus at Claverton Down, and Bath Spa University, whose campuses include Newton Park, Sion Hill and Locksbrook.

How far is Bath from London?

About 1 hour 25 minutes by train. Bristol Airport is about an hour away.

How much does student accommodation cost in Bath?

University of Bath undergraduate rooms cost from £125 to £250 a week in 2026-27. The ONS average private rent for a one-bedroom home was £1,207 a month in August 2026.

Do I need a visa to study in Bath?

For a degree, yes: a Student visa (£558). For a course of up to six months, including English courses, entering as a visitor may be enough.